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 

Day 6 Tour 1

It began as a spectacular day. It ended that way too. 

Fresh fruit, scrambled eggs and watermelon juice with a little café was just the ticket. I am flying solo with my group today. I'm prepared to fly for hours. 

I was DJ for the ride up by blue tooth from my phone to Flacko's radio. Good tunes, good times. 

The day was on!  All but three got up and stayed airborne for long satisfying flights. I got super low with one of my team and he landed as I got my low save for the day. Tomorrow we fly tandem together to maximize the experience and airtime. 

We gaggled well today and as a result many made it across the valley and either landed on the other side or flew back with me to make a modified box pattern connecting most of the four cities we fly over. 

As the day went on we experienced some taller clouds and some shading too. Overdevelopment was a concern. 

Rain was visible south and behind Roldanillo so we knew it was likely to gust and as late as it was, we expected strong west wind at any time. 

Carl and Spencer made it back to Roldanillo from Zarsal with me and climbed to nearly 9000 feet there. 

Carl took his glide to Oscars LZ below the take off, effectively making his flight an 'out and return,' something special in the flying world.  He reported strong west wind later as we flew on to La Union and   climbed out again. Spencer was the last of my group and wisely flew away to the east towards La Vitoria to land in the middle of the valley. Brian Howell had been with us the whole time and he and I easily made the glide to La Vitoria ahead of the wind and landed uneventfully. Five to 10 minutes later the wind picked up, but it was nowhere as strong as the La Union side where Rob was calling on the radio that the wind was gusting to over 25 mph. 

Our welcoming committee remembered us from previous years and hung out with is as we packed and then led us to the bus stop. 

Back on the bus, we headed home for chicken and juice. Always a welcome end to a long day in the saddle. 

Ahh, love this place. Good times with good friends and sharing good food. 

We still had a full dinner just a few hours later, and it was wonderful. 

After a debrief with my group, and call to home, it was off to bed.  I was exhausted. 

Sueños Dulces para mí. 

Martín