Sturgess

Sturgis is a city in Meade County, South Dakota which has a population of some 6,627 but swells to some 1.2 M as it's famous for being the location of one of the largest annual motorcycle events in the world, which is held annually on the first full week of August. Motorcycle enthusiasts from around the world flock to this usually sleepy town during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

Sturgis is a typical small American town.

 

Even the Harley Riders respect the Flat Track Riders.

The shop keepers are starting to rub their hands as they are about to increase their profits significantly.

Best to all.

Beverley and Ross

Deadwood

Deadwood is a very interesting and historical place to visit.  It started off in the 1870's illegally, on land which had been granted to the American Indians and in the 1868   Treaty of Laramie had guaranteed ownership of the Black Hills to the Lakota people.   Well this did not happen and Colonel Custer led an expedition into the Black Hills and all that followed ended up with the USA having the use of this land.  It has rather colorful history including saloons, brothels ,Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane, gunfights and the list goes on. 

Wild Bill Hickock now at rest.

Calamity Jane keeps him company. 

A well know brothel owner.

The Mount Moriah Cemetery where they and many more forever rest in peace.

A view from the Cemetery looking over the City of Deadwood.

A view up to the notables graves.

There are many interesting buildings such as the Franklin Hotel.

The houses of illrepute.  You can still see images of the 'women of the night'.

 

The famous Original Location Saloon 10 where Wild Bill lost not only the card game but his life.

The chair in which Wild Bill was killed.

Inside the saloon where everyday there is a reenactment of the fatal event.

Then to The Celebrity Hotel where you can view movie/ entertainment history. 

Deadwood is a very pretty city with lots to see and do.

We had lunch at Kevin Costner's Bar and Grill.

This is were you will see the various costumes and information about the Kevin Costner , the actor.

Here the community is getting ready for the daily shoot out.

 

Deadwood is a place that every should visit if they get the chance.

Cheers R&B

Little Bighorn Battle Ground

Last Friday we got to walk the Little Bighorn Battlefield which is something I have wanted to do since I was a kid. It is not impressive in the way Gettysburg is but in its own way it is raw, rustic and tragic.
The battle took place over 5 miles along "battle ridge" and culminated in the "last stand" on the hill shown below.

 This shot shows the view from the hill towards the river and the plains beyond where 8,000 Lakota, Cheyenne and Arapaho Indians were camped in a village at least one and a half miles long. Of these a minimum of 2,000 were warriors. Part of Custer's force had initial contact near the river and were forced to retreat up to ridge to the hill.

Adjacent to the 7th Cavalry Monument is the Indian Memorial.

In contrast to the white marble headstones which mark locations where soldiers fell, the Indian markers are in red granite.

Near the Ranger Station there is a display comparing the Indian accommodation and equipment with  the Cavalry kit.

The inevitable Trading Post is located near the entrance to the park.

It was a very interesting visit and well worth the drive from Billings , Montana.

 Best to all, Beverley and Ross

Billings, Montana

After leaving Yellowstone we traveled through some pretty scenery and the fur trees below reminded us of the great time we lived in Canada.  Shortly after we went through more rugged terrain.  Finally arriving in Billings, Montana on our way back to Rapid City.  Once we realized that Little Bighorn was in this area we stayed an extra day and what a day it has been.  Not only did we get to spend several hours walking the ground of Custer's last stand ( this will be covered in the next blog entry) we were also caught in a another very severe hailstorm and there is a a current tornado warning in place until late this evening.   More to follow on this towards the end of this post.

Billings is a very easy city to navigate and we have met some of the most friendly folks.

We took the opportunity to dine at Jake's Bar and Grill.

Our late lunch included teriyaki steak, seared tuna and crab and artichoke bake.  It was all delicious.

We enjoyed the food so much we returned that evening for dinner.  Beverley had a delicious Paradise, chicken salad .

Ross enjoyed an interesting combination of foods, in the form of a strawberry, watermelon, white balsamic with blackened shrimp, all of which was very tasty.

The finish was a French Cognac.

Back to the hailstorm and this how the water collects.  The hail was so heavy and mixed with the water it looked like melting snow.  The water was so deep that cars had to be careful not to get stuck.  We did see some smoking engines as they ploughed through the water.

There were some upset people when they saw the car park. The water was up to over the wheels of the Cadillac.

Sometime after the storm had stopped the was still evidence as can be seen at the entry into the restaurant .  As late as 11 pm this evening there is still generous heaps of snow around the City.

Next entry will be on the our day with Custer.

Best wishes to all.

Beverley and Ross