Many thanks to my warmshowers hosts, David & Barbara. Once again, I truly appreciate the kindness and hospitality of the warmshowers community.
My fantastic host, Barbara. David already left for the morning.
Since the Hoover Dam is so close to Boulder City, I spent the morning at a coffee shop, researching my route through Utah. Around lunch time, I picked up a sandwich at a local shop and biked to the dam.
There is a trail from the center of town all the way to the dam, part of which is the Historic Railroad Trail. Remnants from the original railway used to build the dam, the trail tunnels through the hills.
Going through the tunnels felt like a western film
Between each tunnel, there are some fantastic views of Lake Mead. I passed only a couple of hikers on the trail, otherwise it was empty.
Despite looking so peaceful, the wind followed me on the trail.
I finally reached the Hoover Dam, which was packed with vehicles. Unfortunately, I was not able to take a tour. I asked a few of the employees and they recommended against leaving my bike unattended - even locked. They said belongings dissapear all the time.
Regardless, the outside is breathtaking and impressive.
Not sure what the water level should be, but it looks a bit low
I biked up the Arizona side, and to my disappointment, the road was closed. Some folks at the gift shop suggested it was safer to bypass the barricades on the closed road, rather then backtrack the crowded roadway to the Nevada side.
They were right. I took the closed road all the way to the highway.
The day before, I battled the wind going north, today, battled the wind going south. I've accepted the headwind.
Scouting out places to wild camp, I picked up a map at the ranger station. The friendly ranger sent me on my way, with three bottles of water (thank you!), to some BLM land, perfect for wild camping.
I setup camp and waited for temperatures to drop, ready to get some sleep.
Joe