Takeoff with Calistoga balloons above Napa Valley

I could see my breath on that first morning in Calistoga, California. I was waiting in a large open field as the bright yellow hot air balloon started to spread. The birds were chirping, the sun was gently rising over the mountains, and I forgot how cold I was.

It resembled a skillfully planned dance routine in which each person was obviously aware of their role. That morning, the balloon stood straight exactly as the sun was setting over the mountains in the distance, demonstrating how well the timing worked.

It surprised me to find watching a balloon fill with air to be so fascinating. However, I wasn't really expecting anything. Riding in a hot air balloon is definitely interesting, and I wanted to do something new.

Calistoga Balloons made it possible for me to have an unforgettable experience.

The pilot, a family of three, and I all got into the basket once the balloon was erect. While we were given instructions on how to be ready for landing and what to expect during our ride above Napa Valley, the crew assisted with anchoring the balloon. Subsequently, the pilot ignited the burner to warm the air within the balloon, and the ground staff bid us farewell as we gradually ascended, guided by the wind towards the rising sun.

In recent years, hot air ballooning has become more and more popular as a recreational pastime. Balloons are essentially envelopes filled with heated air. You can fly as long as the air within the balloon is warmer than the ambient temperature. Naturally, wind and weather can also have an impact on your flight. In a balloon, you only go as quickly as the wind takes you, not very fast at all.

One word to describe those initial moments: thrilling. I wasn't nervous at all, unlike what I had anticipated. I was instantly enamored with ballooning. I was ecstatic to be able to fly in the air without actually being on an airplane. "Calistoga, good morning!"

We were all so delighted throughout the first part of the trip that our iPhones and cameras were constantly in use. The pilot, who had her own area somewhat apart from the rest of us, was one of the four of us in the basket. It was comfortable, not overly so. The sun rose as we ascended, dispelling the coolness of the early morning.

Then it becomes apparent to you. The quiet. You can feel how calm it is. The silence envelops you, hugs you, and keeps you close. Take a hot air balloon journey to experience what it's like to be silent.

We slowly made our way north toward Calistoga's thermal geyser, Old Faithful. Over the course of our hour-long journey, we were near enough to witness multiple eruptions.

One of the best ways to understand where you are and the topography of the location is to look at it from above. You feel as light and free as the air that is carrying you across the valley, despite the fact that you are in a pretty small gondola or basket and must switch places with other riders to move around. You may also read this: Top Five Activities To Do In Napa Valley

Our pilot, Farah, showed out a life-sized rhinoceros that was situated on a private land. Then a grotto and what appeared to be Roman remains emerged. What location was that? Afterwards, I discovered that it was Ca'Toga, the residence of Italian artist Carlo Marchiori. Carlo is a Venetian who moved to Calistoga and is an absolute genius. In Calistoga, you should definitely check out Ca'Toga, his interpretation of a Venetian Palladian palace. Nothing compares to it in your imagination.

You might be able to view Chateau Montelena, another famous winery in Calistoga, or Castello di Amorosa, a vineyard and Tuscan castle, depending on the direction and speed of the wind.

The team that had ready the balloon for us earlier that day monitored our whereabouts on the ground and maintained communication with us while we floated through the valley. It was time to get back to Earth all too soon.

How wonderful my journey to Calistoga has begun. I simply want to say, "I want to do it again!"

Visit Calistoga provided funding for my hot air balloon ride. As usual, the ideas and viewpoints presented here are entirely mine.