Prepping for a flight down the Gorge
From a hot air balloon. A HOT AIR BALLOON! Its more fun than you can even imagine to stand in a basket and have a giant inflated balloon drag you through the Rio Grande River. It’s not scary at all, especially with Pilot Ed Smith at the helm. He’s been flying since 1991 when he made the wise decision to buy a hot air balloon instead of a new car. He’s flown all over but likes dipping through the Gorge in Taos, New Mexico the best. You can’t beat the conditions but says it’s the scenery that makes it so special. Here’s a snippet of our conversation about his love of piloting. I only asked one question, “What do you like about flying your balloon here in Taos, Ed?” He didn’t come up for air for four minutes.
Apologies for the wind noise.
WHAT ED LOVES ABOUT TAOS: “This is a very diverse
Pilot Ed Smith, fearless and fun.
community. This is where you come to drop out of the rat race. It doesn’t matter who you are, what you are, what you like, what you don’t like you’ve got a support group here somewhere. It’s very interesting. There’s never a dull moment. The best people, my best friends are right here in Taos.”
WHAT WOULD MAKE ED HAPPY: Ed declined to answer this question with a straight face. He said he just couldn’t answer on camera.
The Stretch 2012 
Amazing trip, Kari! Wish I was there with you.
ME TOO, Kate!!!! This is nothing compared to Italy circa 1997, though 🙂