No, it’s not a story about hot air balloon riding per se. But hot air balloon riding is what you can do if you go to the American Sheep Industry Association convention in Mesa, AZ. Here’s how they describe it:

Depart the hotel at 6:00am and drive west where the adventure begins upon arrival at the Sonoran desert launch site. Once your balloon is inflated, you will join your pilot in the beautiful hand-crafted wicker basket. The luxurious, over-sized basket has plenty of room to allow everyone to enjoy the ride to the fullest. Basket sizes vary, with carrying capacity of 4-9 people. As you gently leave the earth, you’ll be amazed at how light the balloon feels. During the glorious one-hour flight you have an unobstructed 360-degree view to take excellent photographs.

I’ve done this before and it is an awesome feeling. I got my mile high certificate after we supposedly went that high. Just remember you’ll be in the land of cactus. Be careful where you land!

Oh and btw, the convention is January 24 – 29 at the Phoenix Marriot Mesa. Registration Form