You just never know what you're gonna get on Merlin's Channel! I like it! Balloons, Jet Skis, House Boats, VW Bugs, Off Road Wrecker games, Dune Buggies, Hot Rods..... :)
We see the balloon people all the time in my area as long as you are awake at the crack of dawn when they fly. Knew people who were in chase vehicles, and they never picked up in the same place! Truly unique experience for those who go up! Really great of you to give us your view! 🎈😲
As balloonists in Minnesota, we've come back to the same spot maybe three or four times in thirty years, but one of em was a no-wind flight straight up and down. It's rare. We have stories, and I'm glad you had fun.
Dean and Erica are Da best Their Tradition is Awesome 👌 Thanx For Sharing your Great 👍 Work and Hot Air 🔥 Balloon 🎈 Merlins Adventures never fail my Expectations Have a Great Day 👍 Be Safe
What a beautiful way to travel, quietly (except for the occasional sound of the hot flame of the gas burner) floatingup in the sky, through the air, in whatever direction the breeze takes you.
When i lived in Phoenix and worked in Carefree ( i was a drywall taper / finisher ) we would watch the hot air balloons all the time. My friends dad had a balloon. Never rode in one. HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE
I never rode in one but I had one silently drift up behind me when I was hunting. Had no idea it was there and he fired his burners about 50 ft over my head. Spent the next couple minutes looking for somebody that new CPR. Damn that scared the bejeebers out of me. 😂😅
Years ago at the National Balloon Festival in Indianola Iowa we went out in the fields to lend a hand to anyone that needed help inflating their balloons. Each field could have a dozen balloons so everyone appreciated any help they could get. It runs for nine days so we helped the same people several times.
I had the privilege of a ballon ride back in the eighties. It is an experience unlike any other, and I am happy for you that you got to experience it too.
When I was an MP at Ft Carson, I escorted several balloonist onto the base, to retrieve several balloons. They asked me to meet up with them at the park the next day to ride, but I had to work, or I went out to party that night. Don't remember. But I missed out. But they did get a high speed escort onto the base, with lights and sirens. I bet they will never forget that.
Back in the early 70s, I was driving around in the countryside near me. Saw a hot air balloon hovering low, about to come down in Lake City Arsenal, they do live fire there, several times a day, plus it is all security fenced in. Happened to see the chase truck and caught up with it to let the balloonists know that they can’t land there and that just a short way over, is Lake City Cycle Park, wide open and they could land there. That is what they did and I got to help retrieve the balloon and basket back to the support truck. Many thanks were given.
Thanks for the extra video this week! Thank you to Dean and Erika for the up close working of setting up and flying of the balloon. Merlin as always you come up with amazing stuff to share with us. I took my wife and daughter to the Kanab Balloon festival last year and the got to help a nice gentleman with his setup they had a blast. And a Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family?
Nope, no way in a million years I would do that. Looks amazing, but I'm deathly scared of heights, great job, and what nerves you must have. Keep up the great work.
Hi Merlin, glad you and Brad got the chance to experience an hot air balloon ride. I was lucky enough to do a sun rise flight across the Masai Mara in Kenya back in 2012. Great way to see wildlife. Thanks for taking us along for the ride. 😎🇬🇧
I paid for my wife to go on a balloon ride. Took off from Lake Orion, Michigan. The pilot drug the basket on a freshly plowed field, buzzed the crowd during a concert at Meadowbrook and then landed in the front yard of Matilda Dodge’s mansion. A memory of a lifetime. Thanks Merlin.
My first wife's family has a few horses, anytime a balloon would fly over the horses would go nuts. I've never been up in one, but have watched them countless times, as I live just 40 miles from Indianola IA. Thuroughly enjoyed the ride along.
This took me back many years to when my sister and I took a balloon ride over Napa Valley. The quiet and views were incredible. Thanks for taking us along.
Very different and very cool video Merlin! From start of process and all the way to the end process of the set up of the balloon and the Champaign ceremony. Thanks!
I was fortunate enough to work with a company who had their own balloon piloted by the CEO. Many fantastic years spent around balloons but never once landed back in the same spot got close at about 500 yards but nothing like your flight Merlin and Brad. Thanks to your crew for an interesting event. Happy Thanksgiving to all. Bushyboy Oz.
My uncle Bill Busse was one of the Balloonist who flew all over Vegas and out in the desert. He was trying to set a world record for the first Balloonist to fly A custom made Balloon and Gondola over Death valley and was involved in a downward accident.He and his family loved the sport of flying. We went up with him and he made it back within 10 feet or so from the same spot it was amazing to Thanks for the video Take care.
Hay Merlin , can we see you fly your plane’s at some point, that would be a great flight ✈️ thank Erica and Dean and Merlin’s Brad and all of you for this vlog, I’m not ever getting in one of these bloons or a plane ✈️ ,but I will ,,,maybe watch , in the,sea sickness doesn’t getme sick,,, BigAl California thanks
That was really great Merlin. I've always wondered how these balloons were filled. I've seen them before...but from a distance. your up close video sure looked great. Looks like a fun time gliding around up there. Thank you to Erika and Dean for letting us tag along. I almost felt it. Happy Thanksgiving Merlin, your family and friends!
Happy thanksgiving all. Many years ago, we were so broke we couldnt afford 2 tickets for a balloon ride, i scraped together enough for one and a tshirt to commemorate the ride for my wife at christmas...
after several flights in a lighter than air ,,,,,, each is an extraordinary experience,,,,, I have had the pleasure of flying a box once while working in VA,,,, amazing!!!
Thanks for taking us along for the ride! That balloon is gorgeous. One similar was flying at the small airport to the east of us, a few years back. Pics were nice, it was a bit hazy here that day. Yours were 💯% better. Making me want to get to AZ for balloon festival at least once next year! Happy Thanksgiving to you, family and your friends!
That was very cool seeing the close-up nuts and bolts of Hot Air Ballon Flight, it was enlightening, not sure I'll ever do it but at least I've seen the prep, launch, retrieval and stowage of a Hot Air Ballon.
Wow That's So Cool & I've Seen Alot Of Them Up By Avon Colorado & Albuquerque New Mexico Back When I Was Driving Truck & Stopped & Watched Them Alot But I'm 77 & Never Been On One, ONE'S & Alot Of Times You Can't Even Count Them All & So Beautiful 👍👍👍🇺🇲😜
Merlin, that was cool. Thank you for posting this. I grew up in the high desert, think Victorville, Apple Valley area and we used to see the balloons all the time. I remember the Pink Floyd balloon vividly. We had one set down in our backyard once. Some lady was bugging out. Full panic attack. They let her off at my house and my mom got her calmed down and drove her back to the airfield.
Fantastic good fun it is, I'm glad you got to experience it both crewing and flying! I had the opportunity back in 95 (I was 25 then) to do both. Family friend had a race team out of Vegas that took me out for a day of both! Was a hoot! He skipped us over a golf course small lake here in the Phoenix area. A few days later they took me gliding in sailplanes.......that was sweet as well!
That was a beautiful change up from Automotive’s content Merlin. Looks like more work setting up and breaking down but worth the ride. Thanks for sharing.
Cool and Interesting video. I've never seen what's involved, from the preparation and launch as well as landing and packing it up. Great Video, thanks for sharing.
Many years ago I rode in an electric trolley at a railway museum with restored wicker seats. I have ever since thought how awesome it would be to have those in a standard cab pickup since they allow for air circulation lessening the need for A/C which was why they were used in the trolleys in the first place before A/C was invented. (do you like my run on sentence?)
Our community had their 2nd annual Forth of July balloon festival. Lots of fun. When they took off they would skim the park lake as far as they could. Made for great pictures. Love the Pink Floyd theme.
I found my balloon experience to be quite an emotional event, it’s like something magic, the silence is deafening. Nice music too Merlin, lovely video. Happy thanksgiving to all. Love and greetings from Romania ❤🇷🇴
Merlin that was definitely very cool for sure!!! Here in Iowa they have a big hot air balloon days in indianola Iowa every year!! It is definitely a really big thing with tons of hot air balloon’s from all over!!!
Happy Thanksgiving Merlin. This is something different! Where I live, in Hunterdon County, NJ, hot air ballooning is pretty popular. I don't know if they still have it but there used to be a ballon festival every year at Solberg airport. They would launch 75 to 100 ballons, at more or less the same time. I've never taken a ride in one myself. I had them almost hit my house and watched them land at the nearby golf course. It very cool when you see them randomly flying around!
I have dreams of being able to jump up into the air and fly like Superman, I would relate this to my former wife when I would have the dreams,. One year for our anniversary we spent the night in Heber City Utah, and the next morning we went to Park City where she surprised me with a Hot Air balloon ride, one of the best time's in my life, to be able to fly like that.
Merlin so great but no Cummins in it… you have to change that….. so quite and peaceful….. and the that burner jumps on…….. like a dragster… houseboat, Ballooning, next it hunting or a cool road trip in the snow….. .
Hot air balloons are fun. we use to bungee jump from them in the early 2000's. I pretty much jumped or glided off just about everything there was to jump from. now i am just a middle aged guy that does nothing because of health complications. Go have fun while you are young, because when you get older you might not have the chance.
There's not much to hit out there, You should try flying one in New York City. Lots of wind currents... So you can explore more.😂❤ i think they're having a Macy's parade soon. Good holiday themed trip
Thanks to Dean and Erika for letting Merlin’s fans ride along and to Merlin for bringing the experience to us. Great fun.
You just never know what you're gonna get on Merlin's Channel! I like it! Balloons, Jet Skis, House Boats, VW Bugs, Off Road Wrecker games, Dune Buggies, Hot Rods..... :)
We see the balloon people all the time in my area as long as you are awake at the crack of dawn when they fly. Knew people who were in chase vehicles, and they never picked up in the same place! Truly unique experience for those who go up! Really great of you to give us your view! 🎈😲
Brad and Merlin getting high in an hot air balloon with friends. Good video and content!
As balloonists in Minnesota, we've come back to the same spot maybe three or four times in thirty years, but one of em was a no-wind flight straight up and down. It's rare. We have stories, and I'm glad you had fun.
That 360 camera provided some incredible footage !
Dean and Erica are Da best
Their Tradition is Awesome 👌
Thanx For Sharing your Great 👍 Work and Hot Air 🔥 Balloon 🎈
Merlins Adventures never fail my
Expectations
Have a Great Day 👍
Be Safe
What a beautiful way to travel, quietly (except for the occasional sound of the hot flame of the gas burner) floatingup in the sky, through the air, in whatever direction the breeze takes you.
When i lived in Phoenix and worked in Carefree ( i was a drywall taper / finisher ) we would watch the hot air balloons all the time. My friends dad had a balloon. Never rode in one. HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE
I have the same memories, 1981 ish , cool stuff 👍
Super Cool !!! I’ve been a pilot for over 40 years and never got a chance to fly in a hot air balloon. Beautiful overlooking everything !!!
I never rode in one but I had one silently drift up behind me when I was hunting. Had no idea it was there and he fired his burners about 50 ft over my head. Spent the next couple minutes looking for somebody that new CPR. Damn that scared the bejeebers out of me. 😂😅
Years ago at the National Balloon Festival in Indianola Iowa we went out in the fields to lend a hand to anyone that needed help inflating their balloons. Each field could have a dozen balloons so everyone appreciated any help they could get. It runs for nine days so we helped the same people several times.
I had the privilege of a ballon ride back in the eighties. It is an experience unlike any other, and I am happy for you that you got to experience it too.
Happy Thanksgiving to All of You ❤
That reminds me of when I was at the Balloon festa in Albuquerque New Mexico a few years back! Happy Thanksgiving to all!
When I was an MP at Ft Carson, I escorted several balloonist onto the base, to retrieve several balloons. They asked me to meet up with them at the park the next day to ride, but I had to work, or I went out to party that night. Don't remember. But I missed out. But they did get a high speed escort onto the base, with lights and sirens. I bet they will never forget that.
Back in the early 70s, I was driving around in the countryside near me. Saw a hot air balloon hovering low, about to come down in Lake City Arsenal, they do live fire there, several times a day, plus it is all security fenced in. Happened to see the chase truck and caught up with it to let the balloonists know that they can’t land there and that just a short way over, is Lake City Cycle Park, wide open and they could land there. That is what they did and I got to help retrieve the balloon and basket back to the support truck. Many thanks were given.
At Fort Gordon we had several balloons fly over. One was the shape Ryder moving truck and one like a firetruck.
@ That is something you don’t hardly see anymore, the theme shaped balloons.
Thanks for the extra video this week! Thank you to Dean and Erika for the up close working of setting up and flying of the balloon. Merlin as always you come up with amazing stuff to share with us. I took my wife and daughter to the Kanab Balloon festival last year and the got to help a nice gentleman with his setup they had a blast. And a Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family?
Nope, no way in a million years I would do that. Looks amazing, but I'm deathly scared of heights, great job, and what nerves you must have. Keep up the great work.
Holy Cow, I never expected such a quiet mode of transportation on this channel. What a trip Merlin, thanks for taking us along.
Hi Merlin, glad you and Brad got the chance to experience an hot air balloon ride. I was lucky enough to do a sun rise flight across the Masai Mara in Kenya back in 2012. Great way to see wildlife. Thanks for taking us along for the ride. 😎🇬🇧
From sinking houseboats to hot air ballooning, great adventures, thanks for taking us along.
I paid for my wife to go on a balloon ride. Took off from Lake Orion, Michigan. The pilot drug the basket on a freshly plowed field, buzzed the crowd during a concert at Meadowbrook and then landed in the front yard of Matilda Dodge’s mansion. A memory of a lifetime. Thanks Merlin.
Wednesday is the new Sunday,
Totally good with it til Sunday 😁
Thanks for taking us along! HAPPY THANKSGIVING! Catch you on the next.✌️ 😊
My first wife's family has a few horses, anytime a balloon would fly over the horses would go nuts. I've never been up in one, but have watched them countless times, as I live just 40 miles from Indianola IA. Thuroughly enjoyed the ride along.
There is NOTHING quite like the silent flight in a ballon
Never know what we're gonna be doing with Merlin. Great stuff.
This took me back many years to when my sister and I took a balloon ride over Napa Valley. The quiet and views were incredible. Thanks for taking us along.
Been up in Reno and at the Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque. Crewed a couple times too. I much prefer holding the crown line than the mouth!
Has I known, we were going for a balloon ride this morning I would have brought my drinking hat. Thanks for sharing. Be well.
Happy Thanksgiving! We have so much to be thankful for. The freedom to enjoy such. Thanks for sharing that with us and especially to Dean and Erika!
AWESOME!
Very cool Merlin! You never cease to amaze me. Ultralight build next?
NO engine ,no steering ,no brakes, add a 12 pack and a buddy and that sounds like a good time.
I'm so scared of hights i couldn't hardly watch. Merlin n Brad are 2 wild n crazy guys!!✌️🇺🇲
Very different and very cool video Merlin! From start of process and all the way to the end process of the set up of the balloon and the Champaign ceremony. Thanks!
I was fortunate enough to work with a company who had their own balloon piloted by the CEO. Many fantastic years spent around balloons but never once landed back in the same spot got close at about 500 yards but nothing like your flight Merlin and Brad. Thanks to your crew for an interesting event. Happy Thanksgiving to all. Bushyboy Oz.
My uncle Bill Busse was one of the Balloonist who flew all over Vegas and out in the desert. He was trying to set a world record for the first Balloonist to fly A custom made Balloon and Gondola over Death valley and was involved in a downward accident.He and his family loved the sport of flying. We went up with him and he made it back within 10 feet or so from the same spot it was amazing to Thanks for the video Take care.
Hay Merlin , can we see you fly your plane’s at some point, that would be a great flight ✈️ thank Erica and Dean and Merlin’s Brad and all of you for this vlog, I’m not ever getting in one of these bloons or a plane ✈️ ,but I will ,,,maybe watch , in the,sea sickness doesn’t getme sick,,, BigAl California thanks
You just never know what adventure Merlin is going to get into each episode!
Thanks Dean and Erika, Merlin and Brad. Happy Thanksgiving to all!
It's truly the coolest thing to do, Merlin. Thanks for taking us along. Wow!
That was really great Merlin. I've always wondered how these balloons were filled. I've seen them before...but from a distance. your up close video sure looked great. Looks like a fun time gliding around up there. Thank you to Erika and Dean for letting us tag along. I almost felt it.
Happy Thanksgiving Merlin, your family and friends!
Happy thanksgiving all.
Many years ago, we were so broke we couldnt afford 2 tickets for a balloon ride, i scraped together enough for one and a tshirt to commemorate the ride for my wife at christmas...
Merlin, I loved it. My first time riding in a ballon. Another Wonderful Day in Havasu
That was absolutely fascinating! Thanks Merlin!
after several flights in a lighter than air ,,,,,, each is an extraordinary experience,,,,, I have had the pleasure of flying a box once while working in VA,,,, amazing!!!
You never know what's coming on this channel, it never disappoints
Thanks for taking us along for the ride! That balloon is gorgeous. One similar was flying at the small airport to the east of us, a few years back. Pics were nice, it was a bit hazy here that day. Yours were 💯% better. Making me want to get to AZ for balloon festival at least once next year! Happy Thanksgiving to you, family and your friends!
That was very cool seeing the close-up nuts and bolts of Hot Air Ballon Flight, it was enlightening, not sure I'll ever do it but at least I've seen the prep, launch, retrieval and stowage of a Hot Air Ballon.
Wow That's So Cool & I've Seen Alot Of Them Up By Avon Colorado & Albuquerque New Mexico Back When I Was Driving Truck & Stopped & Watched Them Alot But I'm 77 & Never Been On One, ONE'S & Alot Of Times You Can't Even Count Them All & So Beautiful 👍👍👍🇺🇲😜
What an awesome episode. Thanks Merlin! Good decision. I’ve always wondered how hot air balloons worked.
Thanks Merlin for a other adventure how cool is that 😇💗💗💗 love and bless you guys good work landing on the same spot 😁👍👌
hi merlin happy thanks giving to you and your family.
Merlin, that was cool. Thank you for posting this. I grew up in the high desert, think Victorville, Apple Valley area and we used to see the balloons all the time. I remember the Pink Floyd balloon vividly. We had one set down in our backyard once. Some lady was bugging out. Full panic attack. They let her off at my house and my mom got her calmed down and drove her back to the airfield.
Fantastic good fun it is, I'm glad you got to experience it both crewing and flying! I had the opportunity back in 95 (I was 25 then) to do both. Family friend had a race team out of Vegas that took me out for a day of both! Was a hoot! He skipped us over a golf course small lake here in the Phoenix area. A few days later they took me gliding in sailplanes.......that was sweet as well!
That was a beautiful change up from Automotive’s content Merlin. Looks like more work setting up and breaking down but worth the ride. Thanks for sharing.
It is fantastic going up in a hot air balloon, 5 times for me, and I would go up again tomorrow if I could. the feeling is amazing.
Wow what an experience I always wanted to go for a ride. I helped set up a balloon once what fun.
I could have not found a better video on the full balloon experience Thanks
Cool and Interesting video. I've never seen what's involved, from the preparation and launch as well as landing and packing it up. Great Video, thanks for sharing.
Very COOL! EDDIE
Another Merlin adventure, I loved it! Always wanted to try this bu⁰t never in right place at right time.
Absolutely beautiful what great people to hang out with. Happy Thanksgiving
love the variety of journeys your videos take us on
If you want to see balloons attend the ABQ International Ballon Fiesta !
Never had a chance to fly in a hot air balloon . Looks like a lot of fun
We have so much to be thankful for. Have a Blessed Thanksgiving.
The Mini Mator Is WAY WAY WAY COOL 👍👍👍😜
It seems like a distant memory of being a small kid at a carnival and getting to ride, being small and scared to die from falling to earth
Thanks Merlin, and Brad for the vlog ,happy Abraham Lincoln’s thanksgiving,since 1863 creation, BigAl California thanks
Many years ago I rode in an electric trolley at a railway museum with restored wicker seats. I have ever since thought how awesome it would be to have those in a standard cab pickup since they allow for air circulation lessening the need for A/C which was why they were used in the trolleys in the first place before A/C was invented. (do you like my run on sentence?)
What a great video. Thanks Merlin
I seen that balloon in the air as I was driving my semi. Cool to see balloons in the sky! Thanks for sharing your experience Merlin.
Our community had their 2nd annual Forth of July balloon festival. Lots of fun. When they took off they would skim the park lake as far as they could. Made for great pictures. Love the Pink Floyd theme.
Awesome !
Thank you Dean&Erika , only on MOSG, can you get stuff like this on Thanksgiving eve!!!! Thanks for sharing!!!!
I found my balloon experience to be quite an emotional event, it’s like something magic, the silence is deafening. Nice music too Merlin, lovely video. Happy thanksgiving to all.
Love and greetings from Romania ❤🇷🇴
What a treat Merlin, happy thanksgiving to you and your family.
Merlin that was definitely very cool for sure!!! Here in Iowa they have a big hot air balloon days in indianola Iowa every year!! It is definitely a really big thing with tons of hot air balloon’s from all over!!!
Keepin the pitchfork on standby....😂
Wow that was really nice Thank you Dean ans Erika for letting Merlin and Brad ride along so we could also
Living life to the Max Dude Mode.Air ballons are so much fun you forget your floating
Happy Thanksgiving Merlin. This is something different! Where I live, in Hunterdon County, NJ, hot air ballooning is pretty popular. I don't know if they still have it but there used to be a ballon festival every year at Solberg airport. They would launch 75 to 100 ballons, at more or less the same time. I've never taken a ride in one myself. I had them almost hit my house and watched them land at the nearby golf course. It very cool when you see them randomly flying around!
Awesome video! Looks like a lot of fun. Beautiful country. Thank you for sharing this amazing adventure!❤ Happy Thanksgiving to you and your families!
Other than ,wind, they can steer the bloon,can’t they ??? Pulling on those strings in the canopy, BigAl California thanks
The only steering they have is changing altitude to find a breeze going a different direction.
I have dreams of being able to jump up into the air and fly like Superman, I would relate this to my former wife when I would have the dreams,. One year for our anniversary we spent the night in Heber City Utah, and the next morning we went to Park City where she surprised me with a Hot Air balloon ride, one of the best time's in my life, to be able to fly like that.
Merlin, you said you're a pilot, what do you fly. I have many hours in Hughs 500's, Huey's, and Dc-3's among other A/C.
Nice trip
Merlin so great but no Cummins in it… you have to change that….. so quite and peaceful….. and the that burner jumps on…….. like a dragster… houseboat, Ballooning, next it hunting or a cool road trip in the snow….. .
This is Great. Dont they have some big festival out there for these 😊😊😊
Up next on mosg Cummins powered hot air balloon. lol. With a vw power blower fan. Lol
Outstanding and awesome content as always.Thanks for sharing and taking us along.
Now I want to take a balloon ride.
That was cool experience to see Merlin. Thanks for sharing it.
I’ve flown a number of times and been a chase crew driver from many flights. And I agree, putting the envelope back in the bag is the worst part!
Thanks Merlin hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving too!!!
Hot air balloons are fun. we use to bungee jump from them in the early 2000's.
I pretty much jumped or glided off just about everything there was to jump from.
now i am just a middle aged guy that does nothing because of health complications.
Go have fun while you are young, because when you get older you might not have the chance.
Words of wisdom 👍
Love the Pink Floyd Balloon...
There's not much to hit out there,
You should try flying one in New York City.
Lots of wind currents...
So you can explore more.😂❤
i think they're having a Macy's parade soon. Good holiday themed trip