Quince

Brad behind us dropping off his rig near the La Union soccer field LZ. 

I woke early (4:30 am) and nodded off again to capitalize on a long nights rest. Got up at 5am to pee and slept in until 6:15.  

This am was a little rushed for me. I knew it would be, and manged not to forget anything: go pro charged and downloaded, water bottles refilled, flight deck instruments recharged, snacks restocked, money replenished in wallet, sunscreen on, radio charged, pee device donned, flip flops put in glider bag, glider bag cinched up and loaded on Flacko's rig, "go bag" in hand, key left at front desk.....

The sky outside was dark (normal cloudy day) but I failed to snap a photo. 

I was a few minutes late for breakfast and everyone was already finishing up thier meals. Today is the last day, and everyone is ready to get the most out of it. I am too. Only two people opted not to fly due to illness or just a need to rest. 

The. View going up the hill. 

We got to launch on time and prepared out gear right away so we would all be teady to launch at the best time. 

The conditions were good. I launched ahead of my group today to prove the air and they all launched together right after I beamed up to base on my first thermal. 

Very soon the group was with me at base and we were all staying high, together, and flying as team.  I was so proud!

The day was a classic.  It wasn't gonna let us cross to the flats without a few casualties but we stayed high for hours to let the day mature. We crossed to Roldanillo and lost Todd who landed with Brian and Dorian. He flew really well and seemed super happy tonight back at the hotel. Todd has a stellar attitude and can keep his perspective with setbacks and seems to appreciate the positive things with ease. 

Marge and Todd getting ready on launch. 

We recycled a bit at Roldanillo though Jim pushed out to make a play for the valley crossing. The clouds disappeared for Jim as I suggested he retreat and tank up with us. He obliged and we all crossed a bit later together, losing Tim right near the middle of the valley. He was thrilled to get this far and I was impressed how well he stayed with he group today. Super sweet. 

Tim surveying the conditions on launch. 

Bradley had flown all around the valley and came to join us but was in a slow climb below us and tried to leave with us. It cost him and he landed not far from Tim. 

Chris, soft spoken, but a thermal hunter. 

 

Chris got low at this point too but held on as Jim and I topped out climb and eased over to Zarsal keeping him in my sites and offering advice as best I could. Jim and I climbed back up at the north side of Zarsal and Chris manged to get high enough for the glide to Zarsal, but was too low to catch the climb out and landed. I'm very impressed by Chris and his solid team flying skills. It was a shame  he didn't get the home run today, but I landed not far from here with him earlier this week and he flew back. He knows he  can do it. 

Jim and I glided off to the north and I saw some birds for our ride back up to base. Dave, who had landed directly below us (a while earlier) radioed to say he was fine and was going to text the driver for a ride. It was easily the best climb of the day. 

We knew we had it made back to La Union now and we were both thinking of cutting the corner to skip La Vitoria since the sky was blue that way and we were gonna be logging a solid four hours in the saddle today as it was. 

Jim leading the charge home. 

Cumulus clouds shaded the soccer field and I spiraled down to take advantage of the steady south wind on the windsock at the field. There was a men's soccer game in full swing but they allowed Jim and I to land and quickly exit the field. 

They sometimes applaud us when the kids are playing soccer but we were happy just the same when they politely asked us to hurry off the field instead. The game was a good one and from the air I wondered if anyone noticed us coming. We left at halftime for a juice then a cab back to the hotel. 

I washed my laundry for the next adventure tomorrow. 

We ate our final dinner together and said our goodbyes after reviewing everyone's personal best flights and highlights. It was really special. 

Dinner was the best yet. Potatoe like cakes with some fish/onion mixture inside with olives to start. 

Rice with grilled steak medallions, onions and bell peppers. A garlic rich sauce was available foo. Delicious!

Ali and the two other cooks received a round of applause and thanks from everyone. 

Clyde (A.K.A. Polar Bear) brought down two figurines for each week to be presented to the most improved pilot and for the pilot with the best flight. John who had only training hill flights prior to coming down got most improved, having reached cloudbase for he first time, had several hour+ long flights, gaggled and gone cross country (XC) for he first time too. Wow!

Polar Bear (Clyde)

Polar Bear got beat flight having a new personal best of 4 hours and was awarded his own eagle trophy. Nice!

Those who were leaving tonight settled up tabs, turned in phones and borrowed things and made their way to thier rooms to get their luggage ready. We said our goodbyes and now I am packing for the big adventure for the week long break for the guides. 

Tune in tomorrow for details of next weeks adventure. We are going to fly from Medallin back to La Union. Vol-Hotel. It may be infrequent posts due to the remote nature of our location(s) but we are going to be in good hands and have plenty of support for the trek with two local drivers running chase for our group of 7 pilots at last count. 

5am departure tomorrow.  7 hour drive. Should be fun 

Cheers from Colombia,

No news is good news!

Matín