The Hot Air Balloon Trip

The flattened canopy slowly stirred into life and raised its silky body from the safety of the ground. Gradually and majestically, this huge colourful creature swayed from left to right as its heart began to pound with a roaring, gushing sound. Its massive canopy lifted its inflated body towards the early evening sky with onlookers watching the raging burner giving it strength and purpose. The excited passengers clambered into the wicker basket preparing themselves for an experience so adventurous and marvellous. Gently, surprisingly ever so gently, the hot air balloon floated upwards from the land. The passengers waved their goodbyes to the gathered crowd before focussing their attention on the patchwork landscape so grand. Down below, the children were heard shouting at this floating bubble of  human ingenuity. Directly below were two-dimensional shapes of various sizes and colour, giving the passengers so much pleasure and artistic beauty. Every so often, the dogs were heard barking at this floating, flaring, moving monster. All around were sweeping, criss-crossing, thin brush strokes of transportation as far as the eye could see. The exhilaration and experience gained from such a flight would certainly last for ever. For an hour the journey lasted as they floated across the town and fields, but eventually the landing came suddenly and was considered very exciting. The basket landed and tipped onto its side with the passengers talking and laughing. The canopy deflated quickly; without a sound, its heart sadly stopped beating.My flight across Aylesbury, Bucks, England. It was a great experience! Photos on my web site. Written June 30th, 1999 © on Mar 16 2002 07:33 AM PST   18 • 0 • 10