The drive through the Virgin Mountains was very brown after all the red rocks in Utah, but still was was interesting topography...
Everything we saw was original construction, from the elevators to the concrete structure to the tunnels for inspection 
After we got back, we got ready to head to the Strip for dinner and a show, but the power blew and the temp rose very fast in the coach even though the generator kicked in! The resort replaced the breaker but we didn't feel comfortable leaving Finn and we cancelled our plans. We decided it was time to leave for cooler weather and tomorrow we head to California!
As we approached Vegas the skyline was very familiar...
It was so extremely hot, 110-114, we just stayed in the coach and relaxed. The next morning we left early for Hoover Dam. Originally called the Boulder Dam when construction started in 193, it truly was and still is an engineering wonder built in the Black Canyon on the Colorado River.
There are two tour options, one of the power plant for $10 or a Dam tour for $30 which includes the Power Plant. The Dam Tour is the way to go. We first toured the power plant where we saw the layout
And one of the tubes that diverted the Colorado River
And one half of the 17 turbines
The elevators we used were original but we also saw ladders for inspection and pipes that carry seepage water
One reason the Dam has survived so well is its high factor of safety it was built with, but for earthquakes it had a high enough SF to withstand an 8.9 earthquake! The construction technique was to build tunnels within Dam as it was built using wooden stays that were later removed but you can still see the imprint of the wooden pieces.
Many of the original workers autographed the walls, but this one etched a picture in the wall
Once outside you see the real beauty of this structure as well as the massive power structure! Finished 2 years early and under budget due to the unique cooling technique they used with chilled water pumped thru pipes in the concrete blocks. 760 ft tall, 4.3M cubic yards of concrete,
And of course Lake Mead formed by the Dam!
We loved the tour even though once outside we melted!
So sorry you had to cancel your plans; however, we totally understand. In this heat, it really makes us nervous about leaving Cooper, too. Glad you are heading out for cooler weather. Be safe. See you soon.
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