La Familia– Arrowhead Campground, Wisconsin Dells, WI 6/24-6/25

Before we left the campground Ned suggested we check out Kitch-iti-kipi or “The Big Spring”. We had a short drive to these springs and were really surprised by the beauty and interesting geological phenomenon. We were the only ones there and took a short walk to a pier with a self operated raft. Ned wheeled us out into the middle of the small lake, and viewing into the covered opening in the center of the raft you could look 40 feet down into the clearest emerald green water and see the bubbling sands as the springs flowed up. It bubbles up at 10,000 gallons a minute and is a constant 45 degrees year round. The tiny spring lake is located in a heavily wooded area and the sun was breaking just as we entered it - a truly magical moment. Our next stop was Lake Arrowhead for the family reunion. After a six hour drive we pulled into the campground, circled around, went to the site where the family was supposed to be and even checked at the office for the Santos-Saar family reunion. Nothing, nada, zilch. At one point, as we were sitting in front of the campsite that we thought was our group, a very worried “dad” came on over and asked us if we needed help. Yeah, will you be my family?! After a few phone calls, it turns out we were at the wrong Arrowhead Campground!! Fortunately the other Arrowhead Campground was only about an hour away and we finally caught up with the real family or at least the ones that haven’t disowned us yet. We had a great two days with everyone. Ned and I loved playing with all 4 great-nephews and they loved us for our van, which they considered a really cool playhouse. (See today’s pic of all 4 boys on the top bunk of Winnie). In all there were 6 boys ranging from age 7-3. We swam, played bean bag toss games, biked, and generally were worn out keeping up with the little ones. Ned and I took a daytrip on the Elroy-Sparta rail trail. We biked 23 miles through two former train tunnels along a gorgeous trail under arched trees. Others took side trips either playing golf, riding “the ducks, or enjoying the waterparks and we all met up for a true Midwest feast. Gary and Dru outdid themselves grilling up brats, burgers & dogs, Brunswick stew, salads and even homemade ice cream. The highlight of the evening was watching 6 little boys taking whacks at a piñata that wouldn’t break open. There are some serious baseball sluggers in this little group, perhaps even a future Cubbie or two. Later in the evening a pretty impressive thunderstorm rolled through adding plenty of drama to the night. This separated the men from the boys. Almost everyone scattered for their cabins or campsites. A hearty few of us – Marc, Gary, Becky, Andy, Laura, Lane and I played cards doing “shots” or drinking mai tais under a tarp as the storm raged on. As I’m writing this, early on Saturday morning – no one is yet up! Ned and I are on the road again for our next destination, Minnesota, leaving behind hung-over, weary campers. A good time was had by all.