The early bird gets the worm!
And in most cases, a cracking view.
The gang and I pulled ourselves away from our comfortable beds before sunrise and trundled off to nearby Yountville.
Where, in the marketplace we found our sky bound chariot!
Huddled together like cold penguins, we watched as men in stetsons and cowboy boots filled the canvas with hot air.
We jumped aboard and before we knew it, we were climbing up into the cloudless blue.
The other balloons drifted off this way and that, following the paths of the various winds.
As we floated higher the cold lost some of its bitterness, and we were treated to the most glorious sunrise.
The morning mists rolled away, uncovering a golden tapestry of vines.
We watched on as our captain took us higher and higher, soaring above the valley below.
With the sun on our faces and the moon at our backs, and only the gentlest of breezes carrying us onwards, we all felt an enormous sense of gratitude.
Not just because we were there, but because we were there together.
We floated through the landscape, occasionally pointing out the other balloons to one and other.
Snapping momentos and little Snapchat videos along the way! (I’m RosieLondoner if you’re a snapper!)
Using my new case, designed by Julia’s sister; the talented miss Lauren Taylor.
As the sun climbed higher into the sky, we watched as the stretched shadows danced below.
We floated low over a steaming, mirror like lake and caught a glimpse of ourselves in the depths.
Naturally, we couldn’t resist a selfie!
Happily showing off my Fire Sparkler!
The boys snapped away at us as we climbed knee tremblingly high above the valley!
Leaving us to peer down onto the closest balloon!
But not too far, or poor Thomas would have to pop a xanax!
Finally we came down to earth with a bump!
And raced off for coffee and pastries.
Stopping in, just across the street, at Bouchon.
Where I just couldn’t resist the peanut butter and chocolate stuffed cookie sandwich!
Back at the hotel, we celebrated a safe flight with mimosas and a proper breakfast.
My poloneck // Gilet (worn under a coat in the balloon)
Skinny jeans // Over the knee boots
Julia’s striped top // Cute little hat
A pretty cracking pre-breakfast adventure, if you ask me!