Gates make a statement on the land declaring what is Here (where you are) and what is There, which is beyond the entrance. There is a change of status once you pass through. For example, upon entering the gate above, you are on the trail up Thumb Butte with a climb ahead, compared to the relatively level picnic area you are leaving.
This gate, down in the high desert east of the Bradshaws, is a declaration of privacy. Though there is no
keep out sign. I'd worry about a rifle over the door in the mobile. It's hard to tell if the premises are still occupied or are abandoned; that windmill lying on its side doesn't look very promising. Weeds growing in front of the gate hint that time has passed since it was last opened. Perhaps this gate hides a small mystery.
A grassy area on the far side of the gate above suggests that keeping the livestock in is the concern of this owner. As a sometimes adventurer, however, I see the gate as a potential passage to the mountains beyond. Once again, there is no
keep out sign, though common western courtesy says to close the gate if you pass through. You'd be surprised how many city louts leave gates wide open. Or maybe you wouldn't.
Gates make a statement on the land declaring what is Here (where you are) and what is There, which is beyond the entrance. There is a change of status once you pass through. For example, upon entering the gate above, you are on the trail up Thumb Butte with a climb ahead, compared to the relatively level picnic area you are leaving.
This gate, down in the high desert east of the Bradshaws, is a declaration of privacy. Though there is no keep out sign. I'd worry about a rifle over the door in the mobile. It's hard to tell if the premises are still occupied or are abandoned; that windmill lying on its side doesn't look very promising. Weeds growing in front of the gate hint that time has passed since it was last opened. Perhaps this gate hides a small mystery.
A grassy area on the far side of the gate above suggests that keeping the livestock in is the concern of this owner. As a sometimes adventurer, however, I see the gate as a potential passage to the mountains beyond. Once again, there is no keep out sign, though common western courtesy says to close the gate if you pass through. You'd be surprised how many city louts leave gates wide open. Or maybe you wouldn't.
I suppose and unlocked gate is like an invitation to some folks.
ReplyDeletesteve -- unfortunately, yes.
ReplyDeleteOnly the top gate looks made to open and close easily - perhaps there's a hint there?
ReplyDeleteLove the gates - It reminds me of a lot of the 'cowboy' gates we have seen while riding. Definitely good manners to close what you open!
ReplyDeletestitch -- yes, very definitely! That gate is one Forest Service land & they want you to use their trails. The more people who take advantage of the National Forest facilities, the more likely they are to get financial support from Congress.
ReplyDeleteframe -- I would guess that the third picture is just that -- a cowboy gate.