Drive From Kingman, AZ to Henderson, NV
It was still raining when I woke at the KOA in Kingman, AZ. I drove to a grocery store that had a Starbucks and grabbed groceries and coffee. The plan for the day was to drive towards the Hoover Dam and find camping nearby. I had a bowl of cereal in the parking lot and watched train after train laden with containers pass by.
Route 93 heading north towards Las Vegas features a diverse landscape that changes as you travel along the highway. Initially, the road is flanked by mountains and rocky outcroppings, which gradually give way to vast valleys filled with prairie grasses and sand. The terrain is largely arid, with occasional clusters of desert vegetation dotting the scenery.
Along the route, there are several small towns, each with their unique character and charm. The towns often consist of small clusters of houses and businesses, with the occasional gas station or service garage. As you near Las Vegas, you begin to notice the dramatic change in scenery as the city's sprawling suburbs come into view. The rocky mountains surrounding Las Vegas are a prominent feature of the skyline, and the desert landscape is replaced by housing developments, golf courses, and shopping centers. A plaque along the route described the town of Chloride, NV as follows:
Four miles East is former mining town of Chloride which was started in 1864 with the discovery of a few mines. In 1900, it had a population of two thousand. Fifty or more mines were in operation around Chloride including Tennesses-Schuykill, a large producer of gold, silver, copper, lead and zinc. Post-office in continuous operation from 1873. It is now a small community with a blend of old and new.
Overall, the drive along Route 93 is scenic, showcasing the beauty of the American Southwest. The contrasting colors and textures of the landscape make for a captivating journey. This seems to be a popular route for road trips.
Hoover Dam
Years back, I had embarked on a road trip from Los Angeles, CA, to Boulder, CO, passing through the same route that I just traversed. During my previous trip, I remember the area surrounding the Hoover Dam being relatively desolate, with hardly any cars on the road, and the lake was full to the brim. The bypass bridge that stands tall today wasn't present at the time, and one could hardly spot any buildings until I was a few miles away from Las Vegas.
In contrast, as I drove through the same route today, I couldn't help but notice significant changes in the surroundings. There are now condo communities that stretch out 20 miles, and the lake's water level has receded by a staggering 140 feet. Furthermore, the towering skyscrapers of Las Vegas are now visible from afar, signaling the city's growth and development.
Paseo Verde Library in Hendersen, NV
I found the Paseo Verde Library in Hendersen and stayed until it closed.
To my surprise, it was the second library that I had visited which had a café. The Coffee Press , located at the entrance of the library, offered an array of delicious pastries and freshly made sandwiches. I spent my time browsing through photography books, checking my emails, and catching up on my blog while enjoying my coffee.
Bottiglia Cucina & Enoteca
I ate at Bottiglia Cucina & Enoteca an Italian restaurant in the Green Valley Ranch Resort Spa and Casino in Henderson, NV. I went with the fettuccine and meatballs and a beer. I was surprised that they only had the big brandname beers. The restaurant was packed and very lively.
I was talking to the woman behind the bar about how the area had changed since I was last there. She told me that she has lived in Henderson for the past six years and has seen a rapid expansion in all the areas surrounding Las Vegas.
It seems the city's water resources are dwindling, and the demand for water is higher than the supply. Las Vegas, located in the Mojave Desert, is dependent on the Colorado River for its water supply, which has been over-allocated for decades. The city's population growth, coupled with prolonged droughts, has exacerbated the water crisis, and the water levels at Lake Mead, the city's primary water source, have reached historic lows.
To address the water shortage, Las Vegas has implemented several water conservation measures, including mandatory watering restrictions, the removal of grass lawns, and incentivizing homeowners to replace their turf with water-efficient landscaping. The city has also invested heavily in water recycling and has built several wastewater treatment facilities, allowing them to treat wastewater and reuse it for non-potable purposes such as irrigation.
She told me the growth hasn’t subsided and she was doubtful that it would slow anytime soon despite all the issues with water, electricity, congestion.
Boulder Beach Campground
I was able to book a night at the Boulder Beach Campground in the National Recreation Area near Hoover Dam. It was late when I left the restaurant / casino and drove 30 minutes to the campground. I slept in the car again because I wanted to get up early for a bike ride.