Indian Summer had already allowed. The great Grass Roots meet had put three flights in my logbook by the 2nd of the month! But the remnant of Hurricane Ophelia was now adding just enough speed to the stable weather to give us the ride of our lives.
‘I feel fine’ 09.30 Breakfast of great gooey flapjacks made by Andrew’s wife Louise and crisps ready to explode with the altitude.
His dad Jim was driving with Laurence Wigfield, another ace crewman and pilot only just back from flying for the Buddy Bombard fleet around Europe. The retrieve was now out of radio range and we guessed Jim and Laurence were having trouble keeping up. 7000 feet, 090 degrees, 53.8 mph! The fastest I’ve ever been in a balloon and a pleasing personal moment as I hit my 1000th hour P1.
‘Good day sunshine’ 10.10 We sped along at over 50 mph for more than half an hour but as the sun stirred up the wind and the cloud scattered we were down to 41 mph at 8000 feet over Merthyr Tydfil. We just gazed over the side appreciating the privileged view - and the music.
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