January 5, 2007
Dear all,
Frank arrived safely in Recife, Brazil, yesterday evening after a 12-hour flight. He got fuel in Nouakchott, Mauritania, and then went on his way without problems. Dorise arrived in Recife the day before by commercial airline and was anxiously awaiting his arrival.
Halfway there! Frank during the Atlantic crossing on his way to Recife, Brazil
GPS - lots of water!
Fernando de Noronah
Approach of Recife, Brazil
They will enjoy a day or two in Recife and then go on. Which way (west or south) they have not decided yet. I will keep you posted.
Best regards,
Bianca
January 20, 2007
Dear all, Here is a synapse of the recent travels of my parents: After Frank landed well in Recife, Brazil, and met up with Dorise, they flew to Brasilia, Brazil. Because of the raining season, they had to fly around some major thunderstorms, which was much to the dislike of our mother... Margi and Gergard Moss and Norton Rapesta welcomed them to Brasilia. Together they toured around quite a bit and had a great stay.
"This is were we are in Brazil!"
Fellow earthrounders Margi and Gerard Moss welcome Frank and Dorise to Brasilia
Gerard and Frank
From Brasilia they continued to Iguazu (Argentina) where they visited the famous waterfalls. They must have been spectacular!
Unfortunately the nearest golf course was on the Brazilian side of the waterfalls, requiring a car ride across the border. However, the trip was worthwhile since the Brazilian side was even more fantastic.
Golf at the Iguazu waterfalls - Brazilian side
On January 11, they continued - with some delay due to a monstrous thunderstorm - to Buenos Aires.
Departure in Iguazu
Thanks to on-board radar, they were able to avoid most of the worst storm spots and landed safely.
The only obstacle was the lack of English speaking air traffic controllers - Habla espaniol??? Si, un poco... Very poco, indeed. In Buenos Aires, they applied for permission to fly to the Falkland islands but were told that it could be days to weeks before they would be getting a reply. After having enjoyed some of the sites in Buenos Aires (and dances some tango), they continued their trip south. They landed somewhere in patagonia only to find all the hotels fully booked and the weather terrible. Next stop was El Carafate, from where they continued to Ushaia (see personal notes that follow).
January" 19, 2007 - Greetings from the End of the World! 2 days ago we landed in Ushaia. The flight started with sunshine then it turned into rain and Dorise thought it a bit dramatic. We flew VFR along the Beagle Channel - spectacular. Wanting to land at the aeroclub (the old airport) they first made us to land on the International - file a flight plan - then fly another 3 minutes to the old field. Anyway it was good for taking photos.
Approach of Ushuaia
We are staying in a superb hotel with stunning views of the harbour and the surrounding mountains. Because weather was without wind just light rain we immediately went to play golf as this was my goal. Now we have done it - played the most southern golfcourse on earth. It was an experience!
After our round of golf we drove with a little train (in former time used for convicts toget them to the working site). Coming back to the hotel the miracle had happend:We got the permission for the Falklands. The plan is to fly there on Monday. Best regards from Dorise and Frank."
Meeting with fellow pilots
Frank and Gommi prior to departure from Ushuaia
Frank and Gommi prior to departure from Ushuaia
Flight across Beagle Channel on their way to Stanley, Falkland Islands
January 30, 2007
Dear all, After an icy flight to Stanley, Falkland Islands, Dorise and Frank spent 3 nights there. One of the highlights was the encounter with 3 different kinds of penguins.
The next stop was Punta Arenas in Chile. Frank was already thrilled with this stop because he managed to have Gommi tucked into a hangar of another pilot (he likes it when is baby is save).
Gommi in company of a Hercules
Thanks to a new acquaintance - Rodrigo, an English-speaking gentleman from Chile, they had no problems getting around in Punta Arenas or making reservations for Hotels, etc. They were hoping to catch a flight to Antarctica but unfortunately all commercial flights were booked due to it being peak season. But you know Frank - he met somebody, who found somebody, who knew somebody, who was connected to the Uruguay military. And yes - they got on a military plane (Hercules) and flew to Antarctica! After a missed approach due to severe fog, they landed safely and spent 1.5 hours an the antarctic peninsula.
Dorise and Frank prior to departure with the Hercules
Fuerza Aerea de Chile, Military Base
From Punta Arenas they continued to Puerto Natales, where they rented a car and drove to the Torres del Paine national park. That's were they are currently residing and enjoying the breath-taking nature.
Torres del Paine National Park
February 6, 2007
Here is what they have been up to lately: After a couple of days in the amazing Torres del Paine national park in Chile, our parents continued across the Andes to Valdivia. There they visited one of our former exchanges students (Vicente Anwandter) and spent time with him and his family.
Pichoy, Valdivia
Las Marias, Valdivia
Arrival in Las Marias
Visit with Vicente, a former exchange student
From there they flew back to Buenos Aires where Gommi is getting her maintenance done.
Gommi in inspection
Currently they are planning on exploring Uruguay by boat. Further plans include flying to Rio de Janeiro to take part in the carnival. From there back to Recife. Best regards, Bianca
