I am on yet another work trip. Last time I was at this “unmentioned” location (it’ll soon become very obvious where I am), I complained that I had wished I could get closer to the mountains to see something besides people who have had too much to drink and been awake for too many hours and smell something besides smoke. Even though I do love some good people watching, it gets old quick here.

So, yesterday, since I arrived somewhat early, so instead of just sitting in my hotel room (I tend to hide…even though I’m reluctant to admit it), I decided to take an adventure. I splurged and rented a car to take an adventure. To get up-close to the beautiful mountains/canyon rocks I had only seen from a distance and to smell the fresh air. It happened to be a most BEAUTIFUL day. Clear skies. Temps ended up in the 80s when I got where I was going. I ended up at Hoover Dam, an incredible civil engineering feat and  notorious US tourist attraction. Lake Mead isn’t too shabby, either. I took my time getting there (people don’t fly down the interstate here, by the way). I navigated through some residential neighborhoods, the main street through an awesome historical small town, some narrow, high-up (yikes, heights), and curvy roads. Drove it all. Picked up a yummy turkey, cranberry sauce, and stuffing sub from a local sub shop, and made my way to the Dam. Traffic got slow as I neared the Dam (it’s only a two-lane road), so I rolled the windows down and cranked up the tunes. Ahhh, it was wonderful. Approached the security tent (they really just control the number of cars on the Dam at one time and make sure there aren’t too many heavy vehicles at one time), and made my way across the Dam. Slowly. Enjoying the breathtaking view and marveling at the bravery and skill of those who built it. I crossed the Arizona line and parked (I was so close–how could I NOT cross into another state just for the heck of it?), then walked the entire dam. Up one side and back the other–just to make sure I saw it all. It’s absolutely incredible. It is cool, too, that this weekend is the dedication of a new bridge (it’s the one in the picture below that looks like it’s up in the sky). The town of Boulder City expects 15,000 people for the dedication. It must be a special site, right?! How cool!!! So, here’s to taking an adventure and enjoying every moment. To enjoying a few slow hours before the rush of three jam-packed conference days. And to seeing another sight. Out west. I love out west. I’m meant to take adventures, to enjoy nature, God’s creation. It re-fuels me, energizes me. Gets me really excited.

Without further ado, the pictures.

I love flying, by the way–and was able to get a shot of the Dam before we landed. I was so so so excited.