Ireland

Last weekend we went for a hot air balloon ride. What a magnificent experience that was! I collected Elena my friend and her daughters Loriana and Barbara and drove to Trim, a place near Dublin. It turned out to be a perfect day with crystal clear skies and gentle breeze - ideal for a balloon flight.

We all met our hot air balloon pilot, the congenial and friendly Victor from Argentina and his team in the Trim castle, near Dublin. He collected all of us in his van and took us to the launching field, a large green field with no power lines around.

There we all pitched in to assemble the balloon. First we had to drag the large cane basket from its trailer. Victor removed the balloon from its bag - a crumpled lump of nylon cloth, rather irreverent way of packing for such a magnificent balloon. When the balloon takes shape then it really reveals its true nature which is a sight to behold. Ours was bright yellow and red at the top. A delightful sight against the blue sky with numerous chunks of clouds.

Taking shape

First Victor pushed up some air by a large fan into the balloon. When it started to take shape he started the gas burner to release propane gas. The burner is very impressive in its burst of flashing flames rather like an angry Chinese dragon, spewing flames into the balloon and reaching high into the dome. It took a few flashes and the balloon was up and erect - reaching upto 6 stories in height!

Flashing flames on releasing propane gas into the balloon

Victor asked us to hop into the basket - about 12 of us were there for the flight. The basket had about 5 partitions where 3 can stand in each partition and two were dedicated for the rather large gas cylinders. When the balloon took off - it was so quiet, not a noise nor a vibration to rattle the basket. It was as if the stable ground just lifted itself up ever so gently. The huge impressive balloon is a gentle giant at its best indeed.

Following the shadow

We rose up a few feet at a time and reached the desired 1000 feet - the perfect height for a gentle flight. From there you could still see the humans, cows and horses on the ground. We waved cheerfuly to the people good bye, spooked the horses to run around in confusion and when we flew low, we exasperated a bull holding his harem of cows to come to challenge us in defence of his realm.

We spooked the horses to run around in confusion

We spied on the secluded villas on the banks of river Boyne shielded from outsiders by the trees but hopelessly exposed to the sky above. We followed the snaking and meandering river Boyne along the lush green Boyne valley which is dotted with neolithic World Heritage circular-mound graves. We spotted two other balloons taking off at a distance and we flew over golden hay fields full of rolled hay bales ready for transport.

Bales of hay ready for transport

We could see for miles on end and at about 60 KM away was the sprawling Dublin city and its unique two harbour chimneys billowing smoke into the sky. Still further away, out in the horizon we could see the rolling Wicklow Mountains and its sugar-loaf hill at the top.

We were up there for about 45 minutes and Victor chose a landing field. He let the gas escape by pulling various ropes to open the window at the top. We came down very gently and landed on the grass field. The balloon dragged itself for a few feet and landed. A perfect landing after a perfect flight. Every one of us was truly thrilled to the hilt by that marvelous experience. As per age old ballooning tradition we ended our flight with a glass of champagne.

Champagne to end the flight

A wonderful and delightful journey which will be a great way to travel if you want to go around the world in 8000 days!

This travelogue was originally published on http://www.romancing-the-tea.com/