Hot Air Balloon Rides In California

Marney Rich Keenan

About a year ago, Josh Stevens of Chicago set off on an unusual journey: He agreed to live off local Groupon deals — and only Groupon deals — no money, for an entire year.

If he succeeds, Stevens will win $100,000.

Chances are he'll make it. "I've only got 44 days to go," Stevens said last week scarfing down some Kibbe Nayeh at La Chef Restaurant in Farmington, thanks to a Groupon deal. He will have completed the year on May 10, 2011, at 10 a.m.

For the unfamiliar, Groupon is a company that negotiates deep discounts with local businesses. The discounts are then shared by thousands of subscribers who receive the coupons via a free daily e-mail.

Last year at that time, Stevens, 28, showed up at Groupon headquarters in Chicago with only the clothes on his back. He'd given up his apartment, put all his stuff in storage, and said goodbye to a less-than-pleased girlfriend.

Then, they made him change into a paper suit made of Groupons. "They only let me keep a pair of underwear and a pair of socks that I came in," he said.

Outfitted with a laptop, camera, video camera, a phone and Groupons, he was on his way. Sort of.

"Well, I had a Groupon for a horse-drawn carriage ride and a clothing store. So my first stop was take the carriage to the store to buy some clothes."

In a year's time, Stevens has traveled all over the country: "one-third by plane, one-third by train and one-third by getting rides from people."

The rules are that he have no money and limited visitation or help from friends and family. For what he doesn't have a Groupon, he barters, trading Groupons in exchange for meals, flights, rental cars or hotel rooms. Mostly, he's relied on the kindness of strangers who following the "groupawn's" travels on his blog (www.liveoffgroupon.com) and Facebook page.

While in Detroit, Stevens' volunteer ambassadors — Stephanie and Jared Exel of Farmington Hills — took him to Slows Bar BQ and a Red Wings game. Using Groupons, Stevens took the Exels to the Detroit Institute of Arts. They went for dinner and bowling at an Italian restaurant in Dearborn, ate sushi in Plymouth and toured The Henry Ford Museum.

Initially, Stevens said he assumed he'd be relying mostly on twenty-somethings, but all kinds of people have reached out. He spent Christmas with an elderly couple and their family in Phoenix. Other than a couple of allergy attacks after staying with people with cats, he says he's been relatively healthy.

Hot Air Balloon in Temecula - A Calming Experience

Riding in a hot air balloon in Temecula is one of the more relaxing, rewarding and memorable adventures you’ll experience. There are no tiny windows, no choice between aisle seats or windows seats, and no bumpy rides if you are sitting over a wing. Rather, a full 360 degree view is available, everyone can see everything, and smooth lift offs and landings are an integral part of your trip. Think about the ways you can work a balloon ride into your everyday and business life. Is there a birthday for a family member or friend approaching? If so, why not consider renting a hot air balloon in Temecula for a few hours? The reaction of the guests will be one of excitement, and the guest of honor will be treated to an experience not soon to be forgotten. To make things clear, pilots of these beautiful balloons are FAA certified and the crews that maintain the rides are all experienced. The balloons are powered by gas that heats the air. Since hot air floats upward, it fills the cavity of the balloon, making it rise. In no time you’ll be lifted into the sky, floating over expensive homes of movie stars, coursing high enough to see the majestic Pacific Ocean, and seeing as far away as San Clemente. Make that family reunion, party or other social gathering you’re planning truly memorable by chartering a balloon to deliver tethered rides. This can be an exciting culmination to your day’s event, easily putting everyone in a happy, excited mood. As noted previously, there is no tension producing, bumpy take off and landing with one of these rides. Instead, passengers are gently lifted into the air and just as gently returned to it. This effectively removes the trauma experienced by some folks when they need to fly. This is but one of the many reasons a hot air balloon ride in Temecula is such a memorable, rewarding experience.

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