| The Orange Balloon is a large helium-filled balloon | | | | there would be a line of people before us. Upon |
| that takes visitors 500 feet into the air for | | | | boarding we stepped up into the basket, which is |
| panoramic views of Newport Beach, Catalina | | | | actually a ring that encompasses the void that the |
| Island, San Bernardino peaks and beyond on clear | | | | balloon-to-ground cable passes through. The |
| days. Don't worry, it's completely safe. First of all, | | | | walking and viewing area of the ring is a |
| helium is not a flammable gas, so you're not in | | | | comfortable width for one person. It is also |
| danger of fire or explosion. Secondly, the balloon is | | | | wheelchair accessible. |
| tethered to a massive cable that connects it to | | | | As we slowly climbed, it felt very safe with a |
| the ground. The passenger area is also enclosed | | | | metal railing that stood over waist high and netting |
| by railing and rope. Since helium is lighter than air, | | | | that extended several feet from there. At its |
| the balloon lifts skyward as the cable is let out | | | | peak height of 500 feet, the pilot holds the balloon |
| from the ground. | | | | in place for a few minutes so visitors can enjoy |
| Are you ready for the best part about the | | | | the panoramic views. To the west was Newport |
| Orange Balloon? - It's FREE. At least for now it is. | | | | Beach and Catalina Island. To the north was a |
| The Orange County Great Park is running the | | | | snow-capped Mt. Baldy and Cucamonga Peak of |
| balloon for free as a promotion of the park in its | | | | the San Bernardino range. |
| beginning stages of development. Currently, the | | | | We all agreed that on a very clear day you would |
| Orange Balloon operates from what was once the | | | | be able to see all the way to the Santa Monica |
| El Toro Marine base in Irvine. Since the base | | | | Mountains and with a pair of binoculars, possibly |
| closed in the late 90s, there has been much | | | | spot the Hollywood Sign. Upon decent, our eyes |
| debate about what to do with the nearly 5,000 | | | | were fixed on the ground below as it rose |
| acres of land. Everything from land development | | | | toward us. We noticed several picnic areas |
| to airport and amusement park were brought to | | | | scattered throughout the lawn areas below and |
| the table. Thankfully, the decision was made to | | | | decided we would return with picnic lunches next |
| convert most of it into a giant park that will one | | | | time. Within minutes we were on the ground again |
| day rival New York's Central Park. | | | | and heading back to the car. We were all full of |
| Six of us decided to ride the balloon one | | | | excitement talking about what we saw while we |
| afternoon. From Interstate 5 we exited Sand | | | | were up there and when we would return for |
| Canyon, turned on to Marine Way just a short | | | | another flight. |
| hop from the freeway exit, turned left on | | | | This is an activity definitely worth doing. Especially |
| Perimeter Road and followed that to a small | | | | while it's still running for free. The balloon currently |
| parking lot. We walked to the tall glass building | | | | operates Thursday through Sunday from morning |
| where we signed waivers and were given our | | | | into evening. I plan on returning with my wife |
| boarding passes. From there, a short path led to | | | | soon for one of their evening flights. I can imagine |
| the balloon boarding area. | | | | the city lights would be an amazing sight. This |
| I found it surprising to see that we would be on | | | | would be an excellent after-dinner date activity |
| board with only 3 other people including the pilot. | | | | and definitely an adventure that kids would find |
| Seeing that this was a free activity, I figured | | | | thrilling. I recommend it for all ages. |