Day 7 Tour 1

The last flying day for the first tour dawned cloudy and dark. 

While eating breakfast a rain shower pored down on the hotel and made the surface of the swimming pool dance with splashes and endless rings from the droplets as they fell. We pushed the departure time an extra 30 minutes to let the rain pass. 

It was a nice change of pace. 

The rain stopped and we loaded up as usual.  

Our chase driver Flacko assured me there would be no more rain. He was right. He really is great with Maya. 

Cipriano wrapped all the wings in plastic just in case.  It wasn't necessary this time, however. 

The guides: Matt, Rob, Brian, Dave and yours truly. 

The horse on launch was ready to go but wind blowing downslope (over the back) has many of us hiding out of the cool wind. I felt chilled and put on every warm thing I had. I sensed that I was getting sick. 

Not everyone felt as cold as I did. I was hoping a snack might give me a boost in energy. 

Eventually we hiked up the stairs and readied our gear. Tyler and Christan know how to chill when waiting for the wind to switch. 

Despite the bad wind direction and dark skies, there were some brief Windows that allowed 19 of the 25 pilots and guides. They soared around in light lift and stayed in the air for an hour or more. 

The wind started picking up and we decided to pack up and ride down. I still wasn't feeling tip top anyway, so it was best on many levels. 

We went to lunch once back in town and I was really feeling ill. I couldn't wait to get back to my room and lay down. Some people were leaving tonight and some the next day as others would be arriving on the next tour.  I missed the end of tour fiesta and was pinned to my bed for the next 24 hours with a fever, nausea, body ache and no desire to eat. The next morning I stayed in bed until noon and still found it difficult to sit upright or stand. I really wanted to welcome the next group but found myself laying on the couch in the lobby and didn't dare let anyone get too close. By night fall I was feeling better and joined some others for pizza in town. Somehow I was able to walk all the way there and back. After a few slices of pizza I had to lay down again. I grabbed a bench and got horizontal. In short while my queasiness passed and we made the trek back to the hotel. I was optimistic about guiding the next day.  

I've been staring up at my ceiling a lot as of late.  I'm ready for a change of view. 

Hoping to feel better soon,

Martín