Spring is here. Tee-shirt weather at last! Feels good.
Yesterday was MAI DAY here in Germany. It is a public holiday. People set up fairs in all the little villages and spend the day bike riding and walking along the paths, having picnics or eating in the beer gardens around the area. They pull little wagons that are full of food and drink and really enjoy the day. It is a day to celebrate the good spring/summer weather that has started.
Helen and I decided to go to my favourite little village called Billerbeck. We spent alot of time there in 2007. It has a super “feel” to the place and the locals are just wonderful, warm and friendly. We took part in the fair, which has carnival rides, games, dodgem cars etc. We had a wonderful few hours
enjoying the lovely spring weather and the sun.
It is such a different place over here when the weather turns for the better. The trees are getting leaves and all the flowers are coming out. The sky is blue and clear. Not every day, but a lot more often now.
We leave for Mannheim tomorrow morning. I will ride Jaybee Alabaster before we load the truck and then set off for the 4 hour or so trek along the autobans. I think I am as ready as I can be for this first Olympic Qualifier. A bit of “good luck” never hurts though!
Rachael
Rachael Downs Dressage 
Congratulations!! And Good Luck!! Have a great day and good luck Go Rachel, we’re backing you I hope you have a wonderful ride!!
Can’t wait to hear how you go!!
Hi Nadine! Feeling good about this one and Bastie is working really well. Thanks tons for your note. I really appreciate your thoughts.
Rachael
Best of Luck Rachael……enjoy and live it up! Let the years of hard shine through. Fingers crossed
Thanks heaps Paul. Great to have your support. Certainly will enjoy it once the nerves have settled!
Rachael
Wishing you all the very best of luck for this next challenge Rachael! Looking forward to reading all about it on your blog, hearing your thoughts really makes everyone feel part of what you are doing. Cheers
Sam
Thanks so much Sam. Really looking forward to Mannheim and being with the rest of the Australian team. Will be fun as well as competitive! Will certainly keep you posted
Rachael
Keeping my fingers crossed for both of u, great pics, u both look relaxed good luck.
Thank you!
Rachael
T-shirts! Now that IS exciting! Best of luck to you and all the Aussie’s heading to Mannheim this week!
It’s going to be a lot of fun – with some nerves too I reckon!
Great to have your support Julia. We all really appreciate it.
Thanks heaps
Rachael
GOOD LUCK RACHEL AND BASTIE xx
Thanks so much Rosie. Always good to have some luck on side too!
Rachael