Seniors Cross Hot Air Balloon Ride Off Bucket List, Scuba Diving Next?

LITTLETON, Colo. (CBS4) - Nine senior citizens from Centennial got the ride of a lifetime this week as they took an early morning flight and fulfilled a dream.

"Ever since the movie 'Bucket List' we get people coming out and saying, 'Oh, this has been on my bucket list forever,' " a hot air balloonist said.

It takes a lot to launch a hot air balloon. The nine retirees were counting on the weather to cooperate. To say they were excited is an understatement.

"A little nervous too, of course," said 79-year-old Jack Kelly.

Kelly happily joined the work crew. He was anxious to reach new heights.

"I was up in the torch of the Statue of Liberty and up on the Empire State Building, and that's it; Pikes Peak," Kelly said.

Kelly and the others had been looking forward to this day -- some for decades.

"This is my bucket list, it's on my bucket list," another retiree said.

They watched in amazement as the balloons were prepared -- fired up to take flight.

PHOTO GALLERY: Hot Air Balloon Ride Crossed Off Bucket List

The seniors are from Christian Living Communities. A poll showed ballooning was the top adventure they've wanted to try.

The brave flyers ranged in age from 75 to Ginny Byrne at 97. They quickly learned just climbing on board can be a big accomplishment.

"I am very excited for my mom," Byrne's daughter said.

Takeoff was smooth up over the trees at Chatfield State Park. They enjoyed one hour of their golden years in the bright balloons.

Back on land exiting turned out interesting after one bucket ended up on its side, but the ride was one they'll remember.

"Very calm and very peaceful, it was really wonderful," Kelly said.

Today ballooning -- tomorrow scuba diving? According to the poll, that's the No. 2 adventure the senior thrill-seekers hope to try.