Note: The FlyinOrange has moved to: flyinorange.blog
Continued from Part 2.
0500hrs - up and prepping kit for the transition to Valle de Bravo. A WhatsApp message from a flying counterpart, Ignacio, who generously offered a ride indicates he might be slow in exiting Immigration. Looks as if his flight from Argentina was 15 minutes late and is stuck behind a trio of flights from LAX, SFO and ORD. 400+ people swarm the Immigration queue.
Up top, the launch's namesake rock stands in the distance.
My photo taking excursion is cut short by Marko's request that we pull out kit for inspection. It appears enough external course students have shown up with incorrectly installed reserves that Marko now pops over every participants reserve container to double check everything is good to go.
Equipment checked, forms filled out. Now for a briefing of the flight to come.
A fairly simple flight - launch, grab the first climb and bee line for El Penon. Keep mind to stay out of the lee while ridge soaring to the top, then hop over onto the Wall to grab a climb and buzz over to the 'Crazy Thermal Place'. From there XC we will go - basically it is follow the leader for today. Marko mentions a key good trigger point along the Wall, named the 'G-Spot', but climbs can be rowdy. With house thermal names like this - I gather subdued flying we will not find.
Continued from Part 2.
0500hrs - up and prepping kit for the transition to Valle de Bravo. A WhatsApp message from a flying counterpart, Ignacio, who generously offered a ride indicates he might be slow in exiting Immigration. Looks as if his flight from Argentina was 15 minutes late and is stuck behind a trio of flights from LAX, SFO and ORD. 400+ people swarm the Immigration queue.
2 hours later we meet up and hook a shuttle to his car. A short diversion to Ignacio's apartment to drop off his travel kit and we are off to VdB.
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| The elevator exits straight into the apartment. Very nice! |
Racing along the toll way, Ignacio points out a white Dodge Charger following a high end SUV in the left lane.
"Private security. You do not want to get between them."
Good to know.
After a quick stop outside VdB to gather Ignacio's flying kit, we meet up with Marko and my fellow participants. Among them are Al and Xiaoting Jones - a Brit/Chinese couple who are much like I - travelling the world with PGs in tow. I came across their blog a year ago when looking up info on Steve Barton and XC Brazil. Small world, it would seem. A hilarious sense of humor and Xiaoting's spitfire-esque nature leads me to believe I've lucked upon some great flying mates for the week.
With introductions taken care of, we pile into Marko's truck for the ride up to launch. Near the top, Xiaoting points out the recently built snack stand and the washroom facilities (with running water AND soap). Looks as if the locals are keen to make Valle de Bravo *THE* must visit winter flying destination.
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| El Penon launch site rules. |
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| Snack bar. |
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| Washroom. It is cleaned throughout the day and lady who does so appreciates your tips. |
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| Climb out, glide to here. |
My photo taking excursion is cut short by Marko's request that we pull out kit for inspection. It appears enough external course students have shown up with incorrectly installed reserves that Marko now pops over every participants reserve container to double check everything is good to go.
Equipment checked, forms filled out. Now for a briefing of the flight to come.
A fairly simple flight - launch, grab the first climb and bee line for El Penon. Keep mind to stay out of the lee while ridge soaring to the top, then hop over onto the Wall to grab a climb and buzz over to the 'Crazy Thermal Place'. From there XC we will go - basically it is follow the leader for today. Marko mentions a key good trigger point along the Wall, named the 'G-Spot', but climbs can be rowdy. With house thermal names like this - I gather subdued flying we will not find.
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