Coquelicot

I know that some of you follow a fascinating blog called Days on the Claise, by two Australians living in France's Loire valley. If you don't read the blog, I highly recommend it to you. They offer specialist guided tours of the Loire region, which we hope to take some day. I keep an eye on their Loire Valley Time Travel website because they keep coming up with new tour ideas, things you might not think of doing and if you did, you might not be able to accomplish on your own.

But their daily blog entries are about life in their village, nature walks, mushroom hunts, what's new in their orchard and garden, whatever turns up in their daily lives. Today's entry was a little unusual–you’ll see why I’m shaking my head.

https://daysontheclaise.blogspot.com...ssigny-10.html

They mention that in one of their photos, the white blob is a man standing on top of a hot air balloon. What???? On top of? I checked and indeed this young Frenchman stood on top of a hot air balloon piloted by his father to 3637 meters to raise money for France Telethon. 36-37 is the Telethon's phone number.

I learn something new every week or so from various blogs, but I must say this takes the cake. I’m so grateful to the many French bloggers who help me feel a little bit in touch with France when I’m not there.

tomboy

I hope he was tethered, lest they hit an air pocket

Jean

Here's a pic from 1962... My aunt is the "wing walker" and her husband is piloting his Tiger Moth.

https://www.bygonely.com/wp-content/...ng:webp/ngcb34

Coquelicot

Jean, what an intrepid aunt you have. I could never!

TDudette

Bad dreams, Coquelicot! Does he have a Plan F (for 'Fall'!)?? But thanks for the post.
Will we be seeing your France TR soon?

Jean

Thanks, Coquelicot! She was an amazing person who had a somewhat unlucky life. She was born during the London Blitz, lost her mom when she was 6, and was sent to boarding school. She died of cancer at age 44. When I see this picture, it reminds me that the middle years of her life were lived to the fullest.

PatrickLondon

I follow their blog too, and am still alternately boggling and shuddering at the thought of that chap (I don't think I could even fly in a balloon basket). Presumably the hot air is not that hot at the top of the balloon, but it would be yet another "Not on your life" factor, for me. And how did they manage mounting and dismounting?

bilboburgler

the hot air is not that hot at the top.....

it will be hotest at the top, about 120C