Havasuapai 2024

One of Arizona’s most spectacular natural attractions played host to the Desert Stars during the weekend of October 4-6.  Adventurous members and guests visited the world-famous Kartchner Caverns State Park as part of the Section’s annual Havasupai ‘24 fall rallye. And what a cave tour it was!

The Embassy Suites Hotel in the Tucson Foothills was a comfortable and hospitable gathering place for members who met on Friday nite to renew friendships and meet new members.  For at least three couples, this was their first rallye event, and they received a warm welcome! We all enjoyed refreshments and snacks as we shared tips and planned driving strategy.

The Saturday morning rallye took participants through Tucson and past the 2600-acre US Military storage yard where they were able to see some of the 4000 military aircraft in dry storage and available for regeneration.  Simply an amazing sight!  Then it was on to Sonoita and Elgin, though Arizona Wine country, and arriving at Kartchner Caverns State Park where all enjoyed lunch from the Bat Cave Café before embarking on the journey into the cave.  What an interesting tour inside the mountain to view the fascinating and colorful mineral formations that have been millions of years in the making.

Back at the hotel, our Saturday evening awards banquet made sure that all attendees were rewarded with cool prizes. The more competitive among us also earned traditional kachina dolls, awarded to those teams that best matched wits with the rallyemasters.  When the scores were tallied, third place went to the team of Ron and Rhonda Borino. Second place was earned by perennial competitors John and Marriane Hutchison. First place went to David Cesal with his “Arizona Wildcat” daughter Cate (a rallye first-timer).  Congratulations to all the participants!

Many thanks to all who came along for the fun and experienced the not-so-hidden majesty of Kartchner’s Throne Room and Rotunda.  We all enjoyed the weekend and took home memories of a surprisingly beautiful and welcoming part of Arizona!  We’ll be back visiting again soon!