Balloons

I was crew on a delivery from San Diego to Ventura a few weeks ago. We started out under full sail then headed north – directly into what little wind there was. The rest of the trip was under power, 140 miles at about 5 knots. We had plenty of time to watch the horizon.

We all hoped to see whales but all we saw were balloons. Mostly heart shaped red balloons made of mylar. You see a spot on the horizon and wonder if it might be a crab, shrimp, or lobster pot. 15 miles offshore we didn’t expect many pots, but you never know. Getting closer, you might have to change course … for a balloon! How can you know what’s tied below?

I came away with new ideas about helium balloons. Let’s just say I’ll probably never give them as a gift. Even air filled latex balloons can escape into the sea where they can kill marine life.

Please visit balloonsblow.org to learn more.

BALLOONS BLOW … DON’T LET THEM GO!