Leaving. Awwww

Spearfish Canyon was amazing. What a ride. Dad loved it so much he wanted to go back through it again, so we did after checking out Deadwood again and Boot Hill. I love Calamity Jane. Her nickname really describes her. Not that she was an upstanding citizen, because she certainly was not. But in spite of her vices and alcoholism, and among her sporadic forays into illegal ways of making a living she was a very caring and generous person, who always gave what she had and spent lots of time taking care of others. She did like to make up stories, though. One of her famous fibs was that she was once Buffalo Bill's sweetheart. Probably not true. Interestingly enough, though, was that her dying wish was to be buried next to him. And she was. She is buried right next to him on Boot Hill in St. Moriah's Cemetery. Huge climb to Seth Bullock's grave all the way at the top of Boot Hill. He is facing Roosevelt Mountain, as was his wish, as TR was a friend of his. He is buried with his wife Martha. People leave strange things on the graves. On Buffalo Bill's grave there are business cards and cigarettes and liquor bottles. On Jane's grave there are liquor bottles, cigarettes and even a girl scout pin. I sure wish people would stop being so disrespectful. On Bullock's grave there are lots of pine cones and rocks. Don't get that one.

Well, it's time to go. We'll be taking a different route back then the one we took out here. And we're giving ourselves a little extra time so we can really see and appreciate some interesting things on the way back. My right leg is still numb, but hasn't gotten any worse. Let's hope it stays that way.

Mark's right. This place does have a sad look to it now that it's deserted. Not quite the excitement or bustle that it had when we arrived. We'll blog from the road. I'm certain we'll meet some more interesting people and see some more interesting things. So far, it's been great. I wouldn't have missed it. Thanks to all of you for coming along with us on our journey, but keep checking, because it's not over yet.

Danielle, you're going to have such a good time at Six Flags. I can't wait to hear all about it. You've been so good at checking the blog and leaving us messages, it's so fun to hear from you. Miss you so much, can't wait to see you. Love, Mommy

Mom and Scott, thanks for taking the kid to fun places. You're brave to go to Six Flags. Scott, sure wish I was there to go on the big kid rides with you. You know Mom won't. ha ha. Love you both very much. Miss you. Kellie