Oxfordshire is a beautiful rural county bounded
by the foothills of the Cotwolds to the west
and the Chiltern Hills to the east.
Did you know that Oxford is actually the
birthplace of
Hot Air Ballooning in England ?
James Sadler became known as “the King
of the Balloon” after he successfully
flew about 6 miles from Christchurch meadow
in the City of Oxford to the village of Woodeaton.
This feat is commemorated by by a plaque at
the take-off site in Oxford.
We wonder how much has changed since then.
Certainly there is some new technology. Hot
Air Balloon retrival crews have the benefit
of modern vehicles and radio communications.
New materials also make aspects of this pursuit
easier and more convenient. However, the Oxfordshire
countryside is still an idyllic view from
above. Except when the baloon burner is in
action, the flight is silent, or as silent
as you want it to be ... Enjoy !
|
Hot Air Balloon Landing
over Thame Showground,
Oxfordshire.
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