Treasures of Emerald Falls

Sailing-on-a-Balloon


The snowy majestic peak of the Sleeping Giant is towering in the distance. While a colorful
hot-air balloon gently rides the cool air currents flowing from the mountain.
The deep blue sky, with its drifting white clouds, create a glorious canopy above them.
They are in the presence of a soaring colossal volcanic cone. This impressive mountain
surveys its kingdom with a glistening icecap that sparkles in the sunlight.
The occupants of the balloon are Madeleine, her father John, and Moonlight, her best friend.
The girls are looking down with their binoculars from the balloons gondola. They’ re gazing
at the gorgeous Emerald Falls plateau. John is operating and controlling the hot air balloon.
It’s a beautiful day. Towering ancient sycamore and pine trees can be seen far below them.
A huge magnificent waterfall, a rushing river, little wondering creeks, rocky gorges, and a
fertile plateau are filling their eyes with the beauty of pristine nature. The town of Emerald
Falls is located in the middle of all this splendor.
“What a bird’s-eye-view! Look at that spectacular waterfall and rushing river,” remarks John.
“It’s sparkling in the noonday sun.”
Suddenly, a swift Peregrine Falcon shoots-up from far below. The grey and white falcon
circles the balloon widely at high speed. Then it quickly flies off on the wings-of-the-wind.
They’re amazed at its lightning speed and power of this bird-of-prey.

“What an awesome sight,” Madeleine blurts out! “That falcon flew-by us like a rocket.”
“Happy birthday... sweetheart.”
“Thank you dad! This is the most exciting birthday present I’ve ever had.”
John hugs his daughter... Then he points to some storks soaring nearby.
Madeleine shouts, “Look!... There’s a baby stork flying between them.”
John replies, “The adult storks are teaching their young how to fly. Notice how their wings
are always near the baby, while they’re soaring.
They’re guiding the youngster.”
“This is a very special moment in that young storks life,” Madeleine whispers...
Moonlight excitedly shouts, “Look at that huge bird! He’s circling that large flock of small
bi rd s.”
“That’s the Peregrine Falcon returning,” says John. “It’s the greatest of winged acrobats in the
world. It can dive at 200 miles per/hour, and snatch a bird out of the air with its razor sharp
talons... What a show for your birthday, honey.”
The girls are in total amazement. “Dad!...
How did this bird learn all these tricks?” “He was hatched with the talent.” Both girls started
laughing.