Four years ago, I did the same training that police get for learning the right way to shoot (slightly shorter version), and went through various testing skills by instructors who are Sherrif Deputies. It was awesome! I found out I enjoy shooting at targets and that I am a really good shot. Guys in my class couldn't believe it was my first time with a 98% score. 🤗 Having said that, I also have not practiced since then, and that's key for anyone carrying, especially remembering safe handling. So, next week I'm going back for a refresher, will finally apply for my CCW permit, but also schedule some practice sessions. It's legal to carry in my state, but I want a higher level of confidence, and the permit is accepted in 35 states which is good for my long trips next year. I don't want to be a victim, either, especially of my own gun.

Why is that crazy?

@@PS987654321PS I left that comment a year ago I have no idea what I was talking about sorry

As you're new to boondocking, as we mentioned in the video, don't let this affect your impression of dispersed camping. This was a random, one-off event. However, we figured what's a few bucks for some extra peace of mind?

I thought of you back then because I knew within hours that this couple was missing and then found they were found near where you had been. Facebook is far-reaching and I have family in NH near the Butler’s family.

@@kimsargeant8126 during the investigation we were in communication with their son. Our hearts go out to the Butlers' family and friends, this was such an unnecessary tragedy. We had looked at the site for their camp at "The Bowl" and would have likely taken that spot for ourselves, had it not been already occupied. It was one of the best spots along that entire stretch of beach.

Appreciate that, Tom! Situational awareness may be basic, but it's sometimes amazing to us how often it's lacking.

Thank you Barbara!

That's the right descriptor.

Thank you Marian!

Thanks JT!

Couldn't have said it better ourselves.

Tom made a similar comment, Helen. Zoe may well have been a factor, we'll never know. But as for a toy or bone...trust us, she's already well pampered! LOL Appreciate your thoughts.

I didnt see Tom's comment or I wouldn't have doubled up. Is Zoe a chocolate lab? Maggie (also a great dog, RIP) was a golden retriever?

It shouldn't be a political issue, but in today's era it definitely is.

If your not home who pulls the trigger

I prefer Canik; better trigger

Oh God did not carry a gun

Thank you Mark! Happy that Blink is working out for you.

Thanks so much! We merely stuck the mount to the side of the trailer using 3M's outdoor double-sided mounting tape.

Thank you Gary! We look forward to bringing that next episode to you.

Terry, I can see that being potentially disastrous if fired inside, but whatever works for you. Be safe out there.

Good idea

Great idea. I can do that too.

Love ya Chris! Thanks so much.

That incident hit much, much too close to home for our comfort, Candie. Last I heard the case had yet to be adjudicated, but they finally added murder charges last month: www.unionleader.com/news/crime/two-indicted-in-texas-for-the-murder-of-rumney-couple

@@GrandAdventure and we'll wait to see what the jury thinks

@@duckiegirl58 We can only hope that they get it right.

Our pleasure, Roxanne. FYI, should you wish to set up a camera system, the cameras featured in this video are no longer available in the style shown, so we've since shifted over to the Wyze ecosystem: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/gsqjfM6e2rqXcmw.html

Great minds think alike. Thanks for sharing, LW!

Best to err on the side of caution, Roxanne, although we don't let it rule us.

Yes, I understand, but if it was me, It probably would of me.

Wanted to let you know that I have a 2007 trailblazer,almost like the one maybe you had, but I love it!!!!!

Great feedback, KC. Thanks for sharing that. We always have WiFi in our trailer because of the nano router we're using in conjunction with our Visible phone kzfaq.info/get/bejne/jNiZmqumqpzNl6s.html . Even if we're out of cell range, the camera is still connected to the router, as is our phone, so a) the camera has a WiFi signal to connect to (even if it lacks Internet), and b) we still get motion notifications over the LAN. But no, we haven't tried to look for a camera that will connect to a phone directly without a network. That's because that cheap nano router always provides a network.

That's a good thought, but we're still of the belief that it's extremely unlikely to happen.

Hope to see you out there too, Michael! And it will be our pleasure to check out your channel. We in no way felt unsafe or insecure while we were camped on your island; it was only afterward when we learned of the situation with the Butlers, we had already moved on to Rockport, then Canyon Lake, and we were actually in New Mexico when word first reached us. You have a beautiful home area that you should be justifiably proud of. We were active in the North Padre Islanders FB group while this was all coming together, and the sense of community and dedication among islanders to address this issue truly left us impressed.

Thanks Rod! On mobile, the description is there, you just have to tap the little downward-facing triangle to display it.

Great suggestion, TR -- thank you.

We appreciate your viewpoint. We also don't necessarily disagree; we just prefer to keep our CCP status private.

@@GrandAdventure I understand that. I also Appreciate the video and your reply. Glad people can still have civilized conversations.

@@HoofPrintsDR So true.

Indeed it is. Our hearts go out to the family of the Butlers.

Thank you so much! For home use, check out the Wyze cams for both quality and value. We're really impressed with ours.

That's a great point, Thomas. I'd think that much of that risk could be mitigated somewhat by avoiding driving through urban areas so the possibility of breaking down in a "bad area" is greatly reduced.

Yep. There need's to be a gps function that avoids high crime areas. Lol.

You bet! We are thrilled to have you along, thank you for joining.

Thank you, Lonny, and you do the same!

always maintain your situational awareness, but we also can't drive ourselves crazy with fear of every potential problem that could happen, either.

I think you mean "precautions".

@@nightlightabcd Lol yes corrected it.

Just so you know, we fully support a person's 2nd Amendment right to legally carry. Whether or not someone chooses to exercise that right is, as far as we're concerned, a personal decision beyond the scope of what we wanted to address in this video.

Still willing to take those chances, Todd.

Great to hear Rich!

Thank you Susan!

It was a bit nuts, Chris! Thanks so much for your thoughts.

James, we've been able to use both of them both with Wi-Fi present and also on a local LAN. However, when over a local LAN you of course lose the cloud storage capability.

Don't mind whatsoever. We have no adversity to real guns, either, we just don't feel like posting in a public forum whether or not we carry ourselves. Thanks for your suggestion!

Appreciate that! I believe that you'll be happy with either one.

Excellent point. However, by the time someone were to take it a) you'd be aware that something was going on, thanks to the notification; and b) you'd have a terrific shot of the culprit on your phone.

@@GrandAdventure Very true. Happy Travels.

Grand Adventure I agree. But don’t you think you could have both? A terrific shot and a camera that it’s not so easy to steal.

@@BuckyBuck1000 absolutely.

Much of Williams' body art was hidden by clothing and hair when we spoke with him. I've got to be honest, I've known some pretty heavily tatted-up people over the years. It may be hard to picture now, but I'm a product of the punk music scene of the 80s. 😎 That's why when others pointed to this guy, I dismissed it as stereotyping. Then we saw the border photo and I instantly realized that they were right.

@@GrandAdventure Punk Rock Marc ... Has a nice ring to it! That guy had quite a rap sheet. When reading about the Butlers, I saw a police shot showing his body art. His whole upper body was near solid ink. Somehow he must of spent thousands on that. He was definitely out there. After consistently seeing photos in the news of violent gang members inked from the top of their head on down it is not much of a leap to wonder about anyone you see like that. I am sure there are some folks like that which are fine but my guess is it is out of the norm. It raises red flags with me. I am extremely glad you and Mrs GA are fine and I can see why that incident can cause you to stop and think. I am back in Quartzsite right at the moment surrounded by safe Canadians! I was in Lake Havasu where I got a secure lockable generator box mounted to the back of the trailer for the Champion. It worked out well. No more lugging generators around. I get lazier every year.

@@bruceh3786 yup, we've been known to run our genny from the bed of the truck. LOL! Enjoy Quartzsite, Bruce!

With awesome viewers, thank you!

Thanks Alice! We waited to do this episode on purpose, as we didn't want to appear that we were trying to capitalize on the Butlers' misfortune in any way. When we had another security camera, that seemed like a good time to explain *why* we suddenly have a penchant for using security cameras. Our meeting with the suspect was pure chance. When we arrived on Padre Island, with overnight lows in the 80s we knew that we had to wait for a cold front before boondocking on the beach, so we set up in the Padre Balli County Park campground to have hookups for a/c. Our goal, though, was beach boondocking, so we took a drive on the beach to scope out the situation. It was there that we saw the suspect's Utah tags, so that gave us a reason to pull over to discuss where the high tide line had been, etc.

Refusing to be a victim is not political. But when liberals feel uncomfortable they call it political! Hard truths are more important than feelings!

Gord, this is the first time on the channel that we've explained our proximity to those events.

@@GrandAdventure Thanks, Marc, for explaining that. I didn't think I would forget such an account. Nice to know I'm not losing my mind. Gord

Good question. We've since switched over to Wyze, and their outdoor battery cam would certainly work in that scenario as long as there's a router in the middle.

It was definitely unsettling, Lori. Glad that you're pleased with the Hiseeu camera as well, and yep -- camping season is right around the corner!

We're going to miss you, Miss Tracy! Where are you headed?

@@GrandAdventure I am headed to SC! We have a national park near by...Congaree.

@@TheTracystella safe travels, and we look forward to catching up once you get settled in.

@@GrandAdventure thank you Marc! I'm driving a U Haul myself...a 15 footer! I'm going to pretend it's an RV and make it my own Grand Adventure!

@@TheTracystella love it!!

When others mentioned the guy on the beach from Utah, I downplayed those comments as stereotyping. Turned out that they were right.

I agree. Spot on. Leave the areas asap.

Our pleasure. It uses Wi-Fi. You can create a Wi-Fi network with a USB-powered nano travel router even if you don't have an Internet source, but then you can only access the cameras locally.

To be honest, it's just a matter of following the instructions provided with the camera, and a little bit of networking. However, our preferred camera in this video is no longer available in the same form, and we have since switched over to Wyze.

The drawing has just concluded, stay tuned for an announcement regarding the winner.

Excellent, Rob! I think that you'll be very happy with those, as we're very pleased with ours.

Our pleasure, Mike & MJ!

Waaayyy too close to home, Austin!

YIKES ! So glad to know you and your family were never hurt.

@@scoop2591 thanks so much. It was a little too close for comfort. FYI we've made some changes to our camera setup that we'll explain in tomorrow night's new episode.

You need WiFi supplied locally or via your own router, or at least LAN to view locally.

It's a network camera, so yes it utilizes Wi-Fi. However, we use a nano travel router in the rig so it will provide visibility on a mobile device via Intranet, or remote access if there's an Internet connection available.

True of course, Bill. However, we've discovered the hard way that some folks will interpret anything as controversial.

First off, 99% of the time we have Internet via our Visible phone/nano router setup that we explain in our Episode 117 kzfaq.info/get/bejne/jNiZmqumqpzNl6s.html . A cell phone booster (either Episode 39 kzfaq.info/get/bejne/qbh9gNya2pe7eZs.html or Episode 136 kzfaq.info/get/bejne/m75kgtKo0KmacXk.html ) helps to provide signal when we're in fringe areas. As a result, it's been well over a year since we've camped without Internet, and our living situation requires that we have cell signal to be able to work from the RV. Even in incredibly remote areas we've had service, and we're very anxious for the launch of SpaceX's Starlink service later in 2020 which will provide worldwide satellite Internet, eliminating those few dead spots that we can't camp in now. Starlink promises simple setup, sufficient speed and reasonable cost. We'll see if they deliver on those promises, but I don't put anything past Elon Musk. So we must confess that we haven't yet used either camera, the Hiseeu or the Litmor, without Internet. But in theory, even if we're outside of cell data range, both the camera and phone are networked together via the nano router that we shared in Episode 117 as part of our Internet solution. That network may have no Internet if we're outside cell service range, but they're still on the same LAN.

We keep a cellular-powered network running at all times in our trailer, which we explain here: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/jNiZmqumqpzNl6s.html

Everybody's got their own methods, and that dog is going to help give you some advance notice. Plus yep, that air horn will momentarily shock anyone! I think the point, and one which you obviously understand, is to be prepared in some way to handle a situation on your own instead of relying upon someone else to come to your rescue.

@@GrandAdventure I'm a 65 year old newbie. 3 years of planning. End of this year? Pray for ducks in a row.

@@jimc.6127 I can see those ducks lined up from here! 😉

Interesting question, Jaz. While the features are essentially the same, we'd have to give the nod to the Hiseeu with its low-profile magnetic mount. When the camera is off the mount, it's rather aerodynamic for driving. And that magnet is *strong*. We've actually forgotten to take it down once and drove a full tank of gas, before stopping to pump more and noticing the camera up there, still on the mount. It survived a couple of hours at 75 mph.

@@GrandAdventure thank you. I was leaning towards that one as well because of the magnetic mount. Thank you

@@yankeesusa1 anytime.

The ones that do not require an Internet connection can communicate with your mobile device over a LAN created by a nano router; however, as we always have Internet anywhere (thank you Starlink!) we've since converted over to Wyze Outdoor cameras kzfaq.info/get/bejne/gsqjfM6e2rqXcmw.html

James, first off, 99% of the time we have Internet via our Visible phone/nano router setup that we explain in our Episode 117 kzfaq.info/get/bejne/jNiZmqumqpzNl6s.html . A cell phone booster (either Episode 39 kzfaq.info/get/bejne/qbh9gNya2pe7eZs.html or Episode 136 kzfaq.info/get/bejne/m75kgtKo0KmacXk.html ) helps to provide signal when we're in fringe areas. As a result, it's been well over a year since we've camped without Internet, and our living situation requires that we have cell signal to be able to work from the RV. Even in incredibly remote areas we've had service, and we're very anxious for the launch of SpaceX's Starlink service later in 2020 which will provide worldwide satellite Internet, eliminating those few dead spots that we can't camp in now. Starlink promises simple setup, sufficient speed and reasonable cost. We'll see if they deliver on those promises, but I don't put anything past Elon Musk. So we must confess that we haven't yet used either camera, the Hiseeu or the Litmor, without Internet. But in theory, even if we're outside of cell data range, both the camera and phone are networked together via the nano router that we shared in Episode 117 as part of our Internet solution. That network may have no Internet if we're outside cell service range, but they're still on the same LAN.

Hahaha! Sure thing: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/g5efktqiubm-eZs.html

I definitely respect your opinion, William, and you're a valued viewer. I'm not sure that I agree that things are worse now than before, though. Crime statistics just don't back that up. In today's information age, I think that we just hear about these things more. Think about it -- 20 or 30 years ago, the story of the Butlers would not have spread beyond the South Texas Coast and central New Hampshire.

There's always been bad guys in the world

Don't let it do that. If you do, you're just another victim. Respect it, don't fear it. Carry on your lives as you would have otherwise; just let it make you more aware.

@@GrandAdventure Oh, we will! NOTHINGS STOPPING hubbs & I!

That's pretty much our perspective, Janina. And yes, we remember that messaging! It's disturbing, but not truly frightening to us as it was such a random event, we can't let it affect how we camp or the way we run our lives.

Exactly, but we must be extra keen, alert and precautionary.

Grand Adventure agreed its not stopping me just makes me more aware! I have always been safe but a refresher never hurts. And being Military I have been around the world. Danger can happen anywhere.

@@janina8559 so true. IMO you have a healthy perspective, be safe and have fun out there!

Yeah Bonnie, that one hit a little too close to home.

Sonofagun, you're right. Thanks for letting us know, Chuck. Hopefully it's just a temporary stock issue as Southwire is still making both the 34830 and 34850 rvpower.southwire.com/products/surge-protection/ .

Not necessarily. We don't yet know prosecutors' theory of how they were killed. If someone gets a jump on you, no weapon will necessarily do any good. For example, I could be carrying a bazooka around but that doesn't mean a sniper can't shoot me in the head.

I disagree Marc most criminals look for a weak opportunity in ones defense. This is not war where criminals are hiding in a snipers nest to take you out. Generally when criminals have a notion a person is armed and ready they will move on to the next weak link to bring harm. I like your cameras (this keeps you on the ready) and I also believe in being armed (to defend yourself and family). This is our American history to defend ourselves and our property. If you run from the idea of being armed then you are only setting yourself for dome and misery.

@@jefferygreene9722 I think you've stated your position well, but you're making some unsupported assumptions about my position on being armed. Just saying. 😉

Yes, this is new footage, Gord. We're also going to share a new camera that we're using (and give one away), discuss the details of that Texas incident and why it left us a bit rattled, and explain what effect that's had on how we approach our camping.

@@GrandAdventure Very interesting, Marc. I look forward to it. Gord

@@GrandAdventure I totally understand how you're left a bit rattled. It's a real lousy aweful feeling from such a close encounter. I think crime is a real issue this country needs to address much more strictly ASAP.

Love it, Murray! So true. Well said.

I agree 100%… loots of goodness out there

Shep, I don't disagree with anything you've stated above. That said, we go to great pains to avoid anything on the channel that could be deemed controversial, and whether right or wrong, the fact remains that some folks in this country deem gun rights to be a controversial subject. That's why we took the tack that we did.

It is a sad day when a country's constitution is considered controversial. @@GrandAdventure

@@shep5556 We completely agree on that.

Our apologies that we just found this comment for the first time. We'll definitely check you out, although we feel poorly qualified to provide constructive feedback. Before we even look, though, the best advice we can give is that every video needs to tell a story. That doesn't mean that your shots need to be planned or scripted. Rather, once you're done shooting an area, or a topic, go back through your clips and ask yourself, "What story do I want to tell?" Then arrange your timeline to tell that story -- from premise, through progress or execution, to conclusion. The channels we like to watch, the channels that we subscribe to ourselves, are very good at telling that story, and that's why we enjoy watching them.

@@GrandAdventure Thank u for that. That makes PERFECT sense!

We won't tell. 🤫 Thanks Roger!

Hi Roger About 90% of all Americans, democrats and republicans, want common sense gun laws. Your right… reps won’t change laws because they are so bought by NRA that they won't represent their own constituents. I don’t think the general public needs to own military type weapons, bump stocks or large capacity mags. I have owned pistols and shotguns for 40 yrs. I travel with my S&W 38. I am a democrat.

Beach bum I agree with you wholeheartedly. There’s a reason why civilians cannot own/procure “claymore mines”-Military M18 anti personnel mines to protect their rig when boondocking. Can you imagine someone placing M18,s around their campsite with trip wire triggered to stop intruders and lose pets. This same reason why I believe civilians do not need military style rapid fire assault weapons for their self defense.

You can opt for a cloud storage service with either camera, for a fee. We did not avail ourselves of that service with either camera. However, even without cloud storage, clips are stored in two locations: in the camera, and on your phone when you get the notification. So there is secondary remote storage.

@@GrandAdventure Excellent! I'm using the Ring battery cameras with thin long charge cord into the house. With just one battery pack they seem to last more than a month. They hold 2. Other security camera services are way more than 10 dollars a month, so right now I'm ok with it, especially after actually seeing the 2 creeps in our driveway at 3am. Plus, if cameras stop working or get stolen Ring gives free new one at the 10$ per month rate. I'm just not sure right now about when camping how we're going to get wifi.

@@Hundert1 Excellent. Sounds like you've got those Ring cameras working for you, and that's terrific. If I were you, dealing with the issue in your driveway, I'd have my place secured like Fort Knox. ;) As for Internet while camping, we use a cheap phone through Visible for uncapped, unthrottled, unlimited data for $25/month, along with a 5V DC USB-powered nano router. We explain all of that in this episode: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/jNiZmqumqpzNl6s.html At the time that video was filmed Visible was $40/month, but you can now get it down to $25/month through their Party Pay program.

@@GrandAdventure hahaha Fort Knox ✔👍Thanks much Grand Adventure! I'm really not into pets, but I'm considering getting a silent non barking vicious attack dog and keeping it in the garage away from us so I can open the door from my remote while still in bed. I've never felt so violated and will never forget this incident. I opened my window and yelled GET OUTTA HERE. They took off, but I realized they could have been real crazy and shot me. I mean what is next? Will I awake and find strangers actually in my house? Or watch my front door being kicked down before my very eyes!

@@Hundert1 I understand your feeling of violation, and I'm sure that I'd feel the same way if I were in your shoes. However, as a dog lover myself, if I may implore you: please don't get a dog for that reason. It's really not fair to the dog. If you want a dog for the love and companionship that a dog and its owner share, that's wonderful! And you get the fringe benefit of an animal that puts the security of its "pack" above all other things. But getting a dog for security only, and keeping it locked up in the garage, only ensures that you'll have one miserable and psychologically scarred dog on your hands.

If you knew us in person, you'd realize that we, too, are as non-PC as they come. 😎 But just to share where we're coming from, we avoid anything political in GA as we really can't see much point in pissing off 50% of our potential audience. It's a conscious decision that we made way back at GA's inception. We figure, there are plenty of other places out there that people can vent their political frustration, rather than on an RV travel channel. And we fully support your choice to exercise your Second Amendment rights.

As we said in the video, we believe that one's decision whether or not to carry is one of personal choice. And you've made yours.