Up, up and away! What better way to see the great Napa Valley region then from romantic hot air balloon? Pam Turse ventures out with Donna Dunrud, the first woman to ever cross the Grand Canyon in a hot air balloon.

Donna began her career as a balloon pilot in the late 70's when there were only 500 hot air balloons in the world. Since her first lift off she has logged more then 4000 hours of flight and has crossed over 48 states. She is also a competitive balloon racer and has competed in the Kool Pro Balloon Tour. 2003 will mark Donna's 25th year as a commercial balloon pilot.

Donna, a Rio Vista resident, says that she loves the freedom and beauty of flying in a balloon, but that it's the individuals she meets along the way that make each flight so special. As a registered minister, Donna has performed numerous wedding ceremonies and vow renewals while flying above the vineyards and trees of Napa.

Napa Valley Aloft
6525 Washington Street
Vintage 1870
Yountville, CA 94599
(707) 944-4408
www.napavalleyaloft.com