Black Hills Country, South Dakota
Sturgis, Deadwood, Lead
Sturgis:
Passing through Sturgis we had to take a photograph or two! Banners lined the main street greeting bikers in preparation for Bike Week in August.
Deadwood:
The atmosphere is of late 1800's Wild West, but two Starbucks Coffee stores within a few blocks belie the thirst for tourist dollars. Taking Boothill Tours we were treated to the lore of the town which began in a gulch and sprung to boast a population of 12,000 almost overnight. Of course, brought to legend by the dime novels--so popular at that time--Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane were rocketed to stardom. Contrary to rumor that Jane was his lover, Wild Bill was dedicated to his wife. Never wearing a holster, he held his guns butt first in a sash around his waist. His first tombstone was pilfered; his second made of wood has pieces/parts pilfered; his present one of bronze is encased within a fence.
Lead:
Lead (pronounced "leed") is the home to the Homestake Mine which made George Hearst (William Randolph Hearst's father/Patty Hearst's grandfather) filthy rich. The mine, which closed in 2002, is now the home of the Sanford Lab, a renowned research center. Today, the town of Lead prides itself on its history and its research. Jake panned for gold prior to our extremely interesting tour of the Black Hills Mining Museum.
What was your favorite part of the day, Jake?
“Gold panning”
What was your favorite part of the day, Lou?
“Gold panning”
What was your favorite part of the day, Bonnie?
“Gold panning”
