That became his job.
He installed trail cameras.
Not hidden on neighbors' property.
On his own.
One at the eastern gate.
One by the creek.
One near the cattle pens.
Every unauthorized vehicle was recorded.
The first week, three subdivision residents entered.
Each claimed they had been told the road was open.
The Ranch Homeowner stopped them.
Turned them around.
Recorded license plates.
Then sent notices through counsel.
The second week, seven vehicles came.
One driver became angry.
"The HOA says this is our road."
The Ranch Homeowner answered:
"Then ask the HOA why you're the one trespassing."
The man left.
The third week, somebody cut the chain on the gate.
The Ranch Homeowner discovered it at dawn.
He did not call the HOA.
He called the sheriff's office.
A deputy documented the damage.
The Ranch Homeowner replaced the chain.
Two days later, the HOA President appeared in person.
She parked outside the gate.
Her white SUV gleamed in the afternoon sun.
She stepped out carrying a folder.
"You called law enforcement?"
"Someone cut my chain."
"Nobody knows who did that."
"Correct."
"Yet you're implying our residents."
"No."
He looked at her.
"You are."
She crossed her arms.
"We voted Monday."
"On what?"
"To formally designate this as a secondary community route."
The Ranch Homeowner stared.
"You voted."
"Yes."
"To designate my road."
"Under our recorded access rights."
He laughed.
The President's face hardened.
"You find this amusing?"
"A little."
She stepped closer.
"The vote passed eleven to one."
"Could've been unanimous."
Her eyes narrowed.
"Wouldn't change my deed."
The President lifted the folder.
"Our attorney believes the board has authority to manage community access."
"Inside the HOA."
"This easement connects to us."
"Not for what you're doing."
She pointed toward the gate.
"That barrier is obstructing an established access route."
The Ranch Homeowner looked at the steel gate.
Then at her.
"You should stop listening to whoever keeps telling you that."
She smiled coldly.
"Or what?"
"Or this gets expensive."
She laughed.
"For you, maybe."