I found Bob’s Balloons on the internet and got us booked in, we were to meet him at 6am at Championsgate. Once there we met Bob and the other couple who were taking the ride, we had absolutely no idea what to expect and we’re both a bit afraid of heights!

We were all taken in Bobs van to a ranch on the other side of US27 where several other companies were already getting set up. We were lucky as the conditions were favourable, it had been too windy for the ballons to go up over the past few days. It was fascinating to watch the whole process of getting these balloons inflated and off the ground. We actually stood inside the balloon as it inflated. The basket was smaller than I expected and we nervously climbed in, we were given instructions for landing and then we gently floated up and joined all the other balloons above the swampland.

We had to go with the direction of the wind which took us parallel to US27 but not over our villa where our neighbours were waiting to wave. The height was no problem at all, it was marvellous to be able to see for miles and miles and it was a beautiful sunrise. I had no idea there was so much swampland at the back of our house.

After about an hour we landed in a field at the side of the highway, we helped to pack the balloon away then we were taken to a fruit stand where we had a champagne brunch on a dock overlooking the lake. It cost $350 for the 2 of us but it was an experience not to be missed.