I’ve loved this wooden post marking the northwest corner of the Double Ditch Indian Village site north of Bismarck. I’ve taken many of a photo of it, whether with the International Space Station flying overhead at sunrise or with my little boys and I in the foreground for a self-portrait. One used to be able to walk around the post on the left side, but attempting to do so today would land you on your head far, far below.

It’s pretty clear that the post is hanging only by virtue of the barbed wire looped around it.  I’ve been curious about what the other side of the post looks like, but unfortunately the high levels of the Missouri River made a hike along the bottom of the cliffs impossible.  Now the water is hard enough to walk on without divinity, so I made my way along the edge to take a peek.  I found some surprises along the way that I may divulge later, but let’s get to the post.

Sadly, my suspicions were true.  There is no more earth holding the post at all.  If the barbed wire ever lets go, this post will join the other unusual items lying along the bank at the bottom of these cliffs.

I wouldn’t even advise getting anywhere near the post at this point.  The cliff is seriously eroded.  I wonder how long it will be before this whole area drops into the Big Muddy?

Along my drive into town yesterday I noticed some of my other favorite photo objects that have fallen over the past ten years since I decided I wanted to get into photography.  Good thing I’m eager to find some new ones!