the Valle de Bravo folks send greetings

[John Anderson]

Some of you may recall I had a PG mishap a few motnhs ago, put some worry lines into four vertebrae. Mostly all better, thanks, but still repairing a bit, and the last few weeks bumming in Mexico was to get out of winter, appease a wife, and was NOT, alas a flying trip. So.... getting to Valle de Braco, Mexico, was for inspiration of the spectator ilk.

Just the same, spent some time with local gringo & Mexican pilots, and when I mentioned names of some of you CHGPA illustrious (OK, can't recall who among you have mentioned your exploits in Valle de Bravo), there seemed to be some recollection: among the resident hang pilots hanging out there, Jeff Hunt, David Lundquist, Alfredo __, and Mark Vanderwerf send regards. Have to note for future interested winter escapees that Jeff Hunt runs a friendly & efficient, full-backscratch HG catering service, client pilots were having fun, and everybody at the El Penon launch, menos uno, skied out. Whadda gorgeous site. Big air mid-day, maybe, but consistent and smooth inflow; and with a reputation for glassy perfection in later PM.

And I hung out a bit less with the Valle PG gang another day, at that, likewise lovely, La Torre launch overlooking town & lake. Maybe some of you have flown with 'Charlie', Kike, and Lazaro? (they were all busy doing PG tandems with sweet young things that day) One of them, trying to recall who, has been in our territory and apparently flown with locals. Ditto, regards.

Anyway, just to note that Valle de Bravo weather and flying sites were treating everyone right for the 3 days I hung around, and seems like a place to recommend, whether you drive down with a wing or hook up with one of the Valle de Bravo package offerors (Jeff reputedly has a flotilla of 30 wings there). And Mexico is just plain fun. Oy, back to winter already for me?

--John

[lbunner]

I was considering going to VDB for the upcoming competition but alas bailed as I was concerned about the environment for my wife while I was flying all day long. Neither of us speak any Spanish and thought it might be a challenge expecially for her. Any thoughts?

[John Anderson]

Bun--- Just back in my burb, can respond. You will have no issues with your humble Spanish, think I. (My hispanophonics work well enough, and my wife is native, so tricky to judge, but...) All work-able, esp. in the company of int'l and Mexican pilots. And, for ex, Jeff's staff works in English ( probably other outfitters, too-- I can't vouch). Less sure how busy your wife may keep herself (In addition to flying, there is the lake, with sailing and such; plus mtn trekking & biking, Monarch butterfly chasing, etc), but all of Mexico is helpful and friendly, and Valle de Bravo doubly so. If she needs more High Culture than VDB can provide, don't forget that other, rich colonial cities (Morelia, Guanajuato, San Miguel de Allende) are only 2--3 hrs away by modern luxury bus (Mexico City just 2), all with infinite culture -vulturing, while you are carousing with the buzzards. All totally easy. If not this year, promise yourself to make it to gorgeous Valle de Bravo another year, soon!

[stevek]

Valle is a really nice little town for wandering around. Lots of shops, cafes, markets. My wife liked it.

[lbunner]

Thanks guys.

[Lostgriz]

Great to hear, planning to make the trek to VDB next March.