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Hot Air Balloon trip from Houten to Zwartebroek

At the 11th of September 2010 we made a hot air balloon trip because of the 50th birthday of Gonnie. The balloon took off from a green field near Houten. It was a beautifull day and it was certainly not the only balloon taking off into the air.
It was some hard work to get the balloon from the trailer and spread it out onto the field. After that we had to wait for other balloons to get out of our way.
A huge ventilator blew air into the balloon. At one point, when there was enough air in it, the pilot started the gas burner to warm the air. Some of us were already in the basket to provide counterweight. Slowly the balloon rose into the sky. The others stepped in and we were ready to go, following the other balloons.
After an hour the sun was setting and we had to find a landing spot. We found it at a field near Zwartebroek.
The balloon was folded and loaded onto the trailer, which followed us. After all this heavy work we were rewarded with a glass of champagne and a certificate. The organisation hired a large bus to bring us, and the guests of three other balloons back to Houten.

A compilation of the pictures taken by Gonnie, Peter and Rob.

All pictures can be seen at our

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