DAY ONE: SPOTTED HORSE, WYOMING

Spotted Horse, Wyoming

Spotted Horse, Wyoming.  Pop. 2.  This eclectic spot along US Route 14/16 may be unknown to the world, but it is nearly iconic in Wyoming.  Once a year motorcyclists 100 strong stop in at Spotted Horse for a beer on their way to Sturgis and what bride would not want to tie the knot in the idyllic setting setting of a rearing Appaloosa stallion next to an original Standard Gas sign?  In my case, Spotted Horse would also become the perfect place to launch a long-distance tour: the spirit of Sturgis mixed with the romanticism of adventure.  

Nevertheless, Dixie and I tried to imagine what town life might look like in Spotted Horse, population 2 . . .

Dixie: I think they once held a beauty pageant in Spotted Horse.  The whole town showed up.  Sven strode the catwalk wearing the latest fashions while Ole snapped the pictures.  Unfortunately, there was no one left in the audience.  

Tom: And come Sunday, Ole delivers the homily and Sven chimes in with "Amen!  Preach it!" to encourage Ole.  But Sven is also the head usher, the greeter, head of discipleship, ass't pastor, adult Sunday School teacher, and chair of the church board.  Like St. David's, the community church in Spotted Horse always has an after-church potluck.  And it's always ham and mashed potatoes--the town's favorite dish.  

Tom: Unfortunately, the original Spotted Horse Community Church split into three factions.  Preacher Ole now pastors Spotted United Methodist Church and Sven is the lay pastor at Horse Fellowship.  However, with no preacher or congregation, the third faction closed shortly after opening.  

Regrettably, Spotted Horse--I mean, the entire town--is closed on Mondays.  So, we bid adieu to this almost-famous cowboy town.  I jumped on my own metal steed and reared up and off into new adventures further south in Wyoming.