Some of my friends and former colleagues gave myself and another friend, and also retiring colleague, a Hot Air Balloon trip. The first date was cancelled and rescheduled for January 26th and 27th. We arrived in Temecula, checked into the Embassy Suites and ate dinner at Marie Calendar’s. When we got back to the hotel after dinner we had a message to call the balloon company and were told the ride for the next morning was cancelled. The wind was going to be 4 knots, which would be 1 knot over the safe speed. Both of us being of good nature took the disappointment in stride. We watched the Australian open on TV and then went to sleep. The next morning after breakfast at the hotel we headed back to El Centro. We decided to travel back via Warner Hot Springs and Julian. As we neared Warner Hot Springs we came upon a small airport that was lined with glider planes and a sign reading, Glider Rides.
My friend asked if it would be ok to stop and check out the details and that this is something she had on her “bucket list.” “ No problem”, I said. After checking out the details we decided that this was something we could do as long as we could both fit into the seat. The mechanic came into the office looked at us and decided we could fit. He took us to the glider to have us get in to see how we felt about taking a ride.
Sharon climbed in first, then, some cushions were place next to Sharon so that I would sit higher and not completely on Sharon. Easier said than done. “Just turn around and sit on the wing and climb in.” The wing hit me at about scapula height. Ok, I did it. I then wedged myself in. My right leg was able to stretch out between the pilot’s seat and the fuselage. Sharon’s left leg did the same. Her right leg and my left leg were at chin level. I looked at the canopy and it reminded me of an MRI, which had been one of the worst experiences of my life. He closed the canopy and I decided that if I unbuttoned my pants I could breath and could make the flight. Now, we had to get out, get a jacket, a camera, pay, go to the bathroom and go through the ordeal of getting in again. We take pre flight pictures, I prayed and we began the ordeal of wedging ourselves back into the seat.
We are sure the seat is smaller, however the pilot said the two gliders were exactly the same. Ok, we are wedged in, my left foot is now in my pocket and my right arm wrapped around my neck with my left arm around Sharon’s neck. Her arms were squeezed between her right knee, which was under her chin, and the fuselage. ‘Ok, this will be fun”, I said to my self as he tightens the seat belt and shoulder harness. Yep, this will be fun!
I did manage to wiggle my fingers, even with the camera held tightly in my hand. I re-assured myself and said, “Yes, you can do this”. The canopy closes and the towrope tightens as we are pulled down the runway by the plane for take off. Lift off, and then we circle over the valley below to a height of about 4000 feet. The view was beautiful, the ground below was green and the mountains surrounding the area were covered with a dusting of snow. In the distance we could see the Palomar observatory, the ocean, the sand dunes and Mex.
Finally we hear the click, the towrope unhooks and we are soaring. It is smooth, however, the air coming through the vents is louder than I expected. We glide around, the view is beautiful, and then, he decides to give us the “E” ride Sharon had mentioned. We go into a dive, then some loops, “OH SH%#” I exclaimed as my knuckles turned white. Whew, this was better than the Matter Horn, Space Mountain, or any Disney Ride and also better than Montezuma’s revenge at Knox. A few more turns and twists and then we start our descent to a smooth landing.
We un-wedged ourselves, climbed out, still able to walk and both had dry pants. I would do it again, but not for a few days. I was glad I was able to help Sharon scratch an item off of her list. I may even put it on my list just so I can scratch it off. Enjoy the pictures.
My friend asked if it would be ok to stop and check out the details and that this is something she had on her “bucket list.” “ No problem”, I said. After checking out the details we decided that this was something we could do as long as we could both fit into the seat. The mechanic came into the office looked at us and decided we could fit. He took us to the glider to have us get in to see how we felt about taking a ride.
Sharon climbed in first, then, some cushions were place next to Sharon so that I would sit higher and not completely on Sharon. Easier said than done. “Just turn around and sit on the wing and climb in.” The wing hit me at about scapula height. Ok, I did it. I then wedged myself in. My right leg was able to stretch out between the pilot’s seat and the fuselage. Sharon’s left leg did the same. Her right leg and my left leg were at chin level. I looked at the canopy and it reminded me of an MRI, which had been one of the worst experiences of my life. He closed the canopy and I decided that if I unbuttoned my pants I could breath and could make the flight. Now, we had to get out, get a jacket, a camera, pay, go to the bathroom and go through the ordeal of getting in again. We take pre flight pictures, I prayed and we began the ordeal of wedging ourselves back into the seat.
We are sure the seat is smaller, however the pilot said the two gliders were exactly the same. Ok, we are wedged in, my left foot is now in my pocket and my right arm wrapped around my neck with my left arm around Sharon’s neck. Her arms were squeezed between her right knee, which was under her chin, and the fuselage. ‘Ok, this will be fun”, I said to my self as he tightens the seat belt and shoulder harness. Yep, this will be fun!
I did manage to wiggle my fingers, even with the camera held tightly in my hand. I re-assured myself and said, “Yes, you can do this”. The canopy closes and the towrope tightens as we are pulled down the runway by the plane for take off. Lift off, and then we circle over the valley below to a height of about 4000 feet. The view was beautiful, the ground below was green and the mountains surrounding the area were covered with a dusting of snow. In the distance we could see the Palomar observatory, the ocean, the sand dunes and Mex.
Finally we hear the click, the towrope unhooks and we are soaring. It is smooth, however, the air coming through the vents is louder than I expected. We glide around, the view is beautiful, and then, he decides to give us the “E” ride Sharon had mentioned. We go into a dive, then some loops, “OH SH%#” I exclaimed as my knuckles turned white. Whew, this was better than the Matter Horn, Space Mountain, or any Disney Ride and also better than Montezuma’s revenge at Knox. A few more turns and twists and then we start our descent to a smooth landing.
We un-wedged ourselves, climbed out, still able to walk and both had dry pants. I would do it again, but not for a few days. I was glad I was able to help Sharon scratch an item off of her list. I may even put it on my list just so I can scratch it off. Enjoy the pictures.
