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Dining, Drinking and Stealth Urban Overnighting?
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Chuck77
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PostPosted: Tue Jul 07, 2009 5:58 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I am from the woods and never had a vanagon when I was "stealthing it". What I used to do is parallel park my old truck in the summer and sleep under my tonneau cover. One time I forgot to allow for airflow after an overly garlic'ed and onion'ed meal, and I actually woke up with my eyes burning like you wouldn't believe. I have slept off a night in my vanagon to keep my drunk a$$ off of the streets before, and I did get the courtesy call from the cops about 3 in the AM. I was in a grocery store parking lot, I'm crossing that off of the list from now on.

YSQUARED--Nice van by the way!!! I have a thing for white vehicles, and that looks sharp.
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photogdave
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PostPosted: Tue Jul 07, 2009 6:07 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

buckturgidson wrote:
I'm thinking about stealth camping on San Fran trips to keep costs down . If you're paying $45 a day or thereabouts to park it seems like you ought to be able to sleep in the Vanagon . I'll post when it happens . I'm guessing expensive cities like Frisco and NYC make it hard to pull off , but if you're in some obscure spot on the 3rd floor of a garage who the hell will know ?


There's an RV park at CandleStick Park with a free shuttle into town. It's more expensive than a regular RV park and as it's all concrete it's not very pretty, but it's not much more expensive than daily parking downtown and you get a bathroom and showers!
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ysquared
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PostPosted: Tue Jul 07, 2009 7:08 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

rockfish wrote:
ysquared: Not to be a buzz kill - but I'm a bit surprised about the attitude towards DUI arrests.

I had a work colleague killed by a drunk driver (t-boned, ran a red light) while driving back to work at lunch time. I also had a very good friend, who was walking in a crosswalk - with the light, get hit by a drunk driver - cracked his head open - 3 weeks in a coma, 2 years of re-hab. He's healthy now, is married and has 2 kids - but can't hold down a job or do half of what he used to do (former national level swimmer).

So as far as I'm concerned, I'm all for any DUI handed out.


Don't get me wrong, I'm a law abiding citizen, especially where getting intoxicated and driving is concerned. We've all got our own experiences, 1st, 2nd hand stories, etc., but from what I can tell from my little corner of the world, the cops are getting out of hand. Most of it motivated by money, not public safety. This is why I'm trying to avert any run-in with them and getting advice here.

Let's check the stats ... Since 1982 alcohol related fatalities have been reduced by about 40% and it's leveled off in the last 5 years (MADD has done their job). In 2007 there were about 15,500 alcohol related driving deaths in the U.S. (out of 6 million total accidents) with over 205 million licensed drivers in the U.S.

BTW ... With 30+ years of driving history, I've known 7 people who have died in car related accidents and no alcohol was involved. Unfortunate things happen to good people.

Not meaning to use this forum for a rant, but ... this country has got 1 in 100 citizens in jail right now. If you're hispanic it's 1 in 37. If you're black, it's 1 in 10. 68% of all those jailed are in for non-violent crimes, i.e., DUI, and drug related offenses. 46% of the non-violent criminals are in for Pot.

The only country that jails it's citizens at a higher rate (per capita) is the USSR, and only by 2%. It's predicted that if we keep up at the same incarceration rate we'll be number one late next year. Home of the brave ... land of the not so free?

I've never gotten a DUI and maybe a bit paranoid, but know several people who's lives have been devastated by the legal system. I'm talking about lost jobs, divorces, child services involvement, exorbitant legal fees, not to mention jail. Mostly because they didn't have the good sense to take a cab home ... or sleep in a Westy.
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RCB
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PostPosted: Tue Jul 07, 2009 7:36 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

OK ysguared, thank you from all of us for posting those dramatic numbers.

Back to your original post if we can.. how do YOU plan on dealing with drinking and driving and eating at good rectaurants while you up here visiting.

Youve gotten lots upon lots of information on how other travelers handle the stealth camping situation how do you propose to handle your here today gone tomorrow camping
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zohami
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PostPosted: Tue Jul 07, 2009 7:37 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

If the neighbors call the cops, and you're too tired to remember not to poke your head up, be sure you don't have any warrants for your arrest!
A loooooong time ago I got a ticket for violation of leash law in Newport Beach, and apparently I blew off paying the citation. Years later, stealth-camping in my '66 Westy in front of a friend's house in San Rafael after a long night drive arriving about 3 a.m., the cops woke me up and nicely escorted me out of town, advising me to pay the fine before I came back to their little city. The cops were actually cool, because they could have busted me instead of providing the escort to the city limits.
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rockfish
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PostPosted: Tue Jul 07, 2009 7:46 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

BTW - there are several California State Parks which allow "Enroute Camping". In other words, no reservation - no problem. The spots are available only to "self contained" vehicles --- just show 'em you have a porta-potty and you're good (at least that's my experience). One night stay - but it's safe and you have (sneak) access to bathrooms, showers, etc. Can't say what the fees are - but I do remember that it is less than the "normal" fee they charge for campsites. Only one downside - they want you on the road by 9AM - or pay a day fee...but since we have a CA parks pass, it's a moot point for us.

http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=21687

Benbow Lake http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=426
Benecia http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=476
Carpinteria http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=599
China Camp http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=466
Calousa-Sacto River http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=461
El Capitan http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=601
Lake Oroville http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=462
McArthur Burney Falls http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=455
Montaņa de Oro http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=592
Mount Tamalpais http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=471
Pfeiffer Big Sur http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=570
Red Rock Canyon http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=631
Richardson Grove http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=422
Salt Point http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=453
Silver Strand http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=654
Sonoma Coast http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=451
Van Damme http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=433
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RCB
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PostPosted: Tue Jul 07, 2009 7:48 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

ysquared wrote:
Walmart Map ....

http://www.allstays.com/c/walmart-california-locations-map.htm

Seems like this overnight location might be going the way of an urban myth. Also, with a bit more digging, it seems like Walmart has had several crimes reported in their parking lots lately.
.

I would expect a market director like yourself to do a whole lot of digging when investigating the possibilities of stealth camping in a Westy Very Happy

Have you found any other goodies you would like to share with the Samba community?
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crukab
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PostPosted: Wed Jul 08, 2009 5:45 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I've done a bunch of cross country trips in my old '63 DC, and the last 11 years in our '91 Carat--which doesn't have the windsheild curtain, it does have the behind front seat curtain.
When we Stealth camp we pick a spot, go use the bathroom, set up the bed & all the curtains, then roll into our spot & crash. I usually only sleep until 4-5 a.m., so we leave before anyone figures us out.
We always look for Hospital parking lots, also State Police barracks or Sheriff stations-- checking to make sure it's ok to park for the night, never had a problem. Also 24 hour truck stops on interstates---only ones w/ lots of people around.
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ysquared
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PostPosted: Wed Jul 08, 2009 7:33 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

The advice here has been great, and very much appreciated. Solid, down-to earth, real world stuff. Reminds me of the quote ... "To be foolish is not learning from your own experience. To be wise is learning from the experience of others."

Here's where my other research maybe of interest to fellow Sambaites. Found at www.freecampgrounds.com. http://www.freecampgrounds.com/search.aspx. I'm still researching this website, but it looks like it's frequently updated by RVer's on the road. RV people use the term "boondocking" for their stealth overnighting (never knew that before yesterday). I'm thinking if they can do it in those huge rigs, our Westy's are a shoe-in.

My next investment might be limo tinting the rear windows. I've had a seamstress sew on the outside of my curtains a silvery, flexible material that reflects heat and provides light blocking inside/outside. When buttoned-up at night it may not be enough though.

Also ... I gotta walk my talk here. If anyone is going through Pismo Beach and needs an overnight stay, let me know. I'm 3 blocks off Highway One, with an ocean view. I've got a spare, covered carport off the street and can offer shore power.
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1621
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PostPosted: Wed Jul 08, 2009 8:48 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Dogpilot wrote:
So I think drunks need to register the same as Sex Offenders, I fear more from them than the others. I also think DUI's need to have a special license plate for a minimum of two years.


Brilliant! I'm going to copy and paste this section and forward it to my state and federal representatives.
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funagon
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PostPosted: Wed Jul 08, 2009 9:27 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Rockfish, that's a nice list of campsites. I stayed at salt point about two weeks ago and it was a great place. Almost full but all the campers were abalone divers who went to bed by night fall so they could get up early to go diving. So no generators, no t.v.'s, no noisy parties, nothing! I fell asleep listening to the waves on the shore and the wind in the trees, and nothing else . . .
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rockfish
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PostPosted: Wed Jul 08, 2009 3:57 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

funagon wrote:
So no generators, no t.v.'s, no noisy parties, nothing! I fell asleep listening to the waves on the shore and the wind in the trees, and nothing else . . .


Beautiful. One time we were allowed to camp overnight on the West side (beach parking lot) of Leo Carillo for the night (near Malibu for those not in the know...). We were in heaven. Right on the sand, ocean waves --- couldn't believe our luck.

It's difficult to get a reservation in the summer, but getting a beach front campsite at Carpinteria is still one our favorites.
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PDXWesty
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PostPosted: Wed Jul 08, 2009 4:14 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

All you really need to be considered self contained in CA is one of those folding potties with the bags. Makes into a spare camp stool too. Smile

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noganav
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PostPosted: Wed Jul 08, 2009 6:34 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Yikes, now that's a porta potty. The mind recoils at the thought of ever having to use something like that. How much weight do you think those two little pins can support? Laughing
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Jon_slider
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PostPosted: Wed Jul 08, 2009 9:16 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Ideas where to park
http://cheaprvliving.com/wheretopark.html

These are the things I like to have when overnighting anywhere.

1. A front window sunshade, Black side out.
2. An empty Gatorade bottle or gallon water jug.
3. A roll of paper towels, and a bottle of Isopropy Rubbing Alcohol
4. Two Tall kitchen garbage bags and a bucket or 4 legged stool.

Other things I like to have in a Van setup for overnighting

1. Limo tinted windows, with curtains.
2. Water, propane and tea.
3. Sheet, Pillow and down comforter.
4. A spatula, fry pan, and 1 quart pot to boil water.
5. Durable goods: Oatmeal, Matzoh bread, canned tuna, fruit in a cup, instant pancake mix in a sandwich bag, Indian Fare foil packed veggies.
6. Kleenex, tooth brush, hair brush, Paper plates, knife, fork, spoon and teacup.

I have never been rousted by a cop, nor by a resident, for sleeping in a residential area, among other vehicles, not even with the top up, even with yellow levelling blocks under my curbside wheels.

I have been rousted by a cop at 2am sleeping on the side of a 2 lane road thru the redwoods in Santa Cruz, top down, not leveled. After running my license, and coming up clean, I was allowed to go back to sleep with a warning not to return.

I have never been cited for limo tint, even though I have it on the driver and passenger front too, which is illegal in all the states I live in and travel through, California, New Mexico, and Arizona.
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koolmoe
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PostPosted: Wed Jul 08, 2009 9:38 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Great conversation.
I've not "stealthed" in a while but did often with my Westy in college. Many times in bar parking lots or a buddy's driveway - though have been woken up too early a few times blocking in roommates cars. My friends always knew where to find me if I was far from my pad but had disappeared...

On the several roadtrips, we almost always had a friend's place to crash or a campground. Frequently we just took turns driving and the others sleeping in the back on loooong trips. Once out of Mardi Gras, stopped at a KOA not too far away and asked if we could just crash in the front parking area and pop the top for the night - no problem and no cost. That was cool (definitely changed my opinion at the time of KOA's for the better).
I guess that wasn't really 'stealth' though.

Worst car overnight was in my Rabbit in Ocean City, NJ. With the seats forward and a few blankets to fill-in the rear footwells, not terribly uncomfortable, but MAN was it bright at 6am when that seaside sun came up. Sleep didn't last much longer and the hangover was peaking...
That was one thing that got me psyched about a bus. Curtains?! Sweeeet.
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buckturgidson
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PostPosted: Wed Jul 08, 2009 9:53 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

photogdave wrote:
buckturgidson wrote:
I'm thinking about stealth camping on San Fran trips to keep costs down . If you're paying $45 a day or thereabouts to park it seems like you ought to be able to sleep in the Vanagon . I'll post when it happens . I'm guessing expensive cities like Frisco and NYC make it hard to pull off , but if you're in some obscure spot on the 3rd floor of a garage who the hell will know ?


There's an RV park at CandleStick Park with a free shuttle into town. It's more expensive than a regular RV park and as it's all concrete it's not very pretty, but it's not much more expensive than daily parking downtown and you get a bathroom and showers!


Thanks , great idea .
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GeorgeL
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PostPosted: Wed Jul 08, 2009 11:20 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

The only places I've found to be hyper-sensitive to stealth camping is the touristy areas where they want everyone to pay for a room or campsite.

The AIRS list is a good place to find folks who will let you camp at their houses. You can also sign up on the Vanagon, Type2, and/or Vintagebus lists, post your route and ask for volunteers. I've done that and made a lot of new friends over the years! Much more fun to stay with VW folk than to sneak around solo. There are some advantages to the Old School mailing lists!
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Boogievan
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PostPosted: Thu Jul 09, 2009 3:38 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

HA!! This reminds me of my last "stealth" camping trip...
It was after a friend of mine and I met up to go to a concert (in November), at The Showbox in Seattle.

We both fully intended to drive home, and were both fully not able to...
So we camped out in a very "stealthy" fashion... On 1st Ave... With the motor running...

And somehow, we didn't get bothered by the man.
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Beaverboy
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PostPosted: Thu Jul 09, 2009 3:46 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

noganav wrote:
How much weight do you think those two little pins can support? Laughing
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