Ballooning should be a beautiful way to see the country.
They can look wonderful. Until the burner roars the impression is of silent floating. Much preferable to the irritating racket made by helicopters. But two things have put me off trying this, both reported by people who have taken a flight. One is the explosive noise of the burner and the other is the heat on top of your head – a hard hat incorporating an ice pack was recommended by one person who said it was not something he would be doing again.
From the position of those on the ground there are other reservations. It’s not a problem when they float high and peaceful. But I’ve seen farm livestock and wildlife thoroughly alarmed and panicked when balloons make an unexpected appearance and sudden roar only just overhead. And it’s when they are low down that they need the extra bursts to regain elevation. Surely someone could invent a quieter means of maintaining inflation? Some years ago I read an article in Balloon Life magazine mentioning concerns and saying that burner manufacturers were working at trying to reduce the noise made for the benefit of the users whose hearing could be harmed. A check on the web shows that article is still available but I’ve no information about any progess being made. Is another system altogether not viable?
*'Over the Hills and Far Away': title also of an early piece by the Bradford born composer Delius
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