I think I had one of the amazing days of my life this Sunday.
There are plenty of things in this world that I just won’t try, no matter how thrilling they seem, such as skydiving or bungee jumping or base jumping. They are a few things that I really don’t even know if I would have the courage to do. It’s not so much that I’m afraid of heights (well, I kind of am); they just don’t seem very safe in my head. So, I’m not going to say the stereotypical comment of, “I went to Queensland and threw myself out of a plane.” Nope, that is not the experience I am talking about.
But, my day did involve a lot of having my head in the clouds – both figuratively and literally – and it was outstanding.
My day started out like this:
Wake up at 4am, jump on shuttle buses, jump in a basket and float into the sky.
Being my first hot air balloon ride, I was a little unsure of what to expect. Now, however, I’m sure that my experience on this ride will forever jade any other hot air balloon experience I may have in the future. Why?
Less than stellar weather brought some clouds and fog into the Mareeba area; we almost didn’t think we would be going up at all. However, the thick cloud line a bit lower to the ground led to our balloon getting the opportunity to break through — through the clouds — and enter into a magic fairy tale land with cotton candy pillows below our feet and a rainbow of colors along the horizon.
The entire time, my mouth was open in awe at the ethereal vibe of our morning sunrise balloon ride above the clouds, and I don’t think it is something I will ever forget.
For the rest of the day, I couldn’t stop thinking about the morning that left me gobsmacked, and there was no way the day could really get any better than this. Or so I thought.
The night was spent at the Thala Beach Resort in the north Queensland area where we were taken out for an evening stargazing experience. Never, ever, ever, ever have I seen a sky so beautiful in real life before that night. Ever.
We watched in awe as our guide pointed out constellations with a giant lightsaber laser into the star-filled sky as shooting stars fell and our minds were left in wonder. If I had had a sleeping bag, I wouldn’t have even needed to return to the bungalows for slumber.
Dear Sunday:
You rocked.
Love, Brooke.
Three cheers for Tourism Queensland for choosing to include me in this media trip.
What an experience! A little early in the morning but for a view like this to be able to break through the clouds must have been a wonder.
Wow – That must’ve been so surreal. I have always wanted to go in a hot air balloon – looks so fun! But the colors, the clouds – just amazing. What an incredible way to start your day!!
It was like we entered another world when we popped above the clouds! I was certain we’d see dinosaurs and maybe even Falcor at any second
I’m very much a fan of stargazing and I’m glad there are more people in the world to appreciate something as beautiful as that. The balloon ride looked phenomenal. How beautiful!
The stargazing was out of this world. All I want right now is to fly back up to north Queensland with a tent and a sleeping bag so I can do that every night.
So, so, so cool! I’m riding in a hot air balloon for the first time next week and I can’t wait!
It was amazing! Hope yours is as breath-taking as mine
I’ve been hot air ballooning once and I hated it, I am so glad you had a different and magical experience!
I have always wanted to go for a Hot Air Balloon ride but I have never had the price justified as a solo traveller (plus it’s one of those few things that seems better with a partner).
Glad you had a great time! So jealous!