Have you experienced the beauty of floating thru the sky in a hot air balloon?
I did recently with Floating Images and it was THE most incredible experience.
Floating Images, Brisbane’s closest hot air balloon company, are located only a 30 minute drive from Brisbane and are operated by Graeme and Ruth Day. Graeme has been flying hot air balloons for 25 years and learnt his craft while living in France.
My adventure with Floating Images began with a very early morning rise to ensure I was at the meeting point at Ipwich Metro Hotel for the 4.10am departure. Once arrived at the hotel we were taken on a short drive to our departure point near Amberley Air Base. With all hands on deck, or perhaps in this case, all hands on the basket, we helped unload the balloon, then Graeme and his assistant set up the burners and prepared the balloon for our flight.
Let me tell you a little secret, I was terrified to go on this hot air balloon ride! I have climbed Q1 on the Gold Coast in windy conditions but the thought of drifting in the sky in a balloon was to me a very nervous experience.
However after being offered this amazing opportunity I simply couldn’t say no. So I pushed my fears aside and let the excitement of the adventure take over.
Our one hour flight over the heritage city of Ipswich and surrounds was absolutely breathtaking. We took in scenes of the suburbs of Ipswich, Amerberley Air Base, Bremer River, the Scenic Rim and the Somerset region, the skyline of Brisbane city and Wivenhoe Dam to name a few.
Our ride was effortless, peaceful and very beautiful. To be up in the clouds at a height of 2600 feet was a magical experience. My fears of drifting through the sky had disappeared as we drifted over green, picturesque countryside.
The Floating Images hot air balloon adventure also includes a full buffet breakfast at our meeting point, the Ipswich Metro Hotel.
While the weather wasn’t perfect for our adventure it didn’t at all detract from the experience. In fact I had such an amazing time I’m looking forward to going again and I’ll be wishing for a picture perfect sunrise.
Floating Images
Telephone – (07) 3294 8770
Website – www.floatingimages.com.au