A Norfolk Balloon Flight is an ideal way to view this county. It covers over two thousand square miles and has great geographic diversity. Today we were to end our flight in the north of the county.
A steady breeze was coming from the south so Mattishall golf club was the ideal choice of launch site this evening. Aloft at 7.20 p.m. we were soon above the village and heading out towards North Elmham, crossing the A47 west of Dereham. Then on over the village of Swanton Morley. As we drifted over Robertson Barracks our thoughts and best wishes were with the men, woman and families of the Light Dragoons who are currently undertaking a very difficult active tour of duty in southern Afghanistan. At that point there was a moment of reflection, to realise just how lucky we are at home in the UK. However ‘onwards and upwards’ we fly.
With higher altitude our heading has turned to the right by twenty degrees. We need to be high as we approach the village of Billingford and Bintree as there a number of outdoor livestock units in the area. Our descent was initiated just to the north of Guist. Flying parallel to the Fakenham road. Now we are looking for somewhere to land. Down low over hedges and tree tops no where was ideal. As we approached Little Ryburgh a fallow field came into view. The field was small so our approach would have to be ‘spot on’. Six feet over woodland for 300 metres, field in view. And after 1.35 minutes we’re down. The view was stunning looking down the valley to Ryburgh and back to Gately It was a pleasure to meet the owner of Sennowe park estates Mr T.Cook. Who had watched us land and kindly gave our retrieve crew permission to collect the hot air balloon.
Dear Robert & Crew,
I just wanted to say thank you. The balloon flight was well worth the wait. From start to finish what a professional Company you are, I would not hesitate in recommending you. I have now fulfilled my life long dream to fly in a hot air balloon.
Kind Regards
Carol Thornhill