Day 22 quickly becomes a very busy one when we are engrossed with the preserved wonders at the Hot Springs Mammoth Site. The Site is an ongoing scientific dig into the "cemented" remains of Columbian (bigger) and Woolly (smaller) mammoths which are found in an old sinkhole (a few tens of thousands of years ago). The sinkhole formed when an underlying limestone cavern collapsed. It then filled with debris, and, fed by underground, warm spring water, created a lush environment, which was particularly attractive to voluminous plant-eaters like the mammoths during colder weather. Some entered to eat, drink, swim or ?, but could not get out because of the steep, slippery sides. They likely drowned. Their remains were covered by other debris including windblown dust and chemically treated by the spring waters, which also rendered the drying sinkhole harder than the surrounding soil and rock.

The sinkhole was found by a bulldozer operator, who was cutting a "hill" for a real estate developer. He stopped, a dig was organized and the site was acquired for scientific purposes. Excellent tours of a working dig. One is also reminded that there is little new under the sun. ALL THE MAMMOTH REMAINS found to date ARE OF YOUNG MALES. No female remains have been uncovered. Could it be that young males of all species are more likely to engage in risky behaviour? to know the answers before the questions are asked? to revolt against the wise advice of elders, especially Mothers and Aunts? Mammoths lived to about 65 years on average. The male remains are aged between 10 and 29 years of age.

Next, it's the Fall County History Museum in a very impressive, old 3 story stone school building, sited on the town's prominent ridge. Usual old stuff, but some great little stories among it. Delightfully eccentric volunteer, who claims a personal 100,000 artifact collection, adds spice to the visit.

At mid-day we are off to the north to Crazy Horse Monument, Mt. Rushmore and Custer Park's bison herd. The Crazy Horse project boggles the mind. Look closely at the photo of the mountain and note the tunnel to the right of the face (beneath what will be the extended arm). The tunnel could hold a 10 story office building! When completed the mountain carving will be the largest monumental work completed by mankind...bigger than the Great Pyramid. Of course it helps that gravity will aid in the removal of rock...many millions of tons. Look at the artist's model (in white) to get a view of the intended product. This is a privately funded project, led by a foundation which has a very broad plan for a Native University and Medical School and now offers arts, crafts and other cultural exhibits and sales.

Hours go by at Crazy Horse, so we relegate Rushmore (having never seen it) to drive by status. Fine carvings but all four heads would fit within the reach of Crazy Horse's arm. At Keystone, while being refueled, Pooh becomes the focus of "Pooh Bear", who will open a motorcycle shop called Pooh's Corner. "Pooh Bear" is in the photos, viewers choice! 

Then it's Deadwood, where Wild Bill (James Butler) Hickok was shot in the back holding the Black Aces and Eights and Jack of Diamonds, at 39 years of age in 1876, the same year that Custer fell at the last stand. Hickok would be interested in three things today in Deadwood. Mining and murder take no lives, yet Casinos flourish for the gambler! And, Corvettes come to town. They have in fact flooded the old miners' gulch and will block the one main street for tomorrow's Show & Shine.

We get Pooh up Mount Moriah, with a little verbal urging, to the Cemetery which has Calamity Jane (Mary Jane Canary) buried next to Wild Bill...her last wish in 1903 (at 51 years). We take the walking tour and note the bold commitment and tragedy in 19th century lives. Among the graves are several of civil war veterans, who have government issue headstones (on request), including one "Curry" whose vitals are noted.

In Spearfish, we bunk down next to a 1980 Corvette from Minnesota, yellow and black, echoing Pooh's accents, but with seriously built-up horsepower under the bonnet, er hood. A fine dinner on the porch at the 11th Hour Bistro, in somewhat drier air, closes the day before tucking in.