After a brief rest, we were situated in the middle of the bush surrounded by animals again. We could hear chomping from the impala and roaring of the lions in the early morning darkness. This was from our tent.
We jumped into the truck and headed out for a morning balloon ride. The air was cool and we all bundled up in jackets, hats and ponchos. We road in the open safari truck for about 40 minutes to the site where the pilots were setting up the balloons.
We were loaded in the basket and sat quietly as we listened to the burners fill the balloon with hot air. We could feel the heat as we sat waiting to take off. We tipped upright and then slowly dragged across the grass. The pilot continued to use the burners, and up we floated. It is such a peaceful feeling floating above the trees while watching animals and the landscape below.
We floated with the wind following two other balloons. The ride was smooth and peaceful. We floated for about an hour and then landed in the tall grass not far from the camp.
We sat down for the landing on padded benches inside the basket. We skidded quickly across the grass until we came to a stop. The landing was much smoother than anticipated.
Champagne is a tradition of hot air balloon pilots. We were offered a glass along with some breakfast snacks.
As we stood enjoying our morning libations, we were told the story of champagne and hot air ballooning.
The abridged story is two brothers from France built the first hot air balloon. They put animals in the first balloon. They showed their invention to King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. The flight went well and they decided to put a person in the basket. Again the flight was a success. Unfortunately, they landed in fields and the farmers were upset. Their crops were being destroyed. King Louis XVI thought if he took them a peace offering of champagne, they would not be so upset.
Upholding that tradition, hot air balloons celebrate with champagne upon landing.
We returned to camp and were ready for a nap. We spent the afternoon relaxing in our tent.
We skipped the evening drive. Our day was complete with a balloon ride and some relaxation.
We were gearing up for another day.
MissHathawaysGreatRace 