The sun is back and warmer temperatures are in the offing. We loaded into the truck and followed a scenic route that is in our National Geographic guide book. We left Custer and followed several rural scenic roads. One of the roads led us to Hill City where Wades Gold Mill is located and that is the location that was recommended for gold panning. We met Bob Wade who instructed Jamie in the proper technique. They give you a little bottle of placer sand which contains 7 small flecks of gold. The student is expected to learn the correct method of panning and come up with the same original 7 flecks. After that was finished we loaded up the pan with placer sand and headed to the small stream to learn how to deal with the large pebbles and larger pieces of sand. After about an hour on one pan Jamie found one more fleck of gold and many small garnets. Not bad for a beginner. Betsy got out her sketch pad while Jamie was panning. After Jamie had thawed out his feet we headed to the Mt. Rushmore area. We didn't go in the actual viewing area but got nice pictures from off site locations. Going up and down the roads was a nice experience. We ran into 3 or 4 very narrow tunnels through the rock which was interesting. We ended up in Hot Springs and visited a couple of antique stores plus another store that specialized in old western items and some very nice examples of Plain's Indian beading. From Hot Springs we headed back to Custer through the Wind Cave Park and again saw
buffalo. Tipper does not like buffalo. We don't know if it's their odor or the grunting noise they make. He's very quiet while we're stopped taking pictures, but as soon as we're rolling again he give's out a couple of barks. We think it's his way of saying, "You're lucky I'm leaving. I was about ready to kick some butt". Yeah, right.
The campground we're in has rabbits all over the place. They're the domesticated kind, but roam free in the campground. Tippy may have a nervous breakdown if we don't leave soon.
Picture #1 - Mt.Rushmore, SD
Picture #2 - Wades Gold Mill, Hill City, SD, Prospector Jim
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2 comments:
Panning for gold... thats one way to enjoy your retirement years or at least supplement them. Save the garnets... its my birthstone! Love the picture of Mt. Rushmore, again its on our list of places to go someday. Sounds like Tipper is not fond of the northern plains or its wildlife.
Hey, we miss you two. Have talked about the fun times since you headed north. How'd you like Hot Springs and Custer? Love the buffalo picture--Ansel Adams never used a zoom?
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