The Old Candle Factory

All the countries visited in this Great African Balloon Adventure were firsts for me. Most of my African ballooning has been done in Kenya - at a traditional tented safari camp called Governors' Camp A selection of pictures taken there can be found HERE . I have a fund of precious memories from my years spent at Governors' and I long to return. But as I recall the events of the last 6 weeks travelling across Africa from the Indian Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean I feel immensely privileged to have been part of this fabulous adventure and to have rubbed shoulders with some extraordinary people. How all the footage can be compressed into 3 episodes is beyond me - I take my hat off to the skills of the editing profession. But I sense that Will and Woody have editors' hats on as well as camaraman hats. And if that is true, then heaven knows how many hats are perched on Frank's head. I am about to join a young lady for dinner and should be preparing for that rather than waxing l

Mile after mile of empty Namibian roads were eaten up by the trusty Iveco to the sound of Johnny B Good by Chuck Berry. The combination of Adam at the wheel AND the iPOD was perfect and we celebrated upon arriving at the Atlantic Ocean at sunset. And the next day we went shopping......

While I am processing pictures taken somewhere between Dar es Salaam and the Atlantic Ocean, I have posted an image of proof that I showed fearless courage whilst close to wild animals right from an early age. I am 3rd from left and relying on protection from my brother and sisters, but that smile says it all. I was obviously happy to risk a severe licking from a baby lamb to explore the local wild life.

I am back in Blighty on a foggy sunday morning after a 10 hour flight in a Virgin plane called 'Tinker Bell'. I like the way the planes all have names - a bit like Eddie Stobbart's trucks . The air hostesses were fascinated to learn I had taught their boss to fly a balloon. They kept my wine glass topped up during dinner :-) Huge thanks to the lovely Diana for collecting me and delivering me home - and bringing some fresh milk for my empty fridge xx And thanks to the 3 armed Police who created such a drama as they boarded the plane at Heathrow and told us all to remain seated as they made their way to a person who...er...could possibly help them with their enquiries? Imagine my surprise when they carted of a bemused gentleman who looked for all the world like Sam, our innocent law-abiding logistics/transport expert. Surely it couldn't have been him......could it?? Anyway - once the poor fellow was in their custody we were allowed off the plane to make our way home.