Balloon Ride

We were lucky enough to take a hot air balloon ride over Mareeba a few days ago.    We were

picked up at the rodeo grounds at 5am (up at 4am) and taken out to a farm paddock.    It was very cold, more so because the grass was long and wet with dew.  The ride itself was warm and comfortable.  We watched the balloons inflate and then time to hop on.    It was about a 45 min.ride all up, even though it stated "30 min" ride. on the ticket.   Loved it so much, it was my first time, but it was such a lovely feeling being up in the early morning, watching the sunrise in the horizon.   There were 15 of us on board (usually 20).    We were lucky because we only paid $50 each for the pleasure.     Those that were bussed up from Cairns paid $235 each. Here at the rodeo grounds you can put your name down with the Balloon Company to go on a standby list.   Which we did.   Got the call the next night to be ready for a 5am pickup.    They use the standby list to fill the balloon when they dont have a full flight.   Its the "quiet season" at the moment for them.

Got dropped off at the rodeo grounds, soaking wet feet and jeans, and headed straight to the tyre service to order our tyres for the Suzuki.   Back to the bus for a late brekkie and then off for more sightseeing and another picnic.   Rick is ready for a day of nothing very soon now.