By Orianna Pavlik
Glen Canyon Dam
August 31, 2015
Of all the sites we had so far
visited, this was the most thought provoking in terms of the social and
cultural landscape. Down at the marina boats gathered, and tourists sunbathed.
Our site was equipped with bathrooms, sinks, tables, and a shade shelter. We
set up our camp tent under the shade shelter and cramped our tents into the
designated space. Down the road was a camp store with a Laundromat, showers,
and a shop filled with souvenirs and camp supplies.
We walked down to the lake to swim
but came down to a beachfront that was closed. We went down to the water where
the smell of diesel was strong and rainbow streaks reflected in the water.
Closer to the shore a strange yellow chemical was gathering. The water in front
of us filled a canyon that most people never had a chance to see. That night we
watched the documentary Damnation. It was an ironic juxtaposition to the group
of French men playing Frisbee without their shirts next door. They came to
enjoy the beach and play in the sand, where as we came to visit the dam and
critique the role of such an industry in the U.S.
The Glen Canyon Dam was the pride
of local people. It provided electricity and jobs and a recreational area for
tourism. However, it was clear to see the negative impact of the dam as we
looked into the future.
