Up, Up and Almost Away

During my recent trip to Galena, my days were filled with activities and events, and I wanted to include things that would make my trip memorable by experiencing something new. After hearing about an upcoming surprise a bride was giving her groom, I knew that was the adventure for me too….in a hot air balloon.

I called the company, only to find out they were sold out for the day.  No problem, tomorrow would work…..sold out again…..drat! In fact, they were sold out my entire trip…..ARGH! How often do you have something in your head that you are bound and determined to do, but circumstances beyond your control keep you from the goal?

Time for Plan B, if I couldn’t ride in the balloon, I would get close enough to watch. I called to get the time and location and headed to the launch site.  There I met the captain of the balloon…….I am sure there is a more official title, but for now I’ll call him Captain Andy. We start talking and he assumed I was one of his customers.  I hung my head and tell him my pitiful, yet playful, last minute, no plans, story…..HA! He directs me to the launch site, and away I go.

I get settled on a grassy hill, just a short distance from the un-inflated balloon. As I watch the men prepare the launch; I am guessing they have done this hundreds of times before. As the balloon starts to inflate, Captain Andy comes over to announce everyone has shown up, and unfortunately I am unable to be a last minute rider, but offers to let me take pictures inside the balloon. Wow….really? He leads me off the hill and helps me open the top of the balloon through a slit……we stick our heads through and I am both excited and amazed at the beauty in this balloon.  The vibrant colors were beyond what I had imagined, and the light shining through made the colors more intense.

I was so glad I decided to take a chance on Plan B.  I may not have been able to soar over the beautiful landscape that day, but I was fortunate to be able to share in the process.

So…..if Plan A doesn’t work out, make Plan B or even C an option. Opportunity is waiting to be found around every corner; be on the lookout. Even though I was up, up and almost away, I came home from my adventure with wonderful memories.  In the case of my balloon ride……….I’ll have to go back….note to self…….book the adventure in advance. Here’s to opportunity.

xoxox…….Sheryl