My daughter Jenna gave Ian and I a hot air balloon ride voucher for Christmas. I was pretty horrified and put the voucher out of sight and the whole idea out of mind.
I have rather an odd fear of heights. I am perfectly happy on natural structures like mountains and rocks. I am also good on ladders. However, I am irrationally fearful of man-made structures like piers and bridges. For example – walking across the Golden Gate Bridge defeated me once I got out above the water. Ian is no good on rocks or ladders but is fine on piers and bridges. So between us – this was going to be a challenge.
Towards the end of August and with a strong application of Rule 5 we went on the Aerosaurus website to book a flight.
Since a hot air balloon has no direct means of steerage or control the weather is an all important factor when deciding whether or not to fly. We were lucky on our 3rd attempt.
Our 3rd booking meant travelling from Dorset to Launceston, but we were so pleased that this happened as it meant that our pilot was Arthur Street who is an absolute legend in the ballooning world. Arthur counts his balloon flights in tens of thousands after 25 years of piloting.
We met at Homeleigh Garden Centre near Launceston at 06:30 along with 12 other passengers. The ground crew, Matt and Marianne (Little and Large) dealt with everything in a very professional manner, but also somehow very relaxed and reassuring. It was all very workaday and routine for them. There was obviously no reason for any anxiety.
We travelled in the Aerosaurus vehicles to the launch site near North Petherwin with the basket and envelope on a trailer.
Arriving at the launch site with the balloon (known as the envelope) and basket on the trailer
The ‘envelope’ is huge – much larger than we expected. The passengers all help to get it inflated on the ground.
Inflating the envelope with cold air to begin with
The fans blow cold air in. The scale of the envelope is clear if you can spot Marianne walking around inside!
Two strong men were hanging onto a rope to stop the envelope rolling around
Eventually the envelope comes upright and the basket with it
The air in the balloon must be heated now to allow it to be airborne. It is tethered to the landrover
At this point I asked myself whether I would be disappointed if I was going to be a spectator rather than a passenger. The answer was yes. It was very exciting!
Arthur gave a comprehensive briefing – and informed us that the most difficult thing we would face would be climbing into the basket. (There is an option of being in the basket while it is on its side and being gently scooped up if physical disability prevents a passenger from clambering in). So that was alright then.
Clambering into the basket while Arthur continues to heat the air in the envelope
The basket is actually a steel cage with rollbars and a solid floor. The wicker work is really just for aesthetics.
Once in the basket Arthur continued to heat up the air in the envelope using the burners powered by propane gas. We smiled bravely for the ‘on the ground’ photo opportunity!
Once inflated and heated up (quite noisy) the tether from the land rover was released and we were off – up, up and away. We gained height extermely quickly.
We gained height very quickly. The land rover got very small very quickly
There were a few moments of ‘wow this is quite high’ – but that was all. We just really enjoyed being up there. Arthur was fantastic and gave us 360 degree panoramic views and information about what we could see. We had total confidence in him.
Arthur opening the champagne
Early on in the flight the champagne was opened which Jenna had thoughtfully included in our voucher. I’m sure this helped to contribute to the relaxed convivial atmosphere on board.
Cheers!
We went up to 3,200 feet and could see the North Cornwall Coast
Arthur controlled the height of the envelope by heating up the air with the burners
The main landmark was Roadford Lake
As we descended preparing to land we could see the ground crew who had been following our progress.
The A30
Arthur negotiated the obstacles of the A30 and Roadford Lake with great skill – but it did mean we had a few extra minutes up in the air. The landing was gentle with just a slight bump.
Marianne and Matt had tracked us from the ground and were there to help with packing up. The farmer was very cooperative and helped us all out of the slightly boggy field we had landed in.
The huge envelope gradually deflated as the air cooled down and we helped to guide it so that it could be folded up again.
Patrick – the youngest passenger tried to get the air out of the envelope
But he needed help
It was amazing just how quickly that huge envelope was packed back into the bag and stowed back on the trailer with the basket.
The envelope was tucked back into its bag ready for the next flight.
We even got a certificate to prove we had done it!
Highly recommended. It is not at all scary and just a wonderful experience.
Old Bat On A Bike. 