Hoover Dam: heading home

As my vacation wraps up and I'm heading home, I stopped at Hoover Dam as I crossed the border back to Arizona. Hoover Dam was constructed between 1931-1936 during the Great Depression. Engineers decided to create a concrete arch-gravity dam. This type of dam is convex shaped and is thick at the bottom and thin at the top and the walls of the canyon share the force of the water. By 1939 the dam's power plant became the largest hydroelectric facility in the world. Unfortunately, prolonged drought has impacted the dam's ability to produce power although water is still released to create hydroelectric power. All total, water from Lake Meade supports 18 million people in Arizona, Nevada, and California. Over one million tourists visit the dam each year. It was too hot to leave the pups in the car and take a tour of the dam today, so that will have to go on my list of "things to do" in the future. However, I did hop out and walk along the top of the dam to get some quick pictures. The view down to the Colorado River was overwhelming and it was so amazing to think about the engineering involved to create such a huge structure. I know the Colorado River, Hoover Dam, and the water in Lake Meade are some of the reasons why I can live in the desert in Phoenix. Happy to be back in Arizona and heading home! 

View of the dam!

View of Lake Meade: notice the low water level ring

Heading home! 

 

 

 

Tule Lake Segregation Center

Today on the way to Reno, Nevada I was surprised to find that I passed by a Japanese American internment site that dated back to World War II. Tule Lake Segregation Center was created in 1942 after President Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066 in response to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Without trials or documentation of disloyalty, over 120,000 Japanese Americans were placed in ten internment camps located in isolated areas of the United States. Sixty-two percent of the internees were American born citizens. Initially Tule Lake Camp held 15,257 men, women, and children. In 1943 the camp was transformed into a segregation center to hold men who refused to sign a deeply flawed loyalty oath which was supposed to separate loyal from disloyal internees. The population of the camp surged to 18,789 people. Overcrowding, harsh conditions, and mismanagement caused great turmoil and a jail was put in the camp and martial law was instituted. Tule Lake became known as one of the harshest internment camps in the system. While I was exploring the monument that marks the site, I discovered two pictures. One was of a Japanese American family and another was of a group of school children in front of a building. As I did a bit more research, I learned that a group of former internees had recently visited the camp as part of a bus tour pilgrimage to visit former camps including Heart Mountain and Tule Lake. George Takei, primarily known for his role as Hikaru Sulu in the Star Trek films, was interned at Tule Lake from the age of seven to nine years old. At a talk in a nearby town, Takei had this to say about his experience. "It was three things: war hysteria, race prejudice, and reckless, irresponsible political leadership that fanned the flames of fear and ignorance. This is a relevant story to our times today, because we hear the same echoes of those hysterics today in our presidential candidates, and it is chilling that there are so many people that are being stampeded by that kind of xenophobic rhetoric."  I found myself wondering about the pictures I found, the families who were impacted, and the implications for our lives today. It is important to note that in 1988 President Ronald Reagan signed into law the Civil Liberties Act which apologized for internment on behalf of the government and authorized a payment of 20,000 dollars to each surviving internee. May we learn from our mistakes in history and never repeat them again. 

At the monument with the photos on the other side of me. 

Photo of the children at the camp. 

Photo of the family-who were they? What is their story?

 
 

 

Crater Lake National Park: Cleetwood Trail

Today I headed back to Crater Lake so that I could hike the Cleetwood Trail down to the pristine water of the lake. This mile long trail dropped over 700 feet in a mile and what goes down must go up so this was a nice steep hike out. This trail is the only official trail down to the water and the only way to get to the water. It was interesting to learn that the park service has made the decision to keep the access to the water so limited. The deepest point in the lake is 1,943 feet. When park scientists descended under the depths of the water using a deep water submersible called Deep Rover, they found thick mats of bacteria thriving. Hydrothermal pools also indicated a volcanic heat source below the lake.  Thick bands of moss ring the lake at the 400 foot mark. Scuba and snorkeling are strictly prohibited in the lake and only about 2 percent of the lake has been explored to date. I was interested to see if the water would still be so blue as I got closer and it was. I decided to take a dip in the 59 degree water,  and I had a refreshing but quick swim. I even put my head under the water. It was a great way to end my visit to Crater Lake National Park. 

Blue lake even down close. 

Brrr! My quick swim! 

 

 

Crater Lake National Park

In honor of the national parks centininel, a visit to Oregon's only national park was in order. I had no idea of the story behind the formation of Crater Lake. Basically, 7,700 years ago a 12,000 foot tall mountain known as Mount Mazama erupted and as the magma chamber below the surface collapsed a deep caldera was formed where the mountain once stood. Over the centuries, rain and snowmelt filled the basin and because no streams run into or out of the lake the water is pristine and on a good day scientists can see over 140 feet down into the water. The level of the lake is maintained through precipitation, evaporation, and seepage. The light from the color spectrum is absorbed, but the blue wavelengths are scattered and seen by human eyes. The blue of the lake was amazing! It was also fun to find snow all along the road! Snow in July! So fun! Happy to celebrate our national parks by visiting Crater Lake today! 

View of Wizard Island in Crater Lake. 

Snow along the road! 

 

 

Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area

Before leaving the Oregon coast, I wanted to visit the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area because it is the largest expanse of coastal sand dunes in North America. This park was established in 1972 and is administered by the United States Forest Service.  Some of the dunes reach as high as 500 feet. Parts of the dune area are popular with ATV enthusiasts and sand boarders. I wanted a quieter hike, so I headed to a spot in the park called the Tahkenitch Dunes Trail. This trail highlighted a variety of environments including dense forest, sand dunes, coastal pine woodland, estuary, and beach. The plovers, small wading birds who forage for food along the water's edge, were nesting so I could not take the dogs down to the beach, but we did hike down to the edge of the sand to see the ocean. The forest was cool and beautiful and the  dunes were fun yet challenging to hike. I can see why science fiction writer Frank Herbert was inspired to write his beloved novel Dune after researching the Oregon Dunes area. I am glad I got to hike the dunes today! It was another good, if a bit sandy, adventure! 

Just out of the forest and on the dunes!

Canella and Cache running on the dunes. Happy pups!

 

 

Oregon Coast Aquarium: Newport, Oregon

Today I travelled north up the coast to the town of Newport to visit the Oregon Coast Aquarium. The aquarium sits on 23 acres along Yaquina Bay near the Pacific Ocean. The focus of the facility is to educate people about the Oregon coast, including the animals who live there such as fish, rays, jellyfish, sharks, sea lions, seals, otters, and sea birds. My favorite two areas were Passages of the Deep and the otter enclosure. I enjoyed seeing the sharks and rays up close as they swam over and under the tunnel I walked through. I also was interested to see that someone was participating in a recreational dive in the tank. That was tempting as it certainly would be an opportunity to view lots of fish and sharks up close. My very favorite part was visiting the otters after they had been fed. They were snoozing in the sun and were just so cuddly and cute. They reminded me of my dogs! This was a great stop and most importantly the aquarium educates people on the care of our oceans and its animals. I wrapped up the day with a long walk down a sandy beach with the pups. It was a wonderful day! 

Sweet, sleepy otter! 

Three leopard sharks passing by in the tunnel! 

 

 

Cape Perputa, Yachats, Oregon

Today I ventured 1,000 feet up the side of a cliff to see a CCC built structure that was used as a lookout during World War II. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) was developed by President Roosevelt to create jobs during the Great Depression. The CCC worked on projects in this part of Oregon including roads, trails, buildings, campgrounds, and tree planting. Over 250 men worked at this location between 1933-1942. I climbed up to a CCC created building called the West Shelter. After Japan bombed Pearl Harbor, coastal defense became a priority for our country so this shelter was used as a base to spot enemy planes and submarines. Called the "best view on the Oregon Coast," the watchers in this shelter could see 70 miles of coast line and 37 miles out to sea. I was honored to  stand in the Craftsman style shelter and admire the view, even though it was a bit foggy today! 

Lookout with the fog behind me!

Blueprint of the structure from the 1930s. 

 

 

The Rogue River: National Wild and Scenic River

Today I hiked to the Rainie Falls along the Rogue River about 22 miles from Grant's Pass, Oregon. The federal designation of rivers has always interested me. In 1968 Congress created the National Wild and Scenic River System to protect certain free flowing rivers with outstanding natural, cultural, and recreational characteristics. This federal law is notable as it protects rivers while also allowing for appropriate development. It also promotes public participation in managing the rivers. Generally, this law protects the river from being damed or developed. This four mile long hike was beautiful and shady and the half way point of the falls was impressive. I enjoyed watching rafters and kayakers float as I walked. The poodles loved getting in for a swim in the cold river water and I did, too. I'm glad some of our rivers are protected and allowed to remain wild! Swimming in those rivers is good for the soul. 

With Cache on the trail

At the falls

Swimming in the Rogue River!

 

 

 

Crossing the Sacramento River from Sacramento, CA to Grant's Pass, OR

I continued heading north today and I was surprised how many times I went across the Sacramento River so I decided to write about it. The Sacramento River is the largest river in California and water from this river supplies one-third of the people of California with drinking water. The river was first settled over 12,000 years ago by native people who lived along the banks of the river and survived by gathering acorns to make bread and cakes and fishing along the river and hunting in the forest. Spanish explorers moved into the area in the late 1700s looking to establish missions. Explorer Gabriel Moraga named the river Rio de Los Sacramentos, which was later  shortened to the Sacramento River. Pioneers on the Oregon Trail who wanted to head to California cut across the Siskiyou Trail and followed parts of the River to the area they settled. The population of Americans along the Sacramento increased greatly when John Augustus Sutter and his men built a fort at the confluence of the Sacramento and American rivers. One of his employees James W. Marshall was assigned to build a sawmill along the American River and in the process gold was discovered. This discovery triggered the Californis Gold Rush of 1849. Unfortunately, the onslaught of settlers brought smallpox and malaria to the area and the Native Americans had no immunity to these illnesses and were severely impacted. Today the Sacramento River provides much of the water for California and its shore makes a great recreation path. I enjoyed walking along the river at different times today. The water was really cold and my poodles loved it! Love knowing the history of this amazing river. 

Below the Sundial Bridge at Redding with the river behind me! 

Beautiful Sacramento River! 

PS-started playing Pokemon Go today! So many people were out playing today I had to see what it was all about. It sure is getting people outside! 

Very fun to play on the road! 

 

 

 

Central Valley from Bakersfield to Sacramento

Today was all about traveling north through the Central Valley. This agriculture area is responsible for much of the tomatoes, almonds, grapes, apricots, and asparagus that are grown in the United States. It is also known for its production of onions, pistachios, and strawberries. The Central Valley stretches 450 miles north and south through the middle of California. It is 40-60 miles wide and is bordered by the Sierra Nevada and Coast Ranges. Agriculture in the Valley is reliant on irrigation from nearby rivers and is known for its sunny days and moderate climate. Over the years drought has been a concern in this area so water conservation efforts are in place. It was good to see where so much of our nation's produce originates. 

Pistachios in the field and in my hand! 

Onions on the road

Grapes!

Tomatoes!

 

 

 

 

General Patton Memorial Museum, Chiriaco Summit, California

I'm off on my second adventure of the summer. The ultimate destinations are Yachats, Oregon and Crater Lake National Park and today is the start of the drive there. As usual, I'm always looking for history as I travel. I found some World War II history today. The General Patton Memorial Museum is on the site of Camp Young where over one million men trained for World War II at the Desert Training Center/California-Arizona-Maneuver-Area. This area was established to prepare American troops for the desert fighting they would encounter in North Africa. General Patton is best known for leading the U.S. Seventh Army in the Mediterranean and the Third Army in France and Germany. General Patton was an effective leader who was much respected and at some times feared by his men. He was known for his rapid tank attacks across France and his unit provided relief to soldiers caught in the Battle of the Bulge. Patton led by example and often joined his men on the front. He had high expectations for those under his command and they worked hard to meet his expectations. I am pleased that I was able to visit a memorial set aside for "Old Blood and Guts" and the many soldiers who trained there. I had no idea that such a large training facility existed in this part of the desert so this was a great surprise stop. 

 

 

Heading home!

Last night we decided to get up early this morning to go snorkeling! I'm so glad we did! As the sun was coming up, we walked down to a nearby reef. The snorkeling was so good! I got to see a ray and huge schools of fish. I'm glad I got to enjoy the ocean one more time. Turks and Caicos certainly has been "beautiful by nature" and I'm so glad that I have been able to travel here! 

Sunrise!

Last snorkel with my buddies!
 

 

Last full day on the island

We woke up this morning and decided to get out our glass bottom kayak. We paddled out to the reef and rode the current to the west and floated right over Smith's Reef! It was a hoot riding the waves and going with the wind. The only problem was when we turned around we had to come back against the wind so we ended up towing the boat back in the water through the sand. It was a good workout! After that, souvenir shopping was in order so we headed to the Saltmill area and did some shopping. We discovered the Potcake Place K9 Rescue. This nonprofit dog rescue takes in and cares for dogs before adopting them out. People can even borrow a dog for the day to play with and care for. We played with the puppies and made a donation. This nonprofit is doing good work. I'm happy we found them on the island! We did one last snorkel on Smith's Reef before starting to pack up our stuff. Overall, it was another fantastic day! 

Glass bottom kayak!

With a Potcake pup! 

 

North and Middle Caicos Exploration Day

Today we decided to take the ferry over to North Caicos so we could explore two other islands. The ferry ride was about 25 minutes and when we arrived on the islands we had a chance to see what the more isolated islands are like. We stopped at an island cooperative and I bought a bowl woven out of rope and then had cracked conch at Daniel's Cafe. It was yummy. While I waited for lunch we explored the beach and found amazing coral that had washed up on shore. I so wanted to keep a piece but the islands ask that nothing leaves the island so I respected that. I did take a picture! We found a spot for lunch and after eating we swam and snorkeled at our own private beach. We saw a huge barracuda while snorkeling! Wow! Then we headed back to Provo on the ferry. These islands were beautiful and it was a great adventure! 

My brain coral rock!

Private beach!
 

 

Scuba and Geocaching day

This morning we headed out to Northwest Point again for another amazing adventure diving. Both dives went well, and I saw three sharks, a turtle, barracudas, lobsters, a lion fish, and huge schools of fish. The diving was perfect with great visibility and we had the boat to ourselves! Truly a magical morning! After getting back home we decided to rent bikes and track down some of the geocaches in the island. Geocaching is a global treasure hunt where participants use GPS coordinates to track down hidden treasures and trade swag. More information about geocaching can be found at geocaching.com. We headed to Snorkel Bob's and rented cruisers and soon had three caches in hand. We dropped two travel bugs and picked up two so all in all was a great day! 

Hanging out with the barracuda today! 

Lionfish with my friend Deb. 

Featherduster on a coral. 

Cache in hand at Bight Park. 

 

Snorkeling at Coral Gardens on Bight Reef

Today was all about the green sea turtles. We went to a protected reef and snorkeled along a snorkel trail. Turtles were out eating in the sea grass. It was so fun to watch them. This turtle is named for the color of its fat not the color of its shells. The turtles are mostly herbivorous and enjoy eating sea grass. They keep the sea grass healthy by keeping it cut. Green sea turtles migrate long distances and can live to be 80 years old. The green sea turtle is listed as endangered so if you are ever snorkeling or diving with one give it space to come up for air and never harass it or try to touch it. It was a pleasure to share the water with these turtles today! 

 

Scuba day on Northwest Point

I can not even begin to explain how amazing my two dives were today. We dove at one of three top spots on the island called Northwest Point. Our first dive was at The Crack. After our decent, we got to swim through a crack in the coral and got to our lowest depth of 86 feet. After we got through we explored along the reef and two sharks discovered us. We also saw a big barracuda and a huge lobster! The fish and coral were amazing! After our surface interval, we moved to a second spot called the Coral Stairway. Our deepest point here was 56 feet. In addition to lots of fish and a school of barracudas, I had two reef sharks that hung out with us. They were so elegant and strong. Overall, I'm thankful to my friends Steph and Deb who encouraged me to get certified. Our dive masters Jane and Mickey with Flamingo Divers were professional and friendly and helped me feel comfortable on my first open ocean dive.  This was an amazing experience! 

Pre-dive shot of my dive buddies! 

Going through the crack with my friend Steph watching!

Reef shark off the wall!

Amazing coral!

Reef shark right behind us! 

Close up of my shark friend!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Princess Alexandra National Park

Today was a beach day and the morning was all about snorkeling. We walked down to Princess Alexandra National Park. This 6532 acre park is located off the north coast of Providenciales. This area had the most beautiful coral I have ever seen. The fish were amazing as well. Towards the end of my first snorkel I saw a big reef shark. It was my first shark to see in the wild. I didn't get a picture because I was so shocked! It was a successful day! 

 

 

 

Safely arrived in Turks and Caicos

We have safely arrived in Turks and Caicos. We headed over to Shark Bite Cafe for a quick bite. I ate my first conch fritter. Tasty! A conch is basically a large sea snail. After I ate I went snorkeling at the beach outside of our house and actually found a conch shell on the sea floor. Planning to get in the blue water again soon! 

View of the ocean from my bedroom!