Oh my goodness. Not only is this the best thing I've ticked off my bucket list so far, but it's probably up there with one of the best things I've ever done. EVER.
Doug and I got up at 5am and trudged through the morning light to Ashton Court. We were greeted with a pretty sunrise & a few other sleepy and excited people, heading over to a few landrovers behind the mansion.
Yep, this was the launch site for our hot air balloon ride!!
The pilots introduced themselves & ran through what would happen, as well as health and safety stuff, then we were put to work! I loved that we all had to help set up the balloon, as well as pack it away at the end.
Doug volunteered to look after one of the fans that helped to inflate the balloon, and before we knew it, these huge expanses of fabric started to look like balloons. Once the flames were lit, they stood upright, and were even bigger than I expected!
We hopped in and began to float away, waving goodbye to Ashton Court and watching everything get smaller and smaller until Bristol looked like a toy town. We spotted the suspension bridge, and the Severn estuary in the background, and I even worked out where our house was!
Halfway through the flight, we practised our landing positions, and then were served champagne!
The feeling of drifting with the wind is wonderful. It's so calm. I wish it could've lasted forever.
We floated on a little further, over some countryside south of Bristol, and soon our hour was up and it was time to land in a field. The wind had picked up a little, which meant a bit of a bumpy landing - the basket even tipped over! However, it wasn't scary at all, and we were all in hysterics.
After helping deflate & pack away the balloon, we had a bumpy ride through the lanes back to Ashton Court, where we were all given little certificates!
Having a hot air balloon ride has been on my bucket list for quite some time, and I'm so glad I got to finally do it! I definitely want to experience it again, maybe in this stunning location!
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Incredible! This is something I've always wanted to do, although my boyfriend isn't so keen. Love your photos too, I forget how pretty Bristol is when the majority of it I see is the inside of the O2 Academy..! x
ReplyDeletethat's amazing! it looks like you had a wonderful time and the photos are incredible! definitely one that should be on everyone bucket list. I'm loving this little blog series, it makes me want to go do more things!
ReplyDeleteHelena / helenaterry.blogspot.co.uk
This is incredible! Something I've always wanted to do including visiting Bristol for the first time. It's safe to say you have convinced me to do both!! Thanks for sharing
ReplyDeletexx
http://lexxiannespoonful.blogspot.co.uk/
That's amazing. I bet it was so much fun. I would love to do one of these in the future, the views are incredible!
ReplyDeleteLauren // OhHay Blogs!
xxx
Such beautiful photos and what an amazing experience!! xx
ReplyDeletehellotashaa.blogspot.co.uk
Those beautifull photos make me miss England!!!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely on my bucket list, too.
Emma // http://keepcalmgotokorea.blogspot.co.uk/
Awe! Congrats! The photos are breathtaking!
ReplyDeleteI scrolled through these photos whilst listening to a very emotional song and I'm telling you, I almost cried. ♥ Oh my butterfly, it must have been incredible.
ReplyDeleteThis is so beautiful! I think I want to add this on my bucket list as well. I was wondering, if you have fear of heights, because I do, and I think this would feel very frightening. It's the only thing holding me back from doing a balloon ride.
ReplyDeleteI remember when I was a kid and my parents went on a balloon ride for their anniversary one year, and ever since then I've wanted to go on one!
ReplyDeleteI went to the balloon fiesta a couple weeks ago, though it rained the day we were there so no balloons went up! It's so strange seeing it without all the crowds of people!
It looks like you guys had such a great time, even with the bumpy landing haha!
xo April Everyday
This is so amazing! I'd love to do this! x
ReplyDeleteThis looks like so much fun. I'm not sure I could do it, though, as I'm really scared of heights!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous photos, as always.
www.feelingstylish.co.uk
Amazing photos! This looks so fun and go you for ticking off part of your bucket list! I keep meaning to make one! x
ReplyDeletewww.alittlefreckle.blogspot.co.uk
Amazing, what an experience!
ReplyDeleteThis looks amazing! I'd love to go in a hot air balloon someday, it would be so magical! So glad you did it and had such an amazing time!
ReplyDeletewww.hayleyeszti.blogspot.com
I'd love to go on a hot air balloon ride - looks like you had an awesome time! xx
ReplyDeletehttp://peanutbutterandmussels.com/
Thanks for linking to my cappadocia hot air balloon pics! Your ride looks incredible!! Loved the scenery, and you are just so beautiful!! xoxo Katie
ReplyDeleteThis sounds absolutely amazing, and the views are just gorgeous! But I would be so afraid of landing again haha H xx
ReplyDeletewww.hopesgone.blogspot.co.uk
WOW, stunning views, definitely something i want to do some day xx
ReplyDeleteThat looks amazing!!
ReplyDeleteThis looks really amazing! I have to look out if I can do this in my region too :)
ReplyDeletewww.leesangsgreyworld.blogspot.co.at
Oh Lyzi I'm so glad you guys had a good time, this looks amazing. Treehouse next ;) x
ReplyDeleteAhhh amazing!! Looks like an absolute blast and your pics are gorgeous :D xx
ReplyDeleteLittle Miss Katy | UK Lifestyle & fashion