Snow in El Calafate

On August 18 we awoke to a blanket of snow in El Calafate. There was a low pressure system parked over the top of us bringing moderate snow and no wind until mid-afternoon. Probably 10-12 inches, so we cancelled the early morning upwind balloon launch due to road and weather conditions. During the day we had lots of fun at the Santa Monica Cabins outside and hot chocolate or tea inside. Stewart and Jim drove to the hangar to check things out. Previously the wind forecast for tomorrow (19th) had looked promising. We will be ready to fly if there is a good chance. Tonight we gather for a “Hail and Farewell” to welcome Lars Bensch, Daniel Soares, and Osvaldo Ferraro and bid adios to Alec Guay.