Early morning post

Still on Eastern time, so my iPod and I took an early morning walk while the temperature was still bearable. Went down to the London Bridge and joined a track that runs along the channel and around the lake. It was really beautiful to see the mountains against the blue sky. In addition to the powerboats, kayaks and even a paddle board or two, this seems to be a popular place for people who like remote controlled toys of all kinds - we've seen RC boats, RVs and planes in abundance. Had time to reflect on the challenges of the first couple race legs once the starting whistle goes on Tuesday morning. The heat and density altitude at our first few stops are the obvious issues, but we also have to plan the climb on the first leg from practically sea level up to more than 10,000 feet in a short distance to get over the mountains without sacrificing too much speed. Furthermore, we've been told that our preflight should include checking the wheel beds for snakes and the door handle recesses for black widow spiders! And finally, I noticed at the start of my walk that the mountains to the east were looking a little hazy - by the time I came back they were almost obscured in a brown fug and a familiar acrid smell was in the air - the smoke from the wildfires further East has arrived in Lake Havasu. No one wants to be flying in the mountains at altitude in conditions of reduced visibility, so over the next few days we'll have to see if there's enough wind at altitude to move it out of the way... Had a lovely breakfast with Linda, Barbara and Ethel on my return to the hotel. Next stop is a mandatory briefing at 10am.