Balloon Pages at the World Wide Web
The valley near Lamego seems to be perfect for ballooning. But itīs very difficult to estimate wind speeds higher on the mountain. | The landing place is far from ideal. Just below the top in rough terrain is it realy difficiult to retreive the balloon |
With a 76 year old Portuguese farmer as a guide I had to drive kilometers out of my way, over wagon trails and donkey tracks, to get as close as 200 meters to the balloon. | John Hole with the Rover balloon ended up just below the crest of the mountain. |
The Viseu valley is better oriented in the wind direction and is wider and flatter thus allowing for much easier travel than the preceding day. | Extensive vineyards alternate with crop fields, orchards and sections of rough terrain where it is easy to land. | |||
In the Estrella park lies the highest mountain in Portugal. Over winding roads with hairpin curves you drive through one of the most beautiful areas in Portugal. | The terrain around the mountain sinks away lower and lower and the road to the top has many surprises in store like the views of the valley | ||
Serpa appears to have just come out of a history book. It is located on the top of a hill and you can understand why it was built here when you look from the castle walls. | In all directions there is a magnificent view over the surroundings and thus it was an ideal location for the rulers of this part of the country.And for ballooning!!! |