On a perfect June evening in 2024 after a delay of a couple of years we eventually managed to have our balloon trip over Oxford. We had numerous delays due to postponements because the weather was either too warm or too cold, too windy or no breeze at all, risk of rain or low cloud or any other reasons the organisers came up with. The original company we booked with (and paid the full cost!) went out of business. Luckily Virgin took over their business & honoured our booking.

A rather belated birthday present for Ann!

I don’t have a head for heights, so yes, I was rather nervous. However once we were up over the city of Oxford, the views really were breathtaking & we both loved the experience.

The burners over our heads were very noisy. However when they were switched off, then it was very peaceful & quiet.

We took off from Oxpens Meadow on the banks of the Thames & glided serenely in a South-Easterly direction. Landing was a bit of a challenge as our pilot had to search in an area he was unfamiliar with. We eventually found suitable ground in Nuneham Courtenay Global Retreat Centre where the yoga participants were a bit bemused.

Sandford Lock

Coming in to land