After a very busy Saturday, we woke up on Sunday, got some coffee, and headed off to the Hoover Dam. We were shocked to feel actual rain that morning, but were grateful that temp had cooled all the way to 92.
The dam was amazing. Both of us spent our time in the mini-museum just imagining the lives of the brave people who flocked to the dam for work during the Depression. I also marveled at the fact that it was completed about 2 years ahead of schedule—that has to be the first (and last) time in history that a construction project was completed early, right??
From the museum building, I looked down and got a peek at what we were in for. It was freaky.
Since I know you're dying to ask: Yes, we did take the dam tour. We took the whole dam tour and Chris couldn't stop making dam jokes. ;) The tour actually takes you INSIDE the dam. You go down this tiny tunnel (it pays to be short in this case!) and can look out at the water from one of the vents on the front of the dam.
When we resurfaced after the tour, we found our state represented in front of the monument by the dam. The American flag flies here, in memory of those who died during the construction.
The dam is still functioning, and even the beautiful floors inside are original to the construction. The whole experience made me think of that saying: "They don't make 'em like that anymore."
My favorite part of the experience was actually not an official part of the tour. It was a teenage tourist (Indian, we think), who was excitedly asking intelligent questions of every single guide and docent in sight. He clearly knew a lot about engineering; probably more than the guides. We heard him thank one guide for answering his questions, and then he enthusiastically told the man that it was his dream to see the Hoover Dam. Still warms my heart days later.
Finally, as must all good things, our time at the dam came to an end. We drove off into the sunset (and into Labor Day traffic). The desert was beautiful at night.
We basically collapsed of exhaustion when we got home, but don't worry, Vegas...we'll be back.
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