An abandoned mine
New friends
Today we went on the 1880 Train from Hill City to Keystone SD. It was a 2-hour round trip tour on a line that used to connect mining camps. This train was used in several movies and was used to carry dynamite for the Mt. Rushmore creation. There was a museum with dinosaur bones in Hill City that was quite cool. We returned to the campsite and went with John (our camp neighbor) to an abandoned mine on public land near Custer. We drove on a two track about ¼ mile until we dragged bottom and then walked the rest of the way. There was an old cave and a large rock overhang that were quite cool. They were mining feldspar a pinkish rock that is used for making varnish. We found several rocks that have gold dust in them. Shaun found a nugget of iron that is not common to the area. We also hauled several large quartz rocks down the mountain. Most of it was a cool rose color. We learned much about gold mining and prospecting. We also walked a dry creek bed and John showed us where he would pan for gold when there is water in the creek. Later we went back the Black Hills Forest and took the nature loop. During the drive we saw 101 deer, 5 elk, cattle, and 8 buffalo. Later we took a wrong turn and got lost in the mountains. After a sharp turn at the top of the mountain we came extremely close to hitting a buffalo that was crossing the road. We finally found our way home and hung out with John and his wife at their campfire. It was cold and I Shaun crawled into my sleeping bag with me. Again I ask why did we not bring the space heater?
