As I embarked on a road trip with my son from Las Vegas to Bryce Canyon in Utah last October, I stumbled upon an intriguing discovery that would take us on a detour off the beaten path. While navigating through Google Maps, I came across an old airmail navigation arrow that appeared to be just off our route on the outskirts of Mesquite, Nevada. As a private pilot, I had always been fascinated by these relics of aviation history, and the opportunity to see one up close was too exciting to pass up.
We ventured off the highway and onto an old eroded dirt road in our rented Dodge Charger, eager to explore this piece of history. The road was rough, and we scraped the bottom of the car more than a few times, but fortunately, we didn't get stuck. As we arrived at the arrow, I was struck by the eerie coolness of the experience. The arrow was smaller than I had envisioned, but its presence was still imposing. Scattered around the area were relics of the shed that once housed the generator that powered the tower-top beacon, although the tower itself was nowhere to be found.
As we explored the site, we came across a stash of ancient beer cans, semi-preserved by the dry desert heat. I couldn't help but imagine the stories behind these cans, and the airmail pilots who might have consumed them while camping for the night beneath the wing of their Curtis Jenny biplane. The atmosphere was surreal, and I felt a deep connection to the history of aviation that surrounded us.
The experience was made even more special by the fact that I was sharing it with my son. As we stood there, taking in the sights and sounds of the desert, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and wonder. We were standing on a piece of history, a relic of a bygone era that had played a crucial role in the development of modern aviation.
As we prepared to leave, I took a moment to reflect on the significance of our discovery. The airmail navigation arrows were a crucial part of the early days of aviation, providing a vital guide for pilots as they navigated the vast expanses of the American wilderness. They were a testament to the ingenuity and determination of the pilots and engineers who had worked tirelessly to establish a reliable and efficient system of air transportation.
For those interested in learning more about these cool relics of aviation history, I recommend checking out the website (link unavailable). The coordinates of the arrow we visited are 36°47'48"N 114°14'47"W, and I highly recommend making the detour to see it for yourself. It's an experience you won't soon forget, and one that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the history and romance of aviation.
As we continued on our journey to Bryce Canyon, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the unexpected detour that had led us to this incredible discovery. It was a reminder that sometimes the best experiences in life are the ones we don't plan for, and that the journey is often just as important as the destination. The airmail navigation arrow may have been a relic of the past, but it had left an indelible mark on my present, and I knew that I would always treasure the memory of our visit.
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