Ballooning.

Am now in the US and again at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Having a great time except for the 3:15am getting out of bed, at least it saves me from trying to beat jetlag.:-)


The weather was predicted to start raining after the first mass ascension on Saturday and last all week. The forecasters are as bad here as they are back in Blighty. We have had a wonderful week flying. Only bad spots were Wednesday when it was my turn in the basket where we put up and then the winds on the field picked up and Keith decided to rip out after we had moved about 4 feet still tethered. Shortest flight of the week. Made up for it an Thursday though when I had a flight of around 70 minuted and flew north west over the Rio Grande and Corales and landed in a vacant lot west of Hwy 528 near the dog spa. Yes here they even have spas for pooches where they can stay for a few days and swim in the pool, get a massage and their skin toned etc just like a spa for people. There are some really messed up people over here who would waste money on that sort of shite.

Friday was the only day we did not try to fly as the winds were a bit strong and a couple of rain showers came across the field with a front that moved from the west and over the mountains.

Did all the usual things, visited Old Town and the Candy Lady for some of the best chocolates around, bought new clothes in the sales, ate lots of food smothered in chillies, made and ate lots and lots of jelly shots.

2 Hours in 5 minutes

In UK

Been out of Africa for a few weeks now and having a great time. Spent two weeks in the UK visiting mum and son whilst having plenty of real ale and some very nice wine supplied by Naked Wines, who deliver.

It is good to be back in a place where everything you always took for granted can be taken for granted. Never a worry about running out into the rain to start a generator, not being stopped by the police for a licence check near the end of the month for no real reason. Being able to buy what you want from the shops and bars rather than what they want to sell you.Good internet speeds and, congestion on the phones and TV that works even in the rain.

Cannot show any pictures yet as I did not manage to get my camera released from police custody as yet. Seems that the case is still ongoing, only been 4 months.

Lorcan is fine and busy working hard. He and girlfriend are in the process of buying a flat in Helston. Managed to spend a day with him which was good.