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Showing posts from April, 2024

Furry Friends @ City of Rocks, Idaho

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An interesting little adventure in our Truck Camper: All I can say is life happens!  Jerry and I were sitting at the table where we were enjoying a wonderful lunch (a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with Cheetos), Bruno sits next to me; usually he would be begging for a bite of my sandwich, but this time he was sitting right next to me watching the front door with a keen interest, which is when I heard a low growl from Bruno.    As I attempted to figure out what he was trying to alert me to. I was looking through the screen, I don't see anything? Then the rodent breaks through the screen, it was as if a squirrel got loose in the First Self Righteous Church of Pascagoula. We were running around trying to get rid of the rodent out of our camper while Bruno was ecstatic that he had a live squeaky toy loose and Jerry was just trying to figure out what the heck just happened. This situation was quite chaotic and unexpected. Jerry's reaction to the chipmunk’s sudden appearance...

The Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah

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A stretch of more than 30,000 acres of land known as the Bonneville Salt Flats consists of one of the most unique natural features in Utah.  In addition, this unique landscape has also been used for setting land speed records. For example, in 1991, Dan Kinsey reached a speed of 226 miles per hour on his Tramp III Harley-Davidson (a motorcycle!!) and in 1970, Gary Gabelich piloted the rocket-propelled Blue Flame to an astonishing speed of 622 miles per hour. The list of land speed records achieved on this landscape is truly unbelievable, showcasing its potential for high-speed racing. In some areas, the desert landscape is not completely flat. Low mountains and hills can be found, breaking up the monotonous expanse of sand and rock. Sparse vegetation is able to grow on these hillsides, pushing into the otherwise flat areas. On hot days, the salty soil reflects the sun's heat, creating mirages that can appear deceptively real. It's easy to be fooled into thinking the desert is co...

Valley of Fire, Moapa Valley, Nevada

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Valley of Fire State Park is a stunning and diverse landscape that offers visitors a chance to experience the wonders of nature. The park is home to a variety of unique rock formations, including the famous red sandstone formations that gives the park its name. These formations were created over 150 million years ago, and they continue to awe and inspire visitors today. The park also provides a peaceful and tranquil setting for outdoor recreation, making it the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The song Viva Las Vegas has been stuck in my head, and the reason is because the movie starring ❤️Elvis Presley❤️ was filmed here in the early 1960's. The iconic race scene in the movie was shot at the Valley of Fire. This desert landscape served as the perfect backdrop for the car race. There are also a number of other things we should not forget. One of these things is The Silica Dome, which is especially important for Star Trek fans because it is the site where l...

Hoover Damn NV & AZ

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The Hoover Dam stands as a testament to human ingenuity and engineering prowess. It is an impressive structure that not only provides hydroelectric power but also helps control flooding and provides water for irrigation and municipal use. The sheer size and scale of the dam are awe-inspiring, making it a must-see destination for many travelers. However, the title of tallest concrete arch dam has since been surpassed, showing that even the most impressive feats of human engineering can eventually be surpassed. The project was a monumental engineering feat, with the dam reaching a height of 726 feet and stretching over 1,244 feet across the canyon. As a result, it created Lake Mead, one of the world's largest artificial lakes that extends 115 miles upstream from its source. The Hoover Dam continues to provide electricity and water to millions of people in the surrounding areas, making it a vital part of the US infrastructure. Its base consists of the same amount of concrete and mater...