Lift Off? Not

Well, we can't say we didn't try. It was obvious that we weren't going to fly first thing in the morning with the weather the way it was, but there was hope for the afternoon. This turned out to be a no go as well, so Denis and I headed to Levin to do some more sorting for the event to be held there next week. This in itself was a bit of fun as Denis is a very gregarious character who can keep you amused and alternately terrified for hours with his conversation and driving.

Lift Off (Still Not Quite)

As predicted in the last entry, the weather has proved to be the winner on the day, just dropping from the sky at very regular intervals. It was looking ominous on the drive down yesterday and set in just after coming through Eketahuna (find that one on the map). So this morning's Mass Ascension became a Mass Depression - not really, because balloonists take the weather in their stride, it's all part of the sport. The forecast is for clearing, so meanwhile it is an opportunity to enjoy the delights of Masterton on a rainy afternoon. Hmmm. I think a movie may be on the cards.

Lift Off (Almost)

The time has crept closer. Since my last (and first) blog back in January things have definitely firmed up on the ballooning front - although we don't really like fronts as they can cause havoc with a flight. First thing out of the way was getting time off to pursue three weeks of madness. Having got that confirmed I have had to work my way through the last few weeks of mayhem, but with the goal of March 30 in my sights. Now it is just a day and a bit away. Tomorrow will be for travelling down to the Wairarapa and linking up with my pilot, ready for an early morning mass ascension on the Wednesday morning. Problem is the weather is looking a little scruffy - Easter in NZ is normally pretty patchy weather-wise, so it should be no surprise that it will continue in the week following. But that's all part of the ballooning life - you just have to live with it.

Details of the secret mini-event between the two main NZ ballooning events is firming up. This is to be held in Levin starting April 7 and running through until Monday 11, or even possibly Tuesday 12. As you may have gathered from that itinerary, this event will be a laid-back affair more in keeping with general nature of NZ sport pilot's leisurely nature. There will be a Nightglow organised for Saturday April 8 (I think) with at least 15 balloons participating. Watch this blog for more details.

If you are out and about at the Wairarapa, Waikato or even the Levin event, keep an eye out for us in the Absolutely Positively Wellington balloon. If you want to say high, I'll probably be the one holding onto the rope. If you want to know what I'm doing, ask Auntie Buhabs.

Lift Off

This blog has been started to take in the Hot Air Ballooning season in New Zealand - three weeks of chaos and mayhem throughout the North Island. This road (and air) trip will be seen through the eyes and ears of a slightly demented crewie who has the ambition to be a pilot (I've done it twice so far - total time in control of about three hours), but not the wherewithall (y'know, the money). So these three weeks just post-Easter are a chance to live the dream for another year. If you are interested in catching up with the events they start in the Wairarapa just north of Wellington and end in the Waikato, based in Hamilton - keep an eye out for the Wellington balloon. In between these two events is a one week window which will be filled with yet more flying and fun - I'll keep you posted on the location of that one.

First stumbling block is going to be getting the time off work as it is smack in the middle of our busy time. I'm at the boss' mercy at the moment, so I'm sucking up big time. Once I get images sussed I'll have some pics of past events up.