Marty DeVietti's XC Paragliding and Racing Blog : Veintisiete

A great looking day. Flying tandem with Phyllis again, so who knows how long it far we will fly. She seems to be able to fly as long as any and never gets motion sick. Cool.

Boris and I rode the tail gate of Flaco's Toyota Land Cruiser (we call it a jeep).

A capacity crowd today of 28 pilots.

The cloudy mist flowed up the launch, obscuring the sun and cooling man, woman and beast as we hiked to the top. I'm getting in better shape, and the hike is getting easier.

Just as the others arrived, the sky opened up and though cloudbase was low, it wasn't long before pilots were launching and staying up.

10 year old Helen was with her father Oscar today. Oscar helps carry gear up the hill for $3,000 Cp per bag. ($1.50 USD). She reminded me of my youngest daughters at home who are 7 and 8 now. She watched me carefully prepare my gear, asking questions and teaching me new words as well. The vultures here are called "cachinasos".

The day looked good, but base remained low, and climbs were weak in the beginning. Many people got established, some did not.

Lars launched and stayed up a while but landed out front again. He is sure a great sport but I know he must be very frustrated.

Dorian was trying out his previously injured hand (solo) today, finding that the X-ray showed no break. He got up and established and waited for me at the jumping off spot to the south.

Jim on glide past Zarsal. Specked out!

Kirill flew with Rob Sporrer on tandem and Hugh launched right before me and stayed with me all the way to Roldonillo, Zarsal, La Vitoria and finally to Obando where we landed together. Personal best for Hugh.

Phyllis and I gliding towards Obando.

Dorian landed just past Roldanillo. Kirill couldn't take the cold of cloudbase since Rob Sporrer stayed so high for so long and they flew back to La Union.

Hugh, Phyllis and our entourage waiting for a bus back. Three busses, and a taxi got us back to the hotel.