Mystery Bus Ride - September 2002
Sponsored by the Mohawk Tribe
(attendance: 60; tribes participating: Mohawk, Yellowknives, Apache, Kiowa, Cherokee, Hopi, Blackfoot[guides])

Orangutans trying to hitch a ride on the tram

The September Nation Event was the annual Mystery Bus Ride. This year's mystery destination was the Miami MetroZoo. Our (very comfortable) chartered bus left Coral Springs and arrived in time for a noon lunch at the Lakeside Grill (Pizza and Drinks), followed at 1 PM by a one hour narrated tram tour of the entire zoo, featuring areas normally closed to the public (including the quarantine area for newly arrived animals).

Kiowa Tribe Members in front of the Tiger exhibit

The tram gave everyone, especially the kids, a good, elevated view of the animals. Favorites included the Chimpanzees, Orangutans, Tigers Elephants, Meerkats and a a Giraffe-like animal called an Okapi.

A white tiger prowling

Also featured at the zoo was a Jurassic Park exhibit, featuring close-up 'dinoramas' from the movies, along with many dinosaur skeletons on display. The smaller kids donned pith helmets and goggles and participated in a fossil 'dig'.

Mohawk girls keeping cool in the rain tunnel

Frozen lemon ices and water-misters hanging from the trees helped keep everyone cool on a hot day. After watching and listening to the Siamangs and looking at construction for giant new 'Wings of Asia' aviary, we re-boarded our bus at 3:45 for the return trip.