Most experiences in life that require getting up for before sunrise are generally worth the bleary eyes and the foggy brain. I should know because one such recent experience had me out of the warm comfort of my bed at the ungodly hour of 5.00am and into a ‘troopie’ before the sun had even thought about rising. It was to be an adventure like no other. Up, up and away over Ipswich in a hot air balloon flight that simply took my breath away.
Family owned and piloted, Floating Images Hot Air Balloons had invited me to soar the heavens with them above the grand old city of Ipswich, 40 kms west of Brisbane, and the lush Brisbane Valley. Once my fellow passengers and I clambered out of the ‘troopie’ into the pre-dawn darkness into long dewy grass at a nearby Ipswich Park, it was all hands on deck, or should I say on balloon!
Inflating the envelope with hot air.
We discovered that this particular flight was the debut of a brand new bright blue and yellow balloon or envelope. The envelope was released from her bag and dragged over the grass. It required a bit of man and womanpower to get her stretched out in readiness for attaching to the basket and then inflation. Once she was inflated I was amazed by her magnitude.
Ready for takeoff
With a call of “all aboard” we climbed into the wicker basket, had a short pre-flight briefing on the safety aspects of ballooning, and then we ever so gently lifted off the ground. I felt little sensation of lift off as the basket started to ascend into the now golden glow of the dawn sky. It was only when I looked below that I could see we were indeed flying and climbing higher and higher!
Views over Ipswich and Flinders Peak
From the air we could see the city of Ipswich below us like an aerial map made up of buildings, sprawling green parks and sporting fields, and the snake-like shape of the Bremer River. To the east we could just make out the skyline of Brisbane city; to the west the Lockyer Valley and the Great Dividing Range; and to the north, where we were headed, Pine Mountain and the two dams of Lake Manchester and Lake Wivenhoe.
Looking at the rising sun and Brisbane city to the east
There was morning mist hanging over the verdant green landscape and the farmlands looked like a patchwork of green and brown paddocks.
A patchwork of farmland below us at Pine Mountain
As we floated effortlessly towards Pine Mountain we learnt that we were at an elevation of 3,000 feet and that our speed was in the vicinity of 35 kilometres per hour. However it still felt as if we weren’t really moving at all. Now and again our pilot Graeme adjusted speed and height by using the LPG burner to increase the amount of hot air in the envelope to create more lift. Otherwise the direction a balloon flies depends entirely on which way the wind is blowing. Luckily for us it was a light southerly carrying us to the north.
Views to the north over Brisbane Valley and Lake Wivenhoe
The world beneath us was awakening to a new day but the silence was golden with not even a sound as we kept soaring along. There are few experiences that I’ve had that would compare with the peacefulness and serenity of this hour-long flight. As our journey progressed, our pilot Graeme was only too happy to answer any of our questions regarding Ipswich and the surrounding region so the flight was not only pleasurable, but it was also educational.
Floating somewhere over the landscape north of Ipswich Photo Credit: Floating Images
As the balloon started to descend into the extensive farmland just north of Pine Mountain, towards our landing spot I could see the trees were appearing larger and you could make out buildings, cars and farm animals. In what seemed like no time at all, we moved into our landing positions in the basket and softly landed on the grass in the paddock. We were back on terra firma!
Coming in for landing somewhere in a paddock at Pine Mountain
There to greet us was the ‘troopie’ and trailer, Graeme’s lovely wife Ruth and teenage twins all with welcoming smiles on their faces. It was a matter of packing up the balloon and squishing the envelope back into her bag, which required quite a lot of team effort. Then it was back to Ipswich for a hearty breakfast, whilst everyone babbled about his or her individual balloon experience enroute. The consensus was that it was a splendid way to start the day!
Letting the air out of the envelope
My ballooning experience was part of Floating Images Hot Air Balloon’s BAD Package, that comprised of one night’s accommodation at the Metro Hotel Ipswich International in Ipswich, a delicious dinner at Harvest Restaurant at the hotel, the balloon flight, all transfers and a divine hot breakfast after the flight back at the hotel.
Floating effortlessly in the skies over Ipswich
Metro Hotel’s 4.5 star accommodation is located in the heart of the city and offers comfortable spacious rooms with modern décor, queen size bed and all the mod cons such as internet access, LCD TV with cable channels, and minibar.
The stylish and comfortable Metro Hotel in Ipswich
Dinner in Metro’s Harvest Restaurant was a gastronomic delight. Harvest offers Tapas style, (or little plates) menu throughout the day, and a full a-la-carte dinner menu of an evening with a selection of meals to suit every taste. For me I chose a crispy skinned piece of salmon served with two-coloured beetroots, smashed kipfler potatoes and sprinkled with crushed hazelnuts. Of course the dish was washed down with a crisp glass of Sauvignon Blanc from their extensive wine list.
Reception Area at Metro Hotel in Ipswich
If you’re looking to impress that special someone or have an important occasion to celebrate a Floating Images Hot Air Balloon BAD Package would be perfect. A word of warning however, hot air ballooning is highly addictive!
Have you been on a hot air balloon flight?
This post is part of the Lovin’ Life Linky with a Lovin’ Life Team of the “ageing positively” kind who are as keen as I am to promote the Lovin’ Life mindset. The Lovin’ Life Team includes:
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Ingrid @ Fabulous and Fun Life
April 20, 2017What an amazing experience you had! I have always wanted to fly in a hot air balloon but one thing that has stopped me is a friend telling me that the landing can be quite harsh and jolting. It doesn’t sound like that was the case in your experience at all! You’ve inspired me to look into doing this sooner rather than later!
Ingrid
http://www.fabulousandfunlife.blogspot.com.au
Kathy
April 20, 2017Hi Ingrid, I can assure you that the landing was very gentle. The entire hot air balloon flight experience was exhilarating and I would highly recommend it. :) #TeamLovinLife
Jo@JoSimplyWill
April 20, 2017Kathy the photography is spectacular, and what a brilliant day you had for your ballooning. I’ve never done it, and don’t think I’d have the nerve. There is something so appealing though about seeing the earth from above.
Kathy
April 20, 2017Thanks Jo. I can assure you that I felt perfectly safe up in the hot air balloon. It wasn’t really like flying, but rather floating gently over the landscape. I think it was one of the best experiences of my life. :) #TeamLovinLife
Jo tracey
April 20, 2017Your pics are great & seeing that scenery from up there? That would be unforgettable. #teamLovinLife
Kathy
April 20, 2017I think the hot air balloon experience will be up there with some of my most memorable ones. The scenery was breath taking! :)
Anne
April 20, 2017What an experience. I have always wanted to go in a hot air balloon. Beautiful photos.
Kathy
April 20, 2017Thanks Anne. Yes it was an incredible experience. Hot air ballooning had always been on my bucket list too, so now I can tick this off! #TeamLovinLife
Deborah
April 20, 2017This looks amazing Kathy. I remember when I lived in Canberra (in the mid-late 1990s) it was the first time I saw hot air balloons and it was a big thing there. I didn’t see much of it in Qld (or Brissy) but it’s wonderful that it is available.
I think I’d be a little nervous about something going wrong, but hopefully that would stay firmly planted in the BACK of my mind and I’d enjoy myself!
Kathy
April 20, 2017It’s more of a risk driving on the roads than floating in a hot air balloon! I felt very safe and secure whilst I was flying. It was an incredible experience. :)
Min@WriteoftheMiddle
April 20, 2017Wow – what a fabulous experience. All of it! The BAD package sounds fabulous. The photographs are wonderful too Kathy. I have a wee little fear of hot air ballooning but a huge part of me would so love to do it. #TeamLovinLife
Kathy
April 20, 2017It wasn’t BAD at all Min! Not at all scary and a fabulous way to start the day with such stunning scenery. You should give it a go! :)
Janet
April 20, 2017Two things have put me off a balloon flight: getting up before dawn, and a fear of heights. But it is becoming more and more appealing and I reckon I just might do it one of these days! As you said – definitely worth it!
Kathy
April 20, 2017It was worth getting up early for – trust me! I also have a fear of heights but didn’t feel frightened in the least. It wasn’t like flying – it was more like floating.:) #TeamLovinLife
Lyndall @ SeizeTheDayProject
April 20, 2017Looks like an awesome morning for you and your hubby Kathy. I’ve been hot air ballooning in the Hunter Valley, which was amazing. We were surprised how smoothly we ascended and descended … and how quiet it was while we were up there (except when they fire the gas to reheat the balloon!) #TeamLovinLife
Kathy
April 20, 2017Oh yes the hot air bursts were a little noisy, but apart from that there was complete silence up in the sky floating gently over the landscape. A gorgeous way to celebrate a special occasion or maybe pop the question! :)
jodie
April 20, 2017What a fabulous experience, Kathy!!
My mom did this once about 15 years ago and loved it!!
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Kathy
April 20, 2017Your mom will know what I’m talking about then! It was a truly memorable experience and I highly recommend it. :) #TeamLovinLife
Sue from Sizzling Towards 60 & Beyond
April 20, 2017What a fabulous experience Kathy! The morning was gorgeous and perfect for a balloon ride. I loved all of your photos and will be looking out for two new TV stars LOL:) The hotel looked great as well. Ipswich has certainly come a long way.
Kathy
April 20, 2017The morning was perfect for hot air ballooning. Not a cloud in the sky and the sun was shining brightly. Fortunately we will be overseas when the TV show airs. We’re certainly not TV stars! Metro Hotel in Ipswich was first class and in such a great central location. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and the hot air balloon flight was amazing!:) #TeamLovinLife
Sydney Shop Girl
April 21, 2017What an amazing experience, Kathy! Those photos are amazing too.
SSG xxx
Kathy
April 21, 2017Thank you, yes it was very exhilarating soaring above the beautiful green terrain surrounding Ipswich. I would highly recommend it! :) #TeamLovinLife
Leanne @ Deep Fried Fruit
April 21, 2017That photo of you all in the basket from above is the best.
Looks gorgeous
I got a hot air balloon ride for my 40th from my uni friends. I got to see Canberra from above. So much fun.
#teamlovinlife
Kathy
April 21, 2017Yes that was taken from a camera attached to a trapeze off the balloon basket. It was stunning. It’s hard to explain so you will know what I’m talking about. :)
Jan Wild
April 21, 2017Ballooning has always been on my bucket list, I think it has jumped up a few spots after reading this post Kathy! I can imagine how it must feel to soar over the earth and yet still feel a connection to it. No doubt an experience you will remember for a long time.
Kathy
April 21, 2017It had been on mine too Jan. It was a remarkable experience and I’m so grateful that I got the opportunity to do this and write about it. :) #TeamLovinLife
Leanne
April 21, 2017It sounds amazing Kathy – I definitely want to try ballooning before I die! It would be so peaceful soaring over the treetops and your photos were gorgeous (as always!)
http://www.crestingthehill.com.au/2017/04/a-z-challenge-why-midlifes-fabulous-h.html
Kathy
April 21, 2017Strangely this is one bucket list item that I’ve kept putting aside. I’m so grateful that I got the opportunity to do it now and on a such picture-perfect morning. It was amazing! :) #TeamLovinLife
Sue
April 21, 2017I’m glad you had such a wonderful experience Kathy and have joined the hot air balloon lovers like myself! I have experienced this in Cappadocia, Turkey and Bagan in Myanmar a few years ago, and just so enjoyed both. It’s that complete silence you mentioned that is so perfect I find when you are in the sky. Also the Ipswich Metro Hotel sounds a lovely place to stay. 👍❤️
Kathy
April 21, 2017Oh wow you are a regular hot air balloon flyer! Now that I’ve had a taste of it I would love to do this in every country I visit. I wonder if they have them in Italy? The whole accom, dinner and hot air balloon flight package was top class. :) #TeamLovinLife
Rhonda Albom
April 22, 2017One of my former college roommates races her hot air balloon, but I have never been. Your sunrise photo surprised me, as it looked so light in the photos before you took off. Daybreak is such an interesting time of the light.
Kathy
April 22, 2017Yes it was strange that is was kind of light in the park in Ipswich prior to takeoff, but when I aimed my camera towards the east it was darkness and the sun starting to rise over the ocean near Brisbane. My camera settings were had to be adjusted for light many times during the morning! It was a fabulous experience. :) #TeamLovinLife