Lakota Braves the Mud Caves at Agua Caliente
The November trip to Agua Caliente delivered everything as promised, luckily with the exception of the forecasted wind. Lakota tribe members began arriving at the campsite on Friday afternoon to set up camp. The weather was calm and warm, and the girls had plenty of areas to explore. A nearby “mountain” provided many hours of entertainment with climbing and sliding. With the sun setting early, the campfire was a popular spot and a game of telephone was enjoyed by all. Sweet Friday featured Mud Pies, in honor of the nearby Mud Caves, with Strong Beetle and Mighty Trojan playing chefs for the night. An episode of the Little Rascals was the feature presentation and was a big hit with everyone. Once the Lakota girls were down for the night, the Euchre and Washers games began.
Saturday morning was cool and crisp and everyone was anxious to hit the Mud Caves. After a great breakfast, 5 SUV’s departed camp caravan style and headed east. A few miles of pavement, and many miles of dirt later, we arrived. We first explored Blair Canyon, which was a very tight squeeze and featured some spectacular formations of dried mud. After a few pictures and some corralling, we were back to the cars and headed deeper into the desert. Once we hit the caves, everyone was happy with the decision to make the trip. The largest cave was fantastic. With headlamps lit and flashlights in hand, we descended into the cave and twisted our way a few hundred yards to a large gathering area, drenched by sun. Escaping with only a few bumped heads (dads) and the tribe together was a major success.
Back at camp, we jumped right back into the activities. Swimming, crafts, and scavenger hunt hikes were huge hits with the girls. Mighty Lakota recovered all 6 aims plaques that were hidden on the hikes and will receive a treasure chest for our efforts. Saturday concluded with the nation campfire and featured a sing-a-long with Wind River, Princess Idol, and of course, the Med Man Moment. In honor of Thanksgiving, Med Man took it up a notch and hit for the cycle…twice. Beginning with a Cornucopia of vegetables, graduating to Cornish Game Hen, and ending with a 10 lbs. Tom Turkey, for which he broke out the Big Barrel. As always, the crowd went nuts.
Sunday’s super sized burritos were a treat and the trust walk was a great bonding experience for dad and daughter alike. What a great way to wrap up our trip to the desert!
Hoya Hoya, Strong Beetle
