1800's Town and Wall Drug

We had a restful night.  We opened the bedroom windows and let the cool air and breeze blow  in.   We ate breakfast burritos at the Cook Shack.  They were very good.  We secured the RV for Sandy and headed for the 1880's town.  As we left the  camp, this sign was posted.   It gave us a good laugh to start the morning.

"Dancing with the Wolves" was filmed in this part South Dakota.  The owner of the property this town is set loaned the film crew a number of Indian relics and antiques that were used in the film.   Also built were several buildings.  After filming the movie company left the main street buildings and 1880's town was born.  There are 30 buildings all of which were either part of the film or over the last few years torn down, moved to this town and reconstructed on main street.

This round barn is the entrance to the town.

The second floor of the round barn contains items used in the making of the film.

This was Kevin Cosner's make-up chair.  The sod building was used in the film as the cabin in which he lived.

One of the Indian teepees used in the film.

Main Street

A good place to take a bath after a hard day chasing cattle on the range.

At the saloon, Carol bought a sarsaparilla to quench his thirst.

Another view of Main Street.

On the wagon ride, this old guy would tell you stories about living back in the 1880's.  He was a funny guy and kept us laughing.    There were long-horned cattle and horses to see but the most unusual animal we saw was a camel.

This is Otis the Camel.  Apparently, back in the late 1800's camels were brought to this part of the country on an experimental basis to use as pack animals.  I guess that idea didn't pan out because camels are not prevalent in the U.S. as pack animals.

I can't remember the fellow's name but the mules are Tom and Jerry.

St. Stephen's Catholic Church.  During the move here from Dixon, South Dakota, not one of the stained glass windows were broken.  This church was built before South Dakota was even a state.

The sign says Dixon Dakota Territory.

No western town would be complete without a train and Carol can't resist climbing into the engine.

The next stop of the day was at Wall Drug.  Nothing ever changes in this store.  Because Carol is a veteran, he got a free donut and cup of coffee.  A cup of coffee at Wall Drug is still 5 Cents.

The return trip from Wall Drug passes through the Badlands so I couldn't resist a few pictures.  Tomorrow we plan to drive back through the Badlands and take a few hikes.

We were lucky enough to spot these big horn sheep grazing along the road.

The rest of the family was high above on a grassy butte.

We returned to camp about 3:30.  The temperature in the car said 91 but there was a strong wind blowing and the old saying is that "it is a dry heat."  Really, it was not uncomfortable to be outside.  We took Sandy for a walk and sat outside for a while.  We had a new neighbor move into a spot beside us.  She is a neat lady.  She is from Buffalo, New York and had just retired after working 42 years in a factory.  She decided she wanted to see the country before she got too old or sick to do so.  She is traveling in her van and sleeps in it at night.  I asked  how long she planned to be gone and she said she hadn't decided yet.  I think she is brave to pack up her van and leave on a trip across country all by herself.  I guess I have been married too long to think it would be fun to travel alone.  I also don't think I would be brave enough to do it alone.

Sandy has been very restless this evening.  This kind of restlessness usually occurs when she senses a storm coming.  The winds make us think a storm is coming, as well.  The residents of this part of South Dakota hope for the rain.  Anyway, we are inside for the evening.  We are going to watch one of Carol's all time favorite movies "The Outlaw Josie Wales."