Sunday 22nd January 2023

Well, at long last we managed too do our hot Air Balloon flight. Yesterday morning - or was it in the middle of the night - we got up at 3.330am and headed off to Mareeba to meet up with the rest of the air balloon flyers. We all meet up on the outskirts of the town and were divided into two coaches which took us off to the launch site - basically in a local farmers field.

We were divided into two groups of 16, with there being 8 in each side of each balloon basket - obviously for balancing. Once aboard and settled into our places the pilot ran through a brief safety procedure, and then basically 'fired up' the balloon. We were in an all yellow one, with another in an orange and yellow livery.

There is really no sensation that you have left the ground - no sudden increase in speed and noise etc that you get when taking off in a plane. You just simply float up into the sky.

It was still quite dark when we took off, and we watched the sunrise. The sensation of being in the air, with no method of propulsion besides the wind and the pilots ability to manoeuvre the balloon - sideways and up and down is really extrodinary and quite - except of course when he ignites the burners.

We then sent the next hour or more - you lose a sense of time - and just floated over the countryside, sometimes we were up at over 3000 feet and at other times we were literally skimming the tree tops. It really was quite amazing, and were able to recognise many places - some with the help of Hannah.

Eventually the flight had to come to an end, and our pilot Frank found a suitable spot out in the countryside from Mareeba - good for us, but not so good for the ground support team to come and find us and take us back. It took about half an hour for them to  track over to us.

Once they had arrived, the balloon was gently deflated and whilst this was happening we were all photographed inside our balloon. Once outside again we were treated to glasses of champagne and more photos. We were then all loaded onto a trailer and taken back to the nearest road that the coach to get close to us. There we were given our Flight Certificate, and Merle, Hannah and I then went off with Jan who had been following whilst the rest went off in the coach.

What is our conclusion about a Hot Air Balloon flight - it is fantastic and if you get the chance - or even make the opportunity - do it, as you will never forget the experience. Rest assured, it is not frightening at all.

Our team, including all the ground crew- especially our driver Browny, and the pilot Frank were brilliant. Well done to them all.

Would we do it again - you bet your life we would!

The rest of the day was restful - catching up on lost sleep time, and then in the evening jan organises an outdoor get-together with friends, family and the farm workers were all had plenty of 'nibbles' supported by plenty of various drinks - alcoholic and no alcoholic. Another really pleasant evening.