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sweet UER decals:
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 FauxBellum
Location: North/Central FL
Gender: Male
Huzzah!
 |  | Dealing with locals/passerbys
< on 7/23/2012 3:16 AM >
|  | | | So I decided to go on my first exploration today to an old mill in rural South Georgia. The mill was a 1/2 mile from the nearest main road and on a dirt road so I parked the car close by and began to walk up. I had all my equipment, and started walking down the train tracks near by since I saw what looked to be a large tree that had fallen onto the tracks and this was an active line.
Well as I am walking back towards the POE I hear a red-neck truck (i.e. loud exhaust, lifted, lights on in the day) coming up the road, so I put on my "I am supposed to be here" swagger and continue walking towards the mill and also in the same direction as my car. At this point I am still on county property and not on any private/posted property.
The truck driver pulls up next to me and asks what I am doing walking around and parking my car in the area. I told him that I was exploring the area and taking pictures for a project. He then told me that I had better get out of here before he gets back and if I am still there he is calling the sheriff. So not wanting to get the sheriff called, I tell him I will and that I will be on my way shortly. He leaves and I proceed to poke my head around and recon the area before heading back to my car.
On my way driving out, I see him coming back down the road and as I pass him, he turns around and follows me up to the main road at which point we both part ways.
So how do you handle situations where locals/passerbys get nosy about what you are doing?
Also, in rural areas how do you reduce your visibility in terms of parking vehicles?
[last edit 7/23/2012 3:17 AM by FauxBellum - edited 1 times]
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secretdestroyers
    
Location: Baltimore
Gender: Male
| |  | Re: Dealing with locals/passerbys
<Reply # 1 on 7/23/2012 3:40 AM >
| | | | sounds like a low key location. maybe don't treat it like one. rather then deal with the locals in this situation evade them. don't get seen in the first place.
parking in rural areas can be hard. if you can, park some place with other cars where it will go unnoticed and also not get towed.
good luck
SD
[last edit 7/23/2012 3:40 AM by secretdestroyers - edited 1 times]
F this I"m going exploring! |
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buddykermit
Location: Mid Atlantic
Gender: Male
"hey dude watch this"
| | Re: Dealing with locals/passerbys
<Reply # 2 on 7/23/2012 3:45 AM >
| | | | what id normally do in that situation is tell the guy to go fuck himself and mind his own business.
thats what works for me.... although apparently i am - or just think i am a "badass" lol jk
for the passive/smart types:
you should find out who the sheriff is so you can name drop
"go ahead and call old man stevens, his family and mine go way back"
name dropping goes a long way in rural areas - i bet that wouldve ended it
what you have to think is who is this guy and why is he concerned with me being here? alot of rural places are prime spots to grow weed and or cook meth
When one man, for whatever reason,
has the opportunity to lead an extraordinary life,
he has no right to keep it to himself |
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FauxBellum
Location: North/Central FL
Gender: Male
Huzzah!
| | Re: Dealing with locals/passerbys
<Reply # 3 on 7/23/2012 3:56 AM >
| | | | Posted by secretdestroyers
sounds like a low key location. maybe don't treat it like one. rather then deal with the locals in this situation evade them. don't get seen in the first place.
parking in rural areas can be hard. if you can, park some place with other cars where it will go unnoticed and also not get towed.
good luck
SD
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Avoiding is what I am doing next time. I just got unlucky this time that I took an extra bit to check out a danger on the RR. I didn't report it until I left so I think it was just coincidence.
As for parking, the closest area is a couple miles hike and the town that I can park at is only maybe 200-300 people large.
I did notice on my exit recon that one of the gates did not have a padlock on it, do you think it would be worth just parking my car behind the gate and locking it with my own padlock? In my mind, this way it appears to belong at the site.
Thanks for the advice!
Posted by buddykermit
what id normally do in that situation is tell the guy to go fuck himself and mind his own business.
thats what works for me.... although apparently i am - or just think i am a "badass" lol jk
for the passive/smart types:
you should find out who the sheriff is so you can name drop
"go ahead and call old man stevens, his family and mine go way back"
name dropping goes a long way in rural areas - i bet that wouldve ended it
what you have to think is who is this guy and why is he concerned with me being here? alot of rural places are prime spots to grow weed and or cook meth
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Well around here all we have are deputies since the county is huge. I don't know all the deputies who patrol the area and I don't think that the sheriff is ever really around except for election season.
This mill is apart of a larger complex located on the other side of the town, so my main concern is if it is an employee who can call and verify that I shouldn't be there. I think the people are more worried about copper theft and methlabs like you said. Us southern folk lover our meth apparently.
However, since I do know the company involved I think I might be able to social engineer my way out of it next time.
Cheers for the advice!
[last edit 7/23/2012 4:04 AM by FauxBellum - edited 1 times]
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Intrinsic
  
Location: Collingwood
Gender: Male
| | Re: Dealing with locals/passerbys
<Reply # 4 on 7/23/2012 4:18 AM >
| | | | Posted by buddykermit
what id normally do in that situation is tell the guy to go fuck himself and mind his own business.
thats what works for me.... although apparently i am - or just think i am a "badass" lol jk
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You're not a badass. A badass is when you don't have a carry permit and weapon to back yourself up, and decide to say those words to a stranger in a truck.
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SuchundFind
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Gender: Male
| | Re: Dealing with locals/passerbys
<Reply # 5 on 7/23/2012 4:46 AM >
| | | | Never had this problem as I make sure that I fit better in the environment as others do.
Park your vehicle right in front of the place and if you have put a cone behind it or an amber light bar on top.
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\/adder
 
Location: DunkarooLand
Gender: Male
I'm the worst of the best but I'm in this race.
| | | Re: Dealing with locals/passerbys
<Reply # 6 on 7/23/2012 6:14 AM >
| | | | Go early in the morning if it's in a conspicuous area., park far away and ride a bike in. It's pretty much a guaranteed bet so long as no one sees you hop a fence or window, you can get as close as you need to. If you get stopped, you can always say you were just taking a leak or something. Can't get charged with public urination and trespassing on private property at the same time.
If you get stopped just agree with them and leave. Even property owners can't hold you without reasonable suspicion of a crime ... so if you offer to leave and aren't holding a crowbar in your hand usually they'll just send you on your way.
The photos for a project was a good, innocent, cover story ... if the really pressed you for details you can tell them you're just looking for texture templates of brick or rust or some bullshit.
"No risk, no reward, no fun."
"Go all the way or walk away"
escensi omnis... |
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Steed
 
Location: Edmonton/Seoul
Gender: Male
Your Friendly Neighbourhood Race Traitor
| | | Re: Dealing with locals/passerbys
<Reply # 7 on 7/23/2012 7:28 AM >
| | | | Posted by TheVicariousVadder
The photos for a project was a good, innocent, cover story ... if the really pressed you for details you can tell them you're just looking for texture templates of brick or rust or some bullshit.
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Yeah, it's a good cover story, but be sure not to mention urban exploration. And for the love of all that is unholy, if you're in trouble, do not tell them about UER.
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FauxBellum
Location: North/Central FL
Gender: Male
Huzzah!
| | Re: Dealing with locals/passerbys
<Reply # 8 on 7/23/2012 1:43 PM >
| | | | Posted by Steed
Yeah, it's a good cover story, but be sure not to mention urban exploration. And for the love of all that is unholy, if you're in trouble, do not tell them about UER.
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Yeah I saw that post in another thread where someone did that and unleashed a small flamewar upon themselves.
All my cover story is and ever will be is "I am taking photographs for a project/to preserve history/for my portfolio"
Thanks for all the advice everyone!
[last edit 7/23/2012 1:44 PM by FauxBellum - edited 1 times]
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Weirdlig
Gender: Female
| | Re: Dealing with locals/passerbys
<Reply # 9 on 7/23/2012 4:22 PM >
| | | | Generally I do the I'm supposed to be here thing thing and waltz in like you did and never have any trouble. But in the cases I do, I kinda plan out via the map. Try looking up the google satellite view and check all parking and campus entry points. Try a different road and maybe go into the woods through the back, or something along those lines. As mentioned, predawning helps...not only are there less people, but I get the idea that anyone seeing you doesn't expect you to be up to something illegal. Most people probably think anyone trespassing is a kid raising trouble--generally too irresponsible to get up early.
Of course this is all if you see the location as worth the hassle.
http://www.flickr....irdlingphotography |
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FauxBellum
Location: North/Central FL
Gender: Male
Huzzah!
| | Re: Dealing with locals/passerbys
<Reply # 10 on 7/23/2012 5:09 PM >
| | | | Posted by Weirdling
Generally I do the I'm supposed to be here thing thing and waltz in like you did and never have any trouble. But in the cases I do, I kinda plan out via the map. Try looking up the google satellite view and check all parking and campus entry points. Try a different road and maybe go into the woods through the back, or something along those lines. As mentioned, predawning helps...not only are there less people, but I get the idea that anyone seeing you doesn't expect you to be up to something illegal. Most people probably think anyone trespassing is a kid raising trouble--generally too irresponsible to get up early.
Of course this is all if you see the location as worth the hassle.
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Well I just found out that this isn't a mill but a mine, so it just made my short list of places to go.
As for parking... secluded road, 2 lane, pine forest, and this building is the only one on the road. Closest inconspicuous parking is a 2mi drive and 1-1.5mi linear distance from the location (from measurements taken off of Google earth). As I stated before, I think I am just going to park my car behind a building since there is an unlocked gate, then lock it with my own padlock.
I am definitely going to pre-dawn it next time. The last thing I need is the same local to come by and see the car again.
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paigellen24
Location: Chicago, IL
Gender: Female
| | Re: Dealing with locals/passerbys
<Reply # 11 on 7/23/2012 6:45 PM >
| | | | From my experiences, I've noticed that smaller areas notice you more, and when larger areas do, they don't care much.
My first explore was when I was still traipsing around the neighborhood with other kids. We weren't sure if it was truly abandoned, and we thought the neighbor could spot us easily. To remedy this, we went to the neighbor and asked if she had seen our missing dog, and if anybody was home next door that we could ask. As sixth graders, this seemed super sneaky.
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tick
Location: Abingdon, VA
Gender: Male
| |  | | Re: Dealing with locals/passerbys
<Reply # 12 on 7/23/2012 10:04 PM >
| | | | Posted by DeiBellum
So how do you handle situations where locals/passerbys get nosy about what you are doing?
Also, in rural areas how do you reduce your visibility in terms of parking vehicles?
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I try to be super friendly to everyone I meet. I happily tell people what I'm doing and where I'm going. If someone give me a hard time I keep acting friendly (and naive) and ask what the problem is?
I usually get to sites by hiking through the woods. Even in cities. I'm pretty sure this annoys the crap out of people I go exploring with.
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Keaven
Location: 15 miles from the Grassy Knoll
Gender: Male
| |  | Re: Dealing with locals/passerbys
<Reply # 13 on 7/24/2012 12:52 AM >
| | | | Posted by tick
I try to be super friendly to everyone I meet. I happily tell people what I'm doing and where I'm going. If someone give me a hard time I keep acting friendly (and naive) and ask what the problem is?
I usually get to sites by hiking through the woods. Even in cities. I'm pretty sure this annoys the crap out of people I go exploring with.
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Damn! Tick beat me to what I was going to post, and said it much better that I probably would have.
I think he is 100% correct. With most people, your friendliness can overcome whatever suspicions they had of you.
You see someone eyeing you? Smile and wave at them! They start walking towards you? Walk towards them (with your hands in view) and a big smile. Try to speak first. "Good morning! Hi, I'm Joe. I hear that is an interesting old mine over here. Have you seen it? Is there a place from where I can photograph the outside? Do you know anything about its history? Have you lived here long? This is certainly a lovely place, you must enjoy living here".
"You're going to call the police on me? Well, I'm not doing anything wrong and I don't have anything to hide. I'll get a few more shots while I wait right here for the officer. I hope he has time to spend on this after I've already told you who I am and what I'm doing".
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Asher0719
Location: MSP
Gender: Female
The World Abandoned
| | Re: Dealing with locals/passerbys
<Reply # 14 on 7/25/2012 12:34 AM >
| | | | Posted by buddykermit
for the passive/smart types:
you should find out who the sheriff is so you can name drop
"go ahead and call old man stevens, his family and mine go way back"
name dropping goes a long way in rural areas - i bet that wouldve ended it
what you have to think is who is this guy and why is he concerned with me being here? alot of rural places are prime spots to grow weed and or cook meth
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Best answer by far. Name dropping is an excellent idea. If that doesn't work, then gtfo. As for the passerby, buddykermit is exactly right. Why is he so touchy about you being there? What's he protecting? Maybe he or his family own the site or maybe it's something a little more sinister than that.
As for exploring in rural areas, treat it as you would an urban site. Be cautious and know your surroundings. Park in populated areas and walk/bike to the site. Just because it's in the country doesn't mean it's easy access. In fact, owners of rural sites can be a lot tougher than those in urban (they carry shotguns too). The further out you get in the country the more people tend to take matters into their own hands, so be careful.
~Asher |
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Weirdlig
Gender: Female
| | Re: Dealing with locals/passerbys
<Reply # 15 on 7/25/2012 1:12 AM >
| | | | A few times when I've been spotted I've just made it look like I was seeking exteriors, then started randomly asking about the history or plans for it's future. A good idea is to, once you KNOW you're found, instigate the conversation. Ask him, don't let him ask you...it shows a lack of fear which makes it seem like you know you're not doing anything wrong.
http://www.flickr....irdlingphotography |
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DawnPatrol
Gender: Female
| | | Re: Dealing with locals/passerbys
<Reply # 16 on 7/25/2012 1:50 AM >
| | | | If possible it's a good idea to survey the area, drive passed it different times of the day or on different days and see when there's the least amount of activity. Holidays and early hours are usually good for exploring no matter where you go.
There was one time I parked at a strip mall and was making my way towards an abandoned house camera in hand. This soccer mom in an SUV with her kid drove by me REAL slow and just stared me down... even if you don't look like you're doing anything I think people just don't like people with cameras. I've decided if anyone ever does that to me again I'm just going to take a picture of them to piss them off further (provided I'm not in a bad neighborhood :p )
[last edit 7/25/2012 1:53 AM by DawnPatrol - edited 1 times]
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Dalmaticus
Location: MSP / Fargo
Gender: Male
| | Re: Dealing with locals/passerbys
<Reply # 17 on 7/25/2012 1:53 AM >
| | | | There are a few places near me that that must be treated with care. I drive as close as I dare, and take my pedal bike the rest of the way.
All the treasure are belong to me. We got a slat, for that! |
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hatsumi
| | | Re: Dealing with locals/passerbys
<Reply # 18 on 7/25/2012 12:23 PM >
| | | | Posted by Dalmaticus
There are a few places near me that that must be treated with care. I drive as close as I dare, and take my pedal bike the rest of the way.
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this or walking from a distance and via bush if possible.
the smaller the place the friendlier i try to be with locals, as others have said, this can go a long way and you can get interesting and important information this way too...being off-handed or dismissive is not going to win you any points and might dig yourself a hole ..
old people love to chat, never dismiss a quick hello and a chat, they have tonnes of time on their hands, probably know all the gossip about the place you want to explore, if not they know someone who worked there or worked there themselves...then ask them about other places that are abandoned and worth taking photos of/documenting/preserving (whatever your alibi happens to be)
otherwise the local convenience store is also a good place or the gas station
in the city where i live as long as you aren't hurting anyone you can do a lot before anyone would bother to intervene or call police, as in most cities, people prefer to look the other way and not risk their comfortable lives by getting involved
drainasaurus maximus |
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insanebuslady
Location: ?
Gender: Male
"You talkin' to me?"
| | | Re: Dealing with locals/passerbys
<Reply # 19 on 8/4/2012 7:02 AM >
| | | | Posted by Asher0719
Best answer by far. Name dropping is an excellent idea.
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That could backfire on you in a really ugly way..
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