Keep Out! That was the message from a property owner I came across, although not necessarily directed at me. In my line of work, I often come across some amazing properties and interesting people. One of the things about a retreat property or bugout property is to have a certain level of privacy and security. There are many ways to do so, but the first step is often with a “No Trespassing” sign.
The owner of the property in these photos has taken it a step further. More than the “Keep Out” sign, she’s added several homemade signs, such as (with what I assume is intentional misspelling), “NODIS No trespasin or stealin guarded by 2 mungrl honds who hate strangers and a double barrol shot gun loaded for trouble. Also a hillbilly owner packing a smith & Wesson who ain’t friendly.” I especially like the sign and artistic expression in the photo below at right. In this one, you see the sign on the tree stating “I’m a bitter gun owner clinging to my religion“, but in the background on a plastic chair, look carefully and you’ll notice a human skull. In addition to this display, there several other items with the obvious intent to scare away passersby such as a hoodie jacket hanging from a tree with a rope around the neck. Interestingly, there is no dwelling on this property, just vacant land.
I understand this stems from a property line dispute between two adjoining owners. One wishes to sell, so the other is doing everything in her power (yes a lady has posted these signs) to ruin her neighbor’s chances of selling. This property happens to be within a rural platted subdivision that has covenants and restrictions explicitly prohibiting anything other than a “for sale” sign on property in the subdivision, so I’d like to see the POA’s board of directors attempt to enforce that rule! I must say, this is the only time I’ve come across such a display. Most folks in these western North Carolina mountains are welcoming and friendly, so don’t think this is how we treat newcomers looking for that ideal off-the-grid survival property. Regardless, I couldn’t help but get a laugh out of the creative signage, although I didn’t hang around long enough to get shot, just in case!
