I do not want to make you feel insecure, but a recent problem arose with my lady friend, that I thought was worth a mention, for the ideas that come out of it, to reduce the problem next time.
She recieved uninvited male attention, while free camping, and was forced to leave
In short this fellow camped too close and acted out of the ordinary.
What we now have done is this - set a plan for this senario
Firstly, make it plain and forceful, that camping too close to you is not acceptable. What is meant, if there is plenty of room, they do not need to park next to you. DO NOT BE POLITE. Have a set dialogue memorised, ie you expect your travelling friends to arrive and need that spot soon
Next, use text on your mobile, with "keywords" to alert your contact that there is a problem. This can be setup up as a memorised "broadcast" to your contacts
Write down the vehicles rego number or even send it via text
If things get a little uncomfortable for you, LEAVE and quickly. Make sure you have already parked so that you have many easy exits, that is, being able to drive straight out, and / or if necessary, get around something without having to reverse
Lastly, dropping into the local cop shop and telling them, sooner than later, will help them and yourself ie leave and go straight there. Sure it may be nothing, but they do not want "that" sort of character travelling around without being watched
Cruising Granny said
11:31 PM Mar 15, 2009
Now that's a pity. A great experience spoiled. At least she got out.
It's really the only reason I don't free camp. We always have to make allowances for the fruit loops of this world. Stranger danger applies to adults too.
Maybe a "fruit loop" code should be established between nomads. We could advise someone else in our vicinity or within phone or radio range where we're camping. If we can't trust a fellow nomad, who can we trust. They could then raise the plight of the nomad to the authorities in the neighbourhood.
To all you fruit loops out there with shady intentions, bugger off! Only honest nomads accepted.
What do other nomads reckon? Networking is a great thing, especially on the road.
Let's network to ensure the safety of fellow nomads. Even couples have the occasional harrassment issue from fellow campers.
In the name of safety, safe travels and camping. Granny
Roostertales said
07:59 PM Mar 16, 2009
I agree very disappointing to hear. It will unfortunately make some viewers reluctant to enjoy free camping or be confident to do so.
PeterH said
08:19 PM Mar 16, 2009
Unfortunately, it's not only solos who can encounter these problems. When we were up the North Coast of NSW a couple of weeks ago..reported on the local news that a couple in their motorhome at a roadside rest area overnight heard noises outside...went outside to investigate..he was hit with lump of timber...several young (indigenous?????) offenders. She went to assist, they ran to the highway, flagged down/were picked up by passing motorist and taken to town. Arrived back to find motorhome ransacked and robbed. This is one of the reasons Jude and I are reluctant to free camp.
One piece of advise I have received is.. don't camp within 15 klms of a town as the locals can get full of turps and motor out to these areas to contiunue partying. Reasoning is that further then 15 klms, they won't travel.
Who knows???
Helen said
09:29 PM Mar 16, 2009
I rarely free camp as I won't stay if no one else is around. As I like to stop driving about 3.30 there are usually no other campers in the area. If I feel uncomfortable - like the camp site I entered along a narrow dirt road with no other exit, I will leave immediately. I once stayed in a free camp where one other van was parked about 50 metres away. Just on dark a car came in and stopped near me but none got out and they stayed about 1 1/2 hours. I locked myself in and watched. They eventually left and the next morning the guy in the other van told me they had noticed the car and kept an eye on it. If anyone had got out he would have come to my aid!! Good to know I had a guardian angel.
Helen
dave06 said
10:24 AM Mar 17, 2009
if you feel in any way uncomfortable in a camp, then leave, dont camp within 20 kms of a town especially on weekends, make sure you have a phone signal and/or an operational uhf
these occurances are extremely rare, the dragon and I have been free camping for in excess of, well, must be 30 years we have yet to have a scare of any kind, but we have heard stories, now I dont know if thats because we dont go to the east coast much, choosing instead more out of the way spots
but if we are travelling we already know where we are camping that night because we have chosen it before time
with the camps book one can see the size of the camp, the larger it is the more spread out you can be, I'd suggest not only do you set up early but you set up lightly so you can shift at the drop of a hat
we have had people come in with vehicles and just "sat" in the car, they have "microsleeps" and then go their way, please be carefull but not paranoid
excercise common sense, have an exit strategy, have communications, but most of all dont overate the dangers, enjoy the peace and quiet that free camps offer you
you are far more likely to be attacked in a city than you are to be attacked in a camp ground, simple logistics dictate this
PeterH said
07:47 PM Mar 17, 2009
Have a mate of mine at work who free camps a lot of the time. Another at work went around OZ about 7 years ago and did mostly by free camp. They both said they have never had any problem. This is why we are prepared to try it, but I think all Dave has said here is sound...again use your own common sense.
Roostertales said
08:30 PM Mar 17, 2009
As Dave suggests -common sense must prevail - the cities are by all accounts far more dangerous than country areas.
PeterH said
08:37 PM Mar 17, 2009
I think I would rather free camp all night in some areas than come back to some areas of the Central Coast by train/public transport after about 10.00pm. By all reports some areas OK, but others downright dreadful.
dave06 said
09:01 PM Mar 17, 2009
well to be honest with you blokes I would not go out in ANY city and walk the streets after 10 pm, dont know how you can live there
the ****roaches start coming out at about dusk, I know how to handle myself but some of those buggers you see in the citys frighten the bejeezes out of me, I'm constantly on edge, give me the scrub any day
twobob said
10:32 PM Mar 17, 2009
I hope the point of the topic has not been lost. I agree, the chances of an incident are low, and generally there is nothing to be concerned about.
My point was to say, be prepared, have a plan, know your exists but mostly DO NOT BE POLITE.
What we have set up is easy, and adds a degree of comfort, but it took an incident for us to do it. All I was trying to highlight is, do it now, so IF something is not right, you activate your plan.
I do not necessarily hold the view it is free camping that is the concern OR it is only solo's. Nor did I wish to put the wind up people, it was an isolated incident, but it did highlight a need for a plan, and thats the ONLY reason I mention it
i was hoping others would mention things they do, as some have done, so we all are a little wiser
PeterH said
08:35 PM Mar 19, 2009
twobob wrote:
I hope the point of the topic has not been lost. I agree, the chances of an incident are low, and generally there is nothing to be concerned about.
My point was to say, be prepared, have a plan, know your exists but mostly DO NOT BE POLITE.
What we have set up is easy, and adds a degree of comfort, but it took an incident for us to do it. All I was trying to highlight is, do it now, so IF something is not right, you activate your plan.
I do not necessarily hold the view it is free camping that is the concern OR it is only solo's. Nor did I wish to put the wind up people, it was an isolated incident, but it did highlight a need for a plan, and thats the ONLY reason I mention it
i was hoping others would mention things they do, as some have done, so we all are a little wiser
Two Bob, I believe your post has done just that- alerted people to understand and look at their surroundings for exits. I know it has helped us in the fact we have never free camped/solo'd before, but certainly has given us the 'heads up' to "BE AWARE" Someone mentioned earlier that Stranger Danger is something we should all be aware of for ourselves not just teach to kids. It certainly has helped us for when we are able to be on the road full time.
Roostertales said
08:30 PM Mar 20, 2009
Yyes it's a good topic to discuss and goes beyond the solo forum.
We need to look out for each other as I am sure we would all do in a pinch.
Onward and upward
Live and love life to the full
Ye ha
Mike
Cruising Granny said
07:22 PM Mar 21, 2009
Great advice everyone. I have heard of a lone male traveller in his late 60's camping in motorhome. A group of locals began banging on the rig so he just got into the driver's seat and took off.
It's unfortunate but we all have to be watchful wether we're in the shopping centre car park, at the bank ATM or on the road. It's a fact of life.
Our free country is not as free as we would like it to be. They come in all shapes, colours and ethnic backgrounds, and they all seem to want what we've all worked hard for, and they haven't. They've had everything handed to them and just want more.
Keep smiling and watch for the signs.
Safe and happy travel, Granny.
Roostertales said
06:39 PM Mar 22, 2009
Hey granny
Luv to catch up with you some time !
rooster
Cruising Granny said
07:43 PM Mar 24, 2009
Hi Rooster tales. Where are you? Catching up is always a possibility, but I'm not on the road at the moment. Parked up in Cairns etc.
I love catching up with fellow nomads, or any other genuine travellers, singles and couples, enjoying our country. Some couples are reluctant to meet and mingle with a single woman towing a big van, who can hitch up and back up by herself with a guide. It's a bloke thing I think.
I'm not impressed by the pretentious "tourists" who drive a very shiny rig or motorhome, trying to take their showy home with them. They tend to NOT chat to their neighbours. I think they miss the point of travel.
Catchya! Cheers Granny
jimbo said
07:20 PM Mar 25, 2009
I would like to add my bit here if I may......On two occasions that I headed off to Cains I free parked all the way took a good week and a bit.
What I would do if someone else was there ( Off Road) caravan motor Home or what ever...I'd go up and introduce myself and ask them if they wouldn't mind me being next to them.....Safety in numbers...I was never knocked back...As it happened most times I was invited in for a cuppa....Though I do understand the ladies problem......If anybody ever see's me on the road I have a Toyota Hi ace white long base and usually an electric bike on the back.....
if I ever come across any of you good folk I'll say Hi.....Jimmy
Here, Here, Granny. Haven't done it yet....but all is noted and, after all it's only common sense.....(which deserts me sometimes)
Cheers
Sue (bearing down on Renmark
Roostertales said
08:24 PM Mar 25, 2009
Cruising Granny wrote:
Hi Rooster tales. Where are you? Catching up is always a possibility, but I'm not on the road at the moment. Parked up in Cairns etc. I love catching up with fellow nomads, or any other genuine travellers, singles and couples, enjoying our country. Some couples are reluctant to meet and mingle with a single woman towing a big van, who can hitch up and back up by herself with a guide. It's a bloke thing I think. I'm not impressed by the pretentious "tourists" who drive a very shiny rig or motorhome, trying to take their showy home with them. They tend to NOT chat to their neighbours. I think they miss the point of travel. Catchya! Cheers Granny
Yeah I know it -might be awhile since I v'e got a full time job- sad ain't it . A bit hard to get to Cairns at present......still if you get to Victoria on your travels here we are !
It's the thought that counts
New pic looks good although definitely had an affinity for the old one. Mike & Gail
Cruising Granny said
09:17 PM Mar 27, 2009
Gee, thanks everyone. It's nice to be made welcome.
I passed through Vic last year and parked in a mate's backyard at Coronet Bay for 3 weeks.
I'd been to Portland from Swan Hill region, parked at a beaut little village park at Narrawong, just east of there, then took on the GO Rd. It was a marathon in 2nd and 3rd gear all the way to Apollo Bay, but I love it. I crossed on the Queenscliff Ferry, and then headed to the Bay. No matter where I went in the west of the state it was oh, so dry until I skirted the coast.
I could end up anywhere when I get out of Cairns. Thinking of Kakadu for a couple of weeks to have a good look around, then south, but my plans are subject to change with very little notice. I'm easily influenced by terrain, season and fellow travellers. Some might say, "sucked in".
Gotta love it! Cheers Granny
VK3FEMT said
02:12 PM Apr 16, 2009
Very good and relevent post Bob. I would think this applies to all, not just females. At the end of the day your best defense is been aware of your surroundings, and know exactly where you are and exit routes should something go haywire.
Don't trap yourself in on a one-way track unless you are pretty confident you can handle yourself, having said that, even I would be very cautious of staying somewhere which was a one way in-one way out situation, there are psycho's out there, history provides plenty of evidence of same.
Having said all this, I think any problems would be few and far between, and dills trying this stuff will ultimately fall into two categories, the abovementioned psychos and oppotunists the majority), the later is the easier dealt with, they are just tossers.
Worst comes to worst girls, simply kickem in the balls, that should see them in agony long enough for you to make an easy and effective passage of escape hehe.
VK3FEMT said
08:43 PM Apr 22, 2009
After I made my last post about this topic, I recalled an incident that happened only a few weeks back to myself.
Security (safety) is something that effects everyone, female and male. No one is invincible, never under estimate the unknown!
I was at this particular spot, I had been there for about 3 days, and as it was pretty isolated and a fair hike from the nearest town, I wasn't expecting any visitors so to speak, apart from the odd tourist travelling through maybe.
For reasons only known to myself, I woke up pretty early this morning (5am) and made some brekky, and I could hear something moving on a track near me, I didn't take much notice just thinking it was an animal etc.
About 15 mins later this guy, quite a tall and very fit guy, waltzes out of the scrub, complete with backback etc. I was a little stunned, considering he came from the opposite direction of the road and the track which runs along the road.
Anyway, he came over, and I am immediately starting to sizeup the situation. As he came I thought okay, I need to be in control of the situation here, and offered him a cuppa, now some might think that silly, but theres method in the madness, during the cuppa I learnt his name, where he was originally from and where he used to work. Obviously I had no way of knowing what he was saying to be truth or fable. You can usually work out when someone is bull****ting you and you get a gut feeling about things, this was one of those times.
After a fairly long chat I realised something wasn't right with this chap, his story didn't add-up to me, he said he was going for a walk, and I said I was going to clean up the brekky stuff, and he asked what I was doing for lunch, and was becoming increasingly interested in my movements etc, I said I was going to make a lunch, and asked if he would like some, needless to say he accepted the offer.
While he was out walking, I elected to pack ship and move on. Interestingly enough, the next day I was pulled over by the local police and asked if I had seen a male fitting the description of the one I encountered, and I then reiterated the story to the police, they wouldn't tell me the reason why they wanted to 'chat' to him, although I suspect it wasn't happy, as later on that day the normally one-horse town was host to 3 additional marked cars and one unmarked. Coincidence maybe, but I'd doubt it.
I don't believe this guy was a direct threat to anyone, rather he was running from something (eg: Police) or someone else, whatever the case, if he was going to do me any harm he certainly had plenty of opportunity to do so there and then.
So yeah... There you have, at the end of the day, never under estimate the situation and probably the best defence of all is 'don't panic'.
solotravelguy said
03:51 PM May 4, 2009
Hi all
I'm new to this and have been reading through the posts, the info that you guys are giving is unreal, things like look at the surrounds before camp is made looking out for rubbish, broken glass, skid marks from tyres etc, boy oh boy things I just wouldn't have given a throught too. I'm really glad I joined this forum
Bergholt said
04:50 AM May 13, 2009
Reminded me of when I was travelling alone in my camper, there was no access from the back to the drivers seat. I decided to pull over off onto a side track on this rather remote road between two country towns to sleep for the night.
Nicely tucked up in bed in the back when at about 2AM I was woken by the headlights of a car with the motor running immediately behind me, hear car doors slamming, muffled voices and rattliing/banging. Motor on the vehicle behind me still running, lights still on.
What to do, if I open my whiz bang door to get out I would be at the mercy of those outside, so decided to wait it out, arming myself with a large torch.
After about 10 minutes (their motor still running, lights still on) the vehicle behind me drove off much to my relief. I waited for awhile to make sure it was not a ruse to get me to come out and one/some of them were hiding outside, but they had gone. In retrospect, I think they were refuelling from cans and needed the lights on to do so, leaving the motor running so they didn't flatten the battery.
Put the wind up me and no way was I going to sleep now, so I drove into the next town and parked outside the Council Offices and slept the rest of the night there. Funnily enough, nobody disturbed me there, not even the police !
-- Edited by Bergholt on Wednesday 13th of May 2009 04:53:05 AM
twobob said
09:23 AM May 14, 2009
Yeh, some people are just plain ignorant. They stop and carry on around an obvious parked for the night vehicle, without any thought to those parked.
They seem to need the security of another vehicle to stop, then go about checking tyres or taking a short walk (break from driving).
Poor truckie gets it all the time. He's on a compulsory stop, at a roadside stop, and some vehicle pulls up next to him. Their lights penetrate the cab (to some degree) and the noise, prevents a peaceful sleep.
Had the same in a CP, where was camped down and a late comer, just did not respect the others. A few words were spoken and they THEN realised.
In all, its not a security problem, just ignorance
dave06 said
10:21 AM May 14, 2009
couldnt agree more BOB! there is far more ignorance out there than danger
Stefan said
09:37 AM Sep 13, 2009
Hi Its a shame that has to happen.I was wondering is there a way to "certify" legitimate Grey nomads etc IE:someone from admin has personally met the person or some other way of ensuring some sort of verification that another traveler isn't a character out of "Wolf Creek"
Unfortunately, it's not only solos who can encounter these problems.
When we were up the North Coast of NSW a couple of weeks ago..reported on the local news that a couple in their motorhome at a roadside rest area overnight heard noises outside...went outside to investigate..he was hit with lump of timber...several young (indigenous?????) offenders. She went to assist, they ran to the highway, flagged down/were picked up by passing motorist and taken to town.
Arrived back to find motorhome ransacked and robbed.
This is one of the reasons Jude and I are reluctant to free camp.
One piece of advise I have received is.. don't camp within 15 klms of a town as the locals can get full of turps and motor out to these areas to contiunue partying. Reasoning is that further then 15 klms, they won't travel.
Who knows???
I believe your post has done just that- alerted people to understand and look at their surroundings for exits.
I know it has helped us in the fact we have never free camped/solo'd before, but certainly has given us the 'heads up' to "BE AWARE"
Someone mentioned earlier that Stranger Danger is something we should all be aware of for ourselves not just teach to kids.
It certainly has helped us for when we are able to be on the road full time.
What I would do if someone else was there ( Off Road) caravan motor Home or what ever...I'd go up and introduce myself and ask them if they wouldn't mind me being next to them.....Safety in numbers...I was never knocked back...As it happened most times I was invited in for a cuppa....Though I do understand the ladies problem......If anybody ever see's me on the road I have a Toyota Hi ace white long base and usually an electric bike on the back.....
if I ever come across any of you good folk I'll say Hi.....Jimmy
It's the thought that counts
New pic looks good although definitely had an affinity for the old one.
Mike & Gail
I would think this applies to all, not just females. At the end of the day your best defense is been aware of your surroundings, and know exactly where you are and exit routes should something go haywire.
Don't trap yourself in on a one-way track unless you are pretty confident you can handle yourself, having said that, even I would be very cautious of staying somewhere which was a one way in-one way out situation, there are psycho's out there, history provides plenty of evidence of same.
Having said all this, I think any problems would be few and far between, and dills trying this stuff will ultimately fall into two categories, the abovementioned psychos and oppotunists the majority), the later is the easier dealt with, they are just tossers.
Worst comes to worst girls, simply kickem in the balls, that should see them in agony long enough for you to make an easy and effective passage of escape hehe.
Security (safety) is something that effects everyone, female and male.
No one is invincible, never under estimate the unknown!
I was at this particular spot, I had been there for about 3 days, and as it was pretty isolated and a fair hike from the nearest town, I wasn't expecting any visitors so to speak, apart from the odd tourist travelling through maybe.
For reasons only known to myself, I woke up pretty early this morning (5am) and made some brekky, and I could hear something moving on a track near me, I didn't take much notice just thinking it was an animal etc.
About 15 mins later this guy, quite a tall and very fit guy, waltzes out of the scrub, complete with backback etc. I was a little stunned, considering he came from the opposite direction of the road and the track which runs along the road.
Anyway, he came over, and I am immediately starting to sizeup the situation. As he came I thought okay, I need to be in control of the situation here, and offered him a cuppa, now some might think that silly, but theres method in the madness, during the cuppa I learnt his name, where he was originally from and where he used to work. Obviously I had no way of knowing what he was saying to be truth or fable. You can usually work out when someone is bull****ting you and you get a gut feeling about things, this was one of those times.
After a fairly long chat I realised something wasn't right with this chap, his story didn't add-up to me, he said he was going for a walk, and I said I was going to clean up the brekky stuff, and he asked what I was doing for lunch, and was becoming increasingly interested in my movements etc, I said I was going to make a lunch, and asked if he would like some, needless to say he accepted the offer.
While he was out walking, I elected to pack ship and move on.
Interestingly enough, the next day I was pulled over by the local police and asked if I had seen a male fitting the description of the one I encountered, and I then reiterated the story to the police, they wouldn't tell me the reason why they wanted to 'chat' to him, although I suspect it wasn't happy, as later on that day the normally one-horse town was host to 3 additional marked cars and one unmarked. Coincidence maybe, but I'd doubt it.
I don't believe this guy was a direct threat to anyone, rather he was running from something (eg: Police) or someone else, whatever the case, if he was going to do me any harm he certainly had plenty of opportunity to do so there and then.
So yeah... There you have, at the end of the day, never under estimate the situation and probably the best defence of all is 'don't panic'.
I'm new to this and have been reading through the posts, the info that you guys are giving is unreal, things like look at the surrounds before camp is made looking out for rubbish, broken glass, skid marks from tyres etc, boy oh boy things I just wouldn't have given a throught too. I'm really glad I joined this forum
Nicely tucked up in bed in the back when at about 2AM I was woken by the headlights of a car with the motor running immediately behind me, hear car doors slamming, muffled voices and rattliing/banging. Motor on the vehicle behind me still running, lights still on.
What to do, if I open my whiz bang door to get out I would be at the mercy of those outside, so decided to wait it out, arming myself with a large torch.
After about 10 minutes (their motor still running, lights still on) the vehicle behind me drove off much to my relief. I waited for awhile to make sure it was not a ruse to get me to come out and one/some of them were hiding outside, but they had gone. In retrospect, I think they were refuelling from cans and needed the lights on to do so, leaving the motor running so they didn't flatten the battery.
Put the wind up me and no way was I going to sleep now, so I drove into the next town and parked outside the Council Offices and slept the rest of the night there. Funnily enough, nobody disturbed me there, not even the police !
-- Edited by Bergholt on Wednesday 13th of May 2009 04:53:05 AM
They seem to need the security of another vehicle to stop, then go about checking tyres or taking a short walk (break from driving).
Poor truckie gets it all the time. He's on a compulsory stop, at a roadside stop, and some vehicle pulls up next to him. Their lights penetrate the cab (to some degree) and the noise, prevents a peaceful sleep.
Had the same in a CP, where was camped down and a late comer, just did not respect the others. A few words were spoken and they THEN realised.
In all, its not a security problem, just ignorance
Its a shame that has to happen.I was wondering is there a way to "certify" legitimate Grey nomads etc IE:someone from admin has personally met the person or some other way of ensuring some sort of verification that another traveler isn't a character out of "Wolf Creek"