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Asheville Hot Air Balloons, formerly Mount Pisgah Balloons, is the oldest hot air balloon company in the Asheville area. I have known them through two ownerships. They are good people and we love for them to take off and land at Sourwood Knoll. We always enjoy their frequent visits to Sourwood Knoll. They often have two or three balloons lift off at the same time. At one time, Bethany was considering learning to be a pilot, but never found the time. The Company was founded by our friends David and Erma Woods, but Erma retired and David passed away. David always loved to try to touch his basket to the surface of the pond. He was only successful on one occasion that I know of. Bethany and I used to help with the chase crew duties for David and Erma. Now, business partners Danny Smith and Rick Bowers continue the tradition of friendly flying and safe return. Riding in a Balloon is a truely unique experience and I highly recommend it to everyone. Give Asheville Hot Air Balloons a call and schedule a ride, you may even get a vist to Sourwood Knoll out of the trip.
I HIGHLY recommend you should book a flight with Asheville Hot Air Balloons if you have not already done so. The experience is like none other and one you will always remember. Click below to visit their website and see which package fits your needs.
"For once you have tasted flight you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been and there you will long to return." - Leonardo da Vinci
Danny Smith making adjustments to rigging
Blowing air into the envelope
Rick Bowers making adjustments to burner
Envelope grows
Getting ready for 3 balloon liftoff from Sourwood Knoll
Propane burner is what heats the air in the envelope to provide lift
Heating the air in envelope to bring it upright
Start to finish, it is an amazing process
Envelopes waking up with the introduction of hot air
Almost ready to go upright
Double burner in background heats up the envelope fast. Is that a ski tow rope in foreground? Not really, that rope, when pulled really hard will release the air by opening the top valve.
One is almost ready, one has a way to go
Liftoff
Periodic short burns keeps the air in the envelope hot and the balloon aloft
All that firing is kinda loud and the dogs hate it
Closeup of double burner
Balloons firing in low light or after dark can be beautiful
Passengers having photos taken inside envelope prior to liftoff
3 balloons aloft in the early morning over Sourwood Knoll
Two balloons float in the early morning over Sourwood Knoll
3 balloons firing at the same time over Sourwood Knoll
Two Balloons pass over our house
Wonder what would happen if I pulled this knob?
On this fall morning 5 balloons put up at the Knoll. One is already out of sight.
