#2: [03-Apr-11]

#1: [02-Dec-00]

18-Feb-2017 -- As I had been in the area for a few days, giving presentations at Oklahoma State University about the use of geospatial technology in society, a confluence visit seemed the perfect capstone. And, in addition, I had only visited one confluence point this entire year, just two days ago, and winter was almost over -- a whole season with only one visited point. And so, after working for 2 hours more at the university, I drove from the campus in Stillwater due east on Highway 51, south on Highway 48, due east again on Highway 33, northeast on I-44, east on Highway 364, south for a minute on US Highway 75, and then drove east on West 111th Street South, with the suspense building.

There is usually something unexpected in visiting these points, even these days when one can obtain high resolution satellite images on one's mobile device of the intended destination and turn-by-turn directions on how to reach that destination. My surprise during this visit came when I turned onto South Vine St from W 111th Street South: Immediately before me was a building, an iron fence, and a touch pad to enter an access code: This is now a gated community. I pondered my options and began to take photographs and call this "an attempt." But then I pushed on the pedestrian access gate and was surprised to find that it was open. Seizing the moment, I briskly walked a few blocks south and entered the cul-de-sac where the confluence point lay.

I chatted for a moment with a group of guys who were busily trimming trees of the property adjoining the one where the confluence point resides, and then knocked on the front door of the house and the landowner answered. I on purpose had worn my work clothing, suit coat and tie, so as to appear presentable. The landowner knows about the project and has allowed visitors in the past. However, and I can understand and respect his wishes, he did not want me to take any pictures of his property and does not want further visits. I thanked him and departed. I was at this located 42 meters north of the point, and I took pictures of different directions but not toward his home or the confluence point. It was a cloudy late winter day and late morning; about 63 degrees F, no wind, and quite pleasant. It was a Saturday and the area was pretty quiet except for the saws of the tree trimmers. I said goodbye to the tree trimming crew, surprised they were not wearing gloves despite the sharpness of the branches. I had stood on 36 degrees north numerous times over the past 15 years, from California on the west to North Carolina on the east. I had also stood on 96 West numerous times, from Minnesota on the north to Texas on the south. This was my first time on this point and most assuredly the last (see my note below). I had amassed a nice collection of at least 8 points in Oklahoma, including a string along the Kansas-Oklahoma border. I walked back toward my vehicle but found the pedestrian gate locked. Fortunately, a car had just entered the housing subdivision, and the car gate was still open. I left the area, heading south on US Highway 77, in the hopes of reaching 35 North 96 West about two hours later.

Out of respect for the landowner, I recommend that no further visits to this point be made.