Early and Cold Winter 2016

While we were enjoying the Mexican sun in early December the South Coast got hit by a winter storm. The spouses of  our flying friends were stuck at home shoveling snow. First ski reports came in at the end of October, though we waited until late November until we got our skis out. Nothing new as this happens frequently. But usually several juicy pineapple expresses take care of the snow and December and January are relatively dry. Not so this year. 2016 brought an unusual cold spell of 6 weeks frost that lasted until mid January.

Valle de Bravo - December

We are just back from a great week of flying in Valle de Bravo. Our third time there and my favored visit. At times I took advantage of flying with a Norwegian group and their guide Ronny and especially of his efforts to help the stragglers in his group to keep up. He spirals down to the low pilots and leads them to the next thermal while the rest of the group waits up high. Very nice!

It was my first flight over Espina, Magey and Divise and all of this on my first long flight of the week. And I made it back to the lake and Valle de Bravo on 5 out of 7 days. So much fun!

Above El Penon launch

Cloud street on the mesa

Heading to Avandaro Lake (Valle de Bravo town is on the right shore)

My tracks of the week

Our accommodation was very cool too; bit of an uphill hike from the LZ but much quieter than the places we stayed at before and rather 'whimsical'.

Rain Record October

Usually our Westcoast fall brings pleasant weather, Indian summer or Alt Weiber Sommer for the Germans. Not so this year! It was apparently the rainiest October on record, only 3 days without rain (28 days with rain out of 31 days). Not holding my breath that November will be much better. Time to make some travel plans! Mexico sounds better and better.

Fall Elk Flights

Despite all the rain we got a few nice hike&fly missions in. Its great to be able get out whenever the weather is nice (and not to be limited to weekends).

The red 'v's indicate our launch sites, the right most is Elk mountain.