Going It Alone

Hi guys

I'm on the lookout for some advice from those in the know.

As I want to take more wide field dslr images and get the best out of the shots, this means having to travel out of the city and into the countryside. Now, I'm not the bravest individual out there and I am looking for tips on safety.

I know one thing is to tell someone where you are going, but I know that if I tell my wife that I am heading out to the wilds of Wicklow on my own she will have a canary and worry herself until I get back.

What do those brave men and women who venture off the beaten track at night have in the way of advice?

I await with anticipation.

Paul

Strangely enough, when I head out 'into the wilds', I go somewhere very remote that wouldn't a place for courting couples for example. I have got a few nice places on the bog near the MAC Observatory site in Clonminch outside Tullamore, and I used to also head out onto he bog near Walsh Island (the Mount Lucas windfarm is there now).

Generally, I make myself known. Always have a red light on, on the tripod or table. I really don't think you're going to be at risk of someone coming across you and purposefully put you in danger. Besides, anywhere that is easily accessible by car will also be easily accessible by courting couples, drunkards and bored boy racers.

Hope some of this sentiment helps.

Seanie.

Good points, Seanie, especially about the red light, the last thing somebody wants is the shock of another person suddenly appearing in their path, if they have advance warning all the better.

Ben Sugarman has put out a list of some excellent observing sites in Wicklow and I think I'll try out some of them, but will I tell the wife?

I was thinking of getting a large dog with large teeth and a taste for human flesh as a companion.

Paul

Hi Paul - in a professional capacity, I advise clients on items such as "lone working" so the following tips might be of help to you. Note that none of these involve telling the wife precisely where you are going so as not to unduly worry her.

1. Take a mobile phone so you can be contacted or you could call the emergency services.
2. Have a deal with a friend or relative where you call them or they call you on the hour - if you don't call them or you don't answer their call, you should agree on what the next step is - perhaps one more call say 5 mins later then call for help of some sort.
3. Mae a final call when you are leaving - not when you're packing up but when you are actually in the car with the engine running.
4. A dog is a great idea
5. Stay close to the car if possible or at least make sure you can find the car quickly and get to it quickly (perhaps leave the interior light on) - if trouble arises, you can jump in and lock the doors at least. Don't worry about your gear.

Seanie's advice is good and sound. The above are just a few more embellishments.

Hope they help or give you more ideas...

Dave

Hi paul. Have you thought about self defence, a very good way to boost confidence .
Your right to be concerned, I had a near miss myself some years ago.
No one can surprise you, when you have a dog with you, I recommend a Big one with a very Low growl .
Alan

lunartic wrote: Good points, Seanie, especially about the red light, the last thing somebody wants is the shock of another person suddenly appearing in their path, if they have advance warning all the better.

Ben Sugarman has put out a list of some excellent observing sites in Wicklow and I think I'll try out some of them, but will I tell the wife?

I was thinking of getting a large dog with large teeth and a taste for human flesh as a companion.

Paul

Alternatively you could just bring the wife along with you .
I took my wife camping to a few star parties. After seeing what happens at these events she never worries about me anymore and now lets me go alone :laugh: