Unexpected Moments in Wyoming

Unexpected Moments in Wyoming

My journey westward through the Black Hills wasn’t supposed to include a stop in Pringle, South Dakota. However, when I spotted a gigantic statue made entirely of bicycles sitting boldly by the roadside, I couldn’t resist pulling over. My kids explored the bike gates and tunnels, while I snapped a few photos — it was a delightful and surprising moment!

Quaal Windsock: A Marvel in the Sky

Just past I-90 near Sundance, Wyoming, I found myself pulling over again to admire the Quaal Windsock — a Beechcraft Twin Bonanza airplane from the 1950s, perched atop a 70-foot pole. Its owners, Mick and Jean Quaal, loved the aircraft but couldn’t afford the $200,000 needed for restoration. Instead, they found a way to bring it back to life, allowing it to spin in the wind with its propellers turning like it’s still in flight. Watching it twirl against the sky felt like witnessing a unique work of art.

The Devil's Tower and the Bear Lodge Legend

My main destination was the Devil's Tower, a strange, flat-topped rock formation rising dramatically from the plains of Hulett — it felt almost like something from another planet. According to Lakota legend, this place is known as Bear Lodge, marked by the scratches of a great bear chasing after children. Prayer flags flutter at the tower's base, while brave climbers (including myself) scale the sheer basalt cliffs above.

Curiosities at Deer Creek Taxidermy

On my way out of Hulett, I noticed a sign for Deer Creek Taxidermy. My curiosity got the better of me, and I decided to stop in. Bobbi Butler, the shop owner, kindly gave us a tour. The shop was filled with lifelike animal mounts — deer, elk, bears, and bison — all with wide, alert eyes. My child, a strict vegetarian, quietly observed each piece.

Bobbi invited us to the back to see the process of taxidermy in action. A mountain lion pelt lay there, still stained with blood, while a team worked diligently in the background. I explained to my child the ritual involved in transforming an animal’s skin into a forever piece of art.

Reflecting on the Value of Preservation

After the trip, I found myself not only remembering the Devil's Tower but also reflecting deeply on Bobbi's work. What Bobbi does is not just about preserving death; it's about leaving a meaningful imprint from life. The efforts of Bobbi, the Quaal family, and the craftsmen in Pringle are all about finding ways to preserve beauty in their own unique way.

These were the memorable moments on my journey through Wyoming, and I feel I’ve gained a deeper understanding of the significance of pausing to observe the small yet extraordinary details around us.