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.