Have you got any of those activities that you'd like to do, but just can't see yourself venturing out to achieve them? To me, hot air ballooning was one of them - it'd be nice to do, but not necessarily something I absolutely have to try before I kick the bucket.
So when the opportunity came along - by way of hand-me-down pre-paid vouchers - to take a flight in a 'loon, I of course took it.
My father and I took the flight (along with 20 other people and the pilot) crammed in to a wicker gondola somewhat reminiscent of a scene from the Indian rail system!
We started the morning being picked up from the foyer of the Radisson hotel at 05:15. As we bounced along in the back of the troopy to the Arundel industrial area for condition testing there was a faint sparkle of the sun rising over the coast. We launched a helium filled (normal party sized) balloon with a red light attached to it to track the breeze and atmospheric conditions. It was decided the location wasn't suitable for launch so off we headed to Helensvale.
A quick balloon test at the second site indicated favourable conditions. By 06:30 the insurance waivers had been signed, the balloon was inflated and we were all piling in to the basket. To be honest, I didn't even notice we'd left the ground until we were about two feet above it - it was a very gentle and gradual lift. I did however notice the heat generated from the four burners right above my head! It's claimed the air inside the balloon is around 120 degrees Celsius.
As we tracked south on our flight following the rail line we were greeted by several honks of the horn from the trains below. Apparently the drivers are known for their communications to the balloons above!
There was no great drama on the flight, nor anything to even suggest we could be unsafe at any time. The flight averaged around 5 knots speed and I believe the average elevation was 500ft. We did begin to drop close to some power lines and trees, but I think the perception of their proximity was worse than the reality.
The flight lasted 45 minutes and we landed in a rough cow paddock at Carrara. The cows at least didn't seem fazed by our presence! I had never really stopped to think how the pack up of the equipment would happen... the envelope (balloon) is flattened out and bundled at the top end, and then, utilising the assistance of all the people who had just taken part in the flight, loaded in to a huge cart and wheeled in to the back of a trailer.
We finished the morning back at the Radisson hotel with a champagne buffet breakfast and review of the photos which had been taken from the on-balloon camera. All up, a four hour adventure for something I'd probably never have treated myself to. But at least now I can say I've done it!
