Blog #14 - South Dakota Ends - The Black Hills

The sacred Black Hills of South Dakota are abundant with history and provided numerous breathtaking views. It is one of those places that you take one photograph and as you move along you take another and yet another, always thinking the last snap was going to be the best one. Before you know it there are hundreds of photos on your phone, lol!!! During our time in the Black Hills we: explored Custer State Park, visited both Crazy Horse Memorial and Mt. Rushmore, hiked, toured Wind Cave National Park, relaxed in mineral springs, stayed at the Historic Bullock Hotel in Deadwood, and I actually had a small “performance” in a reenactment play of the Trial of Jack McCall (the scoundrel that killed Wild Bill Hickok)!

Black Hills, South Dakota

When we arrived at Oreville Campground we were greeted by snow on the ground. Our evenings have been very cold in the Scamp since beginning our journey which was ok as long as we had sites with electric hook up. Since leaving Palisades State Park we have only been dry camping. That is no electric, pit toilets only, and the availability for potable water is random. We have managed the cold with multiple layers of clothing, hats and blankets at night. As soon as the sun would hit the camper the curtains were opened and luckily things would warm up rather quickly. Soaking up the morning rays outside of the Scamp was a necessity. We are hoping those cold nights are past us now!

Finding amazing hikes was an activity we both were looking forward to on this cross country adventure and we certainly found a challenging excursion in the Black Hills National Forest at Custer State Park. Admittedly Steve and I both have some work to do in preparing our bodies for more strenuous hiking so why not start right out with one that questioned our decision? To be transparent the three mile trail we chose was described on All Trails as moderate with the final mile listed as difficult with some rock scrambling. The hike was pretty much uphill for the first two miles and the rock scrambling was no joke for the final mile ascent. Each individual had to figure out where to place their feet and hands and physical excursion was needed to climb. One hiker’s comment on her way down was “Well, I’m glad I am descending, take your time”. The hike was difficult but in the end absolutely worth the spectacular summit views.

Side stop at Sylvan Lake inside Custer State Park.

On our way to the Wild Life Loop in Custer State Park! Had to wait a bit to go through due to a tourist bus stuck inside the tunnel. Wild Burros and Pronghorn.

Our next stop within the Black Hills turned out to be one of my favorite excursions and the most emotional so far, Crazy Horse Memorial. Seeing this monument, visiting the museum, learning about the sculptor and his relationship with the Lakota, and becoming more aware of Lakota life and history was a highlight so far. Originally we thought this stop would just be an hour or two - we ended up staying the entire day. Korczak Ziolkowski was a fascinating human and his family carries on his ethics today as they continue to create this amazing sacred space for the Lakota and others to reflect and admire. He began the process of sculpting Crazy Horse seventy years ago and it is still not complete today. To respect the Lakota and their devastating history with the American government Ziolkowski refused millions of dollars from the US government to aid in the construction of this site. To put into perspective when creating Mount Rushmore that sculptor did take aid from the US Government and Mount Rushmore was completed within 14 years. It does not look like we will still be around to see the completion of this very significant creation of Crazy Horse.

Current Monument

Final memorial depicted.

Wind Cave National Park, located within the Black Hills, was an interesting jaunt. Fun Fact: Wind Cave is sacred ground for the Lakota, one of the longest most complex caves in the world, and the first cave to be designated as a National Park. We also managed to squeeze some time into relaxing at Moccasin Hot Springs nearby!

Our first exposure to increasing crowds started at Mount Rushmore, understandably. This monument is well known throughout the world and has many visitors. Sculptor Gutzon Borglum created the design and it was so interesting to read about each president’s individual sculpture story, how they were created, and methods used to complete such an amazing piece of history. The granite in this area has an enormous amount of mica encompassed and when the sun hit President Washington’s face it looked like a teardrop had appeared. I imagined that his perspective on our country today would be a solemn one.

Mount Rushmore

Since the beginning discussion of our trip around the United States Steve has wanted to include Deadwood, SD on our journey. Partially due to the enormous history and curiosity of Deadwood, but also since Deadwood the television series on HBO is one of his most favorite programs of all time! Personalities such as Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane, Seth Bullock, Al Swearengen, and Preacher Smith (Reverend Henry Weston Smith) were all actual characters that visited or resided in Deadwood at a point in history. We were able to stay at the Historic Bullock Hotel for a couple of nights and although reported as haunted, Steve and I had zero spirit run ins! We did not spend our dollars on the enormous number of gambling opportunities (every space possible has incorporated slot machines into their establishments), however we: visited the local history center, toured the Days of ‘76 Museum which honors Deadwood’s first pioneers, witnessed Wild Bill shot at the #10 Saloon, watched Jack McCall arrested on the street, participated in the trial of Jack McCall, visited the Brothel Museum (tombstone photo of Dora Amy DuFran - a brothel Madam), and paid our respects to some famous characters at the local cemetery.

Deadwood Cemetery

The gravesite for Seth Bullock (first sheriff of Deadwood and friend of Theodore Roosevelt) was located just outside the cemetery at the top of the mountain. He had requested to be buried above Mount Moriah with a view of Mt. Roosevelt.

If you made it to the end of this blog you can see how much there was to explore in South Dakota. We really did not even scratch the surface so a return visit is warranted in the future. This was an absolutely spectacular state to visit! Next stops are Wyoming and Montana which will include an eight day stay to visit as much of Yellowstone National Park possible. Thanks for all of your support and hopefully enjoyment traveling with us!

Coddiwompling “To Travel in a Purposeful Manner Towards a Vague Destination”

“Every day takes figuring out all over again how to f*$#! live.” - Calamity Jane, Deadwood HBO Season Three

“… let’s leave it all alone. I am stupidest when I try to be funny.” - Al Swearengen, Deadwood HBO Season One