El Condor Pasa

Well if the condor can glide in the Andes, maybe we should give it a go..

The day started when we got picked up at 10.30am to go on a special trip! Our guide (and 'pilot'), Frederico (think dark handsome Italian ski instructor)picked us up in a beautiful original, cream 1964 Ford pick up truck and set off for our 2 hour trip to El Bolson, a village in a deep valley in the Andes. We were joined en route by Ernesto and his two passengers (gap year students from Dorset!) - his mode of transport a less than stylish early 80's exhausted Renualt. The Ford was ideal when picking up a hitch-hiker - climbing into the open back of the truck with the paraglider equipment and our bags!

Some debate between pilots over the best time to drive the 12km dirt track up the mountain to the take-off area as conditions were not ideal - too much wind and from the wrong direction. Decided to all have lunch and head up the rocky mountain way around 2pm - the Ford needed a run-up at some of the more challenging stages of the climb.

Wind conditions and relations between the pilots far from ideal still but eventually after waiting for an hour and a half up the mountain, Tina first off at around 1600. After one false start it was lift-off and up into the cool afternoon air. No sign of nerves and a beautifully serene 20 minute flight before a gentle touchdown in the valley below. Ian next up and after having to wait 20 minutes on the 'runway' for the wind to pick-up he too was up and gliding.

Had to wait for a long while at the bottom of the mountain whilst the pilots drove backup, flew back down with the others and drove back up and down again! Now getting dark and very cold so relieved to be back in the truck - only to be delayed by Ernesto's attempts to buy a new radiator hose as the shops in El Bolson were closing.

Journey back was amusing as Frederico turned off his headlights on the mountain roads to show us the full effect of the light of the moon on the mountains and insisted on us hearing his 1970's TV show ringtones - just imagine Tina sitting in the middle of the single front seat with no seat belt, twisty roads and an animated driver using his mobile phone throughout! Now she was looking nervous!

Arrived back at the hostel after a 12 hour trip for a 20 minute paraglide - but it was worth it - a great road trip and a great flight!

Tomorrow sees our own road trip - renting a car and driving the Seven Lakes Road to San Martin - 200km -of which 40kms is on a dirt track. Will stay overnight somewhere in San Martin before heading back to Bariloche and the night bus to the Mendoza wine region. Nowhere booked to stay - Tina panicking!