Wind and thunderstorms over the Grand Canyon precluded our planned trip there today. However, looking at the radar we realized we had a chance to dance between the raindrops and visit Hoover Dam. We passed this up last year due to Paula’s fear of heights, but her desensitization program has advanced enough to try it today.
The Dam was manned by personnel with military mannerisms—our belongings were examined and X-rayed and we went thru a metal detector. Head counts of the folks on tour were frequent. Clearly, security was a priority. We opted for the one-hour tour and it was absolutely spellbinding. Our guide, Preston, seemed to have a PhD in Hoover Dam and was eager to share his knowledge of how the Dam was constructed and is maintained.
He led us to the diversion tunnels where we saw the ginormous pipes through which flowed all the diverted water from the Colorado river. You could feel/hear a constant low thrumming from the rushing water. Next our guide led us to the turbine room where we could see one turbine being repaired.
Then we were led through moderately claustrophobic tunnels INSIDE of the dam, and our guide let us take pictures out of the air vents. Then we went to the top of the dam. It was sprinkling, but that didn’t dim the enthusiasm of the many sightseers who, like us, took pictures of the vast Dam, Lake Meade, and the Colorado river. We enjoyed it thoroughly.
The drive to Holbrook was thru a vista of flat scrubland interrupted by many hills and mountains, some dramatic in shape and color. We traversed many mountain passes with their winding, curvy roads and watched as huge, intimidating fronts and thunderstorms unfolded around us. Surprisingly, we were able to thread the needle between storms, and had very little rain.
We checked in to the Days Inn and had a great dinner at the La Mesa Italian restaurant. Tom got lasagna and Paula had eggplant parmesan. Each entrée came with a fresh salad and garlic bread. Afterwards, we drove thru rainy Holbrook and spotted the Wigwam motel where you could actually sleep in a giant, Wigwam-shaped structure. Maybe next year.
