We left Custer about 9am and had a very pleasant drive along Hwy 385 to Deadwood, SD. We saw lakes and streams, a trio of mountain goats and tacky attraction called boondocks along the way.

The Deadwood I saw in 1963 was mostly destroyed by a fire in the 1980’s. The town of Deadwood voted to allow gambling after the fire and used the proceeds of a special tax on gaming to restore/rebuild many of the buildings to their facades during the town’s heydays in the late 19th century.

We left Deadwood and drove to Sturgis but didn’t find much of interest there – same story at Sundance, WY (but did have an excellent lunch there). The drive was wonderrful with beautiful vistas at every turn. It is no wonder so many folks fall in love woth this part of the country.

On to Devil’s Tower – pictures just cannot tell the tale. We began to see glimpses of it from 10+ miles away but with nothing to define the scale, it just isn’t anywhere near as impressive in photos as it is in person. Next to our motel in Hewett, SD (Pop 314). Tom an I are going to hir nthe saloon later for a few farewell brews as we will part company tomorrow as they head home and we head for Montana.