Balloonist still has time to mow the lawns
Balloon chaser Alan Johnston still loves the sport 27 years after he got started.
A veteran of the skies says his ballooning hobby works out because he’s always home at a useful hour.
Alan Johnston found his love of hot air balloons 27 years ago after he stopped to help someone load an envelope (top of the hot air balloon) onto a trailer.
“It’s an early morning hobby, so the wife doesn’t get too upset. I’m always back to mow the lawns,” Johnston said.
He describes his chaser job as setting up the balloon, waiting for the pilot to jump in and take off. The chasers then follow the balloon until it lands and hope they’re not late.
“If we’re late, we hope the pilot starts packing up,” Johnston said.
When asked if he could provide any tips for aspiring chasers he jokingly said: “Don’t do it.
“It starts to consume you. Not unlike other sports such as rugby.”
Johnston added that the balloon community is a very tight knit family.
“I was in hospital last year and the support and messages that came through were phenomenal,” Johnston said.
All joking aside Johnston said that being a chaser and being a part of the balloon community is something he would not change for the world.
“It’s a great hobby and a great pastime.”
The Balloons over Waikato festival runs until Sunday, 25 March. For further information visit www.balloonsoverwaikato.co.nz or the Balloons over Waikato Facebook page.
