The plan this morning was to go to Ashton Court and have a nice slow flight across Bristol. However, the wind decided to change its mind and started going towards Bristol International Airport.

Unfortunately it meant that realistically there was not enough time to get to another launch site. But all was not lost, we were not on our own with not flying. Tim Dudman brought his hopper along so we all decided to go to the big field in Ashton Court where the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta is held and have a play around in the hopper!

I’ve never flown a hopper before so it was something very different than flying in a basket! For those that don’t know, a hopper is a one person balloon without a basket, you just have a little seat and your legs dangle beneath you! Sounds scary but it is good fun!

Go and take a look in the gallery at the photos that were kindly taken by crew Matt Cleaves

Pilot Phil Hooper (me!) getting strapped into the hopper seat!

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