Balloon Sunrise

A childhood dream of Dad's was fullfilled a couple of days ago with a hot-air balloon flight over Melbourne. The four of us got out of bed at an ungodly hour of 3am to get ready for the trip to the launch site which started at 4.45.

Although this was our 3rd rescheduled flight - previously due to bad weather and a death in the pilot's family, and the forecast was for showers, we got very lucky with the weather. Mostly fine, gentle winds, and the rare chance to fly over the water with the westerly wind. We hit a speed of about 16km/hr, and got to about 1700ft. After landing, which was softer than expected, everyone pitched in to fold up and pack away the balloon, before being carted off to a classy champagne breakfast at the Langham hotel.

It was a great trip, very gentle, with amazing views over Melbourne. A great look at the town 3 weeks before I leave it - I have visas, air tickets, and leave for the UK on the 2nd of January.

As usual, pics are on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=25121&l=df17d&id=731953277