Road Trip Day 2 – To the Canyons

Man’s capacity to build incredible things, and change the landscape of earth is incredible to me. Whether’s it’s building skyscrapers, reclaiming land so an already crowded island has more space, or carving giant monuments into mountains, I marvel at the constant ability we have to continue building (though sometimes to the detriment of the environment). Hoover Dam, is one such example.

Leaving Las Vegas was a pretty quick and easy. Physically, mentally I still want to be back, I still want to run around and explore what each casino has to offer.  I want to hit every buffet (no! says every heart surgeon ever) and just indulge on all that there is to offer in the strip. But my car calls. With breakfast firmly covered (probably a bit too much) I was on my way to the Dam.

I must admit that my knowledge of Hoover Dam, was only what I saw in Transformers, so I was led to believe that it was built to hide Megatron from the outside world. Movie’s are so full of crap.

In reality it’s one of the most amazing pieces of architecture I have ever seen.  It’s America’s Pyramids. The time, effort and labour that went into building it is beyond me and according to the voice that talks to you in the visitors centre, it’s built like an upside down pyramid, boom!.

I’m so glad the US government got their act together, at least long enough that I was able to visit this place. To see it from the Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tilmlman Memorial bridge, then to be able to walk and drive the actual dam was an absolute privilege. Despite the fact that I am terrified of heights, I was fascinated with the place and braved that very bridge, and even allowed myself a peek straight down the dam. Totally worth the stress.

Afterwards, it was off to the Grand Canyon.  I knew I wasn’t going to actually hit up the canyon in the evening, but I still made my way there like I had a purpose.

A large enjoyment of my ride was being able to drive on Route 66. There are over 30 songs that either reference, or are inspired by this famed road, and I have long dreamed about driving this road.  Most of the time, I was just too young to drive but I finally made that dream come true.

The feeling, once the tires hit that road, is indescribable.  So many people have made this pilgramage, and it’s one of inspiration and satisfaction. That song, “Get your kicks on route 66″, well I totally did!

By this point, I had traversed a good quarter of the American road and gladly went to sleep, ready for my trip to the Grand Canyon.

Talk soon,

Jonathan

@jonleehk

@theriothk (instagram)

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