Finally the weather conditions were right. Our phone call came at 4.55am and we were on the road at 5.05am. We got to Melbourne at 6.05am and met with the 'pilot', his assistant and 8 other passengers. We were driven to 'Goshes Paddock'
(Melbournians will know where I mean)
Once the balloon was set up and then 'blown up', it was time to
hop in the basket. Mmm..that was fun!!
Lets get that balloon right up
Here are Max and I ready to leave the ground. Iam surprised at how at ease I was - can't say the same for Max. Just remember how little sleep we had when you look at these tired faces.
Off we go-the cranes on the right are on the new Olympic Park stadium that is being built
Here is a photo of our group. There was a camera hanging on a Trapeze type of thing that took 7 photos while we were up there.
There were 4 other balloons flying at the same time.
The views over Melbourne were fabulous
The MCG is in the bottom right corner of this one
There are 3 other balloons in this shot
See the No smoking sign near the gas flame.
There were 4 other balloons flying at the same time.
The views over Melbourne were fabulous
The MCG is in the bottom right corner of this one
There are 3 other balloons in this shot
See the No smoking sign near the gas flame. Who in their right mind would want to light up when they were in the hot air balloon!!!
Sunrise
Such a beautiful morning
Some light fog came in but didn't stop us seeing anything
See the reflection of our balloon in the river below
After a 70 minute flight we landed with a couple of little thuds in Yarra Bend Park Golf Course - slightly off course and putting a hole in the balloon (thanks to a tree we hit). It all added to the fun of the morning as we entertained the golfers as we landed. Once the balloon was packed up we went off in the mini bus to the Botanical Gardens cafe for a Champagne breakfast.
Sunrise 
Such a beautiful morning
Some light fog came in but didn't stop us seeing anything
See the reflection of our balloon in the river below
After a 70 minute flight we landed with a couple of little thuds in Yarra Bend Park Golf Course - slightly off course and putting a hole in the balloon (thanks to a tree we hit). It all added to the fun of the morning as we entertained the golfers as we landed. Once the balloon was packed up we went off in the mini bus to the Botanical Gardens cafe for a Champagne breakfast.
