Golden Spike 2005

In May 1869, the tracks of the Union Pacific Railroad and Central Pacific Railroads met and created the first ever Transcontinental railroad. In celebration of this massive feat, a gold spike was pounded into the last joining tie.

This morning we had our own Golden Spike ceremony on the playa. Only we weren't commemorating the finish of something, but the groundbreaking of the city that is about to be built. As an annual tradition, the crew gather around the spot where the Man will stand and together as a group drive in a stake. While we each take a turn at swinging the sledge hammer, onlookers pass champagne bottles. We polished off two cases of bubbly before 11am. Nothing like a champagne buzz before work.



The not so golden stake....blame it on the dust.


Sledge hammers haven't changed all that much.


Better than coffee.


Saaawwwwing.


Not much left to pound.




Prep for cleanup.