Tuesday 31 May

Put washing in the dryer on way to breakfast. Left about 10am towards Deadwood. Drove right through Deadwood which was a bit chaotic because of road works. Didn’t look terribly interesting so carried on. Stopped in Lead at the converted railway shed/terminus and had coffee on 3rd floor in a gift shop. Went across the road and bought a pack of 24 bottles of water and managed to draw cash at an ATM.

Went up through Spearfish Canyon - a fantastic drive, twisty road following the steep wooded canyon alongside the river.  Various extraordinarily situated nice houses at the southern end. Stopped near the path to Roughneck Falls and other falls, but didn’t have time for the walk to either. Did stop for photos at Bridal Veil Falls on the roadside.

Carried on north to Belle Fourche where we stopped for lunch at Hardees - fish sandwiches.

Drove on west to the Devil’s Tower. First came upon it as a sudden view round a bend. Took photos. Looked as if it would take forever to get there but all of a sudden we were there. Drove into the National Park and having paid our entrance fee of $10 stopped at the Prairie Dog Town where you could get up really close to them. Got lots of lovely pictures.

Continued up and parked at the Visitor Centre at the base. Talked to a couple where the wife was a full blooded native American - apparently she gets in free to Crazy Horse - not much compensation for what was done to them. Were originally only going to walk to the base of the Tower for photos, but decided to do the whole circular walk. Took about an hour. Talked to various groups of locals on way. Saw people climbing the tower and also managed to see the wooden ladder.

Stopped for a tea at the entrance on way out and then a long drive onto Buffalo. Interesting but not spectacular but made fairly good time as the Interstate wasn’t crowded.

Checked into the BW. Decided that menu wasn’t very interesting so we walked across to a local bar just across the road. Les had ribs and Anne had fish. Les couldn’t finish his. Decided to treat ouselves to a nightcap as they had Seagrams VO for Anne. Walked back across to the hotel and looked at the road conditions on the internet. A bit confusing but it looks as though going in thro Cody will be a problem (only open from 10pm to 8am?). Telephone ‘helpline’ not very helpful, and website not updated since Friday. Decided to leave it until the morning. Sent Linda a birthday email. A nice day weatherwise - sunny and quite warm by pm - low 70s.