Day 18-June 16


We just can't seem to sit still too long.  If we take off for North Dakota we will have time to explore Theodore Roosevelt National Park before visiting Jess's sister in Casper.  What's a 400 mile trip out of the way anyway?  At least fuel is still under $4.00 a gallon.
Our first stop is a walk through the downtown area of Rapid City.  Their local sculptors have recently completed a project they began in 2000.  They have placed life size bronze statues of all of our presidents on the street corners of the old downtown district.  The statues are very well done and it was fun seeing how they had each been depicted by the individual artists.  Rapid City is a beautiful city with many lovely parks for their residents and visitors to enjoy.
Next we stopped in the old mining town of Deadwood.  Their claim to fame of course is that Wild Bill Hickock met his untimely death here by being shot in the back while playing cards.  Deadwood almost became a Ghost Town until some local leaders decided they had to do something to lure people back to their town.  They decided that the answer to their problem was to bring gambling back to Deadwood.  The old buildings have been restored and all new building must fit in architecturally to keep the old west theme intact.  Just about every building on Main Street has gambling machines, gift shops, restaurants or lodging.  Many have all four.  Jess and I enjoyed a nice supper and I only added a very little bit to the town's coffers.
On to North Dakota.  We stopped for the night at a truck stop in Bowman, ND, where we were greeted by a beautiful sunset.

Jess with Ronald Reagan.

John Kennedy with John John.

President Lincoln and Tad.

Historical building in Deadwood.

Wasn't it nice that each lady had her own display window?

Wild Bill with his fateful hand of Aces & Eights.