We launched our Norfolk Balloon Flight balloon from Wensum valley golf club in Taverham. The weather was good with excellent visibility. Norwich airport reported that the wind was gusting up to 15 m.p.h so we knew the inflation was going to be a little ‘tricky’. Our first attempt to inflate the balloon proved too much of a handful, so we waited for the wind to calm. At 5.45 p.m. we were airborne and climbed out to 5,000 feet under radio guidance from Norwich airport.
The ‘fine city’ of Norwich was in clear view as were the Norfolk Broads and coastline. At 5,600 feet the wind was flowing at 35 m.p.h. so we were covering some ground so we decided to descend down to 1,000 feet where the wind was slower, and this allowed the ground retrieve to catch up! The balloon passed over Honingham and to the north of Mattishall. We flew south of the busy market town of Dereham and on towards Bradenham. Down to 500 feet the wind was slowing down to a gentle 6 m.p.h ideal for a gentle landing. We passed over Mr Malts combine harvester bringing in the last of the winter wheat north of Shipdham. The balloon gently landed in a stubble field at Daffy Green. A perfect end to the day!