Day 3 Tour 1

Clear with "eminent cloudy" it seemed. 

This is 15 minutes later, here it comes!

After clear and strong conditions the day before, we experienced cloudiness today that turned out to be a great opportunity for both new and returning pilots. 

The guide rig was at full capacity and included a few clients as well. 

We stared at the clouds for a while as Flacko began to change his flat front tire from the drive up the rocky road to the take off spot today. 

Despite the shaded conditions, we readied our gear and were set to fly as soon as it started to look good. 

Xavier asked if I would film his launch so I got a photo of him as I said yes. Once the first pilot launched and soared upwards, it was a mad dash to launch everyone and I forgot to film him today.  Tomorrow perhaps!?

These 5 gliders above me are my group. I was so proud that we all gaggled so well together today.  Not long after this shot I went on glide for the next mountain peak and radioed for my team to follow when they finished circling and climbing as high as posiible. John was first to go on glide and followed me to the next ridge. As he slowed down and disengaged his speed bar, his glider pitched back, then forward, quickly diving off center which turned into a spiral dive. I didn't see this happen below me but he later said that he was losing altitude very quickly and opted to throw his reserve parachute. It was the correct choice and he landed safely without a scratch a few minutes later. He was very composed and relayed his situation to me with his radio. He assured me he was fine and would pack up and hike out. A friendly farmer arrived moments later and loaded John atop his horse and led the animal by a rope and he carried John's backpack for him as well. Wow. 

Clearly the air was getting stronger and two other pilots decided to land. The remaining two pilots and I went down range but it shaded there too and wasn't as good as we had hoped. Another pilot landed on the return trip back and finally Christian and I were the last two of my group still flying so we got as high as we could and made a glide to the flats.

I went first so he could watch for lift and choose a better direction if my line was no good. We each found a little lift but Christian landed near the bridge in the middle of he valley while I was able to get a good thermal just on the other side, gaining altitude and crossing to Zarzal from Roldanillo. 

Zarsal below me. I didn't get very far past the city as I started to sink when the sky shaded again. I circled back and landed at the edge of town. 

After landing I got a ride on a motorcycle with a nice guy who saw me land. We were in Roldanillo in no time. I paid him a few hundred Colombian pesos (COP) and we parted smiling at the others' generosity.  I walked across the town square or 'parque' as they call it here, to the bus station and caught the next bus to La Union with 5 ninutes to spare. It rained a little on the 15 minute ride back and the air smelled like hot pavement as the wet droplets flew in through the open bus windows. 

Once in La Unión, i walked a block to the town parque, grabbed a Tuk Tuk taxi and was at the hotel in minutes. John was there at the entrance retelling his story To otee pilotos and we gave each other a great big hug. He was still very excited and really wanted to fly again tomorrow.

We repacked his reserve parachute and he is good to go. Getting back on "the horse" is a good idea, and it was very much his wish. He said he was having such a great flight today, that he was disappointed to come down earlier than he would have liked. We all agree that it sure is nice we all get to go and fly again tomorrow. 

It's been a big day. Time to sleep now

Buenos noches!

Martín

Day 2 Tour 1

Clear with expected cumulus. 

The disco went on all night at the hotel. Opting not to wear earplugs may have been a bad call. I was in charge of roll call and didn't want to be late to breakfast this am. Fearing that I would sleep in, I instead managed to wake many times throughout the night and even dreamed of being late to some unrelated dream event. Sheeesh. 

Somewhat tired, I made it on time and everyone was accounted for at breakfast. My "late arrival" (Tyler) was at the breakfast table ready to fly with me tandem.  We left on time, arriving just as the day turned on, perfect. 

 

Rob took a local as he had no student scheduled. He was very excited. Xavier translated so they could launch, fly and land uneventfully. They had a great flight. 

The drive up was sunny with clouds moving in from the south. A great day ahead, it appeared to me. 

The groups all seemed to come together and flew well today. The air was turbulent with the strong thermals at times. We all flew around at cloudbase and really had fun. Everyone has much to say upon landing. 

Spencer was the last to land in our group. I was happy for everyone as they all had great flights of 2 hours or so. 

We hiked to the road and Flacko picked us up in minutes. We drive to Cipriano where we all transferred (+ gear) to his yellow bus and headed to town for chicken and juice, picking up another pilot on the way. 

Tyler showing off his greasy chicken fingers and juice technique. Skyler enjoying lunch too. 

Christian has a great time and it shows. 

John has adopted my favorite juice combo: mango y piña (pineapple). Mmm. 

 

I grabbed a few supplies from town and got back on the bus to the hotel, with plenty of time to cool off and relax before my presentation at 5:30. 

It is so nice here. So warm, sunny and the humidity is really not too bad. Flying near the clouds is so scenic and refreshingly cool too. Ahhhh. 

Hasta pronto,

Martín