fly out one

About ten balloons took off at this fly-out, we took off at 17.50 and landed at 18.50. In the basket were Pam and Sharon, and Mark and Shane were doing the retrieve. Sharon's mother Pat followed in another vehicle with Sharon and Shane's children, Natasha and Bradley. The weather was overcast and a meass of threatening looking grey cloud was heading our way. At briefing we were advised to get off as soon as possible if we were intending to fly. We were the last but one balloon to launch and the two of us got the gusts the others missed. Shane was on the crown, Pam and Sharon on the mouth and Mark was on the fan, although he had to give a hand on the mouth to help keep it open. Once upright we launched without any problems but the other balloon was still being buffeted. This flight we flew low over Stroud from North to South. Our track took us over Pat's home and Sharon took photos. Two flights over two parent's houses - must be a record.

As we approached the high ground at Rodborough we climbed to avoid any turbulence and were on our way down another valley to Nailsworth. Climbing to 2000ft Pam took control, she flew for about 10 minutes - no problems. Sharon then took control for a further 10 minutes and again no problems. We climbed to 3000ft to get into cloud but no joy. Cloud all around us but not above us. We flew across Rodborough Common, Minchinhampton Common and close to Princess Anne's establishment at Gatcombe Park. Aston Down Airfield was in front of us, we passed the ends of 2 runways and looking down the main one from about 500ft was unbelievable. I regret not taking a photograph. We landed at Cherington, almost on the village cricket field - a stand up landing. Interestingly enough when we were still in the Stroud valley, our speed had increased rapidly before dropping away again.

We had quite a reception committee - 3 or 4 people walking their dogs came up to have a look, and a children's party turned up. The parents had been wondering how to entertain them when we flew over them - they had a perfect view of the landing. All very nice people. Mark and Shane were with us within minutes (how did they do it?) It wasn't an easy route. Natasha and Bradley were a big help in de-rigging the balloon. Back to Randwick and straight to the pub. Tales of high adventure and desperate situations from which we only escaped by the skin of out teeth. Well, that's what we thought anyway.