The day of Davids 50th birthday present of hot air balloon trip dawns
.boy its early in the morning
Our adventure continues
FRIDAY 15TH NOVEMBER PART 11
Well I think this must be the earliest we have ever been up ever whilst on holiday. Alarm set for 4.45 but was awake at 4.30. We both had a quick shower and some milk and cornflakes. Luckily the meeting place was the Days Inn Maingate West which was literally up the road from us. We had originally booked to stay here but after reading some unsavoury reports moved to the four points.
Parked up in the car park in total darkness and headed into the reception area where we had been told to meet the team. We were then taken into a small conference room where Richard and his team introduced themselves and explained the dos and dont`s of ballooning. We then had to sign an insurance form and to say we had understood what we had just been told. This was done in a really friendly way. We were then asked to introduce ourselves to everyone else and why we were taking this balloon ride. There were twelve of us in the group and this soon broke the ice. We then all followed Richard and his co pilot outside where they explained they were going to let of a small helium balloon to determine the wind speed and direction. After this we all clambered into the van and set off for our departure point. After about 15 mins of driving we turned off into a small field. After piling out of the van we were divided into two groups and allocated a balloon. We were then given specific instructions to help inflate the balloon, this was fun and a great participation in the experience. It took about 20/25 mins to set up the baskets and get the balloon ready for take off. The whole episode was done with a degree of fun but also the seriousness of not making any mistakes was stressed. The pilot (whos name escapes me) then took our photographs for us with our own cameras so we had a momento before take off. All assembled in the basket, you stand in your allocated slot like being sandwiched between two sheets of wicker, this actually makes you feet very safe as you cannot tumble over. At this point I will admit to holding onto one of the struts for dear life. Its wasnt for about 30 seconds that I realised that we had actually taken off, it was that smooth. We quickly gained height and the second balloon took off shortly behind us. Awesome!!!!Up and up we went until the pilot was happy at 1000ft. Just as we reached cruising height the sun started to rise on the horizon, magical. Cant believe how quiet and peaceful it is in the air, with just the roar of the occasional gas burner. We had a very good knowledgeable pilot and as we floated over celebration he pointed out interesting things. We floated around Disney, but close enough to make out the Epcot Golf ball. As we approached the highway he dropped the balloon down a bit as the truckers hooted at us so we could wave back, also got a good reception from some construction workers. Also did some very cleaver tree skimming.After about an hour he pointed out our landing site in the distance and gave more detailed instructions on what we had to do as the baskets landed. We had covered about 10miles in the time we were up in the air. As we approached the landing site we could see the trucks waiting to pick us up. We had one small bounce as we landed and then were told one by one to leave the basket. This had to be done to the pilots instructions as it was possible for the balloon to take off again and possibly cause injury to someone. The balloon was quickly deflated and as the other balloon had landed shortly behind us a competition ensued to see who could pack their balloon away first. Once again we all helped with this. After this was done we were handed a glass each and had some champagne. An American guy at this point got down on one knee and proposed to his girlfriend. She was totally overcome but she did say yes. Beautiful ring. After a talk about the history of ballooning we got back into the truck and headed back to the Days Inn for breakfast. The buffet offerings although hot were not plentiful and Richard had said that they were seriously thinking off changing the hotel they use. After breakfast we were each given a signed and dated certificate in a folder with a lovely picture of the balloon. We were both quite overcome by it all, we also purchased a sweatshirt and tshirt to remember the day by. After the presentation it was time to leave. This was an experience too hard to describe in words. It was not at all scary and besides the blast of the burners it was so calm and tranquil in the sky. Those of us that suffer with motion sickness, dont worry because you wont, I was reassured by Richard over the phone that I did not need to take tablets as the motion of the balloon does not induce the feeling of motion sickness and it was true to his word. Bewarned to take lots of camera film and a camcorder. We used two rolls of film and half a tape of camcorder film. The photo opportunities of the ground below still lit up before daybreak were brilliant, also pictures of the sunrise and taking pictures of the balloon behind us.
Back to earth and back to the hotel. Dave had decided he wanted to look at some motorbike shops so as these dont hold any fascination for me he went off on his own while I put my feet up to read a book by the pool.
Later in the afternoon we went for a look a Celebration town that we had flown over in the morning. Well as we drove into Celebration we both said in unison Stepford. Well spooky, all the houses look the same, nobody about, no children playing etc. The town was very quiet as well. We went in a few shops but we both admitted that we didnt feel very comfortable so we left. Richard had told us this morning that people who break the strictly enforced rules more than twice are forced to sell their property and leave. Scary place and I dont think we will give it a return visit. We then went onto the Taste of China for a birthday meal for Dave. If you like huge portions of food this is the place to go and very reasonably priced as well. Had a walk around the shops nearby then headed back to the hotel. After a very early start we settled down for an equally early night.
THOUGHTS.
Weather today was 79 with a little breeze and some very strong sun.
I booked the balloon trip through Orange Blossom Balloons, as recommended in the Brits guide. They are a very professional company and answered all the questions I sent to them by email very quickly. They make the whole experience very hands on and enjoyable without letting the seriousness of safety being overlooked. It was great fun and I would recommend this company without hesitation. We thoroughly enjoyed our 4 hours with them and as it is all finished by about 10.00 it leaves you the rest of the day as well. I would love to do this again because as Richard pointed out every flight is different.
Please feel free to ask any questions about our day and I will gladly help where I can.
Our adventure continues
FRIDAY 15TH NOVEMBER PART 11
Well I think this must be the earliest we have ever been up ever whilst on holiday. Alarm set for 4.45 but was awake at 4.30. We both had a quick shower and some milk and cornflakes. Luckily the meeting place was the Days Inn Maingate West which was literally up the road from us. We had originally booked to stay here but after reading some unsavoury reports moved to the four points.
Parked up in the car park in total darkness and headed into the reception area where we had been told to meet the team. We were then taken into a small conference room where Richard and his team introduced themselves and explained the dos and dont`s of ballooning. We then had to sign an insurance form and to say we had understood what we had just been told. This was done in a really friendly way. We were then asked to introduce ourselves to everyone else and why we were taking this balloon ride. There were twelve of us in the group and this soon broke the ice. We then all followed Richard and his co pilot outside where they explained they were going to let of a small helium balloon to determine the wind speed and direction. After this we all clambered into the van and set off for our departure point. After about 15 mins of driving we turned off into a small field. After piling out of the van we were divided into two groups and allocated a balloon. We were then given specific instructions to help inflate the balloon, this was fun and a great participation in the experience. It took about 20/25 mins to set up the baskets and get the balloon ready for take off. The whole episode was done with a degree of fun but also the seriousness of not making any mistakes was stressed. The pilot (whos name escapes me) then took our photographs for us with our own cameras so we had a momento before take off. All assembled in the basket, you stand in your allocated slot like being sandwiched between two sheets of wicker, this actually makes you feet very safe as you cannot tumble over. At this point I will admit to holding onto one of the struts for dear life. Its wasnt for about 30 seconds that I realised that we had actually taken off, it was that smooth. We quickly gained height and the second balloon took off shortly behind us. Awesome!!!!Up and up we went until the pilot was happy at 1000ft. Just as we reached cruising height the sun started to rise on the horizon, magical. Cant believe how quiet and peaceful it is in the air, with just the roar of the occasional gas burner. We had a very good knowledgeable pilot and as we floated over celebration he pointed out interesting things. We floated around Disney, but close enough to make out the Epcot Golf ball. As we approached the highway he dropped the balloon down a bit as the truckers hooted at us so we could wave back, also got a good reception from some construction workers. Also did some very cleaver tree skimming.After about an hour he pointed out our landing site in the distance and gave more detailed instructions on what we had to do as the baskets landed. We had covered about 10miles in the time we were up in the air. As we approached the landing site we could see the trucks waiting to pick us up. We had one small bounce as we landed and then were told one by one to leave the basket. This had to be done to the pilots instructions as it was possible for the balloon to take off again and possibly cause injury to someone. The balloon was quickly deflated and as the other balloon had landed shortly behind us a competition ensued to see who could pack their balloon away first. Once again we all helped with this. After this was done we were handed a glass each and had some champagne. An American guy at this point got down on one knee and proposed to his girlfriend. She was totally overcome but she did say yes. Beautiful ring. After a talk about the history of ballooning we got back into the truck and headed back to the Days Inn for breakfast. The buffet offerings although hot were not plentiful and Richard had said that they were seriously thinking off changing the hotel they use. After breakfast we were each given a signed and dated certificate in a folder with a lovely picture of the balloon. We were both quite overcome by it all, we also purchased a sweatshirt and tshirt to remember the day by. After the presentation it was time to leave. This was an experience too hard to describe in words. It was not at all scary and besides the blast of the burners it was so calm and tranquil in the sky. Those of us that suffer with motion sickness, dont worry because you wont, I was reassured by Richard over the phone that I did not need to take tablets as the motion of the balloon does not induce the feeling of motion sickness and it was true to his word. Bewarned to take lots of camera film and a camcorder. We used two rolls of film and half a tape of camcorder film. The photo opportunities of the ground below still lit up before daybreak were brilliant, also pictures of the sunrise and taking pictures of the balloon behind us.
Back to earth and back to the hotel. Dave had decided he wanted to look at some motorbike shops so as these dont hold any fascination for me he went off on his own while I put my feet up to read a book by the pool.
Later in the afternoon we went for a look a Celebration town that we had flown over in the morning. Well as we drove into Celebration we both said in unison Stepford. Well spooky, all the houses look the same, nobody about, no children playing etc. The town was very quiet as well. We went in a few shops but we both admitted that we didnt feel very comfortable so we left. Richard had told us this morning that people who break the strictly enforced rules more than twice are forced to sell their property and leave. Scary place and I dont think we will give it a return visit. We then went onto the Taste of China for a birthday meal for Dave. If you like huge portions of food this is the place to go and very reasonably priced as well. Had a walk around the shops nearby then headed back to the hotel. After a very early start we settled down for an equally early night.
THOUGHTS.
Weather today was 79 with a little breeze and some very strong sun.
I booked the balloon trip through Orange Blossom Balloons, as recommended in the Brits guide. They are a very professional company and answered all the questions I sent to them by email very quickly. They make the whole experience very hands on and enjoyable without letting the seriousness of safety being overlooked. It was great fun and I would recommend this company without hesitation. We thoroughly enjoyed our 4 hours with them and as it is all finished by about 10.00 it leaves you the rest of the day as well. I would love to do this again because as Richard pointed out every flight is different.
Please feel free to ask any questions about our day and I will gladly help where I can.
