Last year the kids gave me a wonderful present for my birthday .... a balloon ride over Canberra and a champagne breakfast. So finally last weekend (a year and one week later) I finally managed to go...Phil also decided he wanted to come too so here is the story.
It was a cold minus 3 degrees in the early mornign when we met 'Balloon Aloft' at the Hyatt in Canberra. And a very early 6am. We had our briefing session and then it was off to Narrabundah oval so we could prepare for take off. 4 other balloons were also there - apparently they usually are at the same start off point each time. That is frost on the ground and we stood around while things were getting started.
The men helped the balloon come out of the bag - it is 8 stories high uninflated.
That is the pilot ensuring that the wires were not tangled and all was okay. The basket is on its side and rights itself once the air is heated inside the balloon. Lots of frost beneath our feet!
First cold air is pumped into the balloon by large fans and then the pilot blasts it with the gas flame. When this happens it starts to lift and the basket rights itself. Everyone then has to clambour into the basket nad it is NOT at all an elegant thing. The basket holds 16 passengers and the pilot.
The balloon we went in is the blue and gold one. The other balloon got off more quickly and you will see it in the photos to follow.
Sunrise over the Russell Offices on the left is the CBD.
The reflections of the blue sky att his time of day are amazing. Black Mountain tower is ahead and the Carrilion in on the right.
Love this photo - with the shadow of the balloon!! It was so peaceful up there....warmer than on the ground and a perfectly still day....wonderful
The Australian War Memorial from above!
Whn we finished we hopped back in the vehicle and headed back to the Hyatt for a champagne breakfast. Thanks kids it was an awesone birthday present! Even though I did it a year later.....
Lots of love
C
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