Conversations with Myself

During our travels away from the Great SwitchOver we stopped in Beatty at the Nut & Candy Company. I should mention that a half hour previous to this stop I decided to enjoy an alcoholic energy drink called High Gravity. So when it came time to stop, I was a bit, er, extra happy. Had I been completely clear-headed, I doubt I would have bought so much! Sunflower seeds& sesame sticks, chocolate covered cookie dough bits & candied gingers, and my favorite, the biggest splurge, candy fruit slices! Yum! I got so excited when I saw those how could Rob say no (not that he would)? $20 on sweets but what they hey, we’re on vacation!

A hop, skip & jump from Beatty is the town of Rhyolite, one of the most photographed ghost towns. I was eager to join the masses of photographers, who thankfully were not all visiting when I was! It was pretty awesome. Quite a few remains of structures were still standing, having withstood the test of time and 100 years. Most notable was the train depot. The gorgeous architecture looked as if it could still accept a train at its front door. I’d almost like to see it restored, but then it would be out of place amongst the others. Best to let the desert to its slow decaying act.

It just dawned on me that I’m getting my days mixed up. This is what happens when on is not diligent in their journaling!

After we left Phoenix, we pretty much drove straight thru to Las Vegas, a six-hour drive. I don’t even remember stopping except to get gas. Well, I certainly remember stopping at the Hoover Dam checkpoint and getting inspected by the not-so-friendly security personnel (must be part of their job description- do not smile!). It was dark, it was late. Rob had to open all the cubbyholes in and out of the vehicle while I distracted the dogs (being alert for ‘coyotes and wild dogs’ that the guards warned us about). We were happy to be on our way after that experience!

It’s a bit of a shame not to be able to see the countryside as we approached Hoover Dam from the south. From the shadows of the hills it looked like it would have been gorgeous, but it will be a while until we know for sure (ie, our next trip). The dam itself and the new bridge being built was spectacular at night though. The many lights from the construction and the dam, the mysterious inky blackness on the water and especially the lack of people getting in each others way. Peaceful.

We spent the night at a casino parking lot just past the Hoover Dam- the Hacienda. In the morning we awoke to Lake Mead below. Beautiful. After oatmeal and coffee and a phone call to our folks, we were on our way. We made a point to stop at the visitor center to ask about road conditions. We had decided to take the Silver Trail to Reno but were concerned about several mountain passes we’d encounter along the way, especially after all that snow in CA. Thankfully we found the Visitor Center since the sign was missing, though I think the somewhat crabby visitor center lady wouldn’t have minded if we missed it. We had a lot of questions and I don’t think she was happy to answer any of them! I think it all started when we didn’t know what race she was referring to when she mentioned the ‘big race’ the weekend. Apparently she was talking about the NASCAR races, the whole reason they (Vegas?) exist! Oh.

With all he panicky warning of traffic, we didn’t figure we would linger in the city for long…only long enough to shop at Walmart and get a chocolate sample at Ethel M Chocolates. (Okay, Ethel is also the home to M&M’s, so we also ended up buying a cool dispenser and a colorful T-shirt featuring Blue). After that we were on our way and yay, traffic was a breeze!

That finally catches us up to today!