The 'Polar Vortex' arrives in SW Arizona!

6 Feb, 2019; Dome Rock BLM, Quartzite AZ

It's been very windy for a couple of days

The wind has been blowing over chairs and grabbing bags out of my hands; last night about midnight I heard a sharp crack and then thumping on my roof.  Well, it wasn't Santa's sleigh - the wind had broken the pole with my windsock.  Fortunately, it broke right at the base where it was attached to the bike rack.  

This is good because the pole is a telescoping pole and long enough that I can afford to lose the base section.  The other sections aren't as pretty - but, oh well.  At least, I can still put up my windsock!  

Sometimes, it's how I find my trailer in this sea of little white trailers at the rally.  Registration just started yesterday - I'm beginning to feel a bit like a sardine and we're not even full yet!!

The cold weather that has been sweeping the rest of the country has finally arrived here!

While a lot of the country has been plunged into record-breaking cold weather with temps well below zero (like -30F and -40F and the wind chill dropping it even further!), Southern Arizona's version is more like upper 50'sF expected for the next few days - with the wind chill taking it down 5-10 more degrees.  

But, sunny!  So, when I sit away from the wind against my trailer, Phoebe and I can still enjoy the sun with only a light fleece layer.

Horse Shows in the Sun - Arizona Winter Circuit

20 Feb, 2019; Pima County Fairgrounds, Tucson AZ

HITS Hunter, Jumper and Equitation Shows

What luck! I've stumbled into the 6 week winter circuit for hunter, jumpers - I've heard about this circuit for years.  The SW venue allows year-round training and showing for high-level competitors around North America.  Since I'm staying at the RV park at the Fairground, this show is just outside my door.

Things are slow this early in the week - this gal has some down time between events

In the practice arena, still looks like a pretty big fence to me

Phoebe meets horses!

I don't know that Phoebe has ever seen a horse before.  She wasn't too freaked out - much more interested in the dogs and people.  We spent a couple hours watching the jumping - and then Phoebe discovered horse poop, and now we have another bad habit!!

oops - no head on the rider - but look at the snow on the hills in the background!

It's hard to time my shots correctly

Anyway, I'm looking forward to getting to watch a lot of very high level competition!  I am surprised at how casual the circuit seems.  Maybe it's just because it's early in the week, but riders were allowed to compete in sweaters and puffy jackets - I'm used to shows requiring the full formal outfits - even at schooling and low level events!