Hoover ReservoirWesterville, Ohio

A spot that I used to visit frequently is also one I decided to check out for my "chasing sunsets" quest - Hoover Dam in Westerville.  As you'll notice with most of these Chasing Sunsets posts...half the battle is knowing where to go to catch a great view, but the other half of the battle is hoping the sky cooperates!  I've taken many, many trips to a spot only to have the sunset fizzle out on me right before what should've been a spectacular show.  My trip to Hoover Dam was one of those ones that fizzled out.

Although the sky did not cooperate, Hoover is one of those places that's always enjoyable for a stroll.  There are lots of couples, families, people fishing and usually some people running the steep stairs for exercise.  This trip was no exception.

Looking west from on top of the dam...

The photo at the very top of this post was taken from the stairs on the east side of the dam, looking west.  If there had been some more color to the sky, this could've made for a very pretty shot.  

The photo to the left was taken standing on top of the dam looking west.  If you look carefully, you can see the boats at the docks.  

The sun itself decided to play hide and seek behind that big wall of clouds, but you can faintly see its rays stretching far out into the sky.

Looking north from on top of the dam... The sky to the north actually had more color than directly westward on this night but it was still slight.  Nonetheless, it made for a peaceful scene.

One thing I didn't manage to grab a photo of was the little cliff swallows that were nesting in the structure at the top of the eastern stairs.  There was a large group of people checking them out when I was there, but it was easy to spot their cool little nests made from mud that stuck to the side of the concrete walls.  What neat little creatures!  Look for them if you go!

Hoover Dam is probably somewhere in the middle of the pack for a good sunset watching spot.  There are surely better vantage points along the Hoover Reservoir for better viewing but I do like the interest the structure of the dam itself provides.  One of those places I will surely revisit when I think I can catch a better sky.

Reflections of light caught in the water as it rushes over the dam...

Big Walnut CreekLooking south from the top of the dam... The rush of water as it flows over the dam from above...