Seeing the Valley from new heights
Have you ever had an eagle’s eye view of the Valley? Sometimes it’s good to get a new perspective on things. There are a few ways we can soar above the Valley.
Go Fly a Kite
Grab a kite and head to an open field free from trees and power lines. We have learned that the more you spend on a kite, the longer it will last! Also, many important lessons have been learned by not letting go of the string. There are several of our kites on the way to Parrsboro or caught in the trees above Kentville.
On July 16, Blomidon Provincial Park held its 23rd annual free kite-making workshop for children of all ages. There is always a great turnout of campers and non-campers and kids have a lot fun decorating their paper kites. Most don’t believe a paper kite will fly, but they do!
Remote Control Flying
If remote control planes are more your speed, check out the Wings of Wellington (WoW), a radio controlled model aircraft club. Every clear Sunday until fall, members will be at their field, located at 514 Middle Dyke Road, Kentville, flying a variety of aircraft including airplanes, helicopters, gliders and drones. All are welcome to come and watch and ask questions.
Club member Jeremy Dann, field director for the club, says remote control flying is a hobby that begins by watching others. “We hope some will come away from the field inspired to become remote control pilots,” he says.
Chartered Flights
There is something so amazing about flying over the Valley in a chartered plane to get a bird’s eye view of where we live. Fortunately, I was able to experience this as I had a friend going for a pilot’s licence who needed a few volunteer passengers!
The Greenwood Flight Centre previously operated out of the Waterville airport, but with the closure of the airport, chartered flights ended.
Currently there are no flight training units or air operators to offer scenic flights over the Valley but reliable sources say there might be something in the works. Keep one eye on the Greenwood Flight Centre website and one on the sky.
Hot Air Balloon Rides
By far, the most incredible way to soar about the Valley is in a hot air balloon with East Coast Bal- Thomas and Daniel Duke recently enjoyed a hot air balloon ride above the Annapolis Valley.
loon Adventures.
Our family had the most amazing experience last month when my sons and I floated in a hot air balloon for over an hour, travelling from Woodville to Centre-
ville. There was no better way to appreciate how beautiful a place we live in.
The number of people in the balloon varies depending on weight, but it usually accommodates up
to four people plus the pilot.
According to the website, children over eight years old are tall enough to see over the side of the basket and have the attention span to enjoy an hour or more flight in an open basket.
The website also cautions that sometimes young children are sensitive to the sound of the burners but most quickly become interested in how the balloon works. They enjoy looking for wildlife and generally enjoy the inflation and pack up of the balloon almost as much as the flight itself. Very small children and infants should wait until they are old enough to appreciate the ballooning experience and are at least able to see over the balloon basket without assistance and with ease.
For our family, the balloon ride was the trip of a lifetime., We won’t soon forget the incredible experience from beginning to end, even if we did have to meet our pilot at 5 a.m.
Whether you are flying with your feet on the ground or are soaring above the clouds, get out and enjoy a different perspective of the Valley this summer!