Dancing Across the USA 5 - Belle Forche & Deadwood

Our second day in the Black Hills.  Some surprises today. We went into Belle Fourche and found the geographical "Center of the Nation Monument."  The center of the US used to be in Kansas, but when Alaska and Hawaii were admitted, NOAA moved it up here. A nice little park was connected - too bad the museum wasn't open yet.

Geographic Center of the USA-Belle Forche SD

From there we took the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway back into the hills. Just incredible scenery, but then...we came upon Roughlock Falls. Amazing views, so close to the falling water, walkways and paths to bring us right into the setting.

Spearfish Canyon Senic Byway

Roughlock Falls

On through Lead to Deadwood. A legendary town, being preserved for posterity and all future gamblers, drinkers, and trinket buyers. We had a quick one in the Number 10 Saloon and saw the chair where Wild Bill Hickok sat when he was shot by the Coward Jack McCall.  Then we visited Wild Bill's grave site, and Calamity Jane's.

Number 10 Saloon

Cousin Glenn

We met with Tom's cousin Glenn and his wife Caroline for a good lunch and some catching up.  We haven't seen them since 2007, so it was a really good visit.

Now back to the good old Mainstay Suites for the thrill and excitement of laundry night.

Today's Travel Tunes:

Rocky Raccoon-The Beatles
Stuck in the Middle with You-Stealers Wheel
I Don't Know Where I'm Going but I'm Going Nowhere in a Hurry Blues-Steve Goodman