SUMMARY OF ACTIVITIES:

The biannual return to the East Mojave on Fort Cady Road in April of 1998 found the Hookups of Southern California immersed in a festive Hispanic theme coupled with complex games of chance plus a riddle solved by locating coins hidden on the 40 acres of the Rice/Hicks compound.  A crossword puzzle solved by words in Spanish, dexterity in throwing darts, and a game of scrabble utilized the talents of wisdom and hand-eye coordination. 

The “Fiesta ‘98” found wagonmasters “Arturo and Marilynda Keenandez” assisting their long time partners in good-natured crime, “Roberto and Leonora Hicksero”.  Their highly involved honorary helpers were “Enrique and Diana Arros”.  Like the price of all other good things, the Dinero required for the hooking up increased to 250 Pesos a rig. 

The traditional breaking of a piñata followed Friday’s evening comida of Chile, soup, crackers and bread.  The preview of the following day’s events given by the three hombre wagonmasters frightened and confused many members, especially those who were already suffering from heartburn following ingestion of the Chile they consumed at supper. 

Nonetheless, the sun did rise on Saturday and game-master Enrique Arroz encouraged the one or two hesitant members to plunge ahead into a very busy day of lady luck’s offering and their own mental faculties success (or failure).  Not surprisingly, successes far outnumbered failures and Margaritas and Sangrias on the Bridge was like soothing nectar sent from the Mexican Gods.  A substantial banquet of edibles and drinkables turned off the light on the sky as the lights on the bridge sparkled on.  Some stalwarts remained for bingo that followed the presentation of awards and prizes.  A few Hookup members still were puzzled at the rules and mechanics of he games of chance and skill, but they felt content when looking at the prizes in their hands.  A few folks just stared off into space; no one knew exactly why. 

Sunday brought a fresh beginning to everyone, and the morning caffeination with their rolls sparked interest in the raffle drawing at the business meeting.  Following a group picture snapped by Jeff Hicks, some campers “dumped” into the system provided and bade farewell. 

Several attendees wanted just a little more of the clean desert air ventured up to the Dome house for a light lunch proffered by Mary Reynolds and her husband Arden, and transportation was supplied.  A few Amigos chose to postpone the sometimes dusty Fairview Road travel until the I-40 was less congested on Monday morning.