II Ever since I had my wings clipped by the
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editor at a tender age I have remained resolutely grounded. Clearly, that is an untenable position for a hawk so whenever there is an offer of an accompanied flight, I leap at the chance.
This week the opportunity came, surprisingly in the shape of a truck.
Latest addition to the Shell fleet is a 5,200m3 (56,000 cu ft) hot air balloon, and I was delighted to be invited to fly in this truck over the picturebook countryside of Hertfordshire, scaring wildlife and causing minor traffic incidents as I went.
A team of professional balloonists (what a job) from the Hot-Air Balloon Company operate the balloon, and around 35 others like it, for companies like Shell. The Balloons appear at events around the country.
Though the Shell truck balloon costs roughly the same as the I7-tonne rigid on which it is based, that is where the resemblance ends. Its manouevrability is decidedly poor, its cab (basket) is wickerwork, and it is fuelled by propane gas rather than derv.
That said, the cab heaters are super-efficient, and the truck must have the best air suspension in the world.