Tether 1

An excellent days tethering, but also learnt a lot. It was an awkward inflate, and when upright the wind took her up. Chris was in front with his elbows over the rim of the basket and he was lifted off the ground. It could have been a catastrophe, I put out my hand to pull him in but he didn't need it as he'd managed to get his foot onto the foot-step, and hauled himself in.

The wind often kept the balloon at the extent of the tether ropes, this was happening frequently during the day with the wind taking her up and holding her there with virtually no burning. ie: it was only necessary to burn to prevent the descent from being too fast. we took approximately 80 people up during the time we were there and everyone thoroughly enjoyed it.

We were treated to free food and drinks throughout the day, and the PTA chair forced me to take £50.

LESSONS WE LEARNT:

1) In any wind shorten the ropes with sheepshank and keep the steadying vehicle far away.

2) Ensure the main anchors are far apart.

3) Take more photos.

4) Take more spare full cylinders.

5) To take more people give slightly shorter rides.

6) Don't overload the balloon - keep to the same number of passengers as a normal flight (or fewer)