Kevin Herschman from Baton Rouge, La., came through Bonners Ferry last week with his hot air balloon to test out flying in this country.

“I have been here for four or five days now and (have) even given a few rides,” said Herschman.

Herschman said he is an experienced balloon pilot with 11 years of flying experience.  He lives in Baton Rouge for half the year and travels with his balloon the other half  of the year looking for new places to launch.

“The country here is pretty, it is calm and mellow flying, and beautiful up there,” said Herschman. 

“This is amazing country to view from up in the sky and I have launched five flights while I have been here.”

Herschman went on is way to Reno, Nev., where he will attend the annual balloon races at Rancho San Raphael Park. 

“This will be the second time I have been to Reno.  I saw the dawn patrol for the first time last year, an amazing sight,” he said.

The dawn patrol is when pilots lift off in their balloons before the sun rises and the balloons light up from the burners like lanterns in the darkness.

“I will be back next year and look forward to fly again in the area,” Herschman said