Post by: Kunnara on June 28, 2015, 05:40:49 PM
Cheers...Kunnara
Post by: KingBilly on June 28, 2015, 05:42:19 PM
No, never been hassled.
KB
Post by: markg66 on June 28, 2015, 05:52:35 PM
Apparently its illegal to have a weapon at your disposal hypothetically like a base ball bat next to the bed, but a 6 D cell Mag light converted to LED is a great tool for all sorts of tasks, try not to hit anything with it though as they bend really easily and you'll never be able to change the batteries again once it's bent.
Post by: D4D on June 28, 2015, 05:54:48 PM
Apparently its illegal to have a weapon at your disposal hypothetically like a base ball bat next to the bed
It's a 'priest' for shark fishing officer :police: :)
Post by: GeoffA on June 28, 2015, 06:02:36 PM
Apparently its illegal to have a weapon at your disposal hypothetically like a base ball bat next to the bed
It's not a weapon if you keep a ball with it.... ;D
Try not to camp near towns, or in sight of a road.
Post by: HEM19X on June 28, 2015, 08:32:27 PM
& no, never been hassled or threatened when free camping, all the hassles are in CVP's.
Hem
Post by: rockygu4.8 on June 28, 2015, 08:57:04 PM
One other time at five rocks a very strange guy pulled right up next to our camper he was strange and asked if my wife was alone , my mum was there as well. I heard him talk then I came up from the beach and he said oh you've got a group then just hopped back in his car and took off. In the morning the ranger said he called the cops on this bloke as he'd admitted he was looking for women and had done some bad things the day before. Not wanting to act nervous I did keep a knife, sat phone etc next to the bed that night.
At the end of the day you can find weirdos anywhere and it certainly won't stop us free camping away from others
Post by: Hairs on June 30, 2015, 08:11:40 PM
Sorry to here that you guys have had your camping spoiled by a few knoobs.
The only thing I can suggest is to find somewhere else maybe a little further away from those that find it easy to reach.
Now having said that, we've come across yobbos in the middle of nowhere too.
I hope this doesn't put you off finding that spot that is perfect, we all search for that ;D
Happy & Safe travels.
:cheers:
Post by: BaseCamp on June 30, 2015, 08:41:03 PM
Questions that spring to mind are:
## Is home brew pepper spray legal?
## What experiences have you had using it in a defensive scenario?
## How effective was it; etc?
## Any recommendations on easy-carry spray platforms - as the delivery system?
## What range/projectory do these have? .
If anyone has any accurate specifics - this would be helpful vs (non fact based) opinions..
no stress,
Appreciated
Post by: speewa158 on June 30, 2015, 08:56:23 PM
Post by: Swannie on June 30, 2015, 09:04:19 PM
Swannie
Post by: GeoffA on June 30, 2015, 09:06:54 PM
My mean aggressive dog Coco Chanel protects me
Not surprised Greg...that's one fearsome homicidal maniac... ;D ;D
Post by: Geoff77 on June 30, 2015, 10:33:05 PM
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
Post by: austastar on June 30, 2015, 10:58:19 PM
We try and camp well away from 'trouble', but some areas are higher risk than others.
Avoid 'destinations' where trouble may visit, like lookouts, beachfronts, or spots where kids will drive to for boozing/drugs/sex. If you see condoms/cans/syringes/butts around -move on.
Closer than an hour to towns is higher risk, add a warm night, a weekend or a full moon, and the risk goes up the scale.
Park where you can't be driven around or passed by, avoiding the opportunity to be hooned or showered with gravel.
If we are a bit uneasy, and somewhat unsure of a place, we park up ready to move if trouble arrives. However in what may be over a thousand nights camping we have only been worried once, and annoyed probably 3 or 4 times.
Cheers
Post by: dales133 on July 01, 2015, 12:57:59 AM
Does anyone know a recipe for some really effective pepper spray?Depends on your conscience real.
Questions that spring to mind are:
## Is home brew pepper spray legal?
## What experiences have you had using it in a defensive scenario?
## How effective was it; etc?
## Any recommendations on easy-carry spray platforms - as the delivery system?
## What range/projectory do these have? .
If anyone has any accurate specifics - this would be helpful vs (non fact based) opinions..
no stress,
Appreciated
A Shitload of Chilli and wassabi marinated in vinegar a few weeks in a small weed sprayer should sort the men out from the boys.
If you realy mean business add a good dose of pool acid to it.
Second option could perminantly impart someone but if your feeling endangered while minding your own business it's better than hitting them with an Axe or whatever else is close at hand
Post by: dales133 on July 01, 2015, 12:59:12 AM
lf troubled , provoked , or upset when camping alone . l jump from the CT naked , screaming " Come Back , Come Back ) but they never do ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, sadly ,,,,,,,or are they just to clever for me ??? ???Careful what you wish for....There's some sick puppies out there
Post by: tracker on July 01, 2015, 05:46:35 AM
I have one of those security mag lights about a foot long and it has a sharp end and a dull end....the sharp end is a very bright light to blind and a dull to make them sleepy and i have a pet name for this torch.....
It's called a youlbie.
You will be sorry you come into my camp.
Cheers Tracker.
Post by: Snapman007 on July 01, 2015, 09:11:29 AM
For those worried about bending their Maglite on a mofo, wrap the batts tight with a sheet of A4 paper. It the perfect size to take up the free space inside the torch to make it solid and stop it bending on impact. 8)
Post by: Rumpig on July 01, 2015, 11:32:38 AM
My mean aggressive dog Coco Chanel protects mehad to look at the posters name, I thought Olly wrote that...lol
Swannie
Post by: scarpsD40 on July 01, 2015, 01:29:21 PM
had to look at the posters name, I thought Olly wrote that...lolhaving met both swannie and Oldmate, I can attest to the toughness of both, that yes both have princess pooches;D
Post by: peter.gomersall on July 01, 2015, 03:05:02 PM
Does anyone know a recipe for some really effective pepper spray?Try a bottle of vodka and add chillis to it. After a week or 2 it infuses and will burn your mouth, eyes etc. Put some in a spray bottle and label it so you know. Not illegal to have alcohol in your camp!!
Questions that spring to mind are:
## Is home brew pepper spray legal?
## What experiences have you had using it in a defensive scenario?
## How effective was it; etc?
## Any recommendations on easy-carry spray platforms - as the delivery system?
## What range/projectory do these have? .
If anyone has any accurate specifics - this would be helpful vs (non fact based) opinions..
no stress,
Appreciated
Post by: mamabear75 on July 01, 2015, 03:39:03 PM
Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk
Post by: BaseCamp on July 01, 2015, 06:30:17 PM
lf troubled , provoked , or upset when camping alone . l jump from the CT naked , screaming " Come Back , Come Back ) but they never do ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, sadly ,,,,,,,or are they just to clever for me ??? ???
geez... that's pretty funny ;D ;D ;D
It appears that your suitors/attackers have not seen the flick DELIVERANCE
yeah, that's right: "squeal like a pig, boy"
:cheers:
:laugh:
Post by: scarpsD40 on July 01, 2015, 06:31:37 PM
geez... that's pretty funny ;D ;D ;Dwe've been camping with him, believe me it's not pretty;D
It appears that your suitors/attackers have not seen the flick DELIVERANCE
yeah, that's right: "squeal like a pig, boy"
:cheers:
:laugh:
Post by: BaseCamp on July 01, 2015, 06:36:32 PM
I am thinking maybe a "red" spray bottle... and a "green" spray bottle....
The "red" being blast furnace strength...
I also like the old adage...
(In case on Emergency)
"Rather be judged by 12 - than carried by 6"....
Does anyone know a recipe for some really effective pepper spray?
Questions that spring to mind are:
## Is home brew pepper spray legal?
## What experiences have you had using it in a defensive scenario?
## How effective was it; etc?
## Any recommendations on easy-carry spray platforms - as the delivery system?
## What range/projectory do these have? .
If anyone has any accurate specifics - this would be helpful vs (non fact based) opinions..
no stress,
Appreciated
Post by: BaseCamp on July 01, 2015, 06:53:58 PM
On reading this tread, I was thinking about your travels... Wondering how you go about the security aspects of your trips...
I have read your recent FR on SA etc...
One thing that concerned me a bit was the "concealed nature" - of where you chose to park up at night..
My question is - considering the relative isolation of most of your overnighters ... you seem fairly snug from the random driveby crazies - but what about the team from Deliverance??
I mean if there is some local menace crazy that picks you off - then you are a long way from help...
aka Peter Falcony style - or that nutter pulling guns on campers near Yepoon that was reported in the media recently...
I would free camp using the method you have used - but its those twigs snaping in the middle of the night in isolated remote spots that would do my head in...
What are your thoughts about this - "how do you handle it" (the paranoia, fear... etc).
You don't seem like a Jack Daniels; or sawn off shotie kind of guy....? ;D
..... Alter all - we are never really alone - cue the theme music for "Close Encounters" or the flic "Deliverance" etc...
???
:police:
Hi,
We try and camp well away from 'trouble', but some areas are higher risk than others.
Avoid 'destinations' where trouble may visit, like lookouts, beachfronts, or spots where kids will drive to for boozing/drugs/sex. If you see condoms/cans/syringes/butts around -move on.
Closer than an hour to towns is higher risk, add a warm night, a weekend or a full moon, and the risk goes up the scale.
Park where you can't be driven around or passed by, avoiding the opportunity to be hooned or showered with gravel.
If we are a bit uneasy, and somewhat unsure of a place, we park up ready to move if trouble arrives. However in what may be over a thousand nights camping we have only been worried once, and annoyed probably 3 or 4 times.
Cheers
Post by: nab on July 01, 2015, 07:11:43 PM
My wife and I are generally well prepared for most things when camping, have backups/spares, take the easy track etc. When it comes to security there is only so much that a thin canvas wall can save you from. We just accept that there is a slight/tiny risk that the bad may happen.
I feel safer alone in the bush than in some caravan parks...
Post by: austastar on July 01, 2015, 07:19:49 PM
The 'Team from Deliverance' falls into the same category as a container falling off a truck, or a roadtrain crossing to the wrong side of the road. The possibility is there, but it won't stop me leaving the house.
Thus we minimise exposure to roadtrains etc by using minor roads and try and find camping spots that would be so boring to nutter types that they wouldn't go there.
Cheers
Post by: gronk on July 01, 2015, 07:58:15 PM
The only times you'll get any trouble ( if there is going to be any ) is friday and sat nights.....even scum bags have gotta work !!
Post by: jayjay on July 01, 2015, 11:28:33 PM
Post by: GeoffA on July 02, 2015, 07:49:31 AM
.....even scum bags have gotta work !!
They usually don't....
Post by: achjimmy on July 02, 2015, 08:00:48 AM
I reckon if you are that worried about it the maybe camping isn't for you.
My wife and I are generally well prepared for most things when camping, have backups/spares, take the easy track etc. When it comes to security there is only so much that a thin canvas wall can save you from. We just accept that there is a slight/tiny risk that the bad may happen.
I feel safer alone in the bush than in some caravan parks...
+1
Post by: achjimmy on July 02, 2015, 08:09:24 AM
We have never had a prob but you gotta be aware. In most places the cops are only to willing to attend and nab some body for dui so if your harrassed that's your best bet or move on. As for maglites, Jack handles, peppers sprays I think your just asking for trouble especially if in a mob. It will just escalate a situation. Thing about carrying weapons is you have to be able and willling To use them. If there was abouslutely no other way out to protect myself or my family I would and it wouldn't be a pepper spray or iron bar :angel:
Post by: austastar on July 02, 2015, 11:31:45 AM
Yep, I would rather talk my way out of trouble than a physical fight.
I'm happy talking down an agressive drunk, but have yet to meet the dreaded ice, only what I've seen on TV.
Hopefully anyone on that would be incapable of reaching the spots we like to be.
Cheers
Post by: Beachman on July 02, 2015, 12:05:06 PM
I have to admit seeing it was just myself and my 2 young children my heart started beating faster as you never know if they are just having harmless fun or out looking for trouble. Luckily when they were close enough to see head lights in the distance the heavens opened from the storm and they took off in the opposite direction.
Apart from that, it was a fantastic weekend as we had the whole camping area to ourselves and apart from one night-time storm the weather was good.
Post by: Traveller on July 02, 2015, 01:45:26 PM
Woke up the next morning to another lovely day and thought that what was I worried about? It did remind me though about the dangers, and I really do try to get out of sight. Sometimes it is a bit difficult however, especially in desert type country with no greenery to give a screen. When coming down the Tanami last year we used sand dunes to hide behind although we were still slightly exposed.
After saying all that, the camps we love the most are these remote ones. There is something about being in the middle of nowhere, hopefully by yourselves, with just a sky full of stars to keep you company. Life doesn't get much better.
Post by: gronk on July 02, 2015, 03:07:38 PM
If it's fairly remote, the only ones going past are probably locals going to or from their homesteads..
Post by: bergersau on July 02, 2015, 04:25:00 PM
Does anyone know a recipe for some really effective pepper spray?
Questions that spring to mind are:
## Is home brew pepper spray legal?
## What experiences have you had using it in a defensive scenario?
## How effective was it; etc?
## Any recommendations on easy-carry spray platforms - as the delivery system?
## What range/projectory do these have? .
If anyone has any accurate specifics - this would be helpful vs (non fact based) opinions..
no stress,
Appreciated
ANY item carried with the intent to use as a weapon for self defence is illegal in Victoria as I understand the law.
That includes home made pepper spray, knives, bats, scissors etc.
Having said that, if you snatched up a convenient mag-lite or aerosol of oven cleaner or other improvised weapon which happened to be laying around in a self defence emergency - that's different. You'd also need a plausible reason for having that item on hand. For example "Why wasn't your fishing knife safely stored in your tackle box in the boot of your car with the rest of your fishing gear. Storage of knives under your pillow is very unusual sir..."
These conversations are always concerning - if you pick up a weapon, ANY WEAPON you need to be fully prepared to use it. If not then you've just escalated the situation further.
If you use a weapon of any description, improvised or not you had better be prepared to justify your actions in the legal aftermath that often results.
Post by: slydar on July 02, 2015, 06:38:36 PM
now - stepping out of your tent/camper/van and spraying yourself with repellent and accidentally using it on them can be a different story
I am a naturist and often stay at the one free campground that is legal to be so and we were woken up one morning by some local surf club having a comp on the beach (don't ask me why it had to be that one) and we were heckled by them - the cheese and kisses calmly walked around the front and took photos of their 'grand stand' and all the cars that were there which had them puzzled but they were such big men they didn't dare challenge her. one of the regulars who knew the local ranger heard what went on and called the ranger that night when he got home and he said he would speak to the organisers and warn them not to do it again (we would have preferred they were banned from any future carnivals), but all night the cheese and kisses kept waking with her heart pounding in case they were coming back as we were the only ones camping there that weekend
many years ago in a past life I had the family camping at cotter camp ground one summer - it was pretty good even if it was the hottest summer many people had experienced. in those days a 'camp host' was appointed from the community to voluntarily be the unofficial ranger but he never had any power so when hoards of young ones wanting to have wild parties turned up there would be a confrontation of some sort and getting the police out there was difficult - at night there would always be at least one car cruising quietly through the camp but a flash of a torch usually gave them notice. the ranger would also come through but he made no secret of concealing who he was
I remember reading on here (I think) of someone who stopped at walgett cop shop and asked where the nearest safe free camping ground was only to be told straight up to keep going to tamworth
Post by: gronk on July 02, 2015, 06:51:51 PM
Geez, the copper musn't have liked him to try and send him all the way to Tamworth !! ;D