A Lot of Trespassing: Stories of an Unusual Balloon Pilot by Keith Gourley

Hometown: New Bethlehem 

Book Review by Jessica Weible

I first met Keith Gourley over breakfast after he had just published his book. I was on assignment to write up something for the local paper about him. He was a friendly guy and we chatted for a bit about the book. In our conversation, Gourley chose his words for their precision and utility–no embellishments or tangents. Yet, he was laid back and had an easy smile. Later, when I read his book, I saw that he employed this practical and easy-going approach to his writing as well. 

The 72 page account of Gourley’s experiences as an air balloon pilot is divided into a series of stories that are written conversationally, like stories you would tell to your friends, sitting around the living room or at an evening campfire. 

The book begins in 1980, when, after clearing out his bank account to buy his first balloon with his brother, Bob, Gourley confesses to failing his balloon license test several times before taking a “crash” course that helped him ace it. He also confesses to taking a few rides before getting his license– a fact that sets the tone for his many intrepid adventures that would follow. He was self-assured from the start and ready to handle whatever came his way.

In a chapter titled, “Never Did That Again”, the author describes a thrilling ride on his first balloon where he learned there are some things about ballooning that you can’t read in a manual. He and his brother decided to go for a high-altitude run, pushing about 18,000 feet before eliminating the pilot light off to drop like a parachute. On this occasion, things didn’t go according to plan.

“According to the owner’s manual, the maximum speed the balloon would fall was around 1,200 feet per minute; about the speed of a WWII parachute. We exceeded that on this particular trip…At around 12,000 feet we hit a river of wind that pushed the basket and made it was 20-30 feet each way, kind of like a fast pendulum.” 

It was some quick thinking and a bit of luck that got the Gourley brothers safely on the ground that day.

Although, quite literally, Gourley’s stories deal with life and death situations, his accounts reveal his love of adventure and often a hint of mischief. In the chapter, “Red Bikini”, Gourley writes about another memorable ride, where he was hired to work at a 25th wedding anniversary party. After the basket was loaded up with a few passengers who were a bit on the heavy side, Gourley explains that he had to say “no” to the couple’s son who was eager for a ride. They had to keep the weight down due to safety precautions. Just then, the boy’s 20 year-old sister emerges from their swimming pool and jogs over to the balloon. 

“She looked like a young Farrah Fawcett in a red bikini. She asked if there was room for her. I said, ‘Yes, there is.’”

In his book, Gourley emphasizing how lucky he was to have enjoyed his career as a balloon pilot– a job where each day held a new adventure. A Lot of Trespassing is the perfect read for someone who is looking for some light reading that will put a smile on your face. Look for A Lot of Trespassing: Stories of an Unusual Balloon Pilot on Amazon.