Thomas Baldwin (Balloonist): Difference between revisions

Baldwin initially feared he would be blown out to sea but rose to find an onshore wind. He then drifted to the north-east, passing over Chester and almost over his home at Hoole. During the flight he made sketches from which he later prepared the first ever view of the earth seen from above. Chester's street plan and the sweep of the River Dee around it can be plainly seen as can the road through Hoole to the crossings of the Gowy, Weaver and Mersey. His composite map showing the view from high above the clouds gives the impression that he reached a substantial altitude. However, this could not have been possible in an open balloon gondola without the use of oxygen.

Baldwin is careful to note down small details:

 

* '''"..He tried his Voice, and shouted for Joy. His Voice was unknown to himself, shrill and feeble. There was no echo."'''