BALLOONING www.chicktrips.net/ballooning.htm

The rewards of the journey far outweigh the risk of leaving the harbor. ---Unknown



		Ballooning in Tuscany The minute I read that this was in the neighborhood of Montisi, I knew I had to do it. I was a little nervous at first, but after talking to everyone I knew who had ballooned, I realized how safe it is and my trepidation turned to anticipation. This is what I wrote in my journal after our flight: "Well, I did it! I ballooned and it was such a thrill. It was so easy, so unscary and I can't wait to do it again. Especially with Robert and Liz Etherington. Robert is so professional I had complete confidence in his judgment and abilities. We met at 6 AM at Robert's house in a valley near Castelmuzio for the inflation of the balloon. Even this part of the experience was exciting and added to the anticipation of take-off. Five of us climbed into the basket with Robert and we were up, up and away. 'The air is very still. There's a comforting warmth from the burners in the cool morning air, and very little sensation of movement. Birds fly by at eye level, the sun casts sparkling light on the hills below us, and our shadow slides silently across the fields. I feel almost invisible hanging here in the sky. Is this how angels feel....? Someone shouts "Buon giorno!" and waves from a farmhouse below us. A white dog barks excitedly and follows our shadow path along the unfenced hillside. Sheep leave the safety of their huddle and scatter in all directions - Robert yells "Sorry!" to the shepherd. A hawk flies below us and a deer runs for cover in the trees. The beautiful Southern Tuscany farmland is stretched as far as the eye can see - there's Pienza, Montisi, Castelmuzio, Monte Amiata, there's Montefollonico...whoa, wait a minute, there's Bill and Patty Sutherland's house! Can we get a little closer? We'll take pictures to send them... ...Thump!!' Bill drove down to the meadow where we landed below his house and graciously agreed to let us picnic on his terrace. Liz, Robert's wife, had followed the path of the balloon in a chase vehicle and prepared a great champagne breakfast for us. We took a tour of the Sutherland's restored home - what a treat. That day the kitchen was being tiled with the most beautiful hand-painted tiles designed by Patty, an artist. From there Robert and Liz took us for a quick coffee (needed a caffeine fix!), and for a look at Liz's studio where she paints and writes children's books. The talent in this area is amazing. Then back to their house - also being restored - for our goodbyes. And this was just the morning! But what a morning it was..." Please read more about Robert's flights and Liz's art at www.ballooningintuscany.com ...and about Bill and Patty Sutherland's culinary program at www.tuscanwomencook.com

Ballooning in Tuscany