The Earl E. Myers Story, Chapter 29 — Central and South American Adventures, Page 4 of 4

As the end of my piloting service for this client came near, we became involved in a brief trip to the southwestern part of Argentina, visiting the community of San Carlos De Bariloche. Although our stay lasted for only a couple of days, the experience was just unforgettable.

San Carlos De Bariloche is located in the South of Argentina, South of the Equator, at S41 08.4 and W71 11.3., at about the same Latitude as Nantucket is North of the Equator. Perhaps maybe only 1 hour time change, but I'm not sure, so there was no jet lag problem. A stopover was made about 5 hours South of Bermuda, on the Amazon River. I cannot remember the name of the small hamlet. It was primitive but they had jet fuel. The hotel where we stayed was a two story building. It looked like it had been constructed out of old shipwreck lumber. It reminded me of a shipwreck hotel. If you were to take a loaf of bread to the river and feed the Piranhas, they would gobble it up like kids do with a pizza. The food was good and the beer cold. The bed was very primitive, again made out of what appeared to be scrap wood. I think they served alligator eggs for breakfast but the bread toast was good with jelly. So much for that stop, UGH!


Biographical Notes Relating to The Earl E. Myers Story Chapter 29 Turning a New Leaf Page 4 of 4 Pages As the end of my piloting service for this client came near, we became involved in a brief trip to the southwestern part of Argentina, visiting the community of San Carlos De Bariloche. Although our stay lasted for only a couple of days, the experience was just unforgettable. San Carlos De Bariloche is located in the South of Argentina, South of the Equator, at S41 08.4 and W71 11.3., at about the same Latitude as Nantucket is North of the Equator. Perhaps maybe only 1 hour time change, but I'm not sure, so there was no jet lag problem. A stopover was made about 5 hours South of Bermuda, on the Amazon River. I cannot remember the name of the small hamlet. It was primitive but they had jet fuel. The hotel where we stayed was a two story building. It looked like it had been constructed out of old shipwreck lumber. It reminded me of a shipwreck hotel. If you were to take a loaf of bread to the river and feed the Piranhas, they would gobble it up like kids do with a pizza. The food was good and the beer cold. The bed was very primitive, again made out of what appeared to be scrap wood. I think they served alligator eggs for breakfast but the bread toast was good with jelly. So much for that stop, UGH!
	Now on to Sao Paulo, Brazil for a 4 hour layover and continuing on to San Carlos De Bariloche, about a 4 hour & 30 minute flight. Before starting the approach, we studied the approach plate very closely as the Andes Mountains were above 11,000 feet. The approach had to be flown to very exact. standards. Bariloche is at 2,778 ft with a peak just about 3 miles from the centerline to the west that is over 6,000 ft. Arriving safely, we deplaned the passengers and secured the aircraft for the night. It was off to the sack for the crew as we were really bushed.

		Note the community of San Carlos de Barilochi is centered in this cut from a map of Southern Argentina. If you wish to have a brief look at the larger map, click here and you will have a quick return to this page.
After waking up in the morning looking out over the city was huge lakes, a total of 8. At first I thought we had landed in Geneva Switzerland. The city was right on the South edge of Lago Nauel Huapi. All the lakes were formed by glacial action and gained their water from glacial melt. The shape of the lakes made natural dams that retained the water which was cold and clear. Trout, and I mean big trout, are just waiting for your cast. Man, was it beautiful. To cross the lakes, a car ferrying system was available. You can board a ferry and travel South all the way to Chile. Next morning, it was back to the airport for refueling, as it was closed on arrival. Surveying the landscape that was our published approach route got my attention real fast. I could look back up the approach pattern and see the mountains and hills that we traversed the night before. I wondered how many aircraft had came in contact with any of them in past years. Thank you Dear Lord for safe passage! I was not in San Carlos De Barilochie long enough to have even scratched the surface on things to do and see. Trout fishing is most likely the best in the world. Taking a classic tour of the area is a must. With all the mountains close by it is a snow skier paradise. Mountain climbing if available if you are so inclined. At one area there is a small cathedral type church that sits about half way up a nearby mountain on a ski slope that is as beautiful as you could ever hope to see. It is for sure a postcard type location. If you choose to visit this area, be sure to take a camera and plenty of film. Horseback riding is another beautiful thing to keep you out of the bars and pool rooms. A museum, Museo Civico, is located in the center of the city, located at the lake's edge, that is extremely interesting. All types of mounted native animals and native Andes Indian artifacts are on display. Also a collection of materials from the first white settlers. It also has an attached Bibliotca that is a library and culture center. Food is not a problem, like in some foreign countries, and it is very good and inexpensive. Car rentals are reasonable and the vehicles are in good condition. Guess what — Hertz, Avis and many other familiar car rental services are available. Airlines are no problem but I suggest you try to schedule your arrival and departure in the daytime. Large hotels with casinos are available, if you are so inclined. Not me! Rates vary of course like here in the good ole United States, in season and out of season. A popular sightseeing trip is on a ferry that crosses Lago Nahuel, Haupi, Lago Frias and Lago Santos that is outstanding and beautiful no matter what time of year. The mountains are sometimes obscured by rain and heavy clouds. The city is most interesting and the shops are numerous with native items as varied as you could find anywhere, making it an outstanding place to visit. I could go on and on but we were only their 2 days. We were scheduled to depart San Carlos De Barlochi at 1300hrs. We wanted to depart before we fell off the bottom of the earth. Our route back to Bermuda was to Santiago, Brazila and Bermuda. The stop in Santiago was a routine sight seeing stop as were all of the stops to San Carlos. The aircraft was refueled and the flight plan filed and we, the crew, waited in the pilot's lounge. The departure and enroute weather was good with a lot of sightseeing flying along and over the Andes Mountains. it was beautiful! The landing in Brazila was routine and refueling was completed. The engine start was normal and as soon as the engines were on there own power, the inertial navigation system was activated. Programming the INS was routine, but there was a 15 min wait before the aircraft could start taxing. It was an older model nav system. Now you program and it's ready to go. At about 2200 hrs we departed with a very smooth ride for all with a full moon to watch as it came up in the Northeast. We landed at about 0500 at Kindley International Airport, Bermuda, Really a flight to remember for all times. I had purchased a "chongo" toy monkey for Kipp and some other items that are still treasured around the house. One last trip to London was scheduled three days after returning to Bermuda. While in London, previously, the owner had been talking to a British pilot about coming to work in Bermuda. My six months was up and I was ready to return to the "ranch" and continue its development. Reservations were made for my return flight to Bermuda via British Airways departing from Heathrow Airport. I was seated in the first row, left, in the first class section. Cocktails were served prior to departure. The seat on my left was unoccupied until almost engine start time and in walked a male passenger, carrying a gold putter golf club. He sat down in the seat next to me and asked, "Do you know who I am?” Well I only know of one guy who struts around with a putter in his hand when not on a golf course. Yes, it was Gary Player. As we progressed in flight he loosened up and we had some good conversation. I found out he owned a Lear Jet and that it was in the U.S. for his disposal when in the States. The aircraft company who was operating it also did charters with the aircraft when he was not using it. After landing in Bermuda, it was off to our “Castle by The Sea”. Kipp was waiting and we enjoyed a good steak at the Swizzle Inn to celebrate our planned move into the next chapter of life. The next afternoon, we departed for Miami and then back home. --------------------------------------------------------- End Page 4 of 4 Pages — Go to Chapter 30 Page 1 — 2 — 3 — 4 — Chapter 29 Go to EEM Introduction —Chapter 1 — 2 — 3 — 4 — 5 — 6 — 7 — 8 9 — 10 — 11 — 12 — 13 — 14 — 15 — 16 — 17 — 18 19 — 20 — 21 — 22 — 23 — 24 — 25 26 — 27 — 28 — 29 — 30 — 31 — 32 Return to Biographical Stories Index Page Go to Home Page