Deadwood Aces & Eights

Travelled to the land of black hills, roulette wheels and presidents in stone. The folks out there are hardy and still work for bigger companies. Just like the old days when the larger mines took over the independents. Learned to play Texas hold'em in Red Dead Redemption and was looking forward to playing a little (probably naive that, but I was able to pick up the AI patterns in the game and use it to my advantage to clear tables) but our hotel only had 21. No five finger fillet, either, ha!

The prices of hotel rooms are outrageous during Sturgis ($200.00 plus) but if you find a hotel run by a company of which you are a member, you will do better. Remember to ask about rates and what the hotels can do prior to noon...they will negotiate with you more willingly. Tell them thanks and you want to look around a bit. You can get $80.00 rates off the week-end of Fri/Sat.

 The hotels rake in dinero on the slots, but I did win $200.00 and was smart enought to quit while I was ahead. I don't have an addictive personality type so, gambling is boring with annoying lights, noise, etc., unless I am figuring odds in poker. The kids had an indoor pool to play in so they were happy. Food is great but Spearfish has the kid type fast food vs more expensive hotel food. Recommend the western Heritage museum in Spearfish. If I hadn't been atending a wedding, I would have rather stayed in Rapid City or Spearfish. Missed the vanilla bean bakery in Spearfish, though.

Need to finish Red Dead and start Deus Ex...just killing time waiting for Skyrim. Busy hosting a bicyclist from Milwaukee that is biking to Oregon, more later on that.