Monday 10 January 2000
Highlights:  Wild West Gambling!

After 25.5 hours of travelling, five bus changes, three bus companies, two time zone changes and a cab ride we arrived at Deadwood and our hotel (no hostel stay this time).

South Dakota is basically very bare and dusty.  Wind storms were very evident. However Deadwood itself was covered in snow and looked like the amazing small west town I had imagined.

I managed to call home for my birthday, a few days late but still the effort counts.  Mum and Reagan sounded very busy and they had just experienced a blackout before I called.

After a very welcome hot shower Jon upped his Burger King gift to a streak dinner which I really enjoyed to celebrate my 26th birthday.  I wonder how many times I’ll be travelling outside of Australia on my birthday in future years?

We then experienced Wild West gambling visiting the Gold Dust Casino, one of many casino allowed in this historic town but only with limited stakes, a maximum of a $5 bet.  Jon won $25 while I generously donated $10 to the local economy.