SAGRANTINO CUP 2024
Back in Umbria after one year off! After we had decided to visit the (probably last) GEMAB in Chambley / France the year before, we were really looking forward to return to the Sagrantino Cup in 2024!
The stable weather and the beautiful scenery of middle Italy soon provided the flights and views we had hoped for – with a grain of salt, we have to say! Since the event organiser and the town of Todi had parted ways, the flying area had been moved to Parco Acquarossa / Gualdo Cattaneo almost entirely – no more iconic flights over Todi. Apart from that, we had to be on the ground every morning by seven o’clock due to the increased traffic at Perugia airport. Balloons had to be prepared in total darkness and about half of every flight took place before sunrise.
As if that hadn’t been enough, our car broke down after three flights with a stuck caliper, and it was only with the help of good friends we got it repaired in time so we could take part in the last three flights – and get back home safely, of course!
Nevertheless, we had a quite enjoyable and relaxed week (sometimes even more relaxed than we wanted), wonderful weather, delicious food and lots of fun with friends old and new. Our thanks go out to the organisers Ralph, Francesco, Luca & team, to the fantastic balloon teams that offered help with our equipment, to Cantina La Veneranda for a great bbq and to the town of Massa Martana for a fantastic goodbye buffet.
We’ll be back, one year or another! ;-)
