Ansermanuevo is one of the northernmost towns in the Valle de Cauca, which is both a department (Colombian equivalent of a US state) and a geographical feature. The population is about 20,000 strong, and the local economy is primarily agriculturally based. The temperatures there are much warmer than what I had been experiencing in the higher elevations around Apia, and the sun is much stronger… time for the sunscreen!

I based myself for a few days at the Wayra Eco hotel, which sits about 1600 feet above the town. The views from this vantage point were spectacular! During the day, the forested mountains extended both north and south, and the valley of quilted farmlands extended without obstruction into the horizon. Charming birds sang and vociferous cicadas blared in the early mornings. Flamboyantly colored flowers adorned every corner of the hotel grounds.

What followed was actually better than any of us could have hoped for! Our days were amazing and yet remarkably routine. We would wake up, walk to the local panaderia to get coffee, and then do a group breakfast back at the house before heading to the town square to grab a lift to launch.

We discussed our plan for the flying day, and then got into the sky for a few hours of Cloud Bathing (like Forest Bathing, but way better!!) After we landed in the afternoon heat, we cooled off in the pool before heading to dinner. Finally, we indulged in an ice cream cone or a slice of cake before bed. Rinse and repeat this program for days on end and you had one veritably happy group of flying misfits!

We only had two days where we didn’t fly because of rain. Paul and I made the most of one of these days by heading to the hot springs in the cloud forest just outside of Santa Rosa de Cabal. We saw the most enchanting waterfall cascading down behind the basins of hot water. Hoping between the cold waters from the falls and the very hot water from the springs made for a wonderful day in the lush, verdant setting. We rode the buses back to Roldanillo deeply relaxed and ready for more airtime!

During the other non-flying day, I took two new friends, Swiss Jan and American John Mark, to participate in what has become a tradition when I visit Roldanillo: ascending the telecommunication tower near launch.

To get there, you walk through several banana plantations and a bit of thick forest. Then, scale the 150+ tall ladder to reach the platform where you can enjoy the amazing views of the valley and a big reservoir. Doing this every trip has become a good way to connect with new people while enjoying a familiar adventure in the quiet countryside.

This section of the trip was literal bananas! I got to enjoy quality airtime and ground-time with a group of good friends. We made so many memories, and I know everyone is excited to return next year to this great place.

Fortunately, this wasn’t the end! Join me soon for the third and final part of the trip. Both more smiles and air-miles to come ;)