Yes, it looks as if we have taken the wrong plane from Melbourne and landed in Tuscany or Provence but in actual fact, this is our wonderful (secret location) house in Adelaide a stone's throw from the Park where the Australian 3DE takes place. We book it from year to year and love our long weekend here each November. For some reason the jacaranda trees are not in full bloom this year - maybe a sign of the unusual weather patterns we're experiencing i.e. rain! Today the weather in Adelaide is beautiful - warm and balmy, but the forecast for the weekend is for rain so this may have an impact on the cross country day.
Four of the 'eventing groupies' have arrived today but two are yet to arrive. Two of Australia's finest Master Farriers are driving from Melbourne to Adelaide so that they can bring their shoeing gear with them. Way beyong the call of duty, these guys are ready to leap into action to keep a certain 4Star eventer (who has a bad history with shoeing) on the road, or at least on the track, during the event. Heroes indeed! Wish my farrier did that (oh! it is my farrier!)
Tomorrow the event starts in earnest with the dressage phase. Even more importantly, you can start your Christmas shopping at the Trade Stands. Make sure that you visit Bonnett's Saddlery to get your copy of Eventful Life - Megan will be doing signings at lunch time each day and Wendy will be there around 11am tomorrow. Keep your book and pen handy at other times too to catch Shane and Stuart who are both competing - rumour has it that Paul Tapner will be around too so maybe he'll sign as well!
We're heading to Port Willunga for lunch at the famed Star of Greece Cafe but we'll fill you in on all of the goss tomorrow from the dressage day thanks to our roving reporters ( or we'll just make it up - "Heath Ryan left the arena and was eliminated - again!" ) NO - we love Heath and hope that he goes really well!
Off for a great and very cheap Thai dinner tonight to celebrate the start of the Australian 3 Day Event
