I haven't seen Bigfoot this week. I warned him the Sisters would be here. You never know when he sneaks in half the time anyway.

In the kind of light and vibration that rubs all the crisp edges off, an image more true to the nature and color of things, left with an impression of a utility pole..

Which pole is better? Painted or unpainted? I'm really just showing off my fall color, but there was not a category for that. The poles are just a side show.

Interesting pole -- not the style of usual poles.

The unpainted pole in the distance resembles a ghost in contrast to the painted pole in the foreground. I like it.

Your advice in other threads to paint it to better blend in the background proves true. It looks like a solid stain, 2 coats. Did you DIY, and how did you access up high safely?

Two coats of exterior house paint, Molera Vaquero Red. Same color as the cement columns my house sits on. I went as high as I was comfortable going with a roller on an extension handle and ladder. The pole has held the paint really well except the bottom six inches where the creosote drips out.