Lower Colorado River

One of the tunnels from the railroad that was built to carry materials to the dam site.

I had forgotten how thrilling it is to visit Hoover Dam. My first visit had been in the 70's, and the visit in the pictures below was in 2005. The dam is simply amazing. The architecture from the 30's reflects a much richer period in terms of design, beauty, and emotion than what we do today; the technology illustrates a level of innovation that we too often assume wasn't standard for those days; and the sense of interest in developing public good that is illustrated by the dam shows how narrow we've become. The US Bureau of Reclamation website for the dam is quite good. Looking back over Lake Mead from a vista point near the dam, the effects of the drought are quite visible. At the time of this visit, water had dropped 80 feet.

Note that this picture was taken before the new bridge was built.

Looking down (south) from the dam. The detail of integrating large structures into the side of the canyon is amazing, particularly since they are connected with a honeycomb of tunnels.

Note the car and railroad tunnels built into the canyon side.

On the Nevada side of the dam are two very large winged sculptures

When these pictures were taken, construction was underway for a freeway that would increase the amount of traffic that could be handled in the area. The dam is the principal and shortest route (US 93) between Las Vegas and Phoenix -- with security precautions after 9/11, many vehicles have to take much longer routes between the two cities. The freeway, which will reduce travel time for all vehicles, will include a bridge built south of the dam.

Though a little difficult to see here, note the angles of the power towers...

From the dam, north towards Lake Mead. Comparing the boat (see the wake from the boat) to the water ring, illustrates how low the water was.

Intake tower on the Nevada side of Hoover Dam. What amazes me is the level of detail put into the design of even the intake towers.

What always frightens me about the Colorado -- very mixed uses. Besides the four kayaks and the speedboat, there's also a jet ski in this picture (barely visible behind the speedboat). January on the Colorado, from Echo Lodge which is on the California shore between Parker Dam and Parker, AZ

January on the Colorado, from Echo Lodge which is on the California shore between Parker Dam and Parker, AZ

Considering all of the focus on speed on the Colorado, it's surprising to see a simple fishing boat. January on the Colorado, from Echo Lodge which is on the California shore between Parker Dam and Parker, AZ

January on the Colorado, from Echo Lodge which is on the California shore between Parker Dam and Parker, AZ

Mobile (not exactly) homes at Echo Lodge. January on the Colorado, from Echo Lodge which is on the California shore between Parker Dam and Parker, AZ

Speedboat -- there's a woman lying in the sun in the front of the boat. January on the Colorado, from Echo Lodge which is on the California shore between Parker Dam and Parker, AZ

January on the Colorado, from Echo Lodge which is on the California shore between Parker Dam and Parker, AZ