Lake Mead & Hoover Dam, Arizona - January 24 & 26, 2006 (Re-run)

 Lake Mead is often in the news these days because of low water levels and discoveries of things at the bottom that were once covered by many feet of Colorado River water.  Even in 2006 the water level was well below full pool, and no wonder when you consider the rapidly growing population served by that body of water.  Formed by the creation of the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead has been a beautiful addition to the desert, a wonderful recreation facility for millions of people.

 Hoover Dam was one of the 20th century's engineering marvels, testing man's ingenuity and determination to overcome considerable challenges in the harsh desert environment.  The dam serves to control down stream flooding, provide drinking water for 40 million people, and generates electricity for millions in several states.

Grand Canyon West, Arizona - January 24, 2006 (Re-run)

 The Hualapai Indian Reservation occupies one million acres in Northwest Arizona, including 108 miles along the Colorado River and the Grand Canyon.  The tribe's original homeland was more than seven million acres and covered all the land that now makes up Grand Canyon National Park.  While the Hualapai fought fiercely to protect their lands from European settlers, in 1883 they were forced into submission by the U.S. Army and placed on their current reservation.

Once poverty stricken like most tribes, the Hualapai had strong leadership that adopted the white man's ways with regard to tourism.  They have thus escaped poverty and have become one of the most prosperous tribes.  Grand Canyon West is home to the now famous Skywalk, a glass bridge that extends some 70 feet over the rim of the canyon, 4000 feet above the canyon floor.  (Although scheduled for completion by 2006, various construction delays resulted in a 2007 opening.)  Other tourist opportunities, such as helicopter flights, river rafting and various tours are available.  Many tour coaches arrive from Las Vegas each day.

Starting in Dolan Springs, a rough dirt road leads toward Grand Canyon West, crossing public lands.  Once on Hualapai land, the road is nicely paved for the comfort of arriving tourists.

We took a tour that showed various forms of indigenous housing, took us by several great views of the canyon and river, and finally visited Guano Point, where a tram system was once used to recover bat guano from caves within the canyon.  The guano was then processed and sold for fertilizer.

Knowing the Skywalk's history of delays, we were still disappointed that the expected 2006 opening was missed once again.  All we got was a photo of the poster promising the Skywalk.  We chose not to pay the price of a helicopter ride into the canyon, partly because we planned to drive to the canyon floor later on the trip.

Route 66, Kingman, Arizona - January 21 & 22, 2006 (Re-run)

 Medical Update: I'm pleased to report the chemo and radiation treatments started five weeks ago have been completed.  However, in a discussion with my oncologist, I was told the best chance of avoiding surgery would be more chemo-therapy using a more aggressive drug.  Since I am most anxious to avoid surgery and the distinct possibility of a colostomy, I have chosen the additional chemo, which is expected to last 12 to 16 weeks, depending on how I tolerate it.

*********************************************************************************** Route 66 was one of America's first major highways, opened in 1926 and running from Chicago to Los Angeles.  It became one of the most famous roads and was the primary route for folks migrating west during the Dust Bowl era.  Most of it was eradicated by the construction of I-40, but where it remains, it is a celebrated and popular tourist attraction.  Kingman is one of the towns that preserves and promotes its portion of Route 66.

Heading west toward the town of Oatman, Route 66 provides interesting history and dramatic scenery.

Oatman is almost a ghost town, but still claims about 100 residents who rely on tourism for their survival.  In 1915 it was a prosperous mining town with approximately 3500 citizens.  It became a popular overnight stop for those traveling Route 66, including many Hollywood stars.  The hotel prides itself on being the 1939 wedding night location for Clark Gable and Carole Lombard.  Several movies have been filmed here, including How The West Was Won, a favorite of mine.