The view from my "office"

[mrs.dr.ron]

re: The view from my "office"



Sunset from my office - the kitchen - today Sunday 29/05 - Sunshine Coast - QLD

 

[infoworks]

re: The view from my "office"

Tonight.

 

[OATEK]

re: The view from my "office"

Tonight.

Living in SIN!

 

[Major]

re: The view from my "office"

Waiting for our flight PPT-AKL

 

[RooFlyer]

re: The view from my "office"

<snip>
Later on, concern turned to very scared when we actually snagged a power line with the basket; there were sparks as it broke and fell to the ground, as we sailed on.

My goodness!
I guess you won't be signing up for another ballooning adventure.
<snip>

Well, actually ....

At the end of the balloon trip, during the après Champers and strawberries, the business owner rocked up for a meet and greet. Seems like he's the local entrepreneur, with hotels and other stuff. We got talking about the weather (very poor that day) and I mentioned that I might do a trip tomorrow, when the weather was forecast to be good. He then offered me the deluxe, 90 min, 8 pax trip (vs the 60 min, 12-16 pax trip) for the price of the regular one. Sold!

So, up at 3:45am again the next day (today), and it was magnificent! (Plus we had the Chief Pilot and didn't go anywhere near power lines!)

Here we are - that's me on the right:




The type of rock formation that Cappadocia is known for:




Some cave houses, again, what its famous for.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

re: The view from my "office"

RooFlyer, I hope you mentioned the power line saga to the business owner, as that bit of bravado had the very real potential to end very, very differently. I could post up some photos of what high voltage does to the human body, but I don't want to gross everyone out!

 

[QF WP]

re: The view from my "office"

My office yesterday was at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, where we got up and personal with an eagle (amongst others):



Merino sheep, restlessinRNO (friend from Flyertalk) and my kids



Selfie with Skippy



Hairy nosed wombat



but the best for me was being under the flight path of final approach at OOL, where we were regularly buzzed by Tiger, Jetstar and Virgin planes (didn't see a QF one):

 

[love_the_life]

re: The view from my "office"

Haven't been to Currumbin in a few years but any time we are at the Gold Coast we usually go. Last time we did a behind the scenes type tour which was great. Do they still do that?

 

[RooFlyer]

re: The view from my "office"

RooFlyer, I hope you mentioned the power line saga to the business owner, as that bit of bravado had the very real potential to end very, very differently. I could post up some photos of what high voltage does to the human body, but I don't want to gross everyone out!

Yes, I have his business card. To be honest, having done a balloon trip in Burma, this one's approach to safety, starting on the ground was way slacker. I felt apprehensive for much of the first trip. And Royal balloons is one of the better companies! Today's trip was completely different - I was relaxed the whole time. Different pilot.

 

[cambriamarsh]

re: The view from my "office"

RooFlyer, I hope you mentioned the power line saga to the business owner, as that bit of bravado had the very real potential to end very, very differently. I could post up some photos of what high voltage does to the human body, but I don't want to gross everyone out!

There was an incident in NZ near Martinborough a few years ago that resulted in fatalities. Power lines were implicated along with other factors.

 

[pagingjoan]

re: The view from my "office"

Yes, I have his business card. To be honest, having done a balloon trip in Burma, this one's approach to safety, starting on the ground was way slacker. I felt apprehensive for much of the first trip. And Royal balloons is one of the better companies! Today's trip was completely different - I was relaxed the whole time. Different pilot.

Just checked to see which company we used, as I recalled that our pilot was (reportedly) the initiator of the Hot Air Balloon services in that part of the world.

According to my records, it was Kapadokya Balloons. Their website states that they were the first operators there, starting in 1991, and they seem to rate very highly in the quick scan I have done of TA and other sites. I do recall that they came highly recommended by our Australian contact, who had been using them for many years. The company sent a comprehensive package of information in advance of our trip, with quite a focus on safety.

Certainly, on our trip, the pilot's performance and control far exceeded many of the balloons we could see around us, who were floundering in contrast. His precision was remarkable.

As always, when "up in the air", the pilot is key!

 

[Steady]

re: The view from my "office"

My view on the way, and way home from work today.

.


There were millions of super fine spider webs/threads over the pastures, fences, trees and power poles / lines this afternoon - glistening in the sun while gently rippling in the breeze but I didn't have time to capture it in a photo but if it is repeated tomorrow I will try - it was truly amazing

 

[Bindibuys]

re: The view from my "office"

I wanted to book balloon flight out of Luxor. Thank goodness I have friends that owned Balloon Aloft here in Oz. They were able to contact flyers in the area, and get me in touch with the company best recommended by other pilots.
Have now booked private flight for just the 2 of us.
Will let you know how it goes.
Now.... view for tonight.... first load of wood bought inside, first night with the fire on.

 

[drron]

re: The view from my "office"

a serious view in the office today.a reminder of harder times-

.

 

[coco50]

re: The view from my "office"

Pushka, I'll see your Hayman Island and raise you a Gold Coast and Byron Bay:

View attachment 71557

View attachment 71558

View attachment 71559

View attachment 71560

View attachment 71561

Byron Bay's a losing bet these days - lower than a 2 of spades.

 

[UpInTheAir:)]

re: The view from my "office"

I wanted to book balloon flight out of Luxor. Thank goodness I have friends that owned Balloon Aloft here in Oz. They were able to contact flyers in the area, and get me in touch with the company best recommended by other pilots.
Have now booked private flight for just the 2 of us.
Will let you know how it goes.
Now.... view for tonight.... first load of wood bought inside, first night with the fire on.
View attachment 71785

You held out! We've had it going for a few nights now... First light frost this morning... brrrrrrrrr

 

[Pushka]

re: The view from my "office"

No need for firewood here. Except maybe to dry the bathers out?

 

[JohnM]

re: The view from my "office"

I wanted to book balloon flight out of Luxor. Thank goodness I have friends that owned Balloon Aloft here in Oz. They were able to contact flyers in the area, and get me in touch with the company best recommended by other pilots.
Have now booked private flight for just the 2 of us.
Will let you know how it goes.
Now.... view for tonight.... first load of wood bought inside, first night with the fire on.
View attachment 71785

Stock up the wood box please :mrgreen:.

 

[UpInTheAir:)]

re: The view from my "office"

My office has a beach in it too today

Too cold for swimming though..
Frankston, Melbourne, Victoria

 

[TomVexille]

re: The view from my "office"

My office has a beach in it too today
View attachment 71825
Too cold for swimming though..
Frankston, Melbourne, Victoria

I thought you didn't cross the river? :shock: