Kelly's SC to CA Road Trip and Reflections

Cedar City, UT

Yes, I know the pages are out of order – I’m working on it…

“We forget that the water cycle and the life cycle are one” (Jacques Cousteau). 1) Today’s local morning news in Las Vegas announced that water restrictions begins today – no sprinklers during daylight hours through August 30. 2) The Hoover Dam provides water to more than 16 million people. 3) Judy called to let me know my sprinklers have been repaired back on Sandcroft Drive.

I’ve wanted to visit Hoover Dam for as long as I can remember, and I always thought I would visit this engineering marvel with John. John loved concrete – mixing concrete, pouring concrete, and testing concrete. I loved overhearing his evening phone calls with fellow project managers about the next day’s concrete schedule. Over the years I heard him patiently explain to many many people that concrete and cement are not the same. He would have loved this place.

Rules, updated: Hoover Dam Rules (Kelly’s version). 1) Keep conversations low – the rest of us are not interested in hearing about the other dams you’ve seen. Be present. In the moment. 2) Walk, don’t run.

I remember Grandmama saying that Herbert Hoover was the worst president in her lifetime – his response to the Stock Market Crash was inadequate (Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act, anyone? Why can’t we learn? Anyone? Anyone?*). But, he must have been an effective Commerce Secretary as he managed the development of the Colorado River Compact.

As you drive toward the parking area, a sign reminds you to “Drink water. It’s the desert.” The Dam didn’t seem very crowded today at all – and a pleasant 71^o with brisk winds. The walk is easy and flat, though there are several stairs in the visitor’s center. I’ve enjoyed seeing (and hearing) the school groups that have been at every stop along this trip. Today there were 5th graders from Doral Academy and Founders Classical Academy. They’re a boisterous bunch. As one group waited for their tour bus, their clever teacher had them make a circle and play a form of Concentration; for example, naming animals or colors. I could tell they were familiar with this calming technique.

Hope you enjoy today’s dam photos.

The drive from Hoover Dam to Cedar City, UT takes you through the Virgin River Canyon. It’s a jaw-dropping view. As I drove, one of my favorite instrumental songs came on: “Often a Bird” by Wim Mertens. A perfect complement to this scenery. I always showed this video to the 5th graders when we read a biography about Fibonacci.

This Hampton Inn in Cedar City seems brand new. Guess what!? The public library is 4 minutes away, so I made a beeline there. Outside are rocks in tribute to the Southern Paiute People; the rocks are covered with petroglyphs. Inside the library door is a Terra Cotta Warrior (on loan) and a tall shelf of board games to check out. There are also jigsaw puzzles, Playaways, a large computer room, and a blood pressure station. The Children’s section is bright and a few octagonal shelves hold new releases and Newbery winners. On the way out, a display table filled with large moths, butterflies, and beetles caught my eye.

I’ve been listening to Jane Eyre off and on during my drive, so I guess that put me in the mood for French food for supper. (Remember Mr. Rochester’s ward Adèle?) The French Spot Bistro is right next door to the hotel, and I’ve never had Gratin Dauphinois before – it’s a delicious creamy potato dish topped with Gruyère cheese and served with a salad.

I’m doing laundry as I write this post. Thanks, Carol, for the container of quarters you gave me for the trip.

*_{Ferris Beuller’s Day Off}