Stillwater MN is about 30 min from where I live in WI. I often see hot air balloons. They usually lift off about an hour after sunrise or an hour before sunset.
I actually have been up in one, once. It was about 15 years ago. I'm kind of afraid of heights, but it was very peaceful. The landing was a little bumpy though. We went in August and it was so hot being under the heat of the flam gusts. And with about 10 people plus the pilot in the basket, it was a little crowded. Very enjoyable though.
Lovely photo. Love the juxtaposition of the peaceful natural forest and the colorful intrusion of the brightly colored balloon. Almost looks like a floating flower in the sky. Almost surreal. Very nice.
It was very peaceful, but scary thinking fabric and hot air was keeping us up :)