We all fly by the seat of our pants now and then, but how about flying with no pants at all? That was the plight of Jean-Pierre Blanchard and John Jeffries, who on January 7, 1785, made history over these chalk cliffs with the first aerial crossing of the English Channel. When their hydrogen-filled balloon dropped altitude due to overloading, the two tossed all the cargo they could into the drink below, britches included. Reaching France in their underpants, the undoubtedly chilly pilots still received a warm welcome.
Of balloons and lost pantaloons
Today in History
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International Chameleon Day
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Beethoven s 250th
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Honoring those who served
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Native American Heritage Day
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I m here! Take a look at me!
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Groundhog Day
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International Day of Peace
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Celebrating Panama s independence
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An old celebration for a new season
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A magnificent monolith
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Giving Tuesday