Where I used to live in the Southern California desert, there were often a large number of these balloons in the air on crisp fall and winter mornings. I enjoyed watching them, but never felt the urge to get into one. The minor problem of high cost and low opportunity didn't really enter into it somehow. These were private craft, and none were for hire as I recall.

I love to fly, and even contemplated learning to fly at one point, but never got into the balloon thing.

So glad you are enjoying your trip! Just come home safe... and by the conventional means, please. :) MamaLiberty