Another early start for our hot air balloon team pilot and crew out of bed at 3.30 am computer on to check the weather and all looked pretty good. We knew the wind would be increasing quite soon after dawn, so we decided to get on site well before any passengers arrived to prepare and inflate the balloon. Just after 6 a.m. we were ready and our passengers were very keen, all on site early. With the balloon fully inflated passengers climb in and listen to the briefing. Burners on at full blast and we are away. Our balloon rides from Peterborough are an excellent start point for an aerial adventure, as the road network is easy to use and Werrington sports centre has ample parking with all the usual facilities.
Once aloft our speed was approaching 20 knots, with stunning visibility. At 2,500 feet Rutland Water and Stamford was shimmering in the early morning’s sunshine. The cities commuter traffic started to stir and we felt a real sense of calm watching it all from the balloon as we drifted effortlessly along with the wind. We continued the flight over Newborough and south of Spalding.
We were close the Fenland airfield and an hour had passed. This would be an ideal place to land. A radio call established that no aircraft were using the field and we had permission to land. With a gentle bump and a drag we were back on the ground. Our ground crew quickly arrived and we had the balloon packed up and back on the trailer. With a glass of champagne we toasted our balloon flight, another wonderful start to the day.