Kathie Baker floats across the Yarra Valley in a basket of dreams
As a little girl—I wished I could fly. Sometimes I dreamed I could. As an adult I’ve been on lots of planes and in helicopters but it never felt the same as in my dreams.
Floating across the Yarra Valley, looking around with an uninterrupted view of 360 degrees, being buffeted by the air currents and only aware of the sound of the burner.
Hot-air balloons float because the air trapped inside the balloon is heated up by a burner, making it less dense than the air outside. We know that hot air rises—so basically now you have it!
I must admit I was a little “scared” at the prospect of jumping into a basket and then relying on the theory of hot air rising to ensure I didn’t crash to the ground.
The day started early with me rising at 4 am to get ready and over to the Yarra Valley, where everyone pitches in to get things organised for the flight. This was a sunrise flight and in Melbourne Winter it really didn’t seem that appealing. Dressed in my winter woollies I was ready and waiting, filled with a mixture of apprehension and excitement. I thought I was the only one with reservations, with the exception of a little old lady, who had been given this as a gift for her 80th birthday. She said she had had this on her bucket list for the last 20 years!
The flight was amazing. It was exhilarating and it was one of the most incredible feelings being up there, way above the ground with everything becoming smaller and smaller. The Yarra Valley looks so different from the air and being in a balloon is the closest I think I’ll ever get to truly flying.
For more information visit www.globalballooning.com.au or call +61 3 9428 5703
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