Today we are headed a few miles north of Custer to Keystone, SD to pan for gold. But, first we are stopping at a beautiful small lake in the Black Hills. Sylvan Lake on Needles Highway. We couldn't travel much farther east on Needles Highway because there is a tunnel that is 8 feet 4 inches wide, and my truck is 8 feet wide. That only gives me 2 inches of clearance on each side and I didn't feel very lucky this day. So, we decided not to risk going that far. Besides, Kitty already had her fill of riding on these mountain roads with all the steep inclines/declines, switch backs, and pig tails.
Here's a group shot of the crew at Sylvan Lake.
Sean at sylvan Lake.
Kitty at Sylvan Lake.
We wish we could have stayed at Sylvan Lake longer. It was so quiet and relaxing and the water was oh so inviting. But, on we went to Keystone in search of gold with hopes of striking it rich.
Keystone, South Dakota, was founded in 1891 and really boomed when gold was discovered there in 1894. Keystone is also the home of Carrie Ingalls of "Little House on the Prairie". She came to Keystone in 1911 and worked on a local newspaper. After ma and pa Ingalls died, Laura Ingalls came to Keystone to live with Carrie and her family.
Gold miners often named their gold mines after their wives. Today, we will pan for gold at the Big Thunder Gold Mine. Hummm. Makes you wonder what his wife must have been like! This mine was built by two Russians. It took them 32 years to complete the mine, so they must have been rushing! Neither died rich.
In this photo, and instructor is showing Victoria how to pan for gold, while John is watches Sean pans for gold.
Sean, John, and Victoria sifting for precious stones.
Ethan and Sophie are trying their luck with Grandpa and Mamaw helping.
Tomorrow, we pack up and leave Custer's Gulch Campground in South Dakota and head for Wyoming. Along the way we will stop at historic Fort Phil Kearney and see Devils Tower. So, don't miss the next blog!
No comments:
Post a Comment