Hot Air Balloon Ride

A couple of years ago, my Dad surprised my family with a hot air balloon experience up in the Hunter Valley. I had always wanted to go in a hot air balloon because they seem like so much fun, and also look so nice up in the sky.

We drove up to Cessnock on a Friday afternoon where we stayed at a lovely little cottage on some acreage, way out of town. It was surrounded by paddocks of horses and cows and was a very fresh atmosphere.

Saturday morning, we awoke at 5:00am to go to a small airport nearby, which is where the balloons take-off from.
As we watched the hot air balloons inflate, the sun began to rise.
About 10 of us hopped into the basket and after a while of preparation, the balloon drifted up, up and away. I didn't even feel it lift off the ground! We were floating and it was so lovely.

We drifted over a few vineyards, some lakes, and… some more vineyards…

It was such an amazing view from up there and it was so peaceful, I didn't want to come back down again!

 Inflating the balloon

Some other hot air balloons

- Jess