The view from the balloon basket reveals all. Because as we float above the vineyards that are now bordering onto forest and meadow, the fog is getting closer. The canopy has cooled and we are slowly and almost imperceptibly losing height. Our eyes follow the direction and, sure enough, a small herd of deer is taking cover under a tree. Not much escapes an observant balloonist.
Burners suddenly roar into life again, and the uninitiated get a little fright.
I' m glad I'm wearing a hat. Tall people should do this to avoid scalps being toasted by the heat radiating from the propane burners. For a few seconds nothing happens, then the balloon begins to lift. The pilot explains that this is the time it takes for the hot air created the burners, to rise to the top of the balloon. Only then is real lift exerted.