Tuesday, November 18, 2014

The San Jacinto Commuter Balloon?

Yesterday morning
Same time, today
Shortly after sunrise almost every morning, this hot air balloon lifts past our east window, rising in front of the San Jacinto mountains. We started to notice its regularity after a week or so, while we brewed morning coffee and watched the beginnings of the day.
Commuters suffer daily indignities on the freeways in these parts, giving rise to idle speculation that perhaps this daily balloon ride is just some folks trying to beat the traffic in a relaxing, innovative way.
The bag is decorated with flags of the world and seems to drift skyward from a base that we would guess to be about 20 miles east of here, could be more.
On their way to work, the balloon pool riders would be treated to a magnificent view of the San Jacinto range, said to have snow on it from time to time, as well as getting a clear look at the Palm Springs recreation area. Putting down in the employee lot, you'd arrive fresh and relaxed, ready for a productive work day.
But this is all idleness on our part. Time for a second cup of coffee. There's a pantry to assemble.