British Balloonist Sets Trans-Atlantic Record

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British adventurer David Hempleman-Adams set a record Friday after flying a helium balloon from Newfoundland and Labrador to the French countryside near Dijon. According to Canadian Press, he used the smallest helium balloon ever to make that kind of trip. He took off from St. Johns on Monday and spent four almost sleepless days crossing the pond. The balloon gondola was so small it had a flap cut in the side so he could stick his feet outside to sleep. He never used the flap. “The French countryside is gorgeous,” he wrote in his blog. “Thank God I’m over land.” Although the exact distance flown hasnt been released, Hempleman-Adams beat the old record of 3,400 miles while he was still over water but in sight of the French coast. The former record holder for that size of balloon, Benoit Simeons, was clearly impressed by Hempleman-Adams exploits. “This adventure is without any doubt the most daring flight ever tried with this kind of balloon,” Simeons said in a message e-mailed to Hempleman-Adams during the flight.

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