Shooting the Gap

Flying a Hot Air Balloon thru the Delaware Water Gap

Flying a hot air balloon thru the Delaware Water Gap is challenging to say the least. It is an extremely beautiful trip, but is not for the beginner balloon pilot.You need to understand a lot about wind currents, and how far you can push your own limits. You also have to believe that the wind isn't going push you into the cliff. It is a fantastic flight, or a nerve racking experience. In either case, it is a flight you will never forget.
"Shooting the Gap" is described in the book Joy of Ballooning by George Denniston. The description is very good, and makes you want to try it.

May 5, 2007

Right after liftoff

And they're off

Bart out in front, looking back at the rest of the pack

Heading into the mouth of the gap

Lou in the Gap

Jon down in the gap, near the water

Bart in the last turn

Mazzocchi

On the way out

May 7, 2006

Marybeth & Jon at takeoff, just above the Shawnee Inn

Mark & Jon shortly after takeoff, looking back towards golf course

Uli entering into the mouth of the dragon

Near the Toll Booths looking towards NJ

Looking back towards PA

Uli Over the river

Uli Over the river

Uli Over the river

Looking back at the other balloons

Half way thru?

Yet another bend in the river

Island in the river, looking down stream

Still another bend

Most of the way thru

We are out! looking back....

Keith & Uli out over the river and into the gap

Marybeth, Keith & Uli

Mark, Marybeth, Keith , Uli

Keith & Marybeth

Aerial Views of the Delaware Water Gap

Maps of the tracks of our flights
Red X is high point of each track