by Werner Wäschenbach
High temperatures and green meadows,
along with a bad weather forecast for the next few days accompanied us on
our journey down to the 5th Fire & Snow balloon meet in Mauterndorf,
Austria. The question of how to explain to 50 teams and from five different
European countries and one exotic guest from Malaysia that the ballooning
over the next few days might be only a minor possibility, was a preoccupation
on the journey.
However, as in previous years the Lungau area proved that it does have stable, fine weather in the wintertime. As soon as we passed the Tauerntunnel to the south we forgot the green meadows and high temperatures and were greeted by a snow covered landscape, bright sunshine and low temperatures; this made us smile and anticipate a ballooning filled week.
Mauterndorf was prepared for the arrival of the teams with a welcoming glass of champagne to help relieve their tiredness after the long tripsome Spanish and British teams had traveled more than a 1,000 miles to join us!
As already mentioned there were 50 balloons at the meet including seven special shapes and one hot air airship, which meant flying in the valley was a spectacular sight.
The organizer was pleased with this and the spectators were delighted to see the balloons launch off into an idyllic clear blue sky.
Never had such a huge number of balloons been seen in the Lungau, and this year's event was as a test for the next year to see how the larger numbers could be handled throughout the week. You will have to read to end of the report to find the answer!
The first familiarization flight happened at lunch time on Sunday and was followed by a spectacular night glow with choreographed highlights. The TV teams dashed around trying not to miss anything and the crowd was pleased not only with the display but also with the glasses of punch they were handed.
The first litmus test was a success and the forecast for the next days, if we were to believe the local multitalented weather forecaster, Willi Huber, was still positive.
Sadly the flight doctor who was going to give us a talk on flying induced illnesses etc. fell ill, which was bad luck.
Tuesday was scheduled to be the "days of day". Southwesterly winds at between 12 and 15 thousand feet of around 30 knots, meant that 33 balloons took off at Mauterndorf airfield for the alpine long distance flight. All returned safely with lots of different stories.
Wednesday was another sunny day and all the balloons remained in the wide valley, playing in the winds which had allowed box flying throughout the week.
On Wednesday night we all met up in an alpine hut for a big party with live music, dancing on the tables and... but to say any more about this is out the question!
Next morning, needless to say, the talk was not about ballooning!
The rescue helicopter had been due to give a demonstration of a rescue on Tuesday, but had to cancel due to logistical problems within the Austrian Army. But on Thursday they had to come for a real rescue. One team landed high up in the mountains where snow vehicles could not reach them. Both the crew and balloon were OK but stranded up the mountain. Luckily they were able to give their GPS co-ordinates to the helicopter pilot who had no problem locating them. The crew were flown down FOC but it cost them some "Alpine dollars" to get the balloon down.
Friday was the last day of the meet and the weather was bad. Heavy clouds and high winds indicated snow for the next few days. All the teams packed their trailers and prepared for the final evening ceremony in Mauterndorf castle.
The 5th Fire & Snow meet concluded with "Knight Games," minnesang-karaoke and a huge traditional meal in the historic atmosphere of the castle.
More than 20 entries have already been received for the next meet in 1999; and to answer the quested posed earlier in the report, there is no problem having a meet with 50 balloons in this wide, sunny, snow filled valley!
We hope to see you again or for the first time in the Austrian Lungau!
Next briefing, Sunday, January 10, 1999, 9 a.m.
Werner Wäschenbach, Elisabethstr. 5-7, D-59320 Ennigerloh, Germany. e-mail: Balloons@T-Online.De
