From Las Vegas, it was a short drive to Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam, on the Colorado River at the border of Nevada and Arizona. Lake Mead is man made and is the largest reservoir in the US, its water supplied mainly from the melting snow of the Rocky Mountains. The levels are controlled by dams, the outflow regulated by the Hoover Dam to supply water to Arizona, Nevada, California and Mexico.
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Lake Mead
As I approached the dam,the traffic and electrical wires and transformers increased. I had to stop for a security check.
They looked into one of my outside storage compartments and also checked inside my RV for explosives.
I stopped to view a new bridge that was completed in 2010 to relieve some of the traffic over the rim of the dam. I marvelled at the extensive electrical system and wondered if it is possible for our increasing technology to be in harmony with nature. I believe that living in harmony with nature is the only way humans can continue to live on this planet. We do need the technology and we are gradually becoming aware of working with nature as we not only find alternative sources of energy such as solar and wind power but are also learning to use these resources wisely. Living in an RV with no generator and depending on solar panels for electricity made me realize how wasteful I've been in the past. One light on at a time is enough and going to bed earlier is even better! LED lights use less power. Water is also a limited resource in an RV and it's amazing how little a person can manage with.
The new bridge is impressive and attracts hundreds of visitors daily.
The walkway is walled off from the busy road next to it and has several historical plaques along the 1905 ft
length.
At the end of the walkway, you have to turn around and head back, so that makes for some good exercise! It took 5 years to build this bridge and it is 880 ft above the river with a marvelous view of the Hoover Dam. |
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The Hoover Dam |
I didn't realize that the Hoover Dam was constructed from 1931 to 1935. It is a National Historic Landmark and is a modern civil engineering wonder. It attracts more than a million visitors from all over the world yearly and on some days, over 5000 people come to see it!
Although I found the dam fascinating, I was happy to drive back through the quiet expansive desert again.
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Along hwy 40 east towards Williams, Arizona
The road seemed to go on forever and I was happy I had about 3/4 tank of gas. I began to feel a bit concerned when there was no gas station for more than 3 hrs. Finally, I came to a station where gas was $4.59/gal!! Luckily I met someone who told me gas was less expensive just a few miles further , so I continued driving and was relieved to find gas for $3.49/gal. I have quite a large gas tank so that makes a big difference. After filling up, I continued and was rather annoyed when I came across a gas station only 2 blocks further that charged $2.99/gal! OK, I told myself, "Don't sweat the small stuff " (It's a good thing I've been reading a book by that name, written by Richard Carlson !) How we react in any given situation depends so much on our perception.
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Arriving at Williams, AZ, I had no problem finding the Canyon Motel and RV Park which offers Passport America rates and was very comfortable. Hook ups and wifi are always such a treat!
Williams is a small town on historic route 66 which was the main route from Chicago to Los Angeles many years ago.
It began in the 1800's with a series of wagon trails that eventually were linked together. Several towns developed and the railroad soon followed. It became a glorious adventure for many people looking for new opportunities in the west.
Now much of route 66 has been replaced by Interstate 40 but several sections have been preserved.
Williams is also at the beginning of a steam train ride and hwy 64 heading north to a famous natural wonder of the world that I was fortunate enough to experience. The awe inspiring views have drawn an increasing number of visitors from all over the world. In 2013, 4,564,840 people visited this site!
Some photos will follow on the next blog!!
"When we stand at the border of reality, we are afraid that we will lose our identity by plunging in."
-Deng Ming-Dao
"Satisfaction comes from enjoying what you have, not from getting what you want."
- Amrit Desai
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