Trip to Nevada and Utah: April 2018
Mom had been sick with the flu for a long time, and was finally
recovering. Although we'd originally planned to go to Sequoia National
Park, I found out that Mariposa Grove and the road into Kings Canyon
were closed in April. Instead, we decide to take a more relaxed trip,
spending a couple of days each in some towns that normally we'd drive
through on the way elsewhere.
Tuesday, April 17
First stop is Boulder City: we stay at an RV park near the lake.
Although I was at Hoover Dam last
year, Mom has always wanted to take the tour, and I decide to come
along and take some additional pictures. Penstock Viewing Area is the
first stop on the power plant tour: 30-foot-diameter pipes carry water
to the generators.
Powerplant Generators:
View from atop the visitor center:
Electrical workers at the dam. Yes, someone's holding onto whatever the
helicopter is carrying.
Wednesday, April 18
Mom also wanted to ride on the Desert Princess, and even though I rode
on it just last
month, I decide to do it again, this time spending the whole trip
sitting in back.
Thursday, April 19
Early in the morning, we drive to Overton, set up the trailer, eat
breakfast, and head off to Valley of Fire State Park. Again I was here
last
year, but I welcome a chance to return and take pictures of the
petroglyphs at Atlatl Rock, which I'd missed before.
Balancing Rock:
Atlatl Rock. Light conditions aren't the best. A cloudy day would have
been ideal for viewing the petroglyphs.
This museum was created not just for the "Lost City" site, but also to
preserve artifacts from sites that were submerged by Lake Mead.
This is a reconstruction of Pueblo Grande de Nevada (called the "Lost
City" by early publicists), built on the original foundations.
Saturday, April 21
Staying at the KOA in Ely. Although I'd intended to take Highway 318
to Ely, I ended up missing the turn-off and taking Highway 93 the entire
way.
I've been through Ely several times, but had no idea that there was a
historic train here, until I met someone on the Cumbres
& Toltec Scenic Railroad who told me about it.
Freight house: this building served as the depot until the newer "East
Ely" one was constructed.
Car repair building:
Engine house and master mechanic's office:
Coach shed:
You can sleep overnight in this caboose:
Coaling tower, sand house, and water tower:
This building, built into the hill, once acted as a saloon:
Old ore cars used to prevent erosion:
Sunday, April 22
Tuesday, April 24
Staying at the KOA in Richfield.
Five Finger Ridge: partially destroyed by I-70 construction, there is a
Fremont village on top.
Parade of Rock Art and Court of Ceremonies Trails:
Canyon of Life:
Cave of a Hundred Hands:
Arch of Art:
Centennial Cabin:
Kingston Canyon
Fish Lake
Wednesday, April 25
Staying at Ruby's Inn RV Park.
The last
time we were here, it was cold, foggy, and raining. Mom wanted to
be able to see Bryce Canyon in the sunshine. Fortunately, the weather
is perfect today.
