Karen and Lee Duquette's Hot Air Balloon Adventure
a birthday gift to Karen from Lee in 1991

Below: When Karen Duquette walked into the kitchen (Lee Duquette was already at work) she saw a hot air balloon spinning in a circle because it was attached to the kitchen ceiling fan.

Below: The gift certificate that was attached to the hot air balloon. This was Lee's birthday gift to Karen.

Below: Karen and Lee Duquette watched the hot air balloon being set up.

Below: Lee Duquette was allowed to help inflate the hot air balloon.

Below: Time for Lee and Karen Duquette to get into the hot air balloon.

Below: Looking upwards at the hot air balloon as it fired up.

Below: Lift off: The impression the basket left in the grass below - and the first takeoff photo.

Below: Scenery views and another hot air balloon.

It was a great experience, but unfortunately, the ride was cut short because the direction of the wind was about to take the hot air balloon over the Everglades, and that would not be a good thing because they could never land in the Everglades. Even though the ride was cut short, a partial refund was NOT given.

Years later, in 2012, when Karen and Lee went to the Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Fiesta. Once again, Lee Duquette paid for a ride in a hot air balloon, but the day before the ride was canceled due to expected weather. And guess what - the next day was nice, but they could not rebook the flight. BUMMER!!! Maybe someday they will get another chance.