Deadwood, South Dakota: As I wrote last night, where we camped yesterday is just outside Belle Fourche, South Dakota. In 1959 (when Dave and I were 4 years old) - after the admission of Alaska and Hawaii to the Union - a US government survey officially appointed a spot 20 miles north of Belle Fourche as the center of the nation. The official spot is in a nearby grassland, and though possible to go there (on a dirt path), the City of Belle Fourche decided to capitalize on being the closest town, and so today we found ourselves in the geographic center of the United States-ish in Belle Fourche (rhymes with push in the local pronunciation). Before leaving town, we went to visit the monument.
The park is lined with flags of every state.
The park also houses a welcome center, with a very nice (and small) museum holding items used by founding families - from guns to salt & pepper shakers. There is a small gift shop as well.
Next to the visitor center is an original log cabin built by Buckskin Johnny Spaulding in 1876. He was an Indian Scout, and helped others settle in the area. He asked his brother to come out to the Dakotas to help him out - and his brother did. Buckskin Johnny did know his brother had six children... so the simple log cabin needed a second story. The first of its kind. This cabin was relocated two miles to now sit in the city park.
We had a very nice visit to this interesting park, and met a lovely Dutch family who were surprised to learn we had been to The Netherlands in March.
Dave and I stopped in Spearfish for lunch. I had a hankering for Mexican food, and we just happened upon a great restaurant on our walk around the historic old town - Antuñez. The chef is from SoCal (but not Mexican). Dave and I shared a quesadilla and an enchilada - and had enough for dinner tonight.
We continued on to our next stop - Deadwood. Dave and I visited this area in 2002, two years before the famed Deadwood television series first aired. (We watched every episode.) How has the town (population 1500) changed since our last visit? I only remember Wild Bill Hickok was shot at a card table in Deadwood. Will report tomorrow.
Our quick drive through the main street in downtown reminded us next week is Bike Week in nearby Sturgis. Duh.
This photo is nothing. Bikes were parked for about ten blocks in Deadwood today.
With leftover Mexican food on the menu tonight, I went about juicing limes for Margaritas:
There is an antique in our RV kitchen. While living in The Philippines in the early 1980s - when Lisa was born - we often had to fly through Tokyo to reach the US. On one trip a little baby food making set was purchased in Japan. I can no longer recall what all was in the plastic set, but this little citrus juicer (did babies need citrus juices?) has been with us forever. Love this thing and it so small and perfect for a small kitchen.
Margaritas had to wait tonight though. This campground has a small menagerie of goats and miniature donkeys! No kidding. In the evening it seems the critters roam the campground and people feed them fruits and veg. First time to witness this and we loved every moment. Who doesn't love a goat?
Wasn't sure what to offer, but I had just cut-up a watermelon and the little things gobbled up the rind. Who knew?
Cocktails did happen (of course), and our campsite has the sweetest little arbor-covered patio behind our RV. A picnic table, two Adirondack chairs and a fire pit.
The KOA have Conestoga wagons to rent. Each has two bunks and one King bed.
Until my next update, I remain, your centered correspondent.
Campground Information: Black Hills Deadwood KOA
I would like to know how your upcoming trip on SD 385 South is