Outback Ballooning!

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A First for the Arbuckles!

We have never taken a hot air balloon ride before, yet alone before dawn in the Southern Hemisphere winter. We were up early again and picked up at 5am by John & Rob of Outback Ballooning along with about a dozen others from area hotels. We headed out towards the airport, then took a dirt road 10 miles into the dark of the Outback.

It was a cold morning, minus 3 degrees Celsius which is about 25F. Dressed warm with coats, hats, gloves and scarfs we got off the bus at the launch site to witness an unbelievable sky. More stars visible than at Ayres Rock were above us. Italians, Aussies, Germans, French, English and ourselves stood spellbound for nearly 10 minutes looking towards the heavens. It simply is no better viewing with the naked eye then from here. Shooting stars, nebula, galaxies other than our own and of course, the Southern Cross shared their beauty with us. We will never forget those 10 minutes.

John & Rob got the basket and balloon ready. 350,000 square feet of air heated to nearly the boiling point can produce enough power to lift 3 tons. 17 people, including Pilot John, got on board the basket. We really couldn't believe how many people were lifted 1,000 feet into the air this morning before sunrise. The three burner device that heats the air is an awesome piece of equipment. Add a GPS and a compass and off we went. Pilot John could turn the balloon around (360 degrees) and propel it up and down - after that, all bets were off. Good thing we had open Outback to land in. Rob drove the chase van with trailer. After our landing (you have to see the HiDef video to get the real effect), which was one or two bounces and drags, we all helped collapse the balloon and get it back on the trailer.

Then we headed off to an opening in the Outback where we were served warm sunshine, champagne, four courses of quiche and Australian breakfast foods, coffee, tea and fruit. It was great. An experience like that brings people together from all nationalities quickly with a sense of accomplishment and excitement.

From there it was back to the hotel, hot shower and pack, grab the shuttle to the airport and a Quantas flight down to Sydney where we will spend two nights before heading off to China.

We say goodbye to the Southern Hemisphere, we will leave our winter clothing with the hotel staff with instructions to donate them to local charities then it will be off to Beijing Monday morning where it is hot & sticky!

But tomorrow, Sunday, we will enjoy the day in Sydney.

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Photos

Setting up
Pilot John and Rob use a helium balloon with a light in it to measure the wind patterns above the ground, then place the basket on it's side and layout the balloon for inflation.

26F...a cold morning!
Ginny was all up for smiling for the picture...but it was too cold! Scarf stays were it is for now!

Pilot John takes us up
Pilot John moves us from takeoff into the predawn sky - this photo is taken in Infrared about 125 feet off the ground. I was able to film nearly 30 minutes in Infrared 1080i HiDef. I reviewed it on the plane, it is awesome! Can't wait to show it to all of you.

In early light (1 of 2)
Photos from above.

In early light (2 of 2)
Photos from above.

Coming in for the landing
What it looks like post-dawn to come in for a landing onto the Outback.

Rob & the chase van
Pilot John was in communication with Rob via radio from the balloon instructing him which area we were headed for. In the video, you will see Rob pull up in the van 2-4 seconds after we touch down. These guys REALLY knew what they were doing.

Balloon down
Deflating the balloon after the flight.

We made it!
...and it was a great breakfast too. Now, it is back to the hotel, shower & pack, grab the airport shuttle and an afternoon flight down to Sydney. The "time to get up and go" tour moves on!

Comments

[Mom A]

Enjoying your blog!
I am just so happy for you! We are going right along with you, each step of the way. This is a wonderful adventure and YOU TWO deserve it! Love, Mom