"...Can you see them
You can see them..."

Police in paradise

Today is the day again, pSuddenly our alarm bells start ringing. A black car stops in front of a neighboring group of 3 campers. Shortly afterwards, two men in black knock on the door of one of the campers. The cue of the police makes us pack everything up in no time at all without any discussion. We are already experienced and it takes us just a few minutes to fold up our roof, stow away the chairs, solar panel and everything else and get dressed. After all, the surfer poncho is our preferred clothing on the beach. Barely five minutes have passed in total.

In the meantime, the two black men are already at the single camper that is closest to us, but also about 300 meters away. We are already sitting in the van and are about to start the engine when we see the two men walking back towards their car. So we wait and see. And then we see the car drive away again. What was that? We go to the other campers and ask.

It's clear why it works, I hear many people say. Wild camping, what else? Hardly anything divides the camping community as much as this topic. Some people talk about wild camping, gypsies, wagon folk, hippies, and so on. Whereby the last three words are certainly not meant as positively as I perceive them. Others talk about being free, parking in nature. The word freedom in particular is often quoted in this context. 

"Home is where you park it"

 "If everyone would do that" is often used to explain why something doesn't work. Do you know Jonathan the Seagull? The book is about a seagull with a dramatic penchant for freedom, perfection and breakneck flight experiments. The consequence is that the seagull is ultimately rejected by his flock and has to fly his own course. The end of the story: Jonathan the seagull breaks his neck. Of course, the flock cackles, not only about "it was bound to happen", "it was foreseeable" and "just punishment", but also about "if everyone did it".

But not everyone does. And that's where the difference lies. The majority of campers are crushes. The word "cuddly camper" is no coincidence. The majority of campers are sociable types and that's a good thing. They are happy to take their second home to the nearest campsite and do all the same things there that they do at home. Cooking, watching TV, chatting with the neighbors... As I said, there's nothing wrong with that. They are in the majority. Does that give them the right to lecture others? 

Righteous

Yes, they have. Because the law is on their side. Does that mean you have to like right-wingers? I say no! I'd rather stick with Jonathan the seagull. He may have died in the story, but only to enjoy greater freedom in the next life. Just next level.

But I would like to return to the subject of "If everyone did that". That wouldn't be good, of course, because we wouldn't be able to stand all alone on this beautiful spot, right on the beach and look out to sea, as we do today. Of course, it wouldn't be good for nature either. But there are not only the savages who leave their garbage everywhere, but also many who take it back with them. And there are people like us who not only pick up their rubbish, but often other people's too. If everyone did that, nature would certainly be better off. But now back to the law.

Wild camping

If you are a camper like us, you have to be aware that you are breaking the rules. In many places in Europe, there is a general ban on wild camping. Time and again we hear that in many countries, especially on the coasts, you have to reckon with high fines and constant checks. This means that camping in any form is prohibited outside designated campsites or pitches.

Private land is often an exception to this rule. In most countries, you are allowed to camp there in consultation with the owner. So ask nicely. So much for law and order. 

But what are our experiences in this regard? We can only report good things so far. Regardless of whether it's the gendarmerie in France, the Guardia Civil in Spain, the GNR - Guarda Nacional Republicana in Portugal or now the Carabinieri in Italy. Contrary to all gloomy prophecies, they are better than their reputation. So far we have only met friendly, tolerant and polite police officers. Incidentally, this was also true when we passed through Austria, Switzerland and our home country of Germany.

On the contrary, we received praise for our garbage collection campaigns, a smile for how quickly we can pack or indirect health recommendations, as in today's case. In Portugal, for example, we were warned of an approaching storm. So far, our experiences have been consistently positive. 

However, we have also experienced in the past that not everyone on the same beach was treated so courteously. However, as is so often the case in life, it is certainly down to how I communicate with the other person. "The guys" are just doing their job, let's not forget that they are our friends and helpers. So smile and apologize when you're in the wrong. And be grateful when they turn a blind eye. Thanks "guys"!

Friend and helper

Why are we reporting on this mission? We simply want to take up the cudgels. On the one hand for freestylers, wild campers, wagon folk & co. In other words, for people like us. Who try to find their spot in Mother Nature to set up camp. And on the other hand for the police. Last but not least, for all the campers on a campsite. It's always been done that way, so it can't be wrong.

"...day and night she will be with you
They will be with you day and night - the police."

Extra wide

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