Nov 1, 2010

The Hoover Dam bypass bridge officially named the Mike O'Callaghan – Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge

This is another in a continuing series called, "Merle Sneed and the high road not taken."

The lovely Mrs. Sneed and I attended one of those fancy new media events this weekend. Several podcasters of whom we are fans put on the event, so we went.

If you are unfamiliar with podcasting, think of it as internet radio with very specifically tailored content.
 
As a side activity, we decided to take a drive and check out the new bridge that our government built to bypass the Hoover Dam.  Let me tell you, that is some cool bridge, especially if you have ever have the torture of driving over the Hoover Dam behind ten semi trucks and a convoy of old guys in Winnebagos.

As good a job as the Feds did in building this fine bridge, they did an equally bad job of designing the parking lot at the overlook and visitors area.  Too many cars, not enough parking.

We were greeted by a line of cars waiting to get into the lot, which was full.  Basically, we each waited in the hope that someone would leave, and slowly they did.  When I finally spotted someone leaving, I flipped on my blinker and at the moment the spaced cleared, I hesitated and it was lost to an interloper.

I moved up and lo and behold another car starting backing out, so again with the blinker. Just as I began to turn in the space, an old man careened around the corner, and in Kamikaze fashion, intent of making me stop under the threat of ramming.

This is not the usual Merle Wayne hyperbole.  The guy was either going to get the spot away from me or cause a collision trying. 

Since I was driving a rental car, continuing on a collision course was out of the question.  So, I opted for the next best choice, hit the brakes, followed by yelling, honking and digital gesturing.

His response, removing any possibility of his innocence, was to say, "I'm sorry for your inconvenience, but I have been waiting a hell of a lot longer than you for a spot."  How he calculates our respective wait times remains a mystery.

My response, was to say, "My inconvenience is that you are a rude old bastard." 

That showed him.

Otherwise, the view of Lake Mead is quite lovely from the top of the bridge.


 
 






Things in this blog represented to be fact, may or may not actually be true. The writer is frequently wrong, sometimes just full of it, but always judgmental and cranky

12 comments:

Megan said...

Just this very morning, while looking for a parking space, my mother said to me she said, "I'm going around again!"

We could write a song about this. For reals.

The Bug said...

I get so anxious in those situations. I'd almost rather not stop & miss the view. Mostly I'm anxious that my temper will get us killed one of these days :)

BumbleVee said...

was it" Fried Green Tomatoes", in which an older woman said....I'm older and better insured than you? As she pulled into a parking spot and beat out some younger girls who thought they were quicker than she? ... I can't quite remember if there was also a slight collision....hahha... actually she hit their car several times..... it was hilarious.....

Barbara said...

A scarcity of parking spaces brings out the worst in many people. I have to remind myself to just breathe and not become one of THEM! I'm glad some of my tax money was used for a good project.

Kurt said...

Old guys are so rude!

Anonymous said...

mixevotte
[url=http://healthplusrx.com/oat-straw-herbal]oat straw herbal[/url]
scardagislade

Daughter Sneed said...

"So, I opted for the next best choice, hit the brakes, followed by yelling, honking and digital gesturing." I've never been more proud of you.

a. said...

sometimes you gotta wonder just how it is that some people live with themselves.

Coffee Messiah said...

Everyone's in such a hurry and it's no wonder with actions like this, that we get the outcomes in elections we do.

What was the ?

Haven't been to the Hoover Dam in forever. Glad to hear it's still there.

Our best to you and yours also.

Re the old man: echo t & t = the bastard! ; )

mouse (aka kimy) said...

you told him!!

yowser that is some bridge!

Terri@SteelMagnolia said...

came by to say hi...
it's been ages...
I don't blog much at all..
only FB'er.

Reya Mellicker said...

Oh Merle, I love the image of you digitally gesturing.

That dude was definitely a rude old bastard. May his karma catch up with him!