THE HOT AIR BALLOON RIDE

First we booked places for hot air ballooning. We were both keen to have the experience,but being afraid of heights,MRS. was nervous. Then we booked overnight accommodation in Northam for the night before our flight. The trip was to include a post flight champagne breakfast. We traveled to Northam from Perth in the morning of the day before our flight,so that we would have plenty of time for orientation. The room was not very flash,but it was adequate. After arrival,we went for a trial run to the airfield,so as not to get lost in the morning. After finding our accommodation we arranged to meet MRS X and Mr X for tea. Over the meal,they told us that the balloons often went right over their farmhouse,causing the dogs to bark.

For our flight, we were required to meet at the airfield before dawn. Hot air ballooning is best done at dawn, when breezes are gentler. We had an alarm set to wake us up in time, but as we did not sleep very well,the alarm was not necessary. At something like 4.00am we packed our possessions into the car and made our way through the dark streets to the airfield.

We arrived in time to meet other passengers, before a short welcome and briefing by the pilots. The take-off area was decided after taking the current gentle wind direction into account. We traveled about five kilometers to the take-off area in mini buses, towing trailers loaded with the balloons, baskets and other equipment needed for inflating the balloons. The balloons were still deflated at that stage, and stuffed into huge bags, about the size of wool bales. Passengers were required to assist in preparing the two balloons for flight.

The balloons were laid out on the ground, attached to their baskets, about fifty meters apart. Huge fans were set up between the baskets and balloons, to blow air heated by gas flames into the balloons. Passengers stood holding the mouths of the balloons open to admit the hot air. As the balloons became sufficiently inflated, all passengers had to hold onto the baskets so that they would not take off prematurely. Each basket would carry about twelve passengers. It was then time to board the baskets. This had to be done in strict orderly fashion, according to each individual’s weight, which had been noted at the time of booking.

There was a ladder for ease of climbing into the basket, but the strict weight distribution of the passenger load inadvertently added to MRS.’s nervousness. She was to be last aboard our basket and not surrounded by other people. Although she was shaking like a leaf, MRS. was determined to be brave. I held her tightly to reassure her. The pilot was experienced with this problem, and also gave MRS. every encouragement.

With a burst of flame from the gas burners, within a few seconds the breeze miraculously dropped and we were airborne. The breeze was still blowing, but we were being carried with it, so the feeling of air passing by us was eliminated. MRS . was still quaking, but starting to relax. More hot air was sent up into the balloon in occasional bursts, so as to control the rate of ascent.

Ten minutes into the flight, MRS. was totally relaxed, even to the extent that she could look over the side of the basket and down to the ground. As the air in the balloon cooled, more hot air was sent up to either maintain height or increase height. The height above ground level is important, because wind direction varies at different heights. By finding a suitable height and wind direction for the direction we needed to travel, the pilot was able to steer the balloon. We passed close to MRS and MR’s X farmhouse, but could not hear any barking from their dogs. Apart from the spectacular views and quietness of travel, the flight was fairly uneventful. We went on a circuit which took about an hour, and which brought us back to the airfield where we landed with hardly a bump. Disembarkation was another problem for MRS.. There was no ladder, and her little legs had trouble reaching the steps in the side of the basket. However, after an undignified exit for HER, we were all on Terra firma.

The mini bus drivers had kept track of us, in case we could not make it to the airfield, but both pilots had sufficient experience to make perfect landings.

Valves were opened at the top of the balloons by means of a light rope, and the balloons gradually deflated. With the help of passengers, the balloons were stuffed back into their bags and all the gear loaded on the trailers ready for another day’s flight.

We made our own way back to town and to the designated restaurant for a sumptuous breakfast, with champagne for some and fruit juice for me, as I would be driving back to Perth. Certificates of participation were handed out to all passengers.

We both declared the event a resounding success, and MRS . said she would like to go again.
Editors note: MRS and MR . are pensioners, It just goes to show that you don't have to be young to have fun. It sounds exhilarating too.