Deborah and Mike Scholes have been in Sussex, New Brunswick for weeks waiting for the right weather conditions to allow them to start their journey across the Atlantic in a hot air balloon. Today was the day, and they lifted off at about 9:45 am local time.

I checked their live tracking system and their initial path from Sussex had them heading to Moncton, then Shediac, and if they stayed on that course it looked as though they would be passing close to Tyne Valley, not far from where I live. Never one to miss the opportunity to stare at something going overhead and wave at it, I gathered my camera and zoom lens and got ready to head off just after lunch to find them.

When I checked the map one more time before I left, they had started to head slightly more to the east, which meant I had a bit further to drive than I had planned. I decided to go instead to Union Corner Provincial Park, and the tracking map later confirmed I had picked the right spot! I made good time, but arrived a few minutes too late to see them. It was also pretty cloudy.

I hopped in the car again and headed towards Summerside. As I zipped along Route 11 in St. Nicholas, I looked up and there they were, 12,896.3 feet above me, travelling at 23.5 mph!

I knew the Linkletter Community Centre about 10 minutes away would have a clear view from their parking lot, so I continued on there and was able to watch the balloon for a few minutes as it floated on toward Malpeque Bay.

And yes, I gave a little wave, which is completely silly, but the child in me needs to emerge every so often, and young me would definitely have waved to the brave adventurers floating toward the ocean.

Update July 21, 2023 – Due to technical issues, Deborah and Mike had to land their balloon this morning near Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador. Must have been a huge disappointment for them, but I don’t doubt they will try again. And if you have seen the musical Come From Away, you know that you are guaranteed a warm welcome and safe harbour if you land in NL!