Vegas Day Trips.

[VegasUnderworld]

The miners went much wider than we were comfortable seeing. That's a lot of mountain being held up by sticks. I'll post more of this area when we return.

 

[VegasUnderworld]

Here's a few more taken about an hour Southwest of Vegas. The temps are already hovering around 100 degrees, so we'll probably reduce our time in the desert until it cools off a little.

 

[VegasUnderworld]

Here are the highlights from our most recent visit to Delamar, Nevada. We'll return when the weather is more tolerable. Hiking up mountains in 110+ degrees isn't as much fun as I thought it would be.

 

[VegasUnderworld]

Delamar is about 2 hours north of Vegas and well worth the drive. The trails are not maintained, but are in excellent condition.

 

[VegasUnderworld]

I also wanted to share a couple pictures of Lake Mead and the change in water levels. Two pictures comparing water levels about 6 months apart. New islands are popping up all around the lake. Amazing how much a difference of 20-30 feet can make.

 

[roverrocks]

Another very interesting old mine adventure. Fascinating. Thanks.

 

[Crom]

I also wanted to share a couple pictures of Lake Mead and the change in water levels. Two pictures comparing water levels about 6 months apart. New islands are popping up all around the lake. Amazing how much a difference of 20-30 feet can make.

WOW! Lake Mead is shaped like a "V", so when water levels are low like now, as it's depleted further it will appear to happen more rapidly and dramatically. This article published on June 22, 2013, says that the reservoir is in dire straits. http://www.knpr.org/son/archive/detail2.cfm?SegmentID=10158&ProgramID=2805 I think water wars are coming in the future.

Here is an article that shows a ghost town that was once covered by the lake has been accessible since 2002.

 

[VegasUnderworld]

We've been to St. Thomas once. It's a nice place to visit and see how much is still left of the old town, but the trail is closed to vehicle traffic and it's about a 4-5 miles round trip hike. Climbing is more my thing than hiking. We were surprised to see so many structures and roads still there. I was really just expecting to see piles of rubble. For those interested, here are the coordinates to St. Thomas: 36°28'3.45"N 114°22'15.75"W

 

[VegasUnderworld]

Here's another area of the lake. In this image the difference in water level is just from June to July 2013. Just one months difference.

 

[chadlanc]

It was 116 a couple days ago out here in Henderson, probably a little higher at the lake

 

[VegasUnderworld]

The ambient temp readings from my Jeep were showing right around 115 degrees. You really can't feel the temps when you're in the water most of the day.

Something that really bothers me at the lake are all the people who think it's ok to leave their garbage. Just yesterday, a family of 5 showed up on a nearby beach. Every bottle they opened, every package of food they brought was just tossed about. They opened a new awning and left all the packaging right there. They even knew they were in plain view and still displayed no shame. What the hell is wrong with people?

 

[gregaf3]

People are idiots when it comes to picking up after themselves. Here is a good link for the water levels if you are a data geek. http://lakemead.water-data.com/

 

[VegasUnderworld]

I know you, Greg! Met you and your family a few times. Last I heard, your wife was being transferred. I thought to Germany or Italy.

 

[gregaf3]

Yep John she is in Korea right now and hopefully we will be in Germany next year. How have you guys been?

 

[VegasUnderworld]

Could be much worse, but at least I'm not dead yet. That's me staying positive. HAHA