Down at the Canowindra Showground, travellers are parking their vans and setting up their camps, ready to be mesmerised by the larger-than-life hot air balloons taking to the sky this week.
Self-described ‘Grey Nomad’, Ron Smalley is excited to be in Canowindra to experience the International Balloon Challenge, taking the opportunity to explore the local areas and a town that is “much bigger than I thought!”
He couldn’t have picked a better spot to watch the take off than a campsite at the Showground, where he is spoilt for views and feels close to all the action: “I woke up this morning and we could hear them getting ready. Then I looked up and saw the balloon – I thought it was on top of the van!”
Ron is travelling with the Caravan Club of Australia on a five week ‘Roving Rally’ adventure across NSW. Coming all the way from Camden, this is his first time stopping in town to see the iconic hot air balloons in action.
As the Treasurer of the Caravan Club of Australia, Ron is proud to be a part of the 5 van convoy, which is made up of club members who are caravanning enthusiasts as well as friends.
Fellow traveller Leah remembers looking out over Canowindra’s stunning surroundings from the sky during her memorable first time in a hot air balloon 18 years ago.
“It was so beautiful up there up in the clouds. I felt so happy!”
The friendly group were looking forward to a relaxing, but “very entertaining week” in Canowindra, with the Balloon Glow Spectacular, golfing, and a trip to Eugowra on the cards.
These 10 keen travellers have stopped in Canowindra for a week out of their schedule, which will take them to Dubbo next, and eventually on to Northern NSW.
By Rosi Broom