what happens in deadwood, stays in deadwood

We finally went on our long-awaited trip to Deadwood, SD. After watching the HBO series religiously we took an awesome road trip with our two friends (who have also made Swearengen and Woo household names) to get a little taste of the West. The seven-hour drive, a big chunk in Wyoming, gave us a glimpse of the vast terrain and I was having a hard time imagining what it would have been like riding in a wagon pulled by oxen. In fact, I noted I was probably the one who would have died from dysentery.

Deadwood was quite the refuge. Saloons, shops and casinos lining Main St. left nothing to be desired. We happened to make our visit during the Wild Bill Hickok Days festival so streets were closed off and basically we participated in a block party for two days. Beer was cheap, feasts were cooked outdoors, and the music was almost as loud as the characters filling the streets. The West should only be experienced with such excitement!

Drake and I attended our first World Championship for the Cowboy Fast Draw as well as a team penning competition. We also visited the graves of Calamity Jane, Wild Bill Hickok and Seth Bullock (infamous business-owner and sheriff of Deadwood). When history was exhausted, we played penny slots. Then, on the drive home we stopped by Mt. Rushmore. Because really, when's the next time we'll be over that way? Despite discouraging comments from others, Rushmore was actually worth the trip. But why the hell did they put this huge monument in the middle of nowhere? I mean, it's REALLY nowhere.

The trip was so worth it, but I have to admit I'm glad to be back in a place that serves tofu and water as choices as opposed to beer and buffalo as the main course.

snow in june, really?

The biggest news to report is that Drake and I are buying a house! Contracts have traded hands and we close July 9; by August we will be fully moved-in. It's an adorable little house in the historic district, Park Hill, near downtown. Park Hill is one of the most coveted 'hoods in Denver and we feel very lucky to have found such a great home. We can't wait to have everyone come visit!

Although buying a house has been very time-consuming, we still have managed to find time for us. Drake bought new Rollerblades this weekend and, in an attempt to try a new sport, I bought some cheapo used ones. A new summer sport is sure to come out of this! Drake thinks after an hour of practicing that I'm ready for major blading. His optimism is flattering.

Hiking is becoming a regular outing of ours and I'm always amazed at how different each trail is - and at how different each part of the trail is. Today we hiked up to the top of Chief Mountain. A recent storm in the mountains left most of the trail covered in deep snow so we had to trek through a bit of snow. At one point my entire left leg had sunk all the way down leaving my bare leg freezing! The snow also led us to deviate from the trail and do most of our hike straight up (as opposed to zig-zagging with the switchbacks). With a 1000 ft gain in elevation, and already about 10,600 ft up, it was quite the hike. But the view and wildlife at the top was well worth the strain.

Off to Deadwood, SD this weekend to partake in the Wild Bill Hickok Days Festival! Ironically it looks like Sister Hazel will be giving a free concert - who'd thought we see them there of all places? I'm just there to see the gunslingers.