Pat Corbet finally enjoyed the bird’s-eye view she had been hoping for.

“It was so fantastic, perfect weather, perfect wind … just drifting along. It was a wonderful sensation,” the Vernon senior says of her weekend experience as hot-air balloons gathered in Vernon for Vernon Winter Carnival.

Corbet was guest of honour for a balloon ride after making the wish at the seniors home she lives in.

Ball’s wish was granted by Wish of a Lifetime Canada and Chartwell Residences.

“Pat put in her wish a number of years ago,” says Sarah Pearce-Mooney, lifestyle and programs manager at Carrington Place, where Corbet lives.

“She had originally put in the request for a balloon ride to celebrate her 85th birthday,” recalls Pearce-Mooney. “But then there was COVID…”

Pearce-Mooney was part of the team who shared the good news with Corbet that her wish to have a hot-air balloon ride would come true.

“She was just so excited and told us she didn’t think it was going to ever happen.”

“I wasn’t thinking about it anymore because so much time had passed,” says Corbet, who will soon be celebrating her 88th birthday.

She says she’s always up for trying something different.

Corbet celebrated her 80th birthday by ziplining at BlackComb Whistler and is seriously thinking of her next adventure.

“I’d jump out of a plane and parachute. I think it would be great to jump and rip on that cord,” she says.