This photo was taken at about 3000 feet by a remote control camera which was hanging off the canopy. Seventeen of us in a basket about 6 feet by 12 feet or so - by the time we landed we were quite good friends. The canopy was huge and it alone weighed in at an amazing 345 kg - nothing more than ripstop nylon and a few stainless cables. It was an impressive piece of engineering and beautiful to boot.
Two large fans were used to partially inflate the balloon and then a blast of few minutes from the huge burners and up went the canopy - we all climbed aboard then we took off....
It was amazing, here is a shot of the canopy reflected in the Nepean River as we passed over it. The basket was the traditional wicker construction which you can see in the foreground.
Sunrise was beautiful, it was a clear day and we could right back to the city skyline and Botany Bay.
It was a fabulous experience, thanks!!
