Lake Mead

Location

Hover Dam

I like big infrastructure, last year(2024) we took a Dam Tour. Visiting Hoover Dam has been on my list since visiting Shasta Dam and learning about Frank Crowe. Frank Crowe worked on many dams and water controls across the west for the reclamation service. He is regarded as the greatest dam builder of all time. I was excited to see another project that has shaped the west into what it was today. The level of forethought it took for the government to enable water controls in the west is immense. I am not sure our current political landscape and leaders would be able to accomplish projects as life affecting.

We were able to take an extended tour of the dam. We visited the Nevada generator house, stood atop a penstock where we could feel and hear the rush of water traveling to the turbines.

Travel Notes

The trip to Lake mead was quick (~1.5 hours), roads smooth, the locals were driving fast. National Recreation Areas can be accessed without fee with our America the Beautiful annual pass. I have come to the conclusion I will always own a National Park annual pass as the return on investment is high.

When leaving Lake mead we needed to kill some time as we didn’t want to arrive in LA during high traffic time. We stopped at a bar/restaurant about 20 miles off the Interstate 15. I am not sure I would make the detour again, I think the reviews set our expectations too high. The location did have good parking for all 50ft of us. It was fun to try something new.

Boulder City

This little city is great. I had breakfast with a past colleague, I don’t always get to meet everybody I work with face to face. We had a nice breakfast at a famous restaurant and talked tech, business, learnings, engagement, and infrastructure. I enjoyed the time and conversation, I hope to visit Boulder City again.

Commodities

The DEF Fiasco of February ‘25: Donna and I tried to get DEF multiple times on the way home. Something at each fuel stop prevented us from acquiring it. The second time we spent more then 35 minutes trying to get the pump to work. The Attendant even came out to the pump to try to show us how to pump fuel/DEF.

Food

BBQ

Fox Smokehouse BBQ. I like it, everything I had was tasty. Sit down BBQ Place with a bar. Was easy to get in and out of.

Beer

Beer Zombies Boulder Dam Brewing. All the beers were well made with strong and distinct flavors. They do not sell any beer togo, however, Nevada allows you to open carry alcohol.

Bar Food

Maxx’s Food and Drink We had fun here, was late night, ordered a pizza and chatted with the locals. I cam to the conclusion that people really like to drink in this town. The patrons were putting down drinks 3 to 1 for ours. I was impressed.

Breakfast

The Coffee Cup I meet a former colleague here for breakfast. The Coffee Cup is a mainstay in Boulder City, apparently even visitors to Vegas come to Boulder to eat here. The domain says they are world famous, they were the featured restaurant on the first episode of “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives”. The show has made many places I enjoy popular. Matts Big Breakfast, Baby Blues, The Front Porch, etc.. I thought the breakfast was good, I was not blown away. The staff was awesome as we were camping at a table for more than an hour.

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