September 26, 2009 The Black Hills, Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway, Devils Tower

Sightseeing day! Our main objective was to visit Devils Tower, but imagine our surprise when we found that the most direct route to Devils Tour, US385, would run right up the middle of the Black Hills, including a portion of the Black Hills National Forest, and that US385 would connect directly with Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway!

What we had read about the Black Hills indicated that they included the highest peaks east of the Rockies in the U.S. May be, but we didn't see them. In fact, the scenery was more akin to a ride through the NC mountains, pretty, but not impressive, so we were a little down to start the day.

Things improved as we reached the end of US385 and turned toward the scenic byway. We were smack in the middle of Deadwood, SD (and every kid of my generation knows that Deadwood was a "Wild West" town where Wild Bill Hickok was killed) which (the entire town) is on the National Historic District list! It was interesting to see the town now.

Leaving Deadwood, we immediately found ourselves in Lead (pronounced "Leed") locally world famous as the site of the Homestake Mine, a gold mine, discovered in 1876 and continuously operated for over 125 years, producing over a $1 Billion in gold.

Not only did the Homestake have over 200 miles of underground tunnels, it also operated an open pit mine practically in right in town. The mine is 1200 feet deep and 1/2 mile wide!

The Open Cut Mine, a gold pit mine, Lead, SD. Beautiful striations in the rock, no?

While we were checking out the offerings around the Lead visitor center, we were surrounded by flying insects resembling locusts, which I hadn't seen in any number since my days growing up on the family farm. They seem to come in three renditions, or perhaps stages of development. Here they are:

Locust 1

Locust 2

Locusts 3 and 4

Then it was on to Spearfish Canyon. We had been told by a young couple we met in Glacier NP that this scenic drive was a "must do" if we were in the area, especially to see Bridal Veil Falls.

It was with visions of the famous Bridal Veil Fall in Yosemite NP that we set out. After seeing the shallow depth of the canyon, here:

Spearfish Canyon

We weren't really expecting this:

Artist's rendition of Bridal Veil Falls in Yosemite NP

But maybe this:

Bridal Veil -- the real thing in Spring

Or even this:

Bridal Veil -- the real thing in Fall

But for sure not this!

Bridal Veil Falls, Spearfish Canyon, SD

We can't decide if that young couple, who live in SD, are really impressed with "their" Bridal Veil Falls -- it is pretty unique for this area -- or if they are still chuckling about how they sucked in the old folks.......

So, off to Devils Tower. Finally a place lives up to our expectations! As we approach:

Devils Tower from several miles away.

Facts about Devils Tower.

Up close shot from the visitor center.

Another angle.

View from the trail around the base of the Tower.

And as we left the monument, we passed through the Black-tailed prairie Dog village these dudes posed for us.

Dude 1

Dude 2

And here's your flower for today!

Spearfish Canyon Flower.

Tomorrow, maybe some cave exploring and maybe a trip to town!

Love to all,

MMG and DDG