This is our 3rd trip for Susan and I to San Felipe, Mexico as part of the Flying Samaritans. This time, we flew non-stop for 3.5 hours from Napa to Big Bear City for refuel and overnight rest, and proceeded straight from Big Bear to San Felipe the following day for another 2 hour flight. For the return trip, after the 1 hour flight from San Felipe to the border stop in Calexico, we flew for 3 hours from Calexico to Harris Ranch to refuel and late lunch, before proceeding home to Napa for another 1 and 1/2 hour flight. Except from the expected light chops over the mountain crossings, the flight was smooth and good VFR weather. This was was another successful and blessed flight --- the eye clinic saw 225 patients. In addition, the Flying Samaritans also held a pediatric clinic that saw 25 children in nearby orphanage , and performed 5 ENT surgeries. As in previous clinics, this was a joint effort with the local Lions Club and the Mission San Felipe Church. |
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Oct. 17 --- Approaching the northern part of San Felipe. I believe this is the El Dorado community of mostly American and Canadian expats with a golf course. (Note that the date imprint in the picture is incorrect). |
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Overhead view of San Felipe as we approach the airport. |
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At left downwind pattern for San Felipe Rwy 31. |
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San Felipe airport. San Felipe is a towered airport and a designated airport of entry to Mexico. Fuel is also avaialble; we refueled 10 gallons after we landed for our return flight to Calexico. As expected, the first personnel that greeted us were the Mexican Federales. No tie downs chains here, so bring your own tie down ropes. After securing the plane, we enter the terminal for custom and flight plan/entry permit processing and payments. |
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We were met by volunteers at the airport for our transportation to our hotel. These are volunteers are American expats who now permanently lived here in San Felipe and involved in various civic and humanitarian activities. For this trip, we were arranged to stay at El Cortez Hotel located along the beach. |
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After we settled in our room, we head out to hotel's Barefoot Bar and Grill for some local seafood fajitas. The service definitely needs some improvement but the food taste great. |
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The meeting of volunteers before the work the following day. |
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Susan and I were assigned to work in the eye clinic. Upon arrival, people were already lining up; it looks longer from previous trips. At the end of the day, 225 patients were seen and given new prescription glasses. This may have been a record number. |
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The first patient station for initial eye screening. |
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Next is the eye refraction machine. |
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Then consultation with a volunteer eye doctor. |
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Then the station for free eyeglasses. |
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After the clinic, we rested for awhile in the hotel, then strolled in the Malecon. |
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Fishermen coming home. |
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The Malecon is a popular strolling, shopping, dining and cruising destination visitors and locals. |
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Heading back to our hotel along the beach from the Malecon. |
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Oct.19 -- Preflight checks for our return trip the following day. |
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The airport was supposed to be open for business at 8am. We arrive few minutes after 8am but we're told to wait for few minutes since some of the staff were not there yet. |
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The Flying Samaritan airplanes arriving simultaneously and lining up for custom processing in Calexico for entry back in USA. |
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The customs office in Calexico shared by the airport office. It also has clean restrooms and vending soda machines. We refueled full tank for our next leg to Harris Ranch. |
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For awhile, we were contemplating getting something to eat at the famous Rosa's Plane Food restaurant. |
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Rosas's is actually a popular Mexican restaurant among pilots and locals. |
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There's also a newly constructed mall across the street from the airport. But time to go home; no time for shopping. |
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