Doing Deadwood and Lead

Dean and Terrie are in the area for a Naked Goldwing Rally but they break away for an afternoon to join us in Deadwood for some exploration.  We sit on the street curb to witness a street gunfight. 

We hustle past the numerous casinos and shops lining Main Street.  I stroll along trying to find something weird to photograph.  Finally we duck into the Adams Museum off Main Street to absorb wild west history until thirsty and tired, we seek libations on the Silverado-Franklin veranda.

The Depths of Lead

The next day, Matt and Sherry join us to explore Lead (pronounced LEED with a long e) and the Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center.  My favorite stop so far, this very productive gold mine was sold along with several others when the gold market crashed in 2001.  A proviso that the Lead Mine never again produce gold was part of the sale agreement.

Today scientists use caverns in the over 300 miles of tunnels from the surface down to 8000 feet.  In these underground labs, physics research into dark matter and neutrinos is underway. We ride a tour guided trolley as it meanders through town.  The trolley stops to deliver us to the cable hoist control room.  The still functioning gold mine hoist in use since 1939 delivers people and material to the below ground facilities.  This operation fascinates us all and we are reluctant to leave.  Unfortunately the public is not allowed to visit the depths of the facility.

 I think I have arrived in heaven when we enter the Chubby Chipmunk Hand-Dipped Chocolate Store on our way home.  On display in this restored gas station building between Lead and Deadwood is a dazzling array of exquisitely decorated truffles.  The salted caramel truffle that I purchase is an ambrosial delicacy that brings my tongue to a previously unknown state of bliss.  Hope I can survive another month of having this taste-bud tantalizing and unfortunately waist expanding treat within buying distance!

• About the Author

About Sunny Weathers

Pilot, motorcyclist and full time RVer. Follow me as I travel all over the US in my Country Coach RV volunteering, making new friends and pursuing a constant outdoor temperature between 70F and 80F. I'll share the fun and the tribulations and any great survival tricks I learn!