My Road Trip

Let me start off by saying I don't know how they did it.  How did previous generations load up the covered wagon or saddle up a horse and make their way toward the west?  I traveled at 70MPH and had a radio to entertain me, and I STILL found the trip mentally exhausting.  I have a new respect for the pioneers and settlers of the old west. 

Starting in Michigan, the first several hundred miles of my trip were pretty uneventful.  As a matter of fact, the road construction and toll booths of Illinois almost made me want to turn around and come home.  Approximately 900 miles of my trip was spent on Interstate 90.  My first major stop was at a place called Pioneer Auto Show in Murdo, South Dakota.  I didn't know what to expect, so I didn't bring my camera with me, but it turned out to be one of the most amazing collections of vintage automobiles I've ever seen.  Click HERE for more info.  Just a little further along I-90, I saw billboard signs for an 1880 Town.  My expectations were low, but I brought my camera along with me this time.  I was starving, so I started off with lunch in a train dining car (top row, left).  After lunch, I entered the town and was pleasantly surprised.  I was told these buildings are actual buildings from the surrounding area, which were moved to this location in Murdo to save them from destruction, including a church, bank, hotel and saloon.  I felt like I was standing in a ghost town.  Also on display were props from the Oscar-winning film Dancing with Wolves, including the ultimate prop, Cisco, the horse ridden by Kevin Costner's character in the film (above, bottom row, right). 

After spending close to 30 hours in my car, Deadwood finally loomed on the horizon.  The sky looked ominous and uninviting (above, left) but I continued anyways.  Finally, I reached Exit 30 and drove through the beautiful Black Hills to reach Deadwood.  Of course, as soon as I got out of my car, I was greeted with gunfire and fresh corpses in the street (above, right).  Actually, actors recreated gunfights for the amusement of visitors throughout the day.  It was fun to hear gunshots in the distance as I roamed the streets. 

Unfortunately, due to several fires throughout Deadwood's history, not many original buildings are still standing today.  However, Seth Bullock's hotel, which he built after his hardware store burned down, remains standing, and is reportedly HAUNTED by his ghost.  Unfortunately, no rooms were available when I tried to check in.  I ended up staying at Hickok's down the street.  The Mineral Palace now stands on the site where the Gem Theatre used to stand.  They've opened a steakhouse on the second floored which they've named The Gem, which serves menu items such as Dan Dority's Black & Bleu Steak, which is what I had.  Mmmmm.   Signs also direct you to the original location of the No. 10 Saloon, where "Wild Bill" Hickok was gunned down while holding the infamous Dead Man's Hand (aces & eights).  The most emotional moment I had was visiting Mt. Moriah Cemetery.  Buried on the grounds of the cemetery are "Wild Bill" and "Calamity Jane."   And, after taking a hike up a steep incline, I found Sheriff Seth Bullock's gravesite (buried with his wife Martha).  It was a pretty moving experience, realizing that these aren't fictional characters depicted on TV, but real life heroes of the Old West.  I didn't take photos, but you can get more information about the cemetery by clicking HERE. 

Finally, after having a run of bad luck at Black Jack and Texas Hold 'Em, I decided to head home, but not before stopping at nearby Mt. Rushmore.  My anticipation grew as the signs told me I was getting nearer, but nothing prepared me for the sight of those faces appearing from behind the trees as I rounded a curve.  I literally gasped when I saw them.  The pictures I've seen do not to justice to the monument when seen with my own eyes.  It was awe-inspiring.  I stood there staring at one of the wonders of the modern world.  If you haven't seen Mt. Rushmore in person, I'm begging you, plan a trip to do so.  You won't be disappointed. 

After Mt. Rushmore, I began the 1200 mile trek back to Michigan, where I arrived home late Thursday night.