A Good “Dam” Day

Hoover Dam

It’s our second full day in Las Vegas and we spent the morning doing the full tour of Hoover Dam.  Very impressive, indeed.  This dam was built in the 1930s in the middle of the depression and the systems are still in operation today, pretty much unmodified.  Although the lake is down about 150 feet (and still falling) they are still supplying water and electricity to most of the southwest part of the country.  One unfortunate part of this otherwise enjoyable visit was the gate security.  Yes, there were signs at the parking areas that said we could only carry items into the dam that were no larger than this (followed by a black 12-inch square).  The satchel we carry was about that size so we did not anticipate any problem.  We also did not anticipate the airport style security check point at the entrance complete with magnetic walk-through scanners.  They took away my Gator-aide, the two sandwiches Linda had made for lunch, all of our trail mix packettes and, worst of all, they took the little Leatherman tool I carry on my key chain.  I appreciate the effort to protect the facility but do they really think I would hi-jack a dam with my little pen knife and screw driver?

The afternoon we spent walking the strip in Las Vegas, watching the fountain at the Bellagio and eating dinner at the Forum in Caesars Palace.  We both love people watching and this is a great place for that!  I had forgotten how outrageous the outfits are that one sees in Vegas – and not just the show girls.  It was entertaining to see all the street vendors found everywhere.  During the day, the typical  bedraggled men with cardboard signs purporting all sorts of problems that a  few bucks would fix.  As night fell they were replaced by costumed Disney and cartoon characters, a few dozen Elvis Presleys, busty women in full show girl regalia, and even shapely young lasses in almost nothing – all posing for pictures.  I love this place!  And I really loved finally getting back to the RV, sitting down and putting my feet up after all that walking.

We selected an RV park on Nellis Air Force  Base and are happy we did.  Since it is on base it is restricted to active duty and retired military, so security is not an issue.  At precisely 5:00 pm (that’s 1700 hours)  a set of loud speakers spread throughout the base plays The Colors as they prepare to lower the base flag, and follow it with the National Anthem as the flag is lowered and folded.   During these few moments everything on base stops – traffic, people  walking, kids playing – everything.  All solemnly faces the point where the flag is and pay tribute to our nation and it’s flag.  It is truly an honor for me to be part of this and it reminds me how blessed I am to have been placed in this country during these times!  The same set of speakers also plays Reveille at 7:00 am every work day.  That’s OK, I was going to get up anyway. 

And now we’re off to Peoria, AZ for a couple days with my Daughter and two of our six grand kids.