Monday and the Hounds

With early morning rain with a cold front there was no ballooning this morning giving us all a bit of a sleep in.

By late afternoon the thermal activity was restricted about 6000ft so we took off around 5.30pm for a game of 'hare and hound', followed of course by the free beer evening - thanks Puntigamer.

The late arvo drainage down the valleys was well predicted by Paul who at dropping his marker less than 1m from the target expects to pickup today's honours. Not bad in a 2 day old balloon.

For the guys waiting for photos - sorry. We're in rural Austria where internet is hard to come by. Luckily this blog can be updated from the phone.

While tracking the gold leafed balloon this arvo we were joined by some groupies-a germany couple who have been to Australia 3 times recognised our team vehicle and proceeded to shower us with praise and gifts. These guys even travelled with a 6 foot Aussie flag in their car! Of course we reciprocated the gifts and took some photos. Go groupies!

So our landing site also gave us another secret location for next week's worlds. Landowner permission achieved we're starting to get in the comp mode.

That is, even if we missed yesterday's opening drinks. Our social secretary must still suffering from jet-lag. Luckily her day job is with Qantas.

Predictions for the rest of the week is shaping up great. So, off to refueling (the gas tanks) we go and prep for tomorrow's flights.