Over the years - several of our clients have commented on their
Balloon Adventures!
(2011 Season)
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Johnny -- This is a belated -- but ethusiastic -- thank you for the amazing experience you allowed us to share with you last month. While all aspects of our trip to New Mexico were eye opening, my wife and I agree that the balloon ride was truly unique and memorable. Having the opportunity to not only enjoy the incredible ride, but also see (and even participate a little) in the pre and post flight activities made the whole thing even better. I would add that there are few people for whom I would get up at 5:00 AM in the morning on two consecutive days, but you are in that category. I enjoyed all of our discussions (even the political ones). Oh, and by the way, Bobcat Bite DOES make the best hamburgers anywhere. Thanks again for a great time, and if you ever find yourself in Washington, drop me a line. -- Peter K.
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Johnny, Jeanne, and Robert,
We're back to the real world now, but wanted to make time to write and tell you that our balloon ride last Wednesday was the highlight of our trip (and we packed a lot in last week)! It was enjoyable from start to finish; the sunrise was lovely, the conversation was engaging, the process of seeing the balloon inflating was fascinating, and of course the flight itself was simply wonderful! It meant so much to us to have the experience and to know we were in such good hands. And the extra touches -- Jeanne's musical interlude, Robert's expert use of my camera to record pictures and video, and the "champagne buffet" -- added so much to the whole experience. I'm attaching a few pictures -- take a look at the cloud in the middle of the desert picture. John and I both agree it looks just like a hot air balloon; what a great omen for our great morning! (If you'd like to include these comments and/or pictures on your web site, by all means, permission granted.)
Thanks again, and happy flying,
Emily and John
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Hey Johnny, Robert and Marlene
We just wanted to thank you for an awesome time this morning. The balloon ride was spectacular and the whole experience was one of a lifetime. We will definately do it again when we visit next year. It was a pleasure to meet all of you and thanks doesn't say enough for the experience you gave us. I attached a special photo for you Johnny :)
Brightest Blessings, Marianne and Shawn
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What a hoot of a good time we had on the ride. We are telling all of our friends that a ride with you is a must if they are in the Santa Fe area. It was so much fun and has been the talk of our trip since we returned to Louisiana. Kathy, Cheri, and I went to La Fonda for the dance evening. Sadly, by 6:30 we had had a drink and were almost to sleepy to drive home. That 4 a.m. rise and shine with no afternoon nap took its toll on us. Johnny, we will be back....ready for another ride and rested for the dancing. Please tell the crew hello for us and thanks for taking such good care of us. - Reba
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I would like to thank you for an experience I will always remember. My hubby, brother-in-law and sis-in-law took our flight on Friday May 27th, along with the couple celebrating their 7th anniversary. I am the teacher who brought the fox stole, which you put on your hat while we took your picture with it. You said I was "YOUR FAVORITE"!
I am leaving for Ohio and I will be looking for a fox for YOUR hat!! Have a terrific summer and tell Jeanne we said HEY! - Deb
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Johnny Lewis is a fun guy with so much knowledge and experience you know you are in good hands. He and his assistant were so nice that when we emailed them we would have loved to take a balloon ride but they werent open for another week - He took us anyway! He picked us up early in the morning in his truck and drove to the launch site. I never would have imagined the work that goes into these rides! We rode for an hour and he set it down like it was a feather on the exact spot he planned to.
His assistant Jeanie took pictures for us and then we all had a champagne toast afterwords, complete with a meat and cheese tray!
My daughters and I will never forget what a wonderful experience that was and Johnny and Jeanie make it extra special. Wonderful people who love what they do! Phoenix
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Thank you soooo much for the amazing time we had with you and your crew! You made it such an experience we will never forget. I left you a review on Trip Advisor, not that you need any more good ones - but I just added to the other great times on there... We appreciate you and all the hard work you did to make it happen for us! One thing i learned is that it is a lot of work to get it out there and set up, you dont just hop in and go! Great times! ~Pam~
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Here is a short SlideShow we made from photos one of our customers sent to us!
(2010 Season)
Mickey & I went to see the movie, Crazy Heart, and there you were. I think the whole theater knew you were in the movie when I yelled, "There's Johnny!"
Seeing you brought back a lot of memories of a wonderful opportunity. Thank you again for all you did to make one of my "Bucket List" moments so special. Becky
Johnny,
Dave and I just want to say thank you for an amazing balloon ride yesterday morning!!!! Not only are you quite the incredible balloon pilot but you are a character; a true storyteller and an absolute delight. You made our trip to Santa Fe! We will be sure to look you up on our next trip. Best of luck in the Caymans......make sure you DO land on that boat! All our best, Dave and Julie
P.S.
The horses at Bishop's Lodge are great. No kidding. Well fed... well groomed... and obviously well-loved. Dave says you should be cross-marketing with Jeff, the wrangler.... and Dave knows.... he has helped many clients build bigger, more profitable businesses. What a day.... ballooning in the morning and horseback riding in the afternoon..... are you catching the cross-marketing opportunities?
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Johnny, thanks again for the wonderful hot air balloon experience last week. One of the group members, Robbie Goodrich, is the chief editor of the Nacogdoches Daily Sentinel and she writes a weekly column for that paper. Thought you might be interested in seeing the article and that you made the headlines in the Oldest Town in Texas.
Best wishes, Gary
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Hey Johnny,
Liz and I wanted to thank you again for a great experience. If we make it through our bucket list one time we’ll definitely put you on the top of the list for another ride. I’d recommend it highly to anyone and it’s great fun when the pilot is just as special as the ride. If you ever get up to Maine, please look us up. Roger and Liz (The sheep people from Maine)
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Hey Johnny,
I wanted to thank you for the highlight of my vacation. My friend Cheryl and I (the Democrats from Philly) rode with you last Friday 9/24. I never realized how beautiful it could be just floating along such beautiful country in NM. I don't think I could ever fly with anyone else but YOU! You made my first trip in a hot air balloon truly memorable (the landing was smoother than on an airplane). Maybe one day we will take you up on that offer to visit NM during the Balloon festival and get the VIP experience. Thanks again and safe flying in the Caymen Islands this winter! Best, Patti
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Dear Johnny and Debbie,
My son, Zach and I had a fabulous time Ballooning last Sunday morning. Our trip was both exciting and fun and Johnny surely knows how to handle his equipment. (I hope you have a sense of humor.) Anyway, it was our pleasure and we will surely tell all our friends about our experience. Please let us know if and when you come east to NYC or DC, as it would be fun to entertain you. Thanks again, Lina
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Mike and I flew with you on Tuesday. We're home in Bend and want to let you know how much we enjoyed both our early mornings (Monday was a no fly) with you. Mike says it was his favorite adventure of our stay in Santa Fe and he's sharing your stories with everyone. Send me your address and I'll send you an Ian Tyson CD. Julie
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WOW!!!! This past Tuesday my 14 year old daughter and I went on a balloon ride with Johnny! It was TOTALLY AMAZING!!!!! Johnny was wonderful and WAY FUN to meet!!!! A fantastic guy!!!! Have a blast at Grand Caymans!!!!!!! THANKS again for an AWESOME ride!!!! Lea and Haley - Wichita Falls, Tx.
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Dear Johnny, Vic and I wanted to take the time to thank you for our incredible experience. Our wedding day could not have been more perfect. You, your crew, Kat, and Jane put everyone in the wedding party at ease. We could not have asked for more perfect weather or balloon ride. Thanks to amazing conditions, everyone had the opportunity to go up in the balloon. That meant so much to all of us! We will definitely be recommending you to our extended families, who are all interested in ballooning after seeing the pictures. And we will be back for anniversaries to come. Thank you again! Andrea and Vic
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We were lucky enough to arrive early in the season to fly; just the 2 of us with Johnny. It was the best! Thanks again Johnny, Krystal & Kris for an amazing lifetime experience for the couple from Wisconsin. FIVE STARS! Thanks too for the hat advice, and for sharing stories with us about your ballooning experiences, Texas life etc. Hope your adventure over the Grand Canyon will be/was successful. Eric & Janet - Appleton, WI
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Hey Johnny, I just wanted to thank you for making Mike's birthday celebration so terrific! We had such a great time up in your balloon on Saturday, and we know it was particularly wonderful because of you! Thank you for everything and for being you!!! Have a great week! Jorie
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Dear Johnny, My husband and daughters talked me into our recent balloon ride in Santa Fe. I was very reluctant and not looking forward to it at all. I am so glad I mustered up the courage to go! It was a beautiful ride - tranquil and amazing. I should have known my husband would pick the best around. I felt safe and secure as you kept us posted at all times, letting us know how the balloon operated. Many thanks for a wonderful experience for all of us. Ronda
(More Comments)
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Hi, Thanks for an awesome ride this morning. I had a great time and can't wait until I can go on another ride. If I get back to Santa Fe, I will definitely go on another ride. Here is a photo of our group. Thanks again. Maria
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Dear Jonny, Thank you so much for this wonderful experience, your German girls Jutta and Yasmin!!!
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Johnny, My bride and I were going over a few photos from our last year's vacation, and came across those we took when you hoisted us up with our daughter in August. I have attached a few of those for your enjoyment. Additionally, I have spoken your praises to several of our friends in case they want to get a view of the heavens a little closer than normal.
But I am prompted to write because of more than just a pleasant memory. You certainly provided us with some of those. I certainly enjoyed hearing about your passion of flight throughout the world, as well as the Barrancas of New Mexico. Sarah, our daughter, still recites your rules of ballooning from memory, "Johnny doesn't walk", and "Johnny doesn't get hurt!" Simple and reassuring.
I hope you are well and have had another successful season. I further hope that perhaps this coming year, we can arrange a 2nd flight with you, even though I know there is the old superstition that the first is always the best.
Now if I can just get some of my bone-headed friends to fly with you, I wouldn't have to try to explain how special it is to ride in a balloon! I hope all your landings are scheduled. Thank you again for your gift. David
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I have enclosed a couple of pictures taken from ballooning this past Saturday. I want to thank you and your crew. Taking a balloon flight has been something that I have wanted to do for some time, and I thought it would be a great thing to try while on my first trip to the Santa Fe area. The balloon flight itself was a wonderful experience, but you, Rick, Michael, and Mary made it the wonderful experience that it was. We truly enjoyed visiting with all of you and decided that things would not have been the same with another group. It was the highlight of our trip! Thank you for the great memories! Please pass along my thanks to your crew as well. Melissa - Houston, Tx.
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Hi Debbie, My name is Jonna and I took a balloon ride in Santa Fe with Johnny on August 5th. We were the group of Texas women celebrating a birthday, that Johnny and crew will probably remember for a long time. We all were so impressed with the professionalism of everyone involved that I have raved to everyone here in Houston and hopefully will encourage some other adventurous souls to take to the skies. One of my neighbors is looking for a balloon company in St. Louis, Mo. for a birthday surprise and I thought I would check with you and Johnny to see if there is a company in that area that you could recommend. Any information that you might have to assist her in locating a safe, ballooning experience would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much, Jonna
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Dear Jonna, Let me check with Johnny and some other resources and I will get back to you. Thank you for the rave review, I would like to take some of the credit for Johnny's enthusiasm for his job, but I can not. He is a special person and I am lucky to have him in my life. Debbie
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Shalom Captain Johnny and Y'all!! We returned home to Jerusalem about 10 days ago from the US. We are still raving to all our friends and family about Capt'n Johnny and his smokin' balloon team! What a memorable experience!!. Ballooning with you was a highlight of our trip and laughing with you, sharing stories, (particularly the one about Egypt was just as fun). Anyway all of us in Israel give you a big shalom and look forward to flying with you again next summer. Give us a shout if the spirit moves you. Regards, Dan, Mikie, Talia and Arielle in Israel
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Johnny & Rick, I just wanted to send you a personal thank you for our time spent with you and your crew this past week. This adventure was the highlight of our weekend spent in Santa Fe. We certainly enjoyed your knowledge, experience and history of Balloon flight. Thanks again for an awesome time, We truly enjoyed it. I also want to extend a personal invitation to you and your family in the event you find yourself in Arizona, please feel free to come stay a few days with us. We would love to have you. Thanks again. Sincerely, John & Beth
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We took a balloon ride with Rocky on the 7th of this month and just had to write to say what a fabulous time we had. We have had balloon rides before - all great, but the over-all feel and the expertise of Rocky, Karen and the rest of the crew was unbelievable. I have not stopped thinking about it & I would recommend you to all - but hopefully we will be back to enjoy the friendship and ride again. On a down side we were disappointed that we didn't get to meet the two of you as emails and phone conversations were so enjoyable. Take care and keep up the good work! Marianne and Jack
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Hi Johnny My big vacation with my sister (George-Anna) in New Mexico was made so special with a balloon ride with YOU and your company. It was my 70th Birthday present from me to me. I have had a balloon ride in my minds/eye for probably 50 of those years. I am so glad we found you for that ride. Yes, I would do it in a heart beat again.... but I think it would have to be with you and your crew. I still can not really describe that feeling of "floating on a cloud". I have been with my sister when she has tried other high adventures..., but she was so at ease with you. Thanks so much for such a wonderful "fly in the sky". Much success to a wonderful Man and his vision. Love ya, Veronika
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Hi Johnny, Just wanted to say again what a wonderful time I had that Wednesday. Makes sitting at this desk even harder (particularly since having my pictures developed over the weekend)! Hope you, and all, are well. THANKS, one more time, for truly a "lifetime memory".
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Hey Johnny, I just wanted to say HELLO and to let you know that you and I are forever friends. We had a great time with you and Rick & we are still laughing! I hope you are still having a wonderful time at the Balloon Fiesta even without Marie and me. Keep in touch, my friend. Love Ya, Sonya
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Johnny, On behalf our seven person group who went ballooning with you last Saturday, I want to thank you for the incredible experience. The flying was fantastic but the hospitality shown by you and your crew was what made the trip so enjoyable . Regards, Roy
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Hey Johnny, Karen & Rocky, We just wanted to thank you for one of the greatest experiences of a lifetime. We all had a blast, as I’m sure you heard. We can’t wait to go again and I personally would come back to N.M. just for that! You guys were sooooo nice and it was a pleasure meeting all of you. If you guys ever come to Florida let us know and we’ll take you boating. Sincerely, Kelli, Dana, Heather, Lisa, Tarah, Steve
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Johnny, I just wanted to thank you again for such a wonderful day (October 1, 2006). Everyone that came from my office is still talking about the beautiful sights from the hot air balloon.
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Johnny, Linda and I both wanted to tell you how impressed and excited we were over our balloon ride last week. Chelsea is still talking about it. We had such a fantastic time, Johnny, and both you and Mark were so kind to all three of us, not only in taking the photographs but posing for our shots, too.
We are planning on our October trip to Albuquerque and the Balloon Fiesta already! In fact, I'm not taking on any trial work for that weekend (October 8-9) or the following week (October 11-15) so we can be sure to have some time to spend taking another ride or two. Do we have the dates correct? I thought you mentioned that it was that weekend and the following week. It runs 10 days, I believe? Correct me if I'm wrong.
We also want to let Debbie know that she has the most intriguing, kind and polite husband one could ever wish for. Linda and I both want to extend our thanks to Johnny for treating us with such kindness and consideration. He was very understanding when we asked him to pose for photographs with us and our 12-year old granddaughter and spend an extraordinary amount of time explaining the operation of the balloon, signing his autograph for our brochures, and just showing us a great time.
I'm a retired NY police lieutenant, Debbie, spending my retirement doing consulting work (more than I really want to) so this three day getaway down to Santa Fe was a real treat for us. Johnny made it that much more memorable.
Take care, my friend! We wish you many "soft landings" and hope to see you again in a few months down in Albuquerque. Please let us know if we got the dates right and also a mailing address where we can send some photographs. Dave and Linda
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Johnny, Thanks again for a wonderful experience ballooning with you and Mark. Later in the day Renee' said something to me that I think you will be interested in. She said "You know dad, people like Johnny make me proud to be a Texan! Thanks again. Hope to do it again with you sometime. Jim
