Sentence:  Like most human activities, ballooning has sponsored heroes and hucksters and a good deal in between. For every dedicated scientist patiently recording atmospheric pressure and wind speed while shivering at <WSD>high</WSD> altitudes, there is a carnival barker with a bevy of pretty girls willing to dangle from a basket or parachute down to earth. 
Meaning of the word marked with <WSD> tags:  Very elevated; extending or being far above a base; tall; lofty.