Area 51 – Do It Yourself Road-Trip Tour

This one’s for Lisa M, Chris W and Jamie C, because you all specifically mentioned you were looking forward to this blog. I would be skeptical if I didn’t know you’re actually serious!

This past Christmas, I went to visit my Dad who lives in Northwest Las Vegas. Besides the obligatory gambling, we decided, at my suggestion, to go on a road-trip to Area 51. I wonder now in hindsight if…, no I’m pretty sure that…, actually, I’m fairly positive I was subliminally influenced ever since seeing the movie, Paul on a recent Virgin Atlantic flight to London. If so, then Simon Pegg and Nick Frost have a lot to answer for!

So first, let’s set the mood, shall we?

Paul (2011) – Official Trailer

So as one does, I Googled for tours to Area 51. Well, I quickly ditched any thoughts of a tour from Las Vegas because the going rate is about $195.00. Per PERSON. Haha! No way were my Dad and I going to spend nearly $400.00 unless it was an Actual Tour OF Area 51!

A do-it-yourself road-trip was the answer and this is where the fabulous website, Area 51 – Dreamland Resort was hands down perfect for a “crash course” (Haha a little UFO humor) on the topic. Anyone and Everyone, planning their own trip to Area 51 should first check out the Dreamland Resort: Area 51 FAQ links. I found these web pages most helpful:

Maps & GPS

• Map and Driving Directions from Las Vegas
• Rachel, NV and Tikaboo Valley Map
• Map of Rachel, Nevada
• Correction to USGS maps of the North Gate Area

Tips for Travel in the Area

Preparations and Tips before you come to Area 51

Another great resource was this blog, “Without Baggage“, from which I specifically printed the inset section,”How to Visit Area 51″.

And you can’t go wrong with Area 51 Sightseeing tips from USA Today, right? Right. Another one printed!

After a final review of all the maps, directions and cautions, Dad and I hit the road.

We gassed up and drove north on Interstate 15. As soon as you exit Interstate 15 onto Hwy 93 you immediately realize a feeling of solitude on the 2-lane highway. This stretch of road introduces you to the concept of remote in a hurry. For the next 85…long…miles, there are not too many vehicles playing passing games on this road. Why? Because there’s no one on this road to pass. But you may get lucky and find yourself behind a slow truck (slower than 80 mph? not bloody likely). Well, then it’s a slam dunk…make your passing move whenever you darn well fancy, cuz there’s no one coming in the opposite direction to worry about.

But hey! what’s this? A couple little towns near the end of the 85 mile stretch? Yep, Alamo and Ash Springs! Don’t Blink, Don’t even Blink. (Haha a little Doctor Who humor for Lisa M). These two towns are tiny but you will be so relieved to see them. Get ready, cuz here comes our first spectacular road-trip point of interest, the Alamo Truck Stop.

Alamo Truck Stop is perfect for picking up a bag of chips and a toilet break. I highly recommend it. Plus, any place that exactly matches the color of my car, is a definite WIN in my book!

Alamo Truck Stop, NV

Soon after Alamo, is where this trip really begins to “take off” (Haha more UFO humor). We arrive shortly at the junction of State Hwy 375.

In April 1996, Nevada State Highway 375 was officially named the ”Extraterrestrial Highway“ for the many UFO sightings along this lonely stretch of road. You can see how visitors from around the world have left their “mark” on the sign. This sign is at least one replacement (of how many?) that the state has had to install since the original.

Extraterrestrial Highway Sign (26 Dec 2011)

Funnily enough there were some folks taking a break at a picnic table. One guy, came over to have a look at what Dad and I where taking a picture of. Was it possible that this guy just stopped to have a road-side lunch and seriously had NO IDEA that this was the ET highway??? The mind boggles!

We were barely back on the road when, in less than 5 minutes, we reached our next stop. The Alien Research Center with its 30 foot aluminum Alien. Naturally.

Alien Research Center (Hiko, NV)

The Alien Research Center is a roadside attraction-style museum run by self-professed Area 51 expert Glenn Campbell. There weren’t any cars in the ample parking lot and we soon saw why. The center was closed on Mondays. Damn it all to hell. I could see through the glass front door the plethora of alien souvenirs and whatnot on display. Disappointed!

Back out on the ET highway and time to find our next point of interest, the “Black Mailbox” about 20 miles up. This is where a good set of printed directions is critical to have on hand because you can’t expect to rely on your phone or its GPS. Mine had already gone out shortly after we left the Alien Research Center.

Twenty minutes later between mile marker 29 and 30, we saw the mailbox and pulled into the wide open area surrounding it. There, Dad and I burst into laughter as we beheld the glory of the graffiti-laden mailbox on a pole that we had just driven roughly 2 hours to see. We weren’t entirely sure why this mailbox was so notorious, but knew it was a “Must-See”. And so we saw. And took many pictures. From Every Angle.

(click pic for mailbox detail)

The "Black Mailbox" near Area 51 (26 Dec 2011)

Turns out, that the mailbox is a popular spot for enthusiasts to watch for UFOs. Although originally black as its name implies, the “Black Mailbox”, is now quite obviously white, having since been replaced by its owner (due to wear and tear… from ordinary humans, most likely). The mailbox, reportedly made of quarter-inch-thick bulletproof metal and which I can confirm is also clamped shut with a Master Lock, belongs to a local rancher (you can still see in black letters “STEVE MEDLIN, HC 61, BOX 80″).

I wonder what color the next replacement will be, as you can see this one has become quite festive and I learned later that the green Alien face is apparently a very recent addition.

The “Black Mailbox” is also conveniently located on the corner of Mailbox road, a wide dirt road that leads west deep into the desert, towards Area 51.

Speaking of dirt roads, deep desert and zero mobile phone service without any GPS network, it’s also Open Range country. This means that cattle wander across the highway and there are no fences. So be alert and on the lookout for them. You don’t want to hit one. We passed a dead one on the side of the highway and saw car parts strewn about as well. Not good for the Cow, Car or Cattle Rancher (who will be looking for reimbursement).

We travel along Mailbox road and it’s about 8 miles with a few forks and turns before we arrive neatly at the Area 51 Boundary. What’s interesting to note here, is that there is no actual barrier, but there are warning signs on both sides of the road, security cameras amongst the surrounding cacti and a manned white sentry truck parked on a nearby hill.

And don’t think you will catch the sentry unawares. It’s parked just high enough to have clearly seen our massive dust cloud we trailed behind us since leaving ET highway through the 8 miles of dirt road in the barren desert. My dad also cracked a joke that they surely would’ve also seen us coming in my bright yellow car! No, there’s NO subterfuge here on our part at all!

Area 51 Boundary Sign - Left hand side (26 Dec 2011)

(click pic below for detail of white sentry truck on the hill)

Area 51 Boundary Sign - Right hand side (26 Dec 2011)

I will admit that my Dad (and doesn’t he look totally great for 82? Yep, he rocks!) and I were both disappointed to see that the boundary sign no longer portends “Use of deadly force authorized” against trespassers. What a shame. Now the errant wanderer only gets to look forward to simply being detained or arrested and most certainly fined. I’ve tried to research roughly when the language was wussed-down by comparing other dated pics on the internet, but can’t determine yet when it was changed. Below is a pic of how the right-hand side sign would’ve looked in 2003. Compare the latest one above showing a pasted piece that obscures the 2003 version here:

Former Area 51 Boundary sign (courtesy of addlepated at photo.addlepated.net)

Oh well, deadly force or not, by this time it’s about 2 pm and Dad and I are both ready to head to Rachel, NV for some lunch at the Little A’Le’Inn for their famous “Alien Burger”.

But first we need to backtrack along the dirt road to the ET highway. Remember the Open Range warning? We drove up upon a handful of Cattle near the road. So I shot one…with my camera. Isn’t he a beauty? And note the amazing scenery and Joshua Trees. You should click on the pic for a bigger view.

Open Range Cattle near Area 51 (Groom Lake Road, NV)

We reach the ET Highway again and after another 20 miles we arrived at Rachel, NV with our appetites ready.

Little A'Le'Inn Bar, Restaurant and Motel (Rachel, NV)

Did you see the Self Parking sign for Spaceships on the roof?

Here’s a few more pics just outside the Inn:

Tow Truck with UFO (Rachel, NV)

Whoa! Check out the snow! I get such a kick seeing snow in the desert. I found more snow in the shade near some creative artwork:

Little A'Le'Inn Art (Rachel, NV)

Our waitress at the Little A’Le’Inn was very friendly and exactly full of the character one expects at an Alien joint in the remote desert. She handed us our menus and hurried off to ring up some folks buying souvenirs.

Little A'Le'Inn Menu Cover

Of course, we had our minds set on an Alien Burger, but we still looked at the menu to see what else they had to satisfy both Human and Alien appetites:

Little A'Le'Inn Menu

Our waitress came back to take our order and invited us to take all the pictures we wanted, but cautioned us not to take any pics of patrons because they might be workers at the Area 51 site. Hmmm, I began to try and sort out the tourists from the locals. In the meantime, here’s some more pics from inside the famous Little A’Le’Inn:

Little A'Le'Inn Counter Bar and Dollar Bill Ceiling

Little A'Le'Inn Evidence Room

Area 51 Poster (Little A'Le'Inn)

By this time lunch had arrived. Alien Burger to order! What, you expected it to be round… just like Earthlings’ burgers?

Little A'Le'Inn Famous Alien Burger

Round or not, it was a fabulous burger! We quickly devoured lunch and picked up a few souvenirs before setting back out on the road.

Uh-oh, I think I accidentally took a picture of some Patrons while at the Little A’Le’Inn. I hope they were mere tourists like Dad and I… and not Area 51 workers…

Little A'Le'Inn Patrons

Heading back to Las Vegas about 1.5 miles southeast of Rachel, there’s another dirt road that leads to the Area 51 North Gate. It goes 10 miles deep into the remote desert. My dad and I debated whether to check it out and I reasoned, “Well we came all this way didn’t we?” So we went.

With our ever present dust cloud plumage announcing our intentions, we soon arrived at the North Gate. This entrance is also serious about no trespassers and not only has warning signs but also two barriers and a row of guard shacks. However, we didn’t see any guards manning the Gate in the setting sun.

Area 51 Boundary North Gate (26 Dec 2011)

It seems the warning signs here too, lack any notice about “Use of deadly force authorized“. Well burst my bubble…what is there left to do then, but to simply head back to Las Vegas?

So aside from having our expectations dashed from the promise of Authorized Deadly Force apparently no longer in force or enforced, it was still a fun road-trip. The scenery by far is absolutely marvelous even while keeping an eye out for UFOs. But please be sure you do your homework before traveling Highway 93 and 375 as they really are very remote areas. Heading back as darkness fell there was one stretch with no cars ahead or behind us, nor did one pass in the opposite direction for at least 15 minutes. It was comforting then, when Las Vegas finally came into view, with its spectacular show of lights spread out like a twinkling sea surrounding the brilliantly sparkling Hotel and Casino skyline of The Strip.

I wonder if aliens like to gamble…? Maybe they’d like a tour bus to Vegas? Wonder if they think $195.00 per alien is reasonable.

Myrtle Beach Adventures

I went to Myrtle Beach this summer for a small family reunion that included my Dad, his sister and some of her family.

In order to maximize our time together, we rented a 5-bedroom ocean-front condo for the week.  That alone would’ve sufficed to make my trip complete!  ;-)

South Wind On the Ocean Condominiums- Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

But even better was the weather forecast for the week.  Those who know me…know that I *LOVE* thunderstorms so even though this is a beach vacation, I didn’t mind at all that rain and T-storms had been forecasted.  I say, “Bring IT” !!

Lightening Strike - Myrtle Beach, SC

(By the way, click on any image through-out this blog to see a larger image)

But we still had plenty of sunshine and hot days.  Here’s the view from our 14th floor balcony.

View of North Myrtle Beach, SC

View south - Myrtle Beach, SC

We had some activities lined up for the week but right away I found myself with some spare hours so I checked out Broadway at the Beach, the largest festival entertainment complex in South Carolina.  It has shops, dining, entertainment and really cool ways to play!!

Here’s some pics from Broadway at The Beach:

Ruh-oh, I see a little girl enchanted by Gene …

KISS Coffeehouse - Broadway at the Beach

Duck Family - Broadway at the Beach

Awww…this little cutie is precious!  (Don’t forget you can click the pic to Super-size!)

Duckling - Broadway at the Beach

So, check THIS out a Rope course and Zip-Line!!  I didn’t try this myself but I was happy to take some pics of the next guy who did!

Wonderworks Zip Line & Ropes Course - Broadway at the Beach

Wonderworks Zip Line & Ropes Course - Broadway at the Beach

Wonderworks Zip Line & Ropes Course - Broadway at the Beach

The next day, some of us decided to join my dad, who likes casino gambling, for a 5-hour cruise aboard the Big “M” Casino.

Big "M" Gambling Casino Cruise - Little River, SC

The ship has to go 3 miles out into International waters before casino gambling is permitted.  So, I took the opportunity to get some scenic shots:

South Carolina State Flag on the bow - Big "M" Gambling Casino Cruise - Little River, SC

Big "M" Gambling Casino Cruise - Little River, SC

Wave Runners - Little River Inlet, SC

Myrtle Beach also has a lot of Live Theatre Variety Shows and one evening we went to the Alabama Theatre to see ONE The Show.  A fabulous fun, family variety show!

The next day I was very excited because I had booked a Sandy Island Nature Preserve kayak tour with Black River Outdoors.  Although I wondered how anyone could pass up such an experience, it seemed the rest of the family was more interested in either Golfing (Myrtle Beach is HUGE!!! for the Golfers!!), soaking up the sun down on the beach, or watching Wimbledon on TV.  So I headed off early in the morning and drove south to Murrels Inlet.

The tour group is welcomed by our guides Paul and Julie and after we head out on the gorgeous glass-surface of Waccamaw River…

Waccamaw River & Sandy Island kayak tour

And incredible views of the riverbank lined with trees and hanging spanish moss.

Hanging Spanish Moss - Waccamaw River & Sandy Island kayak tour

More kayak perspective views…

Waccamaw River & Sandy Island kayak tour

Waccamaw River & Sandy Island kayak tour

I have only been kayaking once before (in the ocean off Monterey, California) and that experience put me up close to Sea Otters and Sea Lions.  This time was equally rewarding for spotting the local wildlife.  We gave a wide berth past an Osprey nest way up high and then thrilled at the sight and sounds when the parent brought breakfast to its chicks!!

We also spotted Fiddler crabs, and a Swallow-tailed Kite!

Paul, our guide kept pointing out an alligator or two, to us, that were always a fair distance away… so I can’t say that I actually saw one.  :-(

But Paul came through in another BIG way later near the end of our tour.  But before that, and after paddling for a couple hours, we stopped on a small river bank beach for a stretch and some lunch.

Lunch Break - Sandy Island kayak tour

So Lunch break is over and we head back to finish our tour.  Suddenly, Paul sees a black snake swimming in the river.  He paddles after it, and just about midway across the river, he calls out that he has the snake and if anyone in the group would like to see it,  then we need to paddle over quickly to him since he is now unable to paddle back whilst he has snake in hand!!  ;-)

So a few of us quickly put our kayaks into warp speed to catch up to Paul. We all admire the Eastern Indigo Snake which is classified as federally threatened and is protected.  Although historically the Eastern Indigo inhabited South Carolina down thru southern Georgia, Florida, into south Alabama and southwest Mississippi. Today it is known only to naturally occur in southern Georgia and Florida.  You can imagine that Paul’s verified and recorded sighting of this endangered snake in South Carolina is really fantastic!!  I am thrilled to have been there!!

Here’s some photos with the wonderfully docile, nonpoisonous black beauty:

Eastern Indigo Snake - Black River Outdoors Kayak Tour w/guides Paul & Julie

Eastern Indigo Snake - Black River Outdoors Kayak Tour w/guide Paul

Wow!  So Far Myrtle Beach has been a great vacation!

Back at the condo, At night we would sit on the balcony and talk while listening to the waves and watching people on the beach with their flashlights. It was the week approaching the 4th of July and there were often little fireworks displays.  But what was most memorable was when we were treated to a wonderful performance from a flame juggler,  Here’s a pic followed by a video that I took:

"Rings of Fire" Flame Juggler Performer - Myrtle Beach, SC

Click to Play video

On one of our last days my Dad and I visited nearby Brookgreen Gardens.  Brookgreen Gardens is a non-profit garden museum, that preserves the native flora and fauna and display objects of art within a natural setting. It is also a National Historic Landmark with the most significant collection of figurative sculpture in an outdoor setting by American artists in the world and has the only zoo accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums on the coast of the Carolinas.

Here’s a sundial.  Do you know what time it is in this picture?

"Time and The Fates of Man" - Brookgreen Gardens

It’s just past 11 am!

(11:10 AM) "Time and The Fates of Man" - Brookgreen Gardens

There were many beautiful sculptures of all sizes:

Brookgreen Gardens - Sculpture Garden

Brookgreen Gardens - Murrells Inlet, SC

Brookgreen Gardens - Murrells Inlet, SC

Brookgreen Gardens, Murrels Inlet, SC

And of course this IS a Garden after all, so…

250 year old old Live Oak Allee - Brookgreen Gardens

Time for a butterfly! (Click on pic to see detail)

Brookgreen Gardens - Murrells Inlet, SC

Brookgreen Gardens - Murrells Inlet, SC

Brookgreen Gardens - Murrells Inlet, SC

Brookgreen Gardens - Murrells Inlet, SC

Brookgreen Gardens - Murrells Inlet, SC

Cardinal - Brookgreen Gardens

Brookgreen Gardens also has Trekker Excursions!  ”Travel back in time in a custom all-terrain vehicle and discover tthe history of former rice plantations found in the Preserve.”

Lowcountry Trekker Excursion - Brookgreen Gardens

Avenue of Historic Live Oaks - Lowcountry Trekker Excusion, Brookgreen Gardens

Panoramic view of the Wacamaw River - Lowcountry Trekker Excusion, Brookgreen Gardens

Historic Rice Mill Chimney - Lowcountry Trekker Excusion, Brookgreen Gardens

Plantation Cemetery - Lowcountry Trekker Excusion, Brookgreen Gardens

After the Trekker excursion, there was just one more thing to check out, the Brookgreen Gardens ZOO!!  Again, for those that know me, I *LOVE* animals!  Here’s just a few:

Cattle Egret - The Lowcountry Zoo at Brookgreen Gardens

Black-crowned Night Heron; The Lowcountry Zoo at Brookgreen Gardens

Otter - The Lowcountry Zoo at Brookgreen Gardens

North American Alligator - The Lowcountry Zoo at Brookgreen Gardens

I recommend clicking this next pic for bigger view!

Red Fox - The Lowcountry Zoo at Brookgreen Gardens

Hawk - The Lowcountry Zoo at Brookgreen Gardens

And I think this photo of the American Bald Eagle, our national bird and emblem of the United States, is a great way to end this blog!

Bald Eagle - The Lowcountry Zoo at Brookgreen Gardens

I had a wonderful time during our family reunion in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, although I never did get used to being called Ma’am so often!

Thanks for stopping by!

Here’s Your Dam Blog!

My Mom and Step-dad recently retired and moved to Bullhead City, AZ.  I took advantage of  the long weekend this past Memorial Day holiday to head east across the High Desert to spend a few days at their new place.

Memorial Day weekend marks the start of summer and the HOT temperatures did not dissapoint! As I pulled off the highway into Bullhead City and filled the gas tank I saw this brightly colored kiosk for Ice and Water.

This is NOT a mirage!!

Mr. Zippy's Ice and Water House - Bullhead City, AZ

(Please note:  throughout this blog, you can click on the images to see a larger version)

So first off, no blog about Arizona or the Desert would be complete without a picture of a Roadrunner bird.

“Meep-Meep!” (click to listen)

The Greater Roadrunner

That night after catching up on the latest, my mom, step-dad and I watched a 45 minute video Hoover Dam:  The Historic Construction. Hoover Dam is about 2 hours north of Bullhead City and we discussed whether we wanted to drive up to see it.

But before that, the next day we already had plans to head outside of Laughlin, NV to go off-road along Christmas Tree Pass:

Off-road on Christmas Tree Pass, Laughlin, NV

to check out some Petroglyphs:

Petroglyphs - Christmas Tree Pass, Laughlin, NV

Petroglyphs - Christmas Tree Pass, Laughlin, NV

Petroglyphs - Christmas Tree Pass, Laughlin, NV

Petroglyphs - Christmas Tree Pass, Laughlin, NV

I think the Petroglyph Spirits were working against me this day.  After climbing among the paths and rocks, on the way out I gingerly perfected a crouching slide down a few feet of smooth rock … until I reached the sandy ground, where I effectively stuck fast and pitched forward, scraping and bloodying up my knees. Hey, that’s not a big deal…what’s worse was when we got back, I started sorting through my camera pics to get them ready to view as a slideshow on the TV…and I deleted my ENTIRE FILE OF PICS!! I have never done that before! Thankfully my Mom and Step-dad had pics from a previous outing, and so the 5 pics above are entirely thanks to them!

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Last day of the weekend and we decide to make it an early start and check out Hoover Dam.  I am excited.  The video we saw the other night had been amazing!  I was struck by the fact that the Colorado River had to first be redirected by building TWO massive bypass tunnels, which took a couple years.  Then they talked about the town of Boulder City created specifically for the Dam workers.  Then the mountain scalers that hung from cables to clear the canyon walls of loose rocks, the incredible stage of pouring concrete in an interlocking pattern, 120 degree heat, 96 work-related deaths (and still more indirectly related), Ginormous equipment and other riggings built right there on site because they were too big to transport otherwise, and in the end they finished 2 years ahead of schedule.

Hot Damn!!

So here’s my (yes, these are from my camera, I managed not to delete them this time) pics from the day!

U.S. Highway 93 at Hoover Dam

In the pic above it was still early morning about 9 am.  I took this during a break in the traffic.  But by the time  we left early afternoon, honestly it was bumper to bumper for miles back!  I think they could use something to help ease congestion…(hint, file this one for later in the blog )

We parked in this gorgeous structure that was virtually the same color as the surrounding natural rock!!

Staircase at Hoover Dam Visitor Parking Structure

First, we take a tour of the Inside of Hoover Dam:

Hoover Dam Tour

Cross-section core sample

Hoover Dam Guided Tour

The Hydroelectric Generators are the most awesome part of the inside tour!:

Hoover Dam Hydroelectric Generators

The other notable thing about Hoover Dam is its Interior Design and Color.  It may be hard to appreciate but these doors to this tunnel are gorgeous!!  Below is an excerpt and link to more about the Artwork and Design of Hoover Dam…

Interior Design of Hoover Dam

The Grand Dam by Julian Rhinehart
“When Hoover Dam was built in the 1930s, the great dam was known for its engineering superlatives. It was the highest dam ever built, the costliest water project, home of the largest power plant of its time.

Today, as Hoover celebrates its 60th anniversary, we can see that the dam is not only an engineering wonder. It also is a work of art.

Few structures in America display the diversity of design and craftsmanship that you see at Hoover Dam. It is a showcase of seldom-seen skills of artists and artisans–beautifully presented terrazzo tiles, sculpture, metalwork, and even military emplacements.”

…”Kaufmann was a native of London, England, who lived in Southern California. Kaufmann simplified the dam’s design and replaced ornamentation with the flowing lines of Modernism and Art Deco.”

…”Allen True, the Denver artist, assisted Kaufmann with interior designs and color. True was responsible for one of the dam’s most distinctive motifs–the Southwestern Indian designs in the terrazzo floors. Using such sources as an Acoma bowl and Pima basket, True linked Native American geometric concepts with Art Deco design. Many of the Indian designs were based on centrifugal themes, which related to the turbines in the power plant.”

…”You can see the power plant and terrazzo work during a tour of the dam. Following an elevator descent of 530 feet, you emerge into seemingly endless galleries. There you find gleaming terrazzo floors imbedded with the Southwestern Indian patterns adapted by True from baskets, pottery, and sand paintings.” MORE…

Terrazzo Floor - Hoover Dam Interior Tunnel

Interior Tunnel of Hoover Dam

Below pic is some stairs, thankfully NOT part of our tour!  ;-)  Note the steep angle evidenced by the true horizontal “D-115″ label on the left wall (click on image for bigger view):

Interior Access Stairs - Hoover Dam

And for those that live life dangerously…I dare you to kick the earthquake sensor!!  If you do, give it your all and better make it a 10.0 on the Richter Scale cuz you’ll probably serve 10.0 years in prison for it!!  LOL

Earthquake Sensor Box- Hoover Dam

After the inside guided tour we emerged outside to roam around on top of the Dam:

Hoover Dam Plaque

Hoover Dam (and U.S. Highway 93) crosses over the border of Nevada and Arizona States and also the Pacific and Mountain Time Zones.  This part of year Nevada and Arizona are on the same time. During winter there’s an hour difference.

Nevada Time - Nevada side of Hoover Dam

So how long did it take me to walk, not run (nor knock down other tourists, or get run over by a car along U.S. 93) from Nevada to Arizona for these two pics??

Arizona Time - Arizona side of Hoover Dam

A few more pics taken while standing on Hoover Dam/U.S. 93…

Intake Tower at Hoover Dam

Upstream view from Hoover Dam of The Colorado River

Plaque on Hoover Dam/U.S. 93 on the Nevada-Arizona Border

Midway on top of Hoover Dam marking the Nevada-Arizona border is a Plaque from the American Society of Civil Engineers (above) and directly below on the sidewalk, is a shiny badge (below). Now, you can’t say that you’ve never seen what a Geodetic Survey Marker looks like:

Geodetic Survey Marker - Nevada/Arizona Border at Hoover Dam

A visit to Hoover Dam includes stopping at the Monument Plaza where the Winged Figures of the Republic, two 30-foot high, statuary bronze sculptures rest on a base of black diorite set atop a terrazzo floor. The floor is inlaid with a celestial map pinpointing the precise astronomical time, September 30, 1935, 8:56 pm, when Franklin Delano Roosevelt dedicated the Dam.

Near the figures and elevated above the floor is a compass framed by the signs of the zodiac. There is also a nearby plaque commemorating the 96 men who died during construction of the dam.  Here’s a link to still more about the Artwork of Hoover Dam and the Monument Plaza.

Compass framed by the signs of the zodiac - Hoover Dam Monument Plaza

Winged Figures of the Republic - Hoover Dam Monument Plaza

IMPORTANT NOTE!:  You’re supposed to rub the toes of the Winged Figures of the Republic for good luck. Superstition states that rubbing all twenty toes of both winged figures (only one pictured) with all ten of your fingers will bring good luck (don’t forget to use your thumbs). This has provided a high polish for the toes of the figures from all seeking fortune.

Here I am hoping to bring back my good luck that the Petroglyph Spirits spirited away from me earlier in the weekend.

Bronze Toes of the Winged Figures of the Republic

(Now it’s time to bring out your filed away hint) Not only is Hoover Dam a tourist sight to see, but there’s new construction currently underway on a Hoover Dam Bypass to ease congestion, which includes The Colorado River Bridge.  Construction began in 2005 and is expected to complete in late 2010.

Model of Hoover Dam and Hoover Dam Bypass

And for a real life current look of how the New Colorado River Bridge bypass is coming along, have a look for yourself, this pic was taken from INSIDE of, and about HALF-WAY DOWN the Hoover Dam!  (Click pic for larger view):

Colorado River Bridge aka Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge

And in closing some final shots of Hoover Dam from as many wide and long shots as I could possibly take!!!

U.S. 93 over Hoover Dam

Base of Hoover Dam - Downstream

Hoover Dam

But what’s this?!  As we headed back to the parking lot we came across this monument to the High-Scalers:

Monument to Hoover Dam "High-Scalers"

During the preliminary stages of Hoover Dam construction, the High-scalers’ job was to climb down canyon walls on ropes to remove loose and weakened rocks along the canyon walls where the dam walls would join. Descending down the cliffs with the weight of tools, water and food, others would lower jackhammers to drill powder holes. The High Scalers would fill the holes with dynamite and after hand maneuvering out of the way of explosives, they went to work with crowbars to remove loosened rock.  And their pay for this crazy job? About 75 cents per hour versus the average of 50 cents for regular Hoover Dam construction.

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Well that’s it!  We went back to Bullhead City, and a quick refreshing ice tea to beat off the desert heat and it was time for me to head back home.

Whew!!  I’ma tired!!  Ahhh!!  What a great weekend that was with the folks!!

Here I am driving across the desert back to Southern California. Thanks all for reading and hope you enjoyed your Dam Blog!!

Joshua Tree Sunset - California State Route 18

Mammoth Mountain Ski Trip – Dec 2009

The first time I ever saw snow was when my Dad took me on a group bus trip to Mammoth Mountain to go skiing.  This was early 1980′s and I was 15.  We took some lessons and ever since then I’ve been hooked!  Here’s some old pics from that weekend.  (Note:  Throughout this blog you can click on each image for a larger version)

First ski trip with Dad circa 1980

Main Lodge at Mammoth circa 1980

Since then I’ve been back to Mammoth Mountain a number of times, plus Lake Tahoe, June Mountain and a wonderful trip to Copper Mountain in Colorado.  I even skied Rossendale in England in the Rossendale Valley just north of Manchester!

SKI ROSSENDALE! - Rawtenstall, UK 2001

In recent years though I’ve only managed to ski locally one or two days a season at Mountain High here in Los Angeles county which is only an hour and a half drive and perfect for a quick day trip.

Mountain High - Wrightwood, CA 2004

This year however, I decided to go back to my “ski roots” and booked a trip to Mammoth over Christmas week.  The last time I had been to Mammoth was 10 years ago.

My 80-yr old Dad joined me for this trip and it seemed like old times all over again, him and I, except that he wasn’t planning on doing any skiing.  Although he runs regularly and completes half marathons, he has an upcoming trip to attend the Australian Open and did not want to chance an injury beforehand.

So, we pack up the rental SUV and it’s a Road TRiiiiPPP!!

We head straight north through the Owens Valley for 4.5 hours and stop in Bishop for lunch

Raymond's Deli - Bishop, CA

And just in case you only wanted to use the facilities at Raymond’s…take heed…

Raymond's Deli toilet door - outside

Raymond's Deli toilet door - inside

Then it’s back on the road and …

US Highway 395 - Bishop, CA

Another 45 minutes later we arrive in Mammoth Lakes!

It snowed our first night and next day so Dad and I checked into the condo…

Crestview Condo

Crestview Condo

Dad

View from Condo

…went into town to stock up on groceries *cough!alcohol!* for the week…

Shopping center - Old Mammoth Road, Mammoth Lakes

…plus check out the nearest ski lodge facilities

Cloverleaf run - Canyon Lodge Base

Canyon Lodge reader board and chairlift conditions

We also spent some time checking out Mammoth Lakes’ newest outdoor mall “The Village”

Steps to The Village at Mammoth Lakes

Dad enjoying Fire-pit at The Village in Mammoth Lakes

Christmas Tree at The Village in Mammoth Lakes

No fake snow-flocking needed for this tree! ^^^^^

After the little storm passed the next three days were gorgeous blue skies and I skied my ever-lovin’ snow-bunny tail off!!  From the top of the mountain to the base and from one side to the other!

Top Of The Sierra - 11,053 ft

Top Of The Sierra and Upper Roadrunner run

View from Upper Roadrunner run beyond the ski area boundary

View from Upper Roadrunner run

Lower Roadrunner run

Lower Roadrunner run

Quicksilver run

Back For More run

Haven't The Foggiest run

And while shushing my way down the mountain I took time out for some other observations…

Santa, his Elf and the Woolly Mammoth

Can you spot Santa, his Elf and the Woolly Mammoth?

Snow tracks...

Catch a Tan ~ 40 degrees warm!

They're fillin' up!

View from Cloverleaf run of Canyon Lodge

And this pic below might take on a whole new meaning to chairlift operations after the new horror movie “Frozen” comes out in theaters!

Canyon Express Chair 16

In Theaters Feb 2010 – Frozen: A typical day on the slopes turns into a chilling nightmare for three ski/snowboarders when they get stranded on the chairlift before their last run.

Okay!  Well now’s not a good time to mention how very frequent the chairlifts DO stop and leave you hanging in mid-air!!

These next two pics show the same run from different vantage points.  Look for the RED “X” in each to see where I was standing for the alternate pic!

View down from Solitude run

Looking up Solitude run

My favorite Après-ski activity is the jacuzzi and boy did I need it every day!!  My leg muscles were like jelly and also tender from the pressure points of the ski boots.  The condo complex had not one, but two! incredibly HOT jacuzzis!  They were both outdoors and afforded some fantastic views of snow and pine trees.

View from Jacuzzi #1

View from Jacuzzi #2

Did I mention they were hot?  Can you imagine having to sit out of the Jacuzzi for a spell in upper 30 degree temps in order to cool off?!? After those jacuzzis it was more than my legs that were jelly…I was a complete noodle!

My second favorite Après-ski activity is drinking!!  I mean those wonderful warming drinks like Jägermeister shots, Irish Coffee with whipped cream or hot Apple Cider with cloves, cinnamon and spiked with rum!!  Ahh, what’s the next level after ‘noodle’?  Utter Bliss!

Well Christmas is over and so is the Mammoth trip.  My dad and I pack up the SUV with more groceries than what we brought and head back down into the Owens Valley and home.   There is a fantastic Scenic Vista point just outside of Mammoth that is amazing.  Here’s some pics…

"Owens Valley – Extending from Bishop south for 100 miles. The valley was inhabited by indians for many years. Joseph Walker in 1833 was the first white man to discover the valley. In 1845 John O. Fremont named the valley, a river and a lake, after Richard Owens an army captain in his expedition to this area."

Owens Valley - East

Owens Valley - South

Owens Valley - West

And in closing, here’s my attempt at splicing all three pics together into a panorama… click on the image for larger version!

Panoramic view of Owens Valley

Happy New Year 2010 everyone! ;-D

Meeting Lisa and Chance: Lake Cabin Adventures in Branson, MO – (Part II)

[See also "Branson Tales" Blog by PK TECH GURL]

Whenever I travel I look for opportunities to meet online friends and this time was no exception! When I knew I was going to be in Branson, MO for my Dad’s 80^th Birthday, I also hoped that I’d have a chance to meet online friend Lisa (PK TECH GURL) for the first time!  Lisa lives in the neighboring state of Kansas from Missouri.  She is a fellow fan of actor John Simm (circa Doctor Who) and who, fortunately for me, was willing to meet me as well!

Lisa had the great idea that she and her 5 year old son Chance, would travel to Branson, MO in the beautiful Ozarks region for their vacation and we would have a couple days to hang out before I flew back home.  A friend of Lisa’s recommended we check out getting a lakeside cabin where we could take her son fishing! Well, I’m totally game for that! Nice one!

So we meet at the Blue Haven Resort on Lake Taneycomo in Branson, MO and it was perfectly quaint! But the first thing I was anticipating to see was Lisa’s car with personalized plates that say “Led Zep”.  Well darn it, she drove a rental car down!!!  Hhmmpff 

OK fine, we’ll start with a pic of the cabin then! Here we go!

And this is how far we were from the Lake and boat dock.

The first afternoon we went to the pool that still had a fully functional old-fashioned slide!  Helloo!?! You don’t see one of those “liabilities begging for a lawsuit” anymore! (sorry no pic…the lawyers confiscated it )

Later back at the cabin, we were struggling with the cooling features (or lack thereof) of both the A/C and the Fridge.  How hard could that be?  Well here’s a Pop Quiz–

A/C POLL: Which # setting is “Colder”…No. 1 or No. 6?

Fridge POLL: If the dial is already set to the “Colder” setting but the ice cubes are turning to water, do you simply turn the dial 360 degrees, arriving back where you started at the “Colder” setting… Yes or No?

Lisa got the A/C going and I got the Fridge going… Yay, Girl POWER!!

Mornings on the lake were absolutely gorgeous!!  Here’s a few favs

On our first morning we rent a motor boat and go “fishing”.  This is in quotes because we had no pretensions of actually catching any fish between us on this lovely trout-stocked cold water lake.

Lisa’s son was all set with a nifty “SpongeBob SquarePants” fishing pole, plus we had another “adult” pole that Lisa brought.

The day started out gloriously hot and sunny,  sunscreen, shades and hats required (for our unbeknownst “~3 hour tour~”  )

Some pics of Lake Taneycomo

But later after trolling on the lake awhile, clouds start building and light rain began to fall…

but we were not concerned…yet.

Well then it quickly turned into buckets of rain 

and we high-tailed our way back to the Blue Haven Resort.  But before we got there, the thunder and lightening increased to the point where Lisa suggested we take refuge at a covered dock along the way.

It wasn’t long before we were joined by another rain-soaked couple docking for some shelter from the T-Storm. Of course I’d picked the worst place to dock the boat…right under the dock’s roof run-off, which sent double the amount of rain water into the open boat.  About an hour later and after bailing out the boat twice…

Post-bailing!  Note bailing tools – blue bucket and there’s also a red Spider Man box for the tight spots

…finally we made a break for it back to the Blue Haven Resort, dried off and went into downtown historic Branson for dinner!

In addition to our little T-Storm boat adventure we spent the two days relaxing, talking and little bit of shopping in town.

Oh, and of course how about the wildlife sightings!!

Ducks

Geese

Mink
(sighted in the evenings only – sorry no pic)

Great Blue Herons

Turtle (and another Great Blue Heron)

After a last morning visit to shop in historic downtown Branson, I said goodbye to my new wonderful personal friends, Lisa and Chance!

Ha-Ha!  But wait!  When Lisa got back home to Kansas she sent me a pic of her car’s license plate!!  Lisa, how many folks in Kansas know what a TARDIS is? 

And in closing, I would like to finish with this beautiful scene captured while fishing on Lake Taneycomo of my beautiful dear friends on a most MEMORABLE day I won’t soon forget!

P.S. Lisa, I’m terribly sorry I …um, steered us into that dock! DOH!!  Let me make it up to you, perhaps another fishing trip someday?

Dad’s 80th Birthday Bash Weekend! Branson, MO – (Part I)

My Dad turned 80 this year!!

My dad totally rocks! A career civil engineer and currently still only semi-retired. Also, my dad had a Real Estate Brokers License and in his 50’s attended and graduated from Law School. At about that same time he also began running marathons. He has finished the L.A. Marathon a number of times and also ran in Pittsburgh, London and a few other places I can’t think of right now! These days he still runs half marathons. I truly hope to aspire to be like my dad and continue to actively pursue new challenges regardless of age! ;-D

My parents divorced before I was 5 and while I’ve always been close to my dad growing up I was never in touch with his side of the family until these past few years. I still have one half-brother I’ve never met. So, it was absolutely fantastic to have my Dad’s older sister, her son and his wife plus my half-sister and her son all meet in Branson, MO to celebrate Dad’s 80^th Birthday. We traveled from Missouri, Pennsylvania, Nevada and California!

After a slight delay when my dad missed his connecting flight at DFW airport, we eventually all arrived in time for dinner together!

L to R – me, my cousin Bob, his wife Diane, Dad, Aunt Jane, half-sister Kim and her son Grant.

Next day, more family arrived (Dad’s niece Marna and her daughter Jody). I was 2 years old when Marna last saw me, whoa!

L to R – Dad, Diane and her husband Bob, Marna and her daughter Jody, Aunt Jane, half-sister Kim and my half-nephew Grant.

Over the next few days we all did what one mainly does in Branson and that is to go see some shows!

The Pierce Arrow Show

Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede Dinner Show

We also went to the Worlds Largest Titanic Museum Attraction

And even took a scenic train ride on the Branson Railway down into Arkansas

Besides “The Strip” in Branson there is a lovely new shopping and hotel convention center at the edge of Lake Taneycomo called Branson Landing.

Here’s some pics of Branson Landing

And of course at the Landing I had to visit the Branson Ridge Winery for a tasting.

They’ve only been open three weeks!! Don’t they look happy!

On Saturday our last show was also a lunch cruise on the Showboat Branson Belle on Table Rock Lake

L to R – Bob’s wife Diane, half-nephew Grant, aunt Jane, cousin Bob, Dad, me, half-sister Kim

Here’s some pics at the Port of the Showboat Branson Belle

Did I mention my dad has a sense of humor? This is a fake duck with its head already poised like this, really!

And in closing, here’s two last pics from the Lunch Cruise

On Sunday we all said goodbye and vowed to maintain a new annual family reunion. Looks like I may continue to meet more of my dad’s (my) family!

Next year we’ll possibly meet in Myrtle Beach, SC! Stay tuned!

Step-Dad’s 70th B-day Bash in Laughlin

It was my step-Dad’s 70th Birthday Bash last Saturday. Us 3 kids – myself, my step-sister Theresa and step-brother Danny had treated our Mom and Dad to a 3-day, 2-night train ride in the Grand Canyon earlier that week. Then, for the weekend, the entire immediate family, plus my Aunt and Uncle all met in Laughlin, NV to celebrate at Harrah’s.

First off though, I had to indulge in my standard practice when travelling, a spa treatment. This time it was a deep-tissue Massage and a Pedicure. Ah, blisss!!! 

Here’s a pic from my hotel room at Harrah’s overlooking the Colorado River. Ok, is it just me or should this be called the Colorado Stream? I hope it’s more impressive up river, like through the Grand Canyon or something. Someday I’ll have to check it out.

For the party on Saturday night we had a fab dinner at a Mexican Cantina and afterwards we celebrated with a cake…

…and special sombrero for the Birthday Boy!

The next morning we all met up again for breakfast and proved that there is Life after a 70th Birthday Bash!! And I was informed repeatedly by family members that my camera flash is too bright and that I can adjust the setting. But honestly, why would I want to do that?

After that there was still time on Sunday before heading home… for a few MORE hours of gambling. I am happy to report that I withdrew a wopping $37.00!! from Laughlin playing Roulette and Craps. I was down $4.00 in Roulette overall (actually more than that at one point until I landed a number straight up with two chips on…for a sweet $70.00 payout), I then made a little more at the Craps table. And thanks to Heidi my sis-in-law and newfound wonderful Craps buddy!!!

So as all good weekends must, it was time to end this one. I had packed some special tunes for the drive. It’s 4 hr 45 min through the high desert and 2 of those hours heading in and out of Laughlin are a straight shot on Interstate 40 and dreadfully boring…

So here’s the music that carried me through to Laughlin, Nevada…and back.

Artist: Prodigy
Album: Experience
Title: Charly (Trip Into Drum and Bass Version)

Artist: Orchestral Manoeuvres In the Dark
Album: Dazzle Ships (Bonus Track Version)
Title: Radio Waves

Artist:Echo & The Bunnymen
Album: Siberia
Title: Stormy Weather

Artist: Echo & The Bunnymen
Album: Flowers
Title: King of Kings

Who goes to Pittsburgh? And is 42 too old to learn your family history for the first time?

Why go to Pittsburgh? Although I’d never been there before it sure didn’t seem like a destination of choice for March. And can a city have a more un-enticing name?

Well, it’s where my dad is from. My dad grew up near Pittsburgh, PA but left for California during his twenties. He’s now semi-retired and moved to Las Vegas. My half sister Kim, lives with her son Grant in Kansas City, MO. I’ve only seen them a few times. My dad wanted us all to meet up in Pittsburgh so that we could get reacquainted with his sister (my Aunt Jane) and my cousin Bob. I had heard of them over the years but had never connected with them. I learn later that I was about seven when I last saw them. Kim also had not been in touch with them.

Arrival
I arrive in the evening. Right off the plane and straight to dinner to meet up with everyone at a local restaurant, Wow, I’ve not been with so many of my blood relatives…EVER!! This hits me a few more times over the weekend…here I am with my true family ties and yet, other than my dad…I barely know them!

Day 1
Aunt Jane, Dad, Kim, Grant and I drive around visiting all the homes that my dad and his sister lived in growing up. I begin to feel like a Real Estate agent happily jumping out of the car to snap pics of about half a dozen homes in the neighborhoods that spanned their childhood.

Aunt Jane and my dad in front of the house where my dad was born in 1929

We also visit the cemetery where my ancestors are buried! Wow! Later, when I read my family history that Aunt Jane wrote, I learned that my Great-Great-Grandfather Andrew “H”, was born in 1850 in Rathfryland, County Down, Northern Ireland and arrived in the United States in 1872. Sheesh, here I am in my forties and just now learning my family history on my dad’s side for the first time. I’ll put this in more perspective by adding that both my mom and her sister were adopted, so on my mom’s side I have no family history. This is why it is so exciting for me to learn family history on my dad’s side.

My Great-Great Grandparents who emigrated from Northern Ireland in 1872

My Great Grandfather

My Grandparents

During the tour of Dad and Aunt Jane’s childhood homes we see the billiard parlour where Dad worked during his late teens (he still shoots a killer game of pool which I unwittingly discovered a few years ago after suggesting we spend an afternoon together at a local pool hall in Santa Clarita).

Jester's Billiard Parlor - Charleroi, PA

This dog was in the backyard of one of the childhood homes we visited. Just a random pic of an awesome looking dog:

That night Kim and I went through loads of Aunt Jane’s old family pics. This is a digital shot of a print of my Grandmother Margaret:

My Grandma

Day 2
Next day Dad, Kim, Grant and I head to downtown Pittsburgh for some sightseeing with me in the front passenger seat partly navigating but mostly madly snapping pics through the front windshield of the car.

Liberty Tunnel, Downtown Pittsburgh

West End Bridge, Downtown Pittsburgh

We went to the Carnegie Science Center to see Bodies: The Exhibition. I’d seen the exhibit once in Las Vegas but this was the first time for Dad, Kim and Grant. Absolutely enthralling, don’t miss it when it comes to your area.

Leaving the exhibit…Joy of Joys!!! It’s lightly snowing!!! Yipeee!! Next stop the Duquesne Incline. My Dad had never been on this growing up so it’s a first for all of us.

The Duquesne Incline

We get to the top and I freeze my hand trying to manage snapping pics from the observation deck. Actually I was well prepared for the weather with tall boots, long wool coat, gloves and scarves. Me, the native Californian was the warmest of us all!

View of Downtown Pittsburgh and Fort Pitt Bridge from the observation deck of The Duquesne Incline

Here’s a vid going back down the Incline. Boring really, except for the little girl next to me providing riveting in-depth commentary. Be sure to hold out for her shocking reveal when the uphill car passes us. Classic kid stuff.

Later, everyone meets for dinner at cousin Bob’s (and his wife Diane) home. They have an absolutely beautiful house with a finished basement and wine closet, plus a fantastic upper deck overlooking their wooded area out back, with…wait for it….TURKEYS!! Apparently turkeys will fly to get up to the bird feeders atop tall poles (accessorized with raccoon guards). I was too late to see turkeys on the feeder but we spot a few later on the ground amongst the trees and even saw about 4 deer walking through the area (twice!) sigh…

Here’s a vid of the turkeys:

After dinner we set the camera up for a group photo:

(L-R) me, Dad, Aunt Jane, Bob, Diane, Grant, Kim

Day 3
It’s Easter Sunday!! We’ve booked an Easter Dinner Cruise for us four (Dad, Kim, Grant and I). Entertainment was provided by The Bobby Short Trio. I took a vid of one of their songs but the buffet tables were in front which didn’t really appeal to me during playback. So just a pic:

The Bobby Short Trio

I just love cruises, especially to take pics of downtown areas. You get the perfect foreground of water with the buildings completely spread out before you. Chicago and London are other great cities to view from the water.

Downtown Pittsburgh

Smithfield Street Bridge, Downtown Pittsburgh

It’s about this time that I realize that Pittsburgh is a fantastic destination, despite the name! How awesome is this view!

Point State Park and Downtown Pittsburgh

After the dinner cruise, my dad wants to visit where he went to college some fifty odd years ago. So the four of us invade the University of Pittsburgh campus and specifically, The Cathedral of Learning. The Cathedral of Learning, a historic landmark, is the second-tallest education building in the world, 42 stories and 535 feet tall. Likewise, it is not an easy building to get in one frame without standing in the street. Here, I finally get lucky with a corner shot:

The Cathedral of Learning, University of Pittsburgh

We go inside to the “Commons Room”. It’s as quiet as a library…shsshh:

Commons Room - Cathedral of Learning, University of Pittsburgh

Dad heads straight for the far corner where he says that he and his buddies used to hang out back in the day, and who…were not as quiet back then!

Grant and his Grandpa in the Commons Room, The Cathedral of Learning

While in the University gift shop we learn that there are eight classrooms open to the public on the 3rd floor that have been converted into “Nationality Rooms“.

Nationality Rooms, University of Pittsburgh

We head up there and I was delighted at such an unexpected treasure trove of sights. You can take a virtual tour of ALL the Nationality Rooms online. Here’s just a few examples.

The Austrian Room - Nationality Rooms, University of Pittsburgh

The Japanese Room - Nationality Rooms, University of Pittsburgh

The African Heritage Room - Nationality Rooms, University of Pittsburgh

And that’s my trip! Dad, Kim, Grant and I headed to the airport 6 am the next morning for Dad’s flight which was first out, Kim’s was next and I flew out mid afternoon. That meant I got to spend most the day at the airport. Two meals, plus extensive window shopping and non-eventful flight later and I was quite knackered by the time I got back home. But what a fabulous time I had!