A pandemic hobby that’s taking flight

Willy is now a licensed hot air balloon pilot.

The inspiration for the high-flying hobby came during a trip to Arizona with his wife a few years ago.

“We did a hot air balloon ride and I was mesmerized on the whole concept by travelling by hot air balloon,” Willy said.

His wife Cindy Taillon loves the new hobby and everything that comes along with it.

“Just that peacefulness and get to see the city from a different view because we live in such a beautiful city,” Cindy said.

She also loves the joy it brings to people when they see the Coulee Balloon flying high.

Having grown up in Medicine Hat and working as a firefighter during the day, Willy is familiar with the area, both from the ground and the sky.

But taking flight is a team effort.

“We usually have one on the crown line, two on the front of the balloon to allow cold air in first and then we’ll put hot air in,” Willy said.

Then it’s his favourite part, takeoff.

Once in the air, it’s quiet and peaceful with views that end at the horizon. The balloon goes where ever the wind takes it.

Then it’s time to land.

“We’ll just approach the land, if the winds are soft or calm on the ground, well hopefully land with the balloon standing up and our chase crew can see us,’ Willy said. “They’ll come and get us.”

After the balloon is packed, Willy ends every flight with The Balloonist’s Prayer and a bottle of champagne.

Learn more on the Coulee Balloon Facebook page.

by Teagan Rasche

A pandemic hobby that’s taking flight

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