I’m not sure whose brilliant idea this was, but apparently certain parks and recreational limits are hereby off limits to vehicular traffic until next year. It’s the last thing a guy wants to face when the sky’s spectacular, there’s a bag of Taco Bell food in the truck, and it’s been a little while since the camera’s seen much action. Darn.

Sure, it’s still open to foot traffic, but there’s no reason to close the gates on areas such as this one (the Indian Village lookout point at the top of Burnt Boat Road) if there’s no snow. I’m pretty sure I understand the reasoning behind closing the gates: there will be no need for clearing snow and maintaining the road. Well, so far there hasn’t been a need for either…regardless of the status of the entry gates.

I guess I’ll just have to take myself to another recreational area and set up there! There’s no shortage of excellent vantage points here in the Bismarck-Mandan area. I found one west of Mandan the other day that has potential for Northern Lights events. Fox Island, from where this photo was taken, is open all year long. Although I don’t spend much time at the lookout point atop Burnt Boat Road, it will have to be replaced with one of my other favorite spots until someone opens the gates again…or if I feel like a hike in the cold.