During the week, I got a WhatsApp message from my brother-in-law asking if I’d be up for crewing (following, tracking, and retrieving the balloon). Of course, I said yes and was happy to help. The launch was set for the evening of April 25th from the Barley Mow, which has a great adjacent field for balloon takeoffs.
I arrived at the designated time and waited for my sister Sarah and her husband Shaun to arrive. I was expecting to crew, but when they showed up with a couple of their friends, Shaun asked if I’d like to go up. I instantly agreed, having been up before and knowing how incredible it feels to be 1,500 feet above the ground, floating quietly with the occasional roar of the propane flame.
As we prepped the balloon, a large crowd from the pub gathered to watch. There were gasps of “ah” and “wow” as the cold air filled the envelope and the balloon began to take shape. Shaun lit the burners, filling it with hot air, and soon the basket was in position for me and Shaun’s friend to climb aboard. A few more blasts from the burners, and it was time to release the quick release and we were off, heading toward the Horton Inn area.
The views that evening were stunning, stretching to the Isle of Wight, Poole Harbour, the Purbecks, and the surrounding countryside. While keeping an eye out for power lines, I also scanned for wildlife and spotted deer, pheasants, and hares.
Eventually, it was time to land. Shaun, the pilot, found a suitable field just as the wind was dropping, but a hedge of trees blocked our approach. It was touch and go as the burners roared into overdrive to lift us above the trees. It was a relief when we cleared the top, close enough that I could touch the highest branches with my hand.
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