On our first "family" trip to Las Vegas, part of our vacation plan was to see Hoover Dam. Our daughter had pleaded for a convertable when we rented a car, and when she agreed to pay the upgrade difference, we agreed.
When approaching Hoover Dam, you come down a long, curved hill, and once around the curve is the Majesty of the Dam, straight ahead of you. To the left is a multi tiered parkade, where everyone must park. All touring is then done on foot.We finally found a parking spot in the parkade, and set off to explore. It was amazing. We stopped for a quick snack, found our car, paid an outrageous parking fee and left.
We drove across the expansive dam, found a place to turn around, and headed back to Vegas. Just as we were heading back across the dam, my son let out a wail. He had forgotten his favorite stuffed animal, Max the Cat, in the cafeteria!
I made some quick turns and parked quickly so my husband could jump out and retrieve Max.
Now at Hoover Dam there are No Parking signs at least every two feet, but there was no where else to park but the parkade.And I'd just paid 12.00 US to get out the place.So I stopped in front of a No Parking sign. Just for a bit.
I didn't even see the brown SUV pull up behind us, but I sure as hell heard it.
Out of nowhere came a loud booming voice over the bullhorn:
" YOU ARE IN A NO PARKING ZONE, MOVE YOUR CAR IMMEDIATELY"
Well I looked in the mirror and saw what I thought was a forest ranger,with an attitude. That's what we have in our Canadian tourist hot spots, forest rangers.
I was just considering getting out, and explaining our slight problem when he boomed
"YOU, IN THE WHITE CONVERTABLE, MOVE YOUR CAR: NOW"
There is no where to hide in a convertable,when you are in the drivers seat and all eyes were on me. My daughter, the coward had a sweater over her head.So I panicked,did a quick U turn to the next No Parking sign, and drove real slow.
Apparently the state trooper ( he wasn't a forest ranger)had had enough. He pulled in front of us, blocking us from going anywhere.Out of open door came a sight I am not soon to forget.He was a very large man,in height as well as girth, red in the face,hand on his revolver and not at all sympathetic or amused to my plight.
In fact he was down right mad! Even prior to nine eleven, the Hoover Dam was apparently a sensitive area.
By the time my husband arrived a few minutes later, stuffed animal in hand, I had stopped crying,had my Alberta drivers licence returned and promised never again to park on the road at the Hoover Dam.
And I never will.
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4 comments:
Honestly, that sucks. Terrorists run around everywhere, but BY GOLLY we won't let the mother/wife/lady park for two seconds while her husband runs in to get a precious thing her child left. Give me a break. I am sure that was really scary, but sometimes people like that need to CHILL!
OH yea and I should add...did the policeman/state trooper walk up to your car after the crying and say "April Fool HOpe!!!" wouldn't that have gotten you good????
I know Hoover dam area quite well. Just imagine needing to make a quick bathroom break. Fortunately at the time, there was quite a bit of traffic, so I just hopped out as we slowed to a temporary stop. I went and found the restroom and by then my husband had driven several miles further before he could turn around and return to retrieve me quickly. Maybe things have changed a bit since we HAD to stop (most of the time we just drive through looking out the windows), but it a tense place to have to do anything but follow the rules.
So, I know better than to look for you my next time through. :-D
WOW scarey...i wouldn't like that AND would be in tears. Guess that has no effect on state troopers.
I'll go to Europe where it's safe. ;)
I hope the rest of your trip was nice.
And thanks for stopping by my Blog. I think I'll do what you do ...Find the squeaky wheel!
LMAO!
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