The day started dark with interesting cloud layers. Fortunately I'm able to remain hopeful and optimistic regardless of what the day starts out like here. It seems that knowing a lot about the weather isn't as much of an asset as one might think.
5am look out the window.
This was yet another early day, in order to get to the take off area ahead of the comp.
We ate at 6:30 and left by 7:15 with our gear loaded into the trucks. Fresh pineapple, banana and some other fresh fruit were we the perfect compliment to the granola like mixturee
We rolled through town as the sky opened up a little, only to shade and make our early arrival up top less helpful than planned. Still, it was the last day of the comp and we all got off as soon as we could, so that part went well.
Rather weak conditions made it tough on the pilots for a solid 20 minutes at first, but eventually most of the pilots made it up to cloud, though one or two made their way to an early yet safe landing below, including the pilot who flew the farthest the day before.
We made a move south to the crossing I call the "jumping off spot" that separates us from Roldanillo where we waited patiently for an hour or so for conditions to improve. The comp started and they blasted by us, prompting us to double back to the north to stay out of their way.
We flew back to La Union, then waited a bit more, before finally charging across the valley, thankfully finding good climbs for the pilots following the guides.
In the end, all the pilots who crossed the valley were able to stay up, fly to La Vitoria and then land back at the soccer field in La Union together. All but one of the pilots in my group made the 3+ hour trip and were all smiles upon landing.
Chipri was there to pick us all up and take us to town, where we had 1/2 roasted chicken each and I even split a mango/ banana smoothie with Ioan.
A short ride to he hotel later, I was charging electronics, replacing batteries and taking a shower to try and cool off as well as clean up. Boy that was nice.
As if on cue, the sky grew dark and dumped rain on the hotel for 10-15 minutes, just as we have enjoyed a thunderstorm nearly every day across the valley in full view of the dining area.
Brian gave a nice talk from 6-7pm and promptly after, dinner was served.
It was just right, a lentil like soup to start and pork loins with some sort of potatoe and green veggie mash.
Even a tirimisu style dessert was served. Of course I wasted nothing.
I fly tandem with Todd tomorrow who had a short flight today. This should help him put the pieces together and have longer flights.
Sueños dulces.
(Sweet dreams)
Marty
