Paul Clancy
BC Canada
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Joined: 09/16/2005
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We decided to overnight at walmart in abbotsford bc (called ahead for permission) en route to our holiday in Washington state . We were parked beside a semi and one other motorhome in the lot-that's it. This surprised me as it was a summer weekend with an airshow in town, thought for sure there would be more rigs. At 1 am had a muscle bound drunk knock on the door for money. Said he was a deaf trucker needing gas money, right. I said I wasn't opening the door so he proceeded to hassle the woman (alone I think)in the mh. I called 911 and the "deaf" trucker overheard this and took off. Police came about 10 min later and cruised the lot a couple times after that but the thug was gone. This shook up the family pretty bad. I had planned to overnight stay at walmarts/rest stops going to disney via I5 next year but now am thinking thats a bad idea. I gotta say I was shocked by this whole incident, where it happened, when etc. I may stay at walmart again but only if there are lots of other RV overnighters to improve the odds.
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Hiker3
Florida
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Joined: 01/21/2007
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Good call on getting 911 involved. The police I've talked with said they prefer to come and scare off the bad guys -- instead of being called too late after a crime has been committed (i.e. injuries or worse).
I'm sure that lady appreciated it more than you know.
Sorry it happened!
Livin Lite Quicksilver 8.0 (Folding Tent Camper) only 900 lbs!
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Delaine and Lindy
Linden Tn. (The View)
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Joined: 02/20/2005
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I have only used Wally Docking one time and never again. I just can't see paying the kind of money for our rig to park it in Wally World over night. I think its unsafe, and shopping carts every place. So I don't recomend overnight parking at Wally World. And in some place the local laws don't allow it. So as long as I can afford the RV parks thats were we will stay. Good Luck. GBY.....
2008 Chevy Silverado LTZ 3500, DRW
2008 Chevy Equinox LTZ
2009 Mobile Suites 36TK 3
B&W Hitch
www.webspawner.com/users/lnhdch
We are Blessed !!!!!!
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CA Traveler
Sun Lakes, AZ
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Joined: 01/03/2004
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I've had several people ask me for money at rest stops that had nothing to do with the rig. Once I didn't feel comfortable but wasn't hassled.
Two Walmart stops for us. One in Utah and one in Port Angeles, WA a few days ago. Both had several other rigs. Planning to use the Sequim, WA one in a few weeks. Another camper told me that it was set up for rigs including ground level lights!
2004 Holiday Rambler 36 Endeavor PST with ISC 330 Cummins
2004 Honda CR-V
Bob
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WTTCS
freedom , U.S.A.
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Joined: 07/28/2003
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I am sending you an application for "Lovers of giving money away club". Please fill out and return with your check for 25.00 to cover the cost of _________/
1997 chev crew cab 454, 5 sp. 4.10
2000 Fleetwood Caribou 11.5
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ernestfortier
Palmdale, Calif.
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Joined: 01/11/2005
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There is just as much crime in a Regular Campground as in the Walmart lots. At least the WalMart lots have 24 hour security in them. A lot of campgrounds don't have any kind of security after 10:00 or so. If you feel insecure in WalMart parking lots and don't want to stay in them anymore, that's OK it leaves more room for the rest of us.
Ernie Fortier
99 Bounder 34V
2 honda 2K paralled (for economy)
5.5 Onan onboard
96 Geo Tracker 4x4 Auto. convertable
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CA Traveler
Sun Lakes, AZ
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Joined: 01/03/2004
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Delaine and Lindy,
I share your concern about the carts. But so far I've been in a far area which was away from the main stream shoppers. The only cart was mine which I took back to a cart area.
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webhannet
Southern Coastal Maine
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Joined: 08/09/2004
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ernestfortier wrote:There is just as much crime in a Regular Campground as in the Walmart lots. At least the WalMart lots have 24 hour security in them. A lot of campgrounds don't have any kind of security after 10:00 or so. If you feel insecure in WalMart parking lots and don't want to stay in them anymore, that's OK it leaves more room for the rest of us.
What planet is THAT?
NO ONE is coming to your aid because "bad guys" are threatening you in a WalmArt parking lot! What about the places where your cell phone doesn't seem to work? I had to make a 911 call yesterday, and I lost my signal before the information could be given - true, it wasn't at WalMart - but, just sayin'.
There's plenty of room for YOU at WalMart - you, the truck reefers, the drifters, the homeless, the broken-down campers, and the few who used it as the offer was intended.
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mockturtle
Northwest
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Joined: 05/31/2005
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I would advise against staying at rest stops along I-5 in CA. First of all, I don't think it's permitted. Secondly, even in daytime, these are favorite spots for panhandlers and worse.
Husband: Derek
Dog: Bucky
RV: 2000 Aerolite 19RB TT
TV: 1996 Chevrolet Blazer 6 cyl. 4WD
This car used to be our toad, now is our TV!
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Cloud Dancer
San Antonio and Livingston TX USA
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Joined: 06/08/2001
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If someone wakes me up at 1:00 am, I ain't gonna give them any money either,....don't blame you...
I'll continue to overnight at Walmarts, in the USA only, because I always want to have my guns handy. I don't know if it'll do much good, but it makes me feel better. I've never been bothered, or have felt threatened by anyone knocking on my door. Like you, we don't open the door unless we know who it is.
Willie & Betty Sue
Miko & Sparky
2003 41 ft Dutch Star Diesel Pusher/Spartan
Floorplan 4010
Blazer toad & Ranger bassboat
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