The Hoover Dam was fun to see. It's so weird how the mountains surrounding the dam are almost crumbly in appearance.

When I was driving on 93 South and saw Lake Mead for the first time it was surreal. It looked like a set from Lost in Space or maybe even the cover of The Martian Chronicles. It didn't look like a lake at all but a strange body of water with some mountains or islands sticking out. And there were parts of the surrounding area that were very white -- was it sand --that made it appear stranger still. I did not get a photo because I'd have caused a traffic jam worse than the one I was in.

Despite its oddness, the Dam is quite amazing. It's not anchored to the two cliffs it touches. The Dam was designed to -- with the pressure of the water behind it -- wedge between the two sides. While I was in the dam itself, the dam tour guide insisted on telling scary type stories. For example, he had us look at the cracks in the flooring. Those cracks caused by earthquakes which are felt often. Yikes. then he told about how they find rattlesnakes and tarantulas inside the dam because it's dry and warm. Lovely man. Frankly, I could have done without his silliness and desire to make us unnerved. Especially because I was feeling vaguely ill once I got down into the dam (500 plus feet). Well, it was interesting and I even walked to Arizona.

Now, I think the dam will be closed to car traffic in November because a bridge has been built to guard the dam itself from an act of terrorism (or any accident that could cause an explosion on the dam). I should have driven over it while I had the chance, but by the time I left I was pooped.

Anyway, I am glad I went on that adventure. I suppose my next excursion will be the Strip.