Uno (one)

The first day was off to a great start complete with yummy omelettes and fresh juice. All things considered, we did well leaving the hotel 15 minutes late. 

At launch, we arrived in two groups, and the first was allowed to pass the bouncer at the stairs thanks to our wrist bands that allowed us to launch ahead of the competition that is over in 3 days. The second group was denied access and it took 15 minutes to sort it all out. 

The takeoff area

In the end, everyone flew and eventually landed safely. There was a crosswind from the north that created some strong turbulence near the house thermal, but everyone glided through the gauntlet and most got up, up and away, a few got caught in strong wind and sink, landing out front uneventfully. It was a strong day, the strongest I've seen so far here. All the Eagle tandems were in the air today, and will likely all be flying again tomorrow to help those needing a little extra help. 

I flew tandem and had a nice flight, making it back to La Union with my passenger John landing near, but not in, the usual soccer stadium. We hiked out to the road thanks to our local guides who greeted is with smiles and questions as we packed up. 

We said our goodbyes and I will keep this field in mind for some other day. The boy and girl were very nice and at times walked arm in arm together. Very sweet. 

Dinner was delicious, and our private chef made us this lovely appetizer of purveyed vegetables with a hint of heat in it with potatoes and tiny hard boiled eggs. The main meal was pork in a yummy sauce and another blended veggie concoction with rice. Desert was a lightweight pudding that had hints of citrus  and a strawberry on top. Yum!

Colin and Tom (son and father) are both going tandem tomorrow with Matt "farmer" Beechinoor and me. Should be a blast!

Tomorrow we are eating at 6:30 am and leaving the hotel by 7:15. 

I'm watching the super bowl on Colombian tv as I type this and it is reminiscent of last year doing the same thing. The Seahawks look great and it is fun to think of my home state of Washington and remember the good old days there. I'm sure my dad is watching the game too. Miss you dad! Go Seahawks. Score right now is 24-14 Hawks leading. 

I hope all is very well wherever this finds you. Buenos noches. 

Marty