November 16th / 17th

Nov 16th
Arrived in Motegi, after 1hrs drive from Tochigi. Our usual homestay family called, and they have the flu. We can't stay with them, so we called the festival, and they have arranged another homestay host family, but they won't be home till 8pm. We have to busy ourselves for 10hrs! Drove to Twin Rings, home of the Japanese Grand prix. Sneaked into the fancy Twin Rings Hotel lobby, and read the English Newspapers.
Cars were practising racing around the track. This is where the Nightglow will be held. Most of the Chase Vans speed once around the track on their way out, just to see how it feels.
New host family is lovely, with a beautiful house. Mikako (wife) speaks good english and has traveled to London, so conversation is good.
Tues 17th
Unofficial morning practice flight. Only 2 balloons flew, so derek and I went flying together. Parked our van, and took off at 6.30am. This is the entrance to Twin Rings from the balloon.
Road through the mountains. Around Twin Rings its very mountainous, with few roads weaving through the trees. Quite difficult to chase, but the challenge is fun.
Motegi Town nestled in the mountains.
A beautiful Japanese house high on a hill. Roofs are slightly turned upwards, which is a traditional style, and are rarely seen now, as most new houses look westernised.
Derek posing as a serious competition pilot, in background is Haga Town.
Beautiful mix of forest and towns.
Coming in low for the landing. Few farmers stopped working, and showed concern as they thought we were landing in the water. This is where I have to have faith in Derek and not panic.
Landed in the field alongside the water, just as it started to rain. We tipped the basket up , over the envelope to keep it dry, and stacked the tanks next to it. Then we set off, to hitch hike back to Twin Rings-approx 10 Km, to get the van. It started to rain hard, and no one was stopping! Got absolutely soaked, and it took 1 1/2hr , mostly uphill. Finally got the van, and drove back to the balloon. Did get one farmer to help us load everything back into the van. Both of us were wet, cold and muddy but it was a great flight and an adventure.