Even a trade for the confines of a car for a much tighter wicker basket never dampened the spirits of these sightseers during their marvelous experience of flight. Catching unseen air currents, the hot air balloon sailed over Northampton and the Pioneer Valley of western Massachusetts. Unafraid of heights, this dauntless photographer was treated to superb views along the Connecticut River Greenway. Below, between a layer of morning mist, lies the Calvin Coolidge Memorial Bridge, designed as a memorial to President Calvin Coolidge. The Art Deco style bridge, a major crossing of the Connecticut River, salutes the long time resident and former mayor of Northampton. Running parallel to the Calvin Coolidge Bridge is the rusty Norwottuck Rail Trail bridge, part of the Connecticut River Greenway State Park. Once a railway for the Massachusetts Central Railroad, 11 miles of paved surface lures cyclists, skaters, walkers, and runners of all ages.
     The Connecticut River Greenway, one of Massachusetts' newest state parks, takes in numerous green sections along the length of the Connecticut River Valley. Along with 12 miles of protected wildlife areas, numerous points on the river provide boating access.
     The Connecticut River, the largest in New England, begins its journey southward from New Hampshire's Connecticut Lakes, creating miles of the wavy border between Vermont and New Hampshire. The river passes through western Massachusetts, bisects the state of Connecticut, and flows out into the Long Island Sound. The river, laden with a heavy amount of silt, has formed a large estuary and tidal wetlands complex at the mouth near Old Saybrook.