It has been difficult for me to meet up with other explorers in my area.

I was going to take a poll to find out how many of you solo, or have UE buddies.

If you solo, any tips? (e.g. breadcrumb trail, bring a bat, etc.)

I do both. In the US if I'm working in unfamiliar territory I tend to go with a group which can be fun because then get to meet and network. If I know the lay of the land I can go solo, but am usually a little more cautious.

Plus you can get epic group shots.

This has been discussed ad nauseam on the main boards. Not trying to shoot ya down, just letting you know you may find more responses there.

Edit: I see you're from Raleigh. There is definitely an active exploring community down there.

I was surprised when I joined this website and someone was in my same city. But other than that I drive at least 2 hours to meet up with other people.

@Axle Epic indeed!

@EsseXploreR Thanks for the reference.

@enirus I've be to Greensboro and it seems like there is a wealth of places. Is there anything good in Winston-Salem?

People are trouble... avoid them when possible. Solo every time unless I run into a friendly onsite.
Groups are noisy and distracting. Easy to hear (who practices noise discipline?), easier to spot and harder for a group to hide and evade. You can smell cig smoke a click downwind too.

Many times I tagged groups and individuals at locations long before never they knew I was there... keep your eyes busy and never assume you are alone.

I always carry a knife, but if charged with trespassing a weapon could bring a weapons charge as well. If your carrying a big cam and lense in your hand you already have a weapon. Don't go looking for trouble. If it seems so dangerous that you need a weapon, avoid it. That's just common sense.

As mentioned this has been discussed here on UER many times. Use you better judgment to determine what works best for you.

I love solo exploring but I also love exploring with a group of friends for a few reasons. For example, it's easier to climb up to the 2nd or 3rd floor POE with four hands instead of two.

With that being said, I recently had a semi-shitty Instagram meet up with some people from my city. This one dumb ass could have ruined it for everyone because he insisted on using his bright ass flashlight everywhere. He also disrespected the hell out of a local squatter by shining his bright light in the squatters face numerous times for some reason...

Posted by JasonJacksonPhoto With that being said, I recently had a semi-shitty Instagram meet up with some people from my city. This one dumb ass could have ruined it for everyone because he insisted on using his bright ass flashlight everywhere. He also disrespected the hell out of a local squatter by shining his bright light in the squatters face numerous times for some reason...

When you say squatter, in many states it implies they have legal rights similar to a home owner. Messing with them could get very messy legally and physically. I avoid places were people live or housed.

Since 911 in the US a slew of new laws have been created protecting where groups of people are housed or care for. Be aware of that at active hospitals, dorms, nursing homes,etc. Many are felony offenses depending on the state. Active Federal facilities are even worse.

So far I've only been alone. I wouldn't mind partnering up with someone, but they'd have to be either someone I know or someone recommended to me.

Posted by JasonJacksonPhoto With that being said, I recently had a semi-shitty Instagram meet up with some people from my city. This one dumb ass could have ruined it for everyone because he insisted on using his bright ass flashlight everywhere. He also disrespected the hell out of a local squatter by shining his bright light in the squatters face numerous times for some reason...

I hope you kick them out. That kind of thing would remove them from any explorations with me.

Posted by blackhawk When you say squatter, in many states it implies they have legal rights similar to a home owner. Messing with them could get very messy legally and physically. I avoid places were people live or housed. Since 911 in the US a slew of new laws have been created protecting where groups of people are housed or care for. Be aware of that at active hospitals, dorms, nursing homes,etc. Many are felony offenses depending on the state. Active Federal facilities are even worse.

I seriously doubt this person has squatting rights but I'm not sure. It was inside of an incredibly old and dilapidated factory that no one seems to care about.

I know getting caught in any building like that is extremely serious. There's an old school in my area that the police currently use as a training site so I haven't really explored it much

Posted by SouthPaw I hope you kick them out. That kind of thing would remove them from any explorations with me.

Yup I'm never exploring with that person again and I left pretty much immediately after I realized the dude was shining a light at a person

Posted by JasonJacksonPhoto I seriously doubt this person has squatting rights but I'm not sure. It was inside of an incredibly old and dilapidated factory that no one seems to care about. I know getting caught in any building like that is extremely serious. There's an old school in my area that the police currently use as a training site so I haven't really explored it much Yup I'm never exploring with that person again and I left pretty much immediately after I realized the dude was shining a light at a person

I go out my way to avoid fucking with homeless; it's lame and there's no profit in it. Consider if they had a knife and just went Jack on you...

Just because cops train somewhere doesn't mean it's off limits unless it's used daily. Most times it's a couple days a month or year.

Posted by blackhawk I go out my way to avoid fucking with homeless; it's lame and there's no profit in it. Consider if they had a knife and just went Jack on you... Just because cops train somewhere doesn't mean it's off limits unless it's used daily. Most times it's a couple days a month or year.

Trust me man we're on the same page about fucking with the homeless. Sorry if I didn't convey that correctly in my original post.

That's very true. I'm extremely hesitant about this building in particular though because the police keep a very watchful eye on it. My buddy who is notorious for doing crazy things to get inside buildings also thinks it's a bad idea to go back

Posted by JasonJacksonPhoto Trust me man we're on the same page about fucking with the homeless. Sorry if I didn't convey that correctly in my original post. That's very true. I'm extremely hesitant about this building in particular though because the police keep a very watchful eye on it. My buddy who is notorious for doing crazy things to get inside buildings also thinks it's a bad idea to go back

I hear you. Creative is good... crazy gets you into jams. Glad it worked out ok.