Get Ready for the PPR Nationals! Ponce, PR August 2006

[Candice Burger]

Let's get a group together to go!

Plan ahead! This is "the" PPR nationals where all PPR organizations meet to compete their horses.

PM me if interested and I will begin looking at hotels, food, transportation, etc.

Let's go ya'll.

[PasoJoy]

Well I WISH I could go, but it's not gonna happen unless I hit the lottery.... :cry:

[Candice Burger]

That's why I'm starting now. I know $$$ can be tight, but if we get enough people interested, this could become an annual event and at "some" time you can afford it!

Been there done that for budgeting. It took me over 30 years to go back to PR and boy have I been missing the action.

If not this year....next year....or the next....keep the eye on the prize.

[Candice Burger]

I was going to do a poll but it'll take more than one.

How much are you willing to pay for a hotel?
1. $50-75/night?
2. $75-100/night?
3. $100-$150/night?

Do you need AC?
1. yes
2. no

How many days would you spend in PR?
1. 3 days
2. 4 days
3. 5 days
4. 7 days
5. 7+days

How would you travel?
1. In a group only
2. Individually, rental car
3. Doesn't matter

What part of the Island do you want to see?
1. San Juan area
2. Isabela area
3. Ponce area
4. anywhere there's a paso

Would you prefer to see?
1. Show only
2. Farms only
3. Both

What type of travel package is attractive?
1. Air fare, hotel, meals, transportation, guide
2. Hotel, meals, transportation, guide
3. Hotel, transportation, guide
4. other--please indicate

What horses are you interested in (PPR only)?
examples: Labriego, Replica de Majestuoso, Poema, Don Coqui, Lord de Sobreno?

What bloodlines are you interesed in (PPR only)
examples: Cialito, Nochebuena, Cuentas Claras, Kofresi/Don Toqui?

[Candice Burger]

More questions:

What size travel group?
1. less than 10
2. 10-15
3. 15-20
4. other number--please indicate

If travelling single, would you share a room (same gender)
1. yes
2. preferably, no

[stella]

Anywhere there's a paso, and airfare/hotel/maybe rental cars-or van? ...but I think we can find a pasoperson guide, I'll look into that, too!(maybe different people each day? I know 2-3)

[Privatetreaty]

Candice,
I'm not sure I understand question #2.

AC?
Are you referring to AIR CONDITIONING?

No, you couldn't be referring to precious AIR CONDITIONING, right?
Who can sleep without AIR CONDITIONING in the summer?
(can you tell I'm a spoiled one from MIAMI?)

Stella, did you catch this?

Please advise.
Thank you.

[Pasogirlz]

Candice,
I'm not sure I understand question #2.

AC?
Are you referring to AIR CONDITIONING?

No, you couldn't be referring to precious AIR CONDITIONING, right?
Who can sleep without AIR CONDITIONING in the summer?
(can you tell I'm a spoiled one from MIAMI?)

Please advise.
Thank you.

I hear you there Helen. :lol: I need A/C and a place to plug in my hairdryer.

in Puerto Rico without A/C ???? prepare to suffocate during the day! :lol:

I would like to go but I hate airplanes.

[Candice Burger]

Yes, I mean air conditioning.

I don't know when AC became more common place, but when I lived in PR we had no AC and didn't miss it. But then, I'm up in NW FL freezing my butt off right now. I work in the field, in the heat, in the humidity, in August, in Tampa, about 10-12 hour days with long sleeve shirts, jeans, boots, and loving it (yeah, right).

So, although AC is not an issue with me nor the location nor the conveniences, I realize others are not of this mind-set. Talk to me. I NEED to know how others travel, since I literally will take a week's worth of clothes and shoes in a small duffle bag that is 21W X 10H x 7D. I wash as I go and if it can't fit, it doesn't go.

In the San Juan area, Hotels with AC is not a problem but for some other areas of the island, this may not be the case. So, I need to know about AC. This may add both expense and limit availability and also limit location and time of year. And if anyone can't handle the weather it may limit the time stayed.

When we went to DR in 2001, it was the same issue. We stayed at two high-end resort hotels with no AC. One was in Santo Domingo and one in Puerta Plata. It is not as common in the tropics as some think.

PasoNito, we can knock you out at the airport, get you loaded and unloaded, then wake you up in San Juan. :razz:

When I head down for Dulce Sueno Fair, I'll be scoping out the hotel digs. Here's everyone's chance to chime in. For God's sakes don't let me decide where to stay.

[Fino1]

Candice..............

I am VERY interested! I missed out on the one that was planned for, (gosh was it this month?) so was excited when I saw your post.

I'm not too interested in wasting $$$ on high-end hotels when you're only there to sleep anyway. AC might not be an issue depending on area because from what I have read, there are some places that do have cool breezes at night. (you'd know more about that than me)

One thing I REALLY wanted to do if I had of made it down with the other group was to go to split off and head to Isla de Vieques. There are some awesome things to do...Penny,the owner of the Sea Gate is a wonderful hostess (from what I have read) AND can set up rides on the beach......breed of choice of course ...once she knows you know the breed and can ride!.....Paso Finos! I've talked to her and read all the reviews on her place.....anyway you can read about it here............

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g147326-d485475-Reviews-Sea_Gate_Guest_House-Isla_de_Vieques_Puerto_Rico.html

I think(?) that August might be off season so rates would be more reasonable, right?

Anyway I am MORE than slightly interested........so to answer your poll.......

How much are you willing to pay for a hotel?
1. $50-75/night?
2. $75-100/night?
3. $100-$150/night?
I'd be up for the best bang for the buck
Do you need AC?
1. yes
2. no
Only if absolutely necessary
How many days would you spend in PR?
1. 3 days
2. 4 days
3. 5 days
4. 7 days
5. 7+days
I'd be up for 7+ days
How would you travel?
1. In a group only
2. Individually, rental car
3. Doesn't matter
#3~ However #1 is the more attractive
What part of the Island do you want to see?
1. San Juan area
2. Isabela area
3. Ponce area
4. anywhere there's a paso
All of the above and Isle de Vieques TOO!
Would you prefer to see?
1. Show only
2. Farms only
3. Both
#3
What type of travel package is attractive?
1. Air fare, hotel, meals, transportation, guide
2. Hotel, meals, transportation, guide
3. Hotel, transportation, guide
4. other--please indicate
Since I'd be coming from the West Coast I'd find air from here and I'd be up for the best bang for the buck, again
What horses are you interested in (PPR only)?
examples: Labriego, Replica de Majestuoso, Poema, Don Coqui, Lord de Sobreno?
All of the above and any others!
What bloodlines are you interesed in (PPR only)
examples: Cialito, Nochebuena, Cuentas Claras, Kofresi/Don Toqui?
All of the above and any others!

Guess I've sorta made a long post.........but........excitment does that to me!

Can't wait to hear from you..........PM me if you want.

Judy

Opp's missed this...........
More questions:

What size travel group?
1. less than 10
2. 10-15
3. 15-20
4. other number--please indicate
#1 OR #2
If travelling single, would you share a room (same gender)
1. yes
2. preferably, no
For sure #1! (what better way to save some $$$$?)

Now I hope I haven't missed anything else..... :D

[Privatetreaty]

PasoNito,
Before you jump on a plane, just do what I do:
vodka and orange juice

It doesn't matter if the flight is at 6am.
I have another about a half hour before landing.
Just make sure you don't show how plastered you are.


Hey Candice,
I was just asking. Some folks don't like hot weather,
especially in the sticky summer time.

I'd love to hook-up with your group and we'd be a part of two.
I'm flexible. My only concern is conflicting hearing dates.
Typically, I'm given 30 days notice.

The only thing I would prefer is a room with AC and a bathroom.
Or maybe I can stay down the road at another property and
meet up with you guys early.

Please count us in.

Thanks,
Helen

[Fino1]

ROFL.............well I'd sure like a bathroom TOO!

Very funny, PT! LOLOL :yay :yay :yay

I CAN handle AC......just thought if push came to shove....price wise.....I probably can handle without AC.

PT, what'd you think about Isle de Vieques? I've done extensive research and am sure just anyone going to PR would love Vieques too. I mean come on....we'd be looking at staying at a place very reasonable AND be able to have an insiders view of the tiny island......PLUS beach riding on Pasos!
See, it's a another plane ride...or IF the ferry is running, a short boat ride. Well anyways......it'd be fun.....check out the link.

I AM excited about planning and saving for this trip......even in the wake of having my truck broken into and losing $200! Grrrrrrrrrrrr.......it's another story.

I hope you can make the trip.......we'd all have a great time.......I just know it!

Judy

[Privatetreaty]

Years ago, I checked into a old hotel in Paris, France.
While I was walking to my room, I noticed a man coming
out of a door down the hall, he was bare chested and
grasping a small around his lower torso. :oops:

Needless to say, I was in shock and I quickly darted into my room.

If think that was shocking, you should have seen the look on my face when I realized that there was no bathroom in my room.
It was down the hall. :(
.

[Candice Burger]

:D :lol: :roll:

hahaha, Privatetreaty! Didn't you know the whole world is a bathroom?

Somewhere along the way I lost my intense childhood timidity. Sometimes, I really wish I had some of that back. I tend to get real quiet in a group, which many mistake for timidness. Really I'm worried if I open my mouth I'll scare everyone away. I have a strange sense of humor sometimes that just isn't appreciated. I know owning horses is what did me in.

OK. Today stinks for being outside some I'm taking notes here.

Just FYI--I did a quick search for flights a few days ago. Lo' and behold the fare got cheaper as the flights got closer to the travel date. Significantly cheaper. I did a cursory around my area checking Tallahassee, Jacksonville, Orlando, and Atlanta. Of course flights from NY/NJ to PR are pretty cheap. Depending on the group going, it sounds to me that if enough leave from FL, we can ticket as a group and maybe get cheaper fare.

Another option is to give everyone a day of travel and let each figure their own way to San Juan. Book a hotel for a night and meet in the evening or next morning. This may work out better for those that are traveling from outside the normal flight lines to San Juan. Most hotels are easy to get to from the Airport and taxis are easy to find or we'd designate a pickup person. A van or two could be rented and off we'd go from there. We'd do the same leaving. We could either leave as a herd or book a hotel for a night and take off as needed. If we work it right, we could still do some tripping during the day, drop off those that need to leave at the airport and the rest retire at a hotel.

Temps in PR never get over 100 in the summer but they will climb up there ; typically about 95 in the summer during the day and high 70s at night. There is a breeze especially when one gets away from the San Juan area. The buildings seem to prohibit good air flow. However, the humidity is always there and unless you are accostumed to some sweating while standing, it will be uncomfortable outside at mid-day. Shade is a good thing. And perhaps it may be that we do our thing in the morning, take a nice long lunch somewhere, and resume later in the afternoon. Hmm, perhaps I could con, I mean persuade, some farms to let us hang out for lunch. From what I have scanned so far, most hotels do have fans to move the air if AC is not available. To me the nights were always comfortable and as long as shade is available, the breezes will cool you down.

What I thought I would do is scope out (with some inside PR help) hotel price, accomodations, etc. Find out for sure about dates for the show and report back. What I've noted so far is "clean, secure, nothing fancy, AC if possible".

I gotta warn everyone, this is PR and PR operates on PR time. What the means is don't expect a tight schedule and treat the schedule as tenative. In other words, pencil not pen and keep the eraser handy. Expect some long days and there is no such thing as "late". Not in late at night, late to work, late for a meeting. Now, it can be allot of fun that way. I hear Vieques calling!

[Candice Burger]

I'm thinking that travel dates, travel package info should be researched and finalized no later than March. Costs, locations, etc. I'll also be checking into emergency cancellations and refunds (cut off dates).

This gives everyone time to think about it, get their budgets figured out and provide any naysaying that's got to get worked through.

At some point, and I don't know when that will be yet, it will be time to fish or cut bait. Either this happens or it doesn't. Comittments made, deposits gathered up.

Oh, if ya'll need a day of rest scheduled let me know. Otherwise you won't get one unless you decide to hang out on you own for the day. Or if ya'll need to go tourist on me, let me know that too. There's some beautiful areas that aren't pasoey too. Hard to believe but it's a fact. Might be a nice change of pace (that's a joke).

[Fino1]

Okay..............

This is sounding better and better with every post!
And I can hear Vieques calling TOO!

I think I will do some research on flight/prices from here to.........Miami or..........Candice, what might be the best jump off place in Florida for flight to PR? Maybe I need to check with my travel agent too. Might be better idea...........hummm?

More later............off to a cat show.........Gotta go see those Bengal cat do their Agility Course. It's pretty cool!

J

[motorgypsy]

Yes we're interested but we need to stay independent because we never know if we can handle the heat or activity level and might need to leave and we will need AC. Aren't there any mountains in PR where it's not too hot? In Colombia we never missed AC but 95 is a bit much for us.

[Candice Burger]

There's some mountains, but nothing like Colombia and most development is along the coastline not in the mountain regions. The elevation isn't high enough for any cooling effect. Tropical breezes and shade are the constants.

As soon as I start nailing down the particulars, I thought of talking to a travel agent to see if group rates were available (cheaper). I'll compare what I find out with what a travel agent can offer. I thought of negotiating directly with hotels and maybe some restaurants as soon as we get committed. Like I said, I go discount as much as possible.

From FL the air fare rates are simple--the closer the PR the cheaper. So, Miami is cheaper than Orlando is cheaper than Jacksonville is cheaper than Tallahassee. Ft. Lauderdale/Miami are about the same fare and Tampa/Orlando can be the same depending on the air line carrier. Atlanta is the next hub in the SE and believe or not I've seen some good fares out of SC to PR. Again with the traffic, NY/NJ are good fares.

Depending on where everyone is located--can either gather up and fly out together from FL or gather up in San Juan. Ya'll think about that for the next couple of weeks. For those outside of the FL area, might want to check the connection flight. Believe it or not. I was checking into one flight out of Jacksonville to PR that went through NY. I've found for Tallahasee, I connect in Miami, Atlanta, or NY generally. That last flight's a doozy. If most flights connect through a major hub, could be that we could book a group through a travel agency and then everyone figure out how to get to that airport on their own. Those out west I think go through TX or Chicago, then Atlanta, but I haven't really played with any flight schedules west of the Mississippi.

For now, PR orgs need to confirm dates and place. This is still tentative so I'm also checking into other shows and dates if the orgs can't get together on this show.

For those seriously interested, please PM before Feb 22 for initial input. I leave for PR that weekend and will use the inputs as a guide for scoping out places. I'll start outlining options for feedback. There will be plenty of time for more input through March, but the first stab at this will be while I'm down there for Dulce Sueno fair.

I can't think of anything else. Mull it over. I'm arbitarily setting end of March for decision making time so that travel costs can be nailed down.

[Fino1]

Just ONE thought on weather............June to November.......typically is HURRICAN SEASON!
Unpredictable for sure........are we worried about this at all or should we just adopt a "devil may care attutude" shove the thought to the back of our heads and just have a blast, hoping for the best?

Just a thought...........a random one for sure..........LOL

Judy

Okay......Candice............back to planning

[Candice Burger]

This is about the best map I've seen of Puerto Rico.

http://www.travelmaps.com/Index.html

Latest news:

The PPRPF competition is for real! The coliseum has been reserved by PR entities so that they have time to haul in dirt a week ahead of the show. Dates and locations to follow...

[Fino1]

Candice..........

That is a great map and links to a ton of PR sites! Thanks for posting ..........

Back to the hurricane subject............or are we just going to put our heads in the sand and hope for the best?
Just curious..........

J

[Candice Burger]

If ya wanna go to the PR show, yes. The dates are the last week in August but I don't have the exact days right now.

For folks in Florida, I know this is a big risk. In NW Panhandle FL, we've been real lucky the last few hurricane seasons. Even so, my horses would have to stay put and try to deal with the hurricane. In PR, I've been through a few hurricanes but no direct hit. Still there is flooding in low areas and I don't have enough info to tell anyone if evacuation or emergency plans are in place.

It's a good question that needs exploring.

[Jose Rubero]

My wife and I expect to go this year. We plan in visiting a week earlier than the competitions to participate in Cabalgatas. Cabalgatas, urban riding in mass, is a phenomenal experience. If you are taking the time/cost to visit PR make sure you get into a cabalgata. Also, please make sure you visit Vieques (PR 50 years ago, 1 stop sign, horses run wild in streets) for at least 3 days.
And yes, it will be very unstable (hurricanes) in August, totally unpredictable.
Hurricane in spanish "Huracan" originating with the Taino indians from Puerto Rico. See you all there :)

[Candice Burger]

I found a great site for apartments, condos, rentals.

The old Ramey AFB (home away from home) rents three bedrooms for a week at $700/wk. That's not bad split 3 ways.

for your browsing pleasure

http://escape.topuertorico.com/tour/lodmain.shtml

[Candice Burger]

Here's another site to browse. I was looking for car rentals and came across this one.

http://travelandsports.com/index.html

[SandyMM]

How do you 'get into' a cabalgata if you don't have any orses with you? Can you rent a horse?

[Candice Burger]

I'm not sure Sandy. I was invited to two cabalgatas on the weekend before and after the Dulce Sueno Fair. Unfortunately, I'm not there the weekend before (this weekend) and the weekend after I'll be stateside again. :cry:

I will try to find out how to get horses and how the cabalgatas are formed. From what I understand it's a group of folks that get together and trail ride all day. How I remember those days in PR. We'd saddle up in the morning and go riding all over, all ages. We'd stop occasionally for a coke or beer, have some lunch, and then head home, sometimes getting there after dark. Somtimes we'd pack our lunch if we were riding to a beach somewhere. Or we'd ride moon lit rides during the full moon.

[motorgypsy]

Candice we're still interested. Tommy is doing really well in physical therapy for the pinched nerve in his back. We are fine sharing a place and we can do the sleep on the floor thing even. Just can't handle too much heat and we honestly don't know how much walking we can do. It depends on several things. But it sounds like great fun!!

[Candice Burger]

Hey Mgypsies,

:D No floor sacking will be necessary from the looks of things. The rentals are looking real reasonable. How does everyone feel about renting a 2-3 bedroom with kitchen? The rates vary, but from what I've seen so far we can rent one from $100-200 a night. That's $33-$66/room/night. There are some bed & breakfast inns around the same price, 2-3 bedroom. So far, AC is more common now, must be the tourism influence.

Well, ya'll browse and think hard about this. Like I said, I go cheap and I don't really care about where as long as I get to see some horses.

Main thing to remember when looking at distances between towns is driving time is about twice as long as it is stateside for the same distance. So, don't think it's a simple hop, skip, jump to go from one end of the island to the other. Plan accordingly. I was shocked when I heard that going from San Juan to Ponce (about 75 miles) took only about 1 hour 40 minutes (new highway). That was over a 2 hour drive in my days.

So, I'm thinking that if more than one part of the island is explored, might be best to move camp for a few days.

Here's a great link that describes each municipality and the driving distance to San Juan.

http://welcome.topuertorico.org/exploring.shtml

[motorgypsy]

We have very realistic travel expectations - we did buses a lot in Colombia! We'd rather change locations than do the back and forth if it's feasible and pracatical.

[Pam M]

Hey Candice, I'm just now seeing this thread (mid-march) so it might be too late to get in on it. Plus I'm already booked for Montana and Costa Rica this year so I'm really too broke to get in on it this year!!! But if you make this a yearly event, count me in! I usually need close to a year to plan, budget and find someone to take care of the horses but it sounds great! I'm a Gulf Coast native so, for your poll, no A/C necessary, don't much care about accommodations, care greatly about food, speak enough of the language to get by - does that cover it?

Oh, and by the way, "quote" - In NW Panhandle FL, we've been real lucky the last few hurricane seasons. Even so, my horses would have to stay put and try to deal with the hurricane." Don't know where you've been but I took a few direct hits and some residuals (Ivan, Dennis, Katrina and a few tropical storms) - NWFL is about the unluckiest plance on the planet right now. Just ask my battle/wind-scarred horses! So please, can we just move to PR?!

[Candice Burger]

Hey Pam! And welcome aboard the adventure!

Anytime is a good time. I'm still working the logistics and will begin doing the dirty work of getting prices in various formats.

I'm like you, yearly planning is best.

Hey ya'll we could do Dominican Republic too!? It's not as Americanized (for sure) but Al and I did the trip for Mundial 2001 without any assistance at all (zero) and we did pretty darn good. Getting lost on the roads was our worst experience. With paso folks on the net, I'm sure we could find a gracious DR paso person to help us out. I'll admit, I fell in love with the cigars and rum. DR has places that are about $45-50/room/night that are decent.

I'm trying to find a "place" to post all of the planning and hope that maybe a yearly or every 2 year trip can become a reality.

[SandyMM]

www.cheapcaribbean.com has a bunch of fares for Puerto Rico right now - but looks like they have to be booked by March 23rd....

[SandyMM]

Candice - what are the exact dates for the show?

[Candice Burger]

8-) That's pretty cool Sandy.

I did a quick and dirty price search to Puerto Rico. Interestingly the search query totally ignores the dates you put in. I asked for August travel and got everything from now through December. Anywhooo...

This is a great site to test your meddle on budgeting. The prices are very good for the type of hotel and airfare. Be careful though. The prices change depending on the departure city of the air flight (of course). I checked travel packages from Atlanta and Orlando for me.

Airfare is around $300 round trip out of Orlando. Add about 80-100/night for hotel (7 nights) that's $1000 right there. Then meals, then transportation, so typical travel is around $1500.

I know that a group that is willing to do a little more planning can go cheaper. I'm leaning towards rentals with 2-3 bedrooms and a kitchen. Unless privacy is a real issue, I think we could stand each other for a few days. Maybe split the experience between hotel and something like that. I can see packing my clothes in a cooler instead of a suitcase! I wonder how the airlines would feel about that?

I'm going to try a dry run using my travel habits and see what I come up with. This is the base I use when I begin searching hotels, flights, and car rentals.

[motorgypsy]

I think the Siemers of Fiddleleaf Farms have a farm in DR. Don't know if they still have a website up or not. They have a lot of things going at once but should be knowledgeable. They are near BarbP in Summerville FL or something like that.

We're fine with sharing a bath. Have to have air conditioning. DR sounds neat. Let us know what you find out.

[SandyMM]

Candice - don't make me slap you with a sweaty doormat saddle pad to get the dates for the PPR Nationals! ;-) My niece is getting married Sept 2 and we need to make some pretty convoluted reservations to pull this off... Not to mention that 9/2 is Greg's birthday... also son Tyler's BD! Boy - that's going to be one really busy family holiday!

Dates! Dates! Dates! :surrender :surrender :surrender

[Dianne]

Hmmmmm...well I only just saw this post too and have a couple of questions
How far is Dorado beach from the show? and IF I was in a position to get some rooms elcheapo would anyone be interested in the Hyatt Dorado Beach resort? :lol:
I am ;-) oh and PS..yes it is closing in may..BUT new owners are standing by with big bucks ;-)
http://honeymoons.about.com/od/puertorico/ss/hyatt_dorado.htm

[Candice Burger]

Dates are the last weekend in August. August 26 and 27. :oops: :oops: :oops: SORRY SANDY!!!!! :oops: :oops: :oops:

Dorado is near San Juan and not close to where the show (for now) is planned which is in Ponce. It's about a 30 minute drive from San Juan. If we traveled out of San Juan as a group, this may be doable, but individually and if this is your first experience to PR, I'd recommend a hotel in San Juan for at least the first night.

I checked into refundable air fares, etc. Expect to pay some bucks. Airfare went from $300 round trip for me to nearly $500 depending on the carrier. Cheapest was $397. So, if ya'll want to have refundable reservations, you'll have to pay more up front for it. This could make the costs of a 7-day trip go up considerably from $1500 maximum to ????.

Tentative trip:

Fly into San Juan Wednesday or Thursday
Play, tourist, visit until Friday
Travel as a group to the show Friday evening
Attend show Saturday and Sunday
Visit farms Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
Fly out Thursday.

This is 8 nights in PR
For 7-night excursion either a play day is out or a farm visit day is out.

My cutoff for any outside comments, which do help by the way, will be the end of April. Then it's time to fish or cut bait.