September 3-5, 2023 – Keystone, SD

 


We left Deadwood late Sunday morning for the short drive to Keystone where we are staying at Spokane Creek Cabins and Campground.  This is a very nice campground south of Keystone.  We have a great site at the top of a hill with lots of room and afternoon shade.   It is much quieter here than the campground by Deadwood.




After dinner we took a hike on the Flag Trail which is just behind the campground.  The hike was short but very steep.  We were told we would have a view of Mount Rushmore.  When we got to the top of the trail there was an American flag, and this was the view.




When we zoomed in with the camera we could see the faces but not clearly.







We were rewarded with a great sunset as we started back down the steep trail.




Monday, we decided to relax at the campground and Rex set up the screen room.  We spent a very nice afternoon reading the Rex played his guitar.

A thunderstorm came through Monday evening and blew down the screen room and more rain is expected the next few days so Rex packed up the screen room.



Tuesday was cloudy and overcast and rain was predicted.  We took a scenic drive on Iron Mountain Road - 17 miles, 314 curves, 14 switchbacks, 3 pigtails and 3 tunnels.  We stopped at an overlook of Mount Rushmore, but the cloud cover kept the smoke from the fires in Canada close to the ground and visibility was limited.  A fun but very slow drive.

After our drive we stopped at Prairie Berry Winery in Hill City and bought some of their great wine.  We went next door to Miner’s Brewery and enjoyed a beer and glass of cider on their outdoor patio.  We drove back down Iron Mountain Road to get to the campground.  We had a great day despite the smoke.

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