Day 3 tour 3

Today started off cloudy, but I was optimistic that we would return to sunny conditions.  It didn't happen. 

Yesterday while retrieving pilots that landed out, Flacko and his wife discovered a dog that was tied to a fence near one of the pilots who landed there. It was barely alive and hardly able to raise its head. The owner agreed to let them take it after Flacko offered his sunglasses in trade. They took it to the vet in Roldanillo where they gave it an IV and began to treat its many problems. We took up a collection at last nights dinner and raised enough to cover the bills for its care. A glass half full of alcohol was nearly full of ticks removed from the poor animal. The prognosis was good and we all felt sad and happy at the same time for the abused dog. 

Dave Rob and yours truly driving up. 

A young foal greeted us on launch as she dies most days. 

One of two playful dogs on launch remind us of our poor dog recovering in town. 

The sky opened and closed with clouds all morning, forcing us to wait and be patient.

Janelle got the kinks out of Randy while we all looked on wishing we were sitting there in his place. Lucky guy. 

Eagle instructor Chris Klontz was the first of our group to launch. 

It was murky but soarable, and we all eventually launched and flew out to the far right spine (spine 2).  

The sky cleared a little and a low level north wind increased and started drifting pilots off the spine. We cautioned our pilots to stay on the windward side or run to the valley. One pilot hit a lot of sink and wound up below and behind the spine in the lee. He flew out to escape the turbulent rotor but ended up losing control, throwing his reserve and landing without injury, some 30' or so up a tree. 

Dave Turner spiraled down to a safe spot near the pilot to render aid after hiking over to him.  I stayed in the air to relay information via radio as everyone started landing and checking in safe. We had everyone safe on the ground finally but one other pilot precautionarily landed in a tree as well, due to a last minute hazard when he got close to his landing spot. He chose some trees instead of hard to see powerlines. A wise and safe choice. 

A local cowboy rode up on his horse, took out a machete and his rope and went to work on the first pilot. Three local farmers helped the second.  A few hours later everyone was down with their gear removed and in one piece.

 After careful inspection, minimal repair was rendered and a reserve repacked, making all equipment ready for tomorrow. 

Yuho landing last at Oscars LZ, our makeshift command center for today. 

Some much appreciated pool time was enjoyed by all as we made our way back to the hotel, grateful for being safe after some edgy conditions. 

Dinner was delicious and we were all feeling fortunate and happy.   

Unfortunately our rescue dog passed away today, and we found out after dinner. The news hit me hard, and I find myself quite emotional about it. I try to console myself with the hope that the dog at least felt loved in its final moments after so much suffering and neglect. 

I miss my family and my spoiled little dogs at home. It is a hard night to fall asleep though I feel very tired. 

Hasta mañana,

Martin