THE GREAT BALLOON FLIGHT

It was in the year 1991, that the great balloon flight over Everest happened.

The four balloonists on the flight, were Leo Dickinson, Chris Dewhirst, Eric Jones and Andy Elson.

Andy and Eric went in a second balloon, to film Leo and Chris, both of whom had tried to balloon over Everest before, but without success.

Preparing for the expedition was no walk in the park. Equipment had to be sorted out and tested and the balloons had to be made.

When all was finally ready, Leo, Chris, Andy and Eric, set off on their reckless adventure.

However, they were not the only members of the expedition. Chris’ wife, Heather went, Leo’s wife, Mandy went and several others too.

From Kathmandu, the team headed high up into the mountains, to the Sherpa village of Gokyo.

Gokyo, which is close to Everest, was the launch site for the balloons.

It was then a matter of waiting for the right moment to take flight. A very long wait it was too. Weeks in fact.

Weeks of impatience, arguing, unrest and waiting for the right weather conditions.

To add to the trouble, an expedition member, called

Lisa, ended up having high altitude sickness. Fortunately, she survived.

One day however, the weather was perfect.

The great flight, could at last be made.

The burners roared to life and the balloons inflated.

The four balloonists were very afraid – afraid of the dangers involved. Dangers like the burners going out, running out of fuel, the balloons falling apart and getting caught in wind.

However, the balloonists took to the air. Leo and Chris went first, followed soon by Andy and Eric.

As the balloons rose up, the lower peaks fell away – revealing the hidden terrain beyond.

When the balloonists were high enough, they headed towards Everest.

Leo and Chris crossed right over the summit, at a safe height of thirty-three, or thirty-four thousand feet.

For Andy and Eric, it was a different story.

Their burners went out four times and they almost collided with the Southwest face of Everest. Then they got caught in a rota.

Fortunately, they survived and were able to fly successfully over the summit at a safe altitude.

Soon after that, something else happened.

Leo and Chris started running low on fuel and they were above the Tibetan plateau, miles from Everest.

They had to find somewhere to land. Fast!

It was then that Chris sent the balloon into a very quick descent. A major error that was.

The balloon collided twice with uneven terrain. Leo and Chris were cast out of the basket.

Luckily, they survived, though Leo broke a rib.

Andy and Eric on the other hand, landed easily.

So the great balloon flight over Everest was a success.

Recommend Write a ReviewReport