"I think you've had too much..." -Kevin aka Wild Bill's bartender

Last night we stayed in the historic mining town called Deadwood, South Dakota. We had a blast, but more about that later...we made a few stops before arriving in Deadwood.

After packing up camp, we set out for Spearfish, SD, although it wasn't the town we were interested in; it was the road leading up to it. Spearfish Canyon Road winds along the floor of the canyon and the views are spectacular. A creek winds along the roadside and we felt like we were in a car commercial. 

We had planned on grabbing some lunch in Spearfish, but nothing seemed to be open in the sleepy town. Not even the Back Porch pub. 

From Spearfish we headed to the town of Sturgis. This town is famous for their motorcycle rally. Held for a week every August, it seemed like the whole town was prepping for the event. Some places make so much money during the rally that they only open for the week and remain closed the rest of the year. I can't even imagine what the town looks like when thousands of bikers arrive!

After driving around Sturgis for awhile we set out for Deadwood. Once a functioning gold mine, the town was famous for its gambling halls and brothels in its heyday. 

Thankfully we were able to check into our hotel early so that we could shower and rest a little before hitting Main Street. It was a scorcher yesterday-99 degrees-so we were able to escape the heat of the afternoon in our comfy hotel room. Our hotel was located on the site of the old mine. 

Once it cooled off a little, we headed to explore the town. It was fun to try to imagine the street filled with miners and the likes of Wild Bill Hickock, Calamity Jane, and Poker Alice. 

Soon we wandered into Saloon No 10. The site of the murder of Wild Bill Hickock during a card game. Now known as the "Deadman's Hand," Wild Bill was holding Aces and eights when Jack McCall came into the bar and shot Wild Bill because he lost to Wild Bill the night before. We had to enjoy a brew at the bar, of course, and little did we know but the fun was just beginning. 

Here is the chair Wild Bill was sitting in when he was shot:

We felt like we stepped back in time in the No. 10 Saloon. Sawdust covered the floors, and the decor remained as it was during the 1870s. The historical appeal only got better when Kevin was selected to play the role of the bartender in the historical reenactment of the shooting. It was hilarious and amazing all at the same time. Kevin even had a line or two! My favorite was when he refused to serve McCall any liquor with the line, "I think you've had too much."  

I caught some of it on video. Click here to enjoy it: http://youtu.be/GBuJlvUFlWw

After a rousing round of applause, we headed to get some dinner. We decided on a saloon advertising steak and ended up ordering a delicious and ridiculous sized "Sirloin for two." It was heavenly! 

After dinner we sought out some more historical landmarks:

We also found some modern "stuff," like the car used in the Transformers movie! Bumblebee! 

We also found a blues musician in the Deadwood Tobacco Company bar. Located under Main Street, it is right next to the tunnels used to access the brothels when they were in full swing. 

 After enjoying "the Man in the Brown Hat" as he is known in his home of Memphis, we headed back to the hotel to rest up for today! 

Today's journey is taking us to Wyoming! I'll update again soon! Some might say "I think you've had too much..fun," but I say "No way!" Let the fun continue!