I was watering wilting vegetables at the allotment, when I glanced up and caught sight of this hot air balloon coming my way. It was floating over Windmill Hill. But as it drew closer I could hear it huffing, and it was soon obvious that staying airborne was not so easy. Not enough air currents perhaps; too much external hot air?

Anyway, the next I looked it was coming down somewhere behind Down’s Mill.

And then it was up again:

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But not quite high enough: the Priory ruins were looming:

 

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And then the church tower, this view taken through fellow allotmenteer, Ron’s raspberry canes:

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Finally as it traversed the town, the balloon gained more height, and floated majestically over Walton Hills:

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The last I saw it was off towards Callaughton, flying over the cemetery chapel:

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An exciting ride for all those aboard:

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And watching this had me thinking. How many of you know/remember the short French film Le Ballon Rouge/The Red Balloon 1956.

I was entranced when I first saw it donkey’s years ago. It’s on YouTube of course. If it plays in your region, welcome to 1950s Paris. Enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VexKSRKoWQY