What with summer reruns in full swing, the Stanley Cup and NBA playoffs over, TV isn’t looking too good these days. I can only watch so much of CSI and Law & Order which seems to be on almost every channel . So, I was pleasantly surprised to find a program on National Geographic last night about the building of the Hoover Dam and what engineers might do differently if they were to build it today.
Two of the intake towers on the Arizona side of the dam
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| From Hoover Dam & Lake Mead |
It was particularly interesting to me, because we visited the Hoover Dam in April of this year while on our way back home from our winter stay in Palm Springs. It was one of the highlights of the entire trip as far as I was concerned and I much preferred visiting and driving over the dam to visiting the Las Vegas casinos.
View of Hoover Dam from Arizona side
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| From Hoover Dam & Lake Mead |
Interestingly, the engineers concluded that they would pick the exact same site on the Colorado River to construct the huge Hoover Dam. The design of the dam would be pretty much the same except it would be about 140 ft. higher than the original. The extra height, enabled by computer aided design and today’s better equipment and building materials, would provide a lot more electrical power while doubling the size of Lake Mead.
Paulette "hamming it up" near Lake Mead
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| From Hoover Dam & Lake Mead |
However, the big question was whether or not the Hoover Dam could even be built today. For instance, it was suggested that the Environmental Impact Study alone could take 10-15 years to complete what with current regulations, court cases and all the extra baggage that comes with any large project today. The Hoover Dam was constructed in 5 years – on time and under budget! So, this program was a real treat for someone who is interested in history – especially when it relates to places we’ve visited.
It took 2 whole years pouring 24/7 to complete this baby!
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| From Hoover Dam & Lake Mead |
I had to smile last night while reading a post by a new RV blogger at kanddintherv in which, while referencing my blog about our new puppy said, in good humour - "the soon to be famous Rylie". I got a kick out of that, and because I know I've probably overdone it a bit the last little while with pics of Rylie - so, today's post has no pictures of her - but, Rylie will be back soon, I guarantee it.
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