Welcome to JOYFUL REFLECTIONS. Also welcome to MARCH!!!! My header picture this month is a photo I took of the pretty Crocus blooms in our yard... The Crocuses and Daffodils are the first signs of spring here in Tennessee. I am definitely ready for SPRING...

Monday, August 1, 2011

Hoover Dam

Hoover Dam (once called Boulder Dam) spans the Colorado River in Black Canyon between Arizona and Nevada,  about 30 miles southeast of Las Vegas.  Hoover Dam's construction began in 1931 and was completed in five years.  There were about 16,000 total men and women who worked on that project,  with about 3,500 employed at a specific time.

Our First Views from above ---after driving across the dam and turning around
Hoover Dam was built as a source of hydroelectic power generations,  to provide water for agricultural purposes and to prevent flooding.  When finished,  it was the largest electric-power generating site in the world ,  as well as the largest structure made out of concrete.

The new bridge crossing the canyon
Hoover Dam is 726 feet high and 1, 244 feet across at the top.  And it is 660 feet thick at the base and 45 feet thick at the top.  It can store up two years 'average' flow from the Colorado River. The dam contains over 4,360,000 cubic yards of concrete... You have to see this place to believe that!!!! It's hard to imagine that much concrete.  Wow!

The bridge above us;  Note the ruggedness of the canyon;  The Colorado River below;
After seeing the Hoover Dam,  I can only imagine what it would cost to build TODAY.  Back then,  its cost was only $49,000,000.  There are 96,000,000 pounds of steel and metalwork used by the dam---but none of it is IN the dam... Again,  you have to see it!!

Can you imagine building all of this on those huge rocks/boulders?
It was the job of high scalers to hang dangerously by rope above the canyon to blast and remove weakened and loose rocks from the face of the Black Canyon cliffs --where the ends of the dam would join.

The best views of the entire dam are from that new bridge.  George went up there to get photos. That is Lake Mead in the background.
The Colorado River had to be diverted before construction could begin.  The riverbed had to be dredged clear of deep silt and sediment to expose a bedrock foundation for the building of Hoover Dam.  It was a tedious process of digging four diversion tunnels through canyon walls that would divert river flow around the dam site to join the Colorado River farther downstream.

The view of the water below the dam.  Can you imagine that much electrical equipment?
Hope you enjoyed seeing our pictures of the Hoover Dam.  We did not go to the visitor center nor did we take a tour into the dam.  We drove across it --and then turned around and went above it to get photos.  IF you haven't been there,  please go.  It's awesome --and needs to be seen in person.  AND---be sure to walk back up to the new bridge (the Mike O'Callaghan -Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge) to get the best pictures of the entire dam.

On another note,  I cannot say THANKS enough for all of your sweet comments and emails to me after my Friday blog post about the death of one of my best friends.  We are driving to Atlanta TODAY to attend the funeral.   Thanks again and God Bless ALL of you.

Hugs,

54 comments:

Twilight Man said...

Your photos are really awesome and amazing! There is abundant of water supply always. I had never seen so many real close up shots like yours. I remembered seeing my dad snapping miserable shots from the tour bus as they just drove past! Thanks Betsy!

Drive safely to Atlanta and I convey my heartfelt sympathy to you again.

SquirrelQueen said...

Beautiful shot of the dam Betsy, it is an impressive sight. We have crossed it many time but not since the new bridge has been built.

imac said...

Takes the breath away Betsy, its magnifico.

Christmas-etc... said...

Oh Betsy, I'm so sorry about your best friend... that is so hard. Will be thinking about you all day today...

I have been to the Hoover Dam... but so long ago that the New Bridge wasn't there! It is a mightily impressive structure. I always enjoy the scenes in "Fools Rush In" that are shot on it. Have you seen the movie? It's very good - Matthew Perry and Salma Hayey - how can it not be good!

Christmas-etc... said...

That's Hayek!

diane b said...

It is an amazing structure. Yours and George's photos are excellent in showing the size of it. Great info too. We flew over it in a helicopter and it even looked huge from up there but hard to photograph.
My thoughts are with you in Atlanta...keep safe.

Anonymous said...

God bless you today, Betsy.

John and Larry certainly enjoyed their visit to Hoover Dam also. Thanks for sharing the pictures.

Big Dude said...

Great shots Betsy. When I was a kid, my best friend went out West every summer and he got to see the dam - we still called it Boulder Dam in the mid 50's. I've wanted to go there every since and hopefully with the RV we'll make it soon.

Ruth Hiebert said...

I am convinced that the US should hire you and George to to promotions for this wonderful country.I think your posts are better than any vacation brochures I've seen.Love the pictures and this place is massive.
Praying that you will find peace and comfort today and in the days ahead.

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

Love the pictures! When we were out that way we talked about seeing Hoover, but in the end decided to spend our extra day hiking in the Mojave instead.

TexWisGirl said...

i cannot imagine the engineering and construction work that went into this amazing structure!

safe travels today, dear.

linda m said...

Beautiful photos. When I was there (many years ago) the road went across the top of the Dam. Boy, have they ever changed things. Guess I need to revisit Hoover Dam. Thanks for sharing all your photos.

amy @ Life in Pink Hi-Tops said...

What wonderful photos! I can't imagine all that it took to build the dam--amazing.
Will be praying for you and George today on your way to Atlanta. It's hotter than blue blazes here!!

Unknown said...

We took the tour of the dam. It's just amazing all the man power and lives that went in to the making of this humumgus creation. Mind boggling. Safe trip today and remember the happiness and laughter.

Jo said...

Dear Betsy, I love this about blogging: I'd imagined Hoover Dam was just a shallow li'l ole dam. Wow, all that concrete and WOW to that high bridge. Awesome photos and excellent explanation, Betsy. Thanks for sharing this wonderful part of America with me. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you go to pay your last respects to your friend. Blessings and hugs. Jo

MadSnapper said...

the header is beyond spectacular whatever that may be. love it. and the view of the whole dam is really cool. i am staring at all the beauty behind and through the man made dam. God just about out did himself on those rocks

Arkansas Patti said...

Having a dread fear of heights, I will have to be content with your really good photos. I would have to be bound and gagged to cross that bridge.
Have a safe trip Betsy. My thoughts are with you.

MadSnapper said...

forgot to say, will be thinking of you today, you will be in my thoughts.

Karin said...

You're both in our thoughts and prayers today - mixed emotions - loss of a loved one - seeing old friends. May God's comfort and love surround you!

Love your travel brochure on the Hoover Dam - great photos! What a magnificent place!

Birdman said...

Reminds me of that funny scene in one of the "Vacation..." movies. "I'm your dam guide..." I'm still grinning!

Harriet said...

Thanks for sharing your wonderful trip! Do they still offer tours? TVA stopped tours of their dams after 9/11 for security.

I Am Woody said...

Loved our visits to the Hoover Dam! It is an amazing feat of engineering. And so is that new bridge - we saw it twice during construction. I really want to see it now that it is complete!

Thoughtfully Blended Hearts said...

The sheer ginormity (my word) of Hoover Dam is awesome! Great pics...I'll catch up with your posts asap!!!
So sorry about the loss of your sweet friend, I remember you blogging about her. Enjoy your day Betsy and take some time to smell those lovely roses George grows for you!!!

Busy Bee Suz said...

Safe travels today Betsy. I hope you all feel Susan's love around you.
I loved the Hoover dam...such a great historical place to visit. We loved the visitor center as well.

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

You and George got some spectacular images of Hoover Day. I especially loved that one that George took from the new bridge.

Blessings to you as you attend your friend's funeral today.

happyone said...

Great photos and a great place to visit. I've been there and took the hard hat tour!

mamahasspoken said...

Nice photos of the dam and wonderful information. Once a teacher always the teacher ;o)

Fred Alton said...

Truly an amazing piece of engineering and you captured it in pictures! Would love to visit the place.

NCmountainwoman said...

The last time we went to Las Vegas, access to Hoover Dam was denied because of a terrorism threat. We'll definitely have to go back.

Loren said...

what a sight to behold! Your pics are amazing Betsy! I truly CANNOT imagine all of that electrical equip! YIKES.


Praying traveling mercies for you & George. Praying for God to comfort all of you and Susans family today.

Catherine said...

Eeeeee.... I'm not too brave around heights!! These photos are making me nervous!! ;)

Happy August Betsy!
xo Catherine

Anonymous said...

No way could I have a job as a scaler... no way shape or form! I'm too too scared of heights

I appreciate your comment on my sunset post, Betsy, & I'm terribly sorry about your friend. May she rest in peace & God bless you! =)

Cheryl @ TFD said...

Your photos are awesome as always, Betsy. I enjoyed seeing Hoover Dam a few years ago. I also think Lake Mead is beautiful, love the blue water! Have a safe trip to Atlanta. Hugs, Cheryl

RoeH said...

I might just have to drive up there when it cools off a bit. I want to see that bridge. Neat photos!

Lisa Sall - Sall's Country Life said...

Awesome tour of the dam! I've always wanted to see it in person, Thanks! My sincere sympathies for your friend! May your trip to Atlanta be safe and comforting.

Ms. A said...

The photos are amazing, as always. Have a safe journey to and from Atlanta. Blessings, Betsy.

Anonymous said...

Hi Betsy, I have toured the dam and done the behind the scenes walk into the actual dam. It was great! That drive over the dam is very dramatic. Great pictures today. Have a good day today with positive memories of your late friend.

Out on the prairie said...

I have seen it used in a few movies, a lovely series of pics

Rebel Fan said...

New reader to you blog here and I just wanted to say those of some of the best dam pictures I've ever seen.

Shug said...

I remember this place well... I was little when my mom and dad took us vacation to California to visit relatives. I was terrified going over this dam.
Thinking of you today... blessings

Meems said...

Betsy,
I haven't seen this part of the country but it is on my "list". What beautiful shots you've shared and amazing information. Love your header photo, too. I'm sorry for the loss of your friend. God Bless.
Meems

Wendy said...

Your header is awesome!! What beautiful pics you take. Makes me want to visit.

Strange, after I read your post about your friend passing away, I opened my local newspaper and read an obituary for a school friend of mine. Weird. We hadn't been in touch for years and years, but still, the timing....

Happy August!

Ann said...

Amazing structure. Your photos are spectacular and so interesting hearing the facts and history.
Have a safe trip, will be thinking of you.

Diane said...

It makes my knees weak to look at all those heights. It sure is impressive, isn't it. I saw Grand Canyon from the air and it was beautiful then, too, but not like being so close. Diane

Carletta said...

Those workers accomplished an amazing feat with the completion of the dam.
Amazing photos Betsy!

Praying you will be safe on your trip to and from Atlanta.

Cheryl said...

First, I was so sorry to read about the loss of your dear friend. Can you feel the hugs I sent you? I have always been fascinated by the Hoover Dam and you have given me a wonderful tour. Awesome photos and I really enjoyed learning more about it.

carolina nana said...

I enjoyed your Hoover Dam pictures. My dad worked on that dam when they were building it.
Prayers are still with you as you deal with the loss of your friend.
Marilyn

Chatty Crone said...

Okay some of the places you are visiting we went to last year - this was one. It was awesome - mind blowing to me. The people worked so hard on it with little time off and no vacations and they were grateful to work that hard - not like it is now. Love the pics reminding me of its awesomeness. Hugs.

Rose said...

Oh, Betsy...I did love this post...very interesting.

Still so sad for what you are going through.

Lesley said...

Incredible photographs! Nature is wonderful and these prove that man-made structures can be also. I love the photo in your header - amazing!

Connie said...

It's amazing what man can build when necessary. Great photos, Betsy. I LOVE your header photo today too. :)

Janie said...

Hoover Dam is an amazing structure and an impressive engineering feat.
Drive safely on your journey. I know you will celebrate your friend's life as well as mourn her passing. You will meet again.

Lynn said...

Hoover Dam is a marvel and yes if they tried to build it today....in the trillions of dollars most likely. Or it would be so bogged down in "red tape" would never get started. I work backwards on the posts since I started Wed, the 3rd, so you went to the funeral several days ago. I am glad you were able to do that, as difficult as it had to be. Saying goodbye like that brings peace and I believe your friend was smiling and waving down to all of you, so happy to see you all together again. Blessings and do take care.

Valerie said...

Awesome Post. Love the information and photos. I've never been out there - but it sure is on my list of places to see.

So sorry to hear about your friend Betsy.