GlenysHot Air Ballooning
June 30th 2011 00:08
... and some activities demand you rise before the sun ...
Two mornings ago we were privileged enough to experience a hot air balloon ride. It was one of those things I had always dreamed of doing but never thought I would have the opportunity.
I didn't sleep very well the night before the flight. I kept opening one eye and checking the time. The organisers had emphasised that if anyone was late at the assembly point they would be left behind. Timing is the essence when going ballooning. Early morning is the best time to fly a hot air balloon because the winds are light, less chance of thermals and the colder temperature gives better lift to the hot air balloon. We had a crisp morning and it allowed us to rise to 4,000 feet.
We rose at 5am, before the alarm went off, and of course we were the first passengers to arrive at the assembly point.
After meeting the crew and a briefing session, we boarded a bus and travelled to the chosen take-off site. The balloon was taken out of its carrying bag and stretched along the ground. The balloon was connected to the basket (which was laying on its side), big fans were put in place (and a safety lecture was delivered about not going too close to them), two volunteers were strategically placed (one each side of the balloon) to hold the mouth of the balloon open, and the process of inflating the balloon began.
The fans blew cold air into the balloon and when it was partially inflated, gas burners were used, in spurts, to warm the air inside the balloon.
The basket is divided into four sections and we were given precise instructions about the order we were to climb into the basket and where each person would stand. After a few housekeeping rules were delivered the pilot let more heat into the balloon and we were up and away.
The flight was smooth and quiet, except when the burners were firing. The only time I felt any breeze was when we descended into different wind currents. The pilot steered the balloon by ascending and descending, choosing wind currents which took the balloon in the desired direction.
It was no colder up in the air than it had been on the ground.
We floated down and landed with a slight bump. The retrieval crew were there ready to pick us up.
We all became part of the team, helping to fold the balloon so it could be put back into its carry bag ready for the next group of high-flyers.
At the end of the flight we boarded the bus and were ferried to a champagne breakfast to 'die for'.
Hot Air Balloon - Inflated Ready for Take-off
Two mornings ago we were privileged enough to experience a hot air balloon ride. It was one of those things I had always dreamed of doing but never thought I would have the opportunity.
I didn't sleep very well the night before the flight. I kept opening one eye and checking the time. The organisers had emphasised that if anyone was late at the assembly point they would be left behind. Timing is the essence when going ballooning. Early morning is the best time to fly a hot air balloon because the winds are light, less chance of thermals and the colder temperature gives better lift to the hot air balloon. We had a crisp morning and it allowed us to rise to 4,000 feet.
We rose at 5am, before the alarm went off, and of course we were the first passengers to arrive at the assembly point.
At the Take Off Site - No sign of the Sun
After meeting the crew and a briefing session, we boarded a bus and travelled to the chosen take-off site. The balloon was taken out of its carrying bag and stretched along the ground. The balloon was connected to the basket (which was laying on its side), big fans were put in place (and a safety lecture was delivered about not going too close to them), two volunteers were strategically placed (one each side of the balloon) to hold the mouth of the balloon open, and the process of inflating the balloon began.
Balloon Being Inflated Using Fans and Gas Burners
The fans blew cold air into the balloon and when it was partially inflated, gas burners were used, in spurts, to warm the air inside the balloon.
Meanwhile, a Beautiful Sunrise Heralds a Perfect Morning for Hot Air Balloon Riding
In the Basket Ready for Lift-Off
The basket is divided into four sections and we were given precise instructions about the order we were to climb into the basket and where each person would stand. After a few housekeeping rules were delivered the pilot let more heat into the balloon and we were up and away.
Sun Touching the Hills in the Distance
Floating Over the Green Countryside
The flight was smooth and quiet, except when the burners were firing. The only time I felt any breeze was when we descended into different wind currents. The pilot steered the balloon by ascending and descending, choosing wind currents which took the balloon in the desired direction.
It was no colder up in the air than it had been on the ground.
The Balloon has Landed
We floated down and landed with a slight bump. The retrieval crew were there ready to pick us up.
Folded up Ready for Next Time
We all became part of the team, helping to fold the balloon so it could be put back into its carry bag ready for the next group of high-flyers.
All Good Things Come to and End
At the end of the flight we boarded the bus and were ferried to a champagne breakfast to 'die for'.
*** what an experience - take it if you can ***
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