I have finally had my first balloon flights, and they well and truly confirmed what I already was pretty certain of; I am not a fan of heights.
Huw tests a Hopper.
My first experience floating hundreds of feet in the air in a wicker basket was when Huw, a pilot in training, needed some...uh...training. I am man enough to admit I was a little nervous and struggled to climb into the basket, but, before I had time to gather my senses the balloon was lifting off.
Farmland in Leicestershire.
And up we went. Quickly. Very quickly. So quick I didn't even have enough time to be concerned about the flight. I stood in the basket, transfixed by the view as we rose up higher and higher. Well, transfixed because of the view, and because moving around didn't seem like a salubrious activity at that particular time. Yup, I was perfectly content gripping onto one of the poles as tightly as possible.
A farmhouse way down below - these farmers waved, but the dog seemed a little unhappy at our presence.
I did relax after a bit and got to enjoy some the finer aspects of ballooning over stockfarms. Cows were the funniest. Contrary to expectations the cows run towards the balloon and not away from. Kids would wave and dogs would bark. At one point we were able to spot our retrieve vehicle (the car that comes and picks you up when you land) waiting patiently for us to land.
Pretending not to be scared.
We spotted a likely field/landing spot but on our way down the owners of the property politley requested we find an alternate landing space (don't you dare land that fucking thing here). So yeah, pretty much got to experience everything a good balloon flight requires.
Flying in Bristol.
Stupidly, after all my fears from Huw's test flight I went up(!) again at the Bristol balloon festival. For some reason, this time I was absolutely pertrified. I jumped in the basket because I wanted the experience 100 000 spectators waving and cheering is we flew, but wowee, I stood stockstill for most of the flight; to scared to even tremble in my boots. Got some good photos still...
View over River Servern.
Like last year, it was super being part of a crew: access to the pilot's bar, on the ground at nightglow, etc. This time I was even given an important role in the setup of my flight managing the crown line, which in itself brought about its own set of anxiousness...
Plus, it was awesome taking off absolutely surrounded by balloons and crowds.
