​We started our day at Wind Caves National Park. This is a sacred site to the Lakota who believed that the Great Spirit sent buffalo and people forth into the world from this place. White men discovered the cave in 1881, drawn by the sound of the wind which whistled in and out of an 8-inch by 10-inch hole in the ground. Underneath that hole is a honeycomb network of caves that, to date, has been measured at more than 140 miles long – all contained within one square mile. They are still exploring the spaghetti-like passages, so the length continues to increase. The depth reaches 600 feet. It is a dry cave, so there are no stalagmites and stalactites. Instead, there is a unique calcite formation called box work

The next stop was Custer State Park, which is known for it’s large buffalo herd. We loved the scenic rolling hills in the park. A ranger kindly directed us back a gravel road where we found the herd and were able to drive among them. What magnificent creatures they are! Traffic was thick, but mostly kept moving. The buffalo were quite experienced at crossing the busy road between cars. Streak was fascinated as it probably stirs memories of his youth in which he lived on a cattle ranch. Charlie tried to bark at them, but we quickly quieted her. 

Angie was determined to see Deadwood, which was more than an hour drive away. Hank took a nap while she took the wheel and navigated us there. The Black Hills are incredibly beautiful – diverse and enthralling. The views vary from wide green plans bordered by mountains to steep, narrow canyons to hilltop vistas. Blue skies and temperatures in the low 80s made for an epic day.

Deadwood was a gold mining boom town that never died. Throughout the day, roaming actors in period costumes staged re-enactments of  historical gunfights, based on original newspaper accounts. The highlights are the murder of Wild Bill Hickock at a poker table and the subsequent trial of his assassin. The dogs were not fans of the gunfire.

We found a basement bar that let us bring the dogs inside. They had great pizza and a guitarist showed up to perform while we were eating. When we clapped after each song, Charlie chimed in with her loud barking. The musician appreciated her feedback, as the crowd was small.

We returned to Ellsworth to do laundry and stock up on supplies before continuing our trip.