Another busy day...it was gorgeous weather ' temps in low 70s and sunny but slight breeze.? The horses vetted in today at 8am, with everyone looking terrific - the U.S. were first to present to the vets, and after a little bit of delay due to Val´s horse still being in quarantine from the U.S. horses (she went first, and we had to wait for her horse to clear the lanes before the other 3 horses could go in).? Riders weighed and we were ready!? The horses were hand walked and then we visited the venue and at 11:00 am were all taken out to take a look at the water stops and trails.? 47 km will be on the beach, and there is a lot of riding on the side of the highways.? The beach areas are beautiful.??
We got back around 1:30 and the riders and horses got ready to ride a portion of the beach with an escort.? Kyle and I stayed back at the stables with Mary to put crew stuff together while the riders were out riding, and others went back out to re-look at the water stops and plan who would be at which stops tomorrow.? After we got the crew stuff organized, I went in search of Mercedes Tapia and visited with her for a while.? Saw a good many of the Malaysian riders from last year, and that was fun.? The King had not year arrived - at least not at the venue.
We are back at the hotel and ready for an early bed - lots of pizza, some pasta and leftover organs (!) from last night and one last rider meeting and crewing meeting with Becky and Vonita and Jim.? Everyone has gone off to shower or bed, but I wanted to post one more note to you all before I retire.? Kyle is waiting for the computer, so I´m off now.
Tomorrow´s weather is predicted to be in the mid-high 60s and sunny with a slight breeze - perfect.? The horses are ready and everyone is relaxed and prepared.? There will be 39 starting the PanAms, about 26 in the young riders, and 6 in an open division.? Not a huge number of horses, but enough to make it interesting.? There are 6 teams competing tomorrow.
