WOW! What an experience it was to do a Hot Air Balloon ride over the fairy chimneys. Unfortunately we were picked up late and did not get to see our balloon inflate. We were told which was our balloon and we climbed into the basket and then waited for the OK to fly. Once that was given we were off. Such an amazing feeling...it was like floating, you couldn't feel the balloon moving but you could see that we were. It was just like you hear in the movies up, up and away! floating up and around the fairy chimneys and the many other balloons (around 60 were flying this day.) Our guide was able to give us a running commentary of all the places we could see below us. We went up 1500 ft and it hardly felt like we did but the view down was incredible. When it was time to come down my stomach was telling me it was certainly past time to do that. The landing was interesting as we were going to land in one area but we drifted too far and there were power lines so we went up higher and over and then tried again but the same thing happened. Finally we landed amongst the houses and power lines safely. The landing crew were wonderful and ensured we were safe all the time. It took two attempts to ensure the basket was on the ground and then they cleverly maneuvered the basket and balloon onto the trailer and finally we were allowed to climb out. I never even gave motion sickness a thought but it certainly made me queasy and I was glad to have my feet finally on the ground and toast the trip with a glass or two of bubbly.
The neighbouring balloon being inflated.
Evidence that I actually did do the flight.
Looking back to where we had come from.
Balloons everywhere and no crashing into each other. Balloons higher have the right of way.
The fairy chimneys took on a totally new look from the air. They are incredible structures of nature.
Looking down on the many balloons of all colours.
Finally down and enjoying the glass of bubbly and accepting the certificate. I would not have done this if Wayne was not with me - thanks Wayne for your support I really did enjoy this adventure into the air.
After the balloon ride we went on a tour around the chimneys at ground level. They are huge and magnificent.
The holes in this rock are houses. They don't live in them now but did until the 1960's when the government subsidised them into other housing.
Just shows how small and insignificant we are in the grand scale of things.
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