Elzey Expedition

We visited Deadwood, SD the gold rush town where the legendary James Butler Hickok a.k.a. Wild Bill was shot to death. The entire city of Deadwood became a National Historic Landmark because of famous legends like Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane, Seth Bullock and the Gold Rush. We strolled down Historic Main Street visiting casinos, saloons, local eateries. All were restoration of circa 1877. We stopped in Saloon #10 where Wild Bill was shot from behind by a coward name Jack McCall, while playing cards. McCall was later hanged for the crime. Wild Bill was allegedly holding black aces and eights, and nine of diamonds, forever known as “The Dead Man’s Hand”.

On July 5 we arrived at the Mt. Rushmore KOA Campground, just a short distance from Mt. Rushmore. Later that evening we attended an authentic chuckwagon supper show in the Black Hills. We were taken by a horse draw wagon up the mountain to a picturesque campsite nestled off the beaten path in a remote mountain meadow. The dinner was an authentic cowboy style meal cooked in cast iron Dutch ovens over an open fire. The dinner consisted of steak, potatoes, beans, & peach cobbler, really delicious. During supper, "Cowboy Roy" entertained us with western music and comedy.

Friday, July 6 we went on a peaceful and leisurely morning horseback ride through the Norbeck Wildlife Preserve to a cowboys breakfast. The breakfast was prepared at a campsite situated on a beautiful bluff overlooking a panoramic view of the Black Hills. Keith’s horse’s name was Tidbit and Kathy’s horse’s name was Gabe.

Today we drove through the Badlands. It was a long hot drive. No wonder outlaws could hide out there and never be found. We drove the gravel dusty scenic loop. Yes, Keith took his jeep off hard pavement. He is still crying because we haven't been able to find a car wash.

Overall it was a very beautiful moon-like scenery with craters, peaks, and canyons. This was truly another extremely unique experience.