I hate that song, but it works here.
We had experienced a week of torrential rain here in the Temecula Valley and I thought that there was no way this hot air balloon launch would take place. An email came into the DSE Virtual Tour Productions office which stated to contact the hot air balloon company at 5:30am for a go no-go. I knew there was no way and boy was I wrong. It was a-go.
Loading the car the streets were wet from the evening’s rain and a crisp chill filled the air. I was still not convinced that this launch would take place. Regardless, equipment loaded I steered towards the Wilson Creek Winery located in Temecula, CA.
Wilson Creek Winery is the place for the customers and all the trucks carrying the hot air balloon equipment meet. As I arrived I see that I’m the only vehicle in the lot. A thought popped into my mind, “do I have the right place?” But moments later here come four full-sized pick-ups and a van with trailer filled with equipment for the journey.
My task today is to shoot all the ground shots in HDR (High Dynamic Range) imagery and create the beginning of the Virtual Tour for “A Grape Escape” Hot Air Balloon Adventure. This is a two phased operation. Phase one ground shots and phase two in the hot air balloon itself.
It is still dark with a hint of the upcoming sunrise. Unable to see if there were still storm clouds looming I wondered if this would happen. It was cold and wet everywhere, but no matter.
Introductions all-round and my question if this would happen. Rusty, the owner, assured me all would be clear and a great day was going to happen. I raised my head skyward and thought (yeah right!) As sunrise was beginning I could see white puffy clouds but no big rain clouds. Hmmmm, what does Rusty know that I don’t?
They sent aloft a small helium balloon to determine prevailing winds. I was told that the launch site often changes based upon the prevailing winds and they were going to move to another area based on their findings. I must admit Rusty, before they sent up the helium balloons aloft, stated that the winds were coming out of the South West and we would have to move the launch site. Rusty gave the order of the launch location maybe a half mile down the road. So we all headed to his new site location. Fortunately it was a large parking lot of another winery so we would not be in mud up to our knees.
The crew operated like a well oiled machine involving all the customers in the experience of the setup and inflation of the balloons. The sun was just appearing over the horizon and it was going to be a beautiful day. I had no idea that these hot air balloons are so big. The balloon material itself weights around 400 pounds. I’m all set camera on tripod and clicking away, shooting HDR panoramic shots of this process like a crazy man. The sun now is dancing off the wet pavement and glistening through the recently cleaned air. It was beautiful out there. The brisk cold air made it even more exciting as each group of customers loaded themselves into their assigned balloon and like clock work lifted into the morning air. One at a time as 1, 2, 3, 4 and finally number 5 balloon dotted the sky with their brilliant colors. Each different in color but at the same time complementing each other.
As all balloons are aloft I asked the ground crew what was next in the procedure. First, I must compliment all the ground crew for their professionalism and great personalities. What a great bunch of people. Anyway it was off to the landing part of this process. Now understand there is normally no group landing area as you don’t really know where the wind is going to take you. I was assigned to follow the owner’s balloon and was to follow the van and trailer. Radio chatter started loud and clear as each crew member is assigned a balloon and heads to the area where the pilot is estimating their landing area. As they all scatter to all points of the compass I follow my assigned vehicle. Deep in the wine country I see the road is washed out. There is no way my vehicle could make it through. One of the crew had me park my car and join him in the truck to traverse this massively washed out road. Washed out it was, I bounced around in this truck like a BB in a boxcar. Radio chatter continuing as an atmosphere of excitement filled the truck. We came upon a huge open field as Rusty stated that’s where he wanted to put down. The radio chatter continued as Rusty told the driver where to place the van. Then the fun started as the ground crew keyed the radio and stated “Call the Ball” I laughed thinking that this was just playing around. But I was wrong as I hear Rusty the pilot stay I will set it down on the trailer. “Yeah Right!” was my comment, but the crew said that he will. In my amazement I watched this hot air balloon pilot set this huge hot air balloon gracefully down on this small trailer with all aboard.
I was impressed and at the same time amazed with his skill level. All disembarked this huge basket with smiles all around as the ground crew started the disassembly process. It was great how Rusty involved all the riders to help in stowing the now collapsed balloon into its storage bag.All returned back to the Wilson Creek Winery for their Champagne celebration and I could see and hear the total satisfaction of all the patrons who took to the air.
I look forward to the second phase of this job when I will be able to experience what these people did. The “A Grape Escape” Hot Air Balloon Adventure are a group of dedicated professionals who not only have a firm grip on what they do but are a great bunch of people who understand customer satisfaction.
See you all after Phase Two.
Serving Temecula Valley and Desert Communities.
(888) 815-3949
