Many mapping tools and websites display on the screen a coloured pointer symbol to indicate the chosen location - and that pointer often bears a remarkable resemblance to a balloon, light-bulb, or upside down stylized pear.

Now, for those who distrust GPS or are simply directionally challenged. BorgCo's NavAids, Dressed Poultry and Harpsichord Division is offering a new service; just text your destination information and credit card details to our special number, and we'll send out a pickup truck with a winch on the back, along with cylinders of balloon gas and several deflated coloured balloons, each between two and five metres in diameter, depending on your budget.

On reaching the specified location, the truck stops and the team inflate a balloon, then affix a short alphanumeric code to it using hook-and-loop fasteners. The balloon is then winched out, and you are notified by text of the colour and code of the balloon to look for.

As you approach your destination, you will be reassured by sighting the expected balloon bobbing in the sky above your target; at night, it will be illuminated from within to make it highly visible bot to customers and to passing aircraft.

On your arrival, the team winches down the balloon, pumps the helium back into the tanks, and moves on to their next job.

Patrons are advised to book well in advance during busy periods.
-- 8th of 7, Dec 21 2011

My car is in the shop. Can I catch a ride with the pickup?
-- swimswim, Dec 21 2011


It might reduce navigational arguments with the Missus who usually knows a better way than my GPS. [+]. Please take care however to clearly differentiate the balloons from one another or I can foresee an in-car 'discussion' along the lines of "that balloon looks more orangish than red to me".
-- AusCan531, Dec 21 2011


Why was this idea not brought to my attention sooner?
-- MaxwellBuchanan, Jan 01 2012


We sent up balloons all over the place. What more do you want? An e-mail?
-- Alterother, Jan 01 2012



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