The balloon fell far too fast despite Arnold having
thrown everything loose overboard to lighten it. Everything loose, that is, except
himself.
Quickly, he lowered the landing rope. He then climbed out of the gondola to abseil down
the rope.
Moments later, the rope touched the ground. Arnold released his hold for a second and slid
a short way down the rope. During that instant, the balloon, without Arnold's weight,
slowed its fall and tried to climb.
He repeated his action a few times until his feet touched the ground. Releasing the rope,
he watched the balloon float slowly away. |