Hot Air Balloons pt2

What are you waiting for, let's go! Con't

Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:00):
Hello, listeners, I cannot thank you enough for stopping by
for another episode of The Outdoors Adventurement, a show dedicated
to all outdoor adventured people. You should be aware that
today's episode is a continuation of last week's episode. We
got into a topic too much for one episode, the

(00:25):
wild and wonderful world of hot air balloons. We talked
about the hot air balloon origin, it's evolution and notable milestones.
We talked about the mechanics of hot air ballooning, their
construction and safety features. We talked about the various types

(00:49):
of hot air balloons as well as festivals. We talked
about a lot. If you didn't catch it, you'll want
to go back and check it out. For today's episode,
we're going to start off with the environmental impact of
hot air ballooning. Compared to other forms of aviation. Hot

(01:11):
air balloons are relatively low impact environmentally since they only
require propane as fuel, a relatively clean burning fuel, their
carbon footprint is minimal. However, concerns arise around the energy
used in manufacturing balloons and the waste generated from old

(01:33):
or damage equipment. As mentioned, propane is typically used to
fuel the burners and hot air balloons, and while it's efficient,
it is a fossil fuel. Some balloonists are exploring green alternatives,
like solar powered balloons or using biomass for heating. Ballooning

(01:55):
can have a minor environmental impact on sensitive landscapes, especially
while flying over protected natural areas. The industry is working
to minimize the environmental footprint by respecting regulations, avoiding wildlife areas,
and following it best practices for landing. Next, let's dive

(02:20):
into some famous hot air balloonists. The original Jean Francois Rosier,
the first person to fly in a hot air balloon,
taking a flight in seventeen eighty three. Richard Branson is
a well known adventurer and founder of Virgin Group. Branson

(02:42):
has set multiple records in hot air ballooning, including attempts
to fly across the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Maxie Andersen
is one of the first to fly across the Atlantic
and Pacific Oceans in a hot air balloon, setting records
in the process. Speaking of records, record breaking flights include

(03:12):
the first successful transatlantic flight as well as the first
trans Pacific flight. These were notable feats that included long
duration flights that span multiple days or involve significant altitudes
in distance. Many balloonists use their craft for scientific research,

(03:36):
including high altitude weather observations in geographic exploration, like doctor
Ben Franklin's flight to study the Earth's atmosphere. The safety first,
As with everything, let's take a look at hot air
balloon safety. Common risks for hot air ballooning include sudden

(04:01):
weather changes, equipment failure, and poor decision making by pilots.
Many pilots are trained in weather forecasting in emergency response
to mitigate these risks. Ballooning accidents, though rare, have led
to improvements in equipment and safety regulations. Most fatalities stem

(04:24):
from weather related issues like sutten storms or high winds.
Each incident has resulted in the introduction of safety measures,
such as better communication devices and weather prediction systems. Ballooning
is heavily dependent on favorable weather conditions. The best conditions

(04:47):
are light winds, clear skies, and mild temperatures. When the
speeds above ten knots can make flying dangerous. Balloonists must
learn to read when patterns and adjust their plans accordingly.
Next stop plist. Take a look at some futuristic hot
air balloon technology. Some companies are experimenting with solar panels

(05:13):
to reduce fuel consumption, improving environmental impact. Hybrid designs are
combining hot air with helium to extend flight durations and
reduce fuel use. As ballooning grows in popularity, air traffic

(05:34):
control systems are adapting to include lower flying balloons. Coordination
between balloonists and high altitude aviation is essential to prevent
collisions and keep flights safe. Advance men's in balloon fabrics
like ultra light weight composits or heat resistant materials have

(05:57):
improved the performance, durable, and safety of balloons. Some manufacturers
even use carbon fiber elements to make balloons more robust
and lighter, also reducing fuel consumption. Now you know the
only thing is to go? Where to go is the

(06:21):
next question. At Cappadocia, Turkey, you'll find eroded volcanic rock
formations known as very chimneys and ancient cave dwellings underground
cities vizitinge churches carved into stone valleys like dream Love

(06:44):
Valley and Red Valley, each with distinct topography and colors.
During sunrise, hundreds of balloons dot the sky and Instagram
famous the scene. You'll experience flights that begin before dawn

(07:05):
for sunrise views and low level gliding through valleys, then
rising up to three thousand feet. Flights often include traditional
Turkish breakfast and post a flight champagne. Flight duriations range
from forty five minutes to an hour and a half.

(07:27):
Best times Togo are April to October for the best weather,
and June to August is the high season. It's more
crowded but has very stable skies. Began and ianmar As

(07:48):
vast plains dotted with over two thousand ancient Buddhist temples,
pagodas and stupas. Early morning mist and golden light enhanced
the magical atmosphere. The Orodwi River glistens in the background.

(08:09):
Bagan offers tranquil flights with minimal tourism infrastructure. Balloons typically
fly over Old Bagan and New Bagan. It's quiet and
less commercial compared to Cappadocia. October two April is a
dry season, and December and Chanuary offer the clearest skies

(08:33):
and coolest temperatures. Serengetti and Tanzania offers endless savannah plains,
acacia trees and watering holes, opportunities to spot the Big
five that is lion, elephant, rhino, leopards, and buffaloes. It's

(08:58):
during the Great Migration, which is June in October you
may see thousands of wild beasts and zebras. Ballooms usually
departs from Serenia or Western Corridor camps and start with
a pre dawn drive through the bush with aerial views

(09:19):
of predators hunting and herds grazing. The balloon rides off
and include bush breakfasted champagne. Best times Togo are June
to October, which is a dry season and has a
great migration, as well as December to March is also
good for calving season in the Nidutu region. You can

(09:46):
fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport, then connect via bush plane.
Next up Napa Valley, California, where you'll find rolling vineyards,
patch worked farm land and oak covered hills. Fog cleans
to the valley in the morning, creating surreal photo ops,

(10:09):
and the views include Mount Saint Helena and the Saint
Pablo Bay. Flights usually start early morning with flight time
up around an hour. Some companies land near wineries for
post flight tastings and gourmet brunches and mimosas are often included.

(10:31):
Best times ago are May to October for the dry season,
in June August being a peak wine season. September's crush
season adds grape harvest activity as well. Unfortunately, that's all
the time we've got for today's episode of The Outdoors
Adventurement Podcast, a show dedicated to all outdoors adventure people.

(10:53):
Where to Next? I hope you've enjoyed this episode, and
until next time,