Greetings!
Re: Stealth…
While it’s pretty much true that creeps in cargo vans have to hide, they’re about as stealthy as a pink elephant with neon lights playing loud circus music. An unknown, unmarked cargo van draws nothing but negative attention at night, and SOMEBODY is ALWAYS watching.
On the other hand, obvious, harmless campers, don’t instill the fears in people that cargo vans do. I am mostly a city camper, and I try to pull in the first time around early/mid afternoon, and actually chat with my new potential neighbors. If they have a dog, I have doggie treats, and I’ll ask if it’s a safe place for me to park while I’m in town. Their answers can tell you a lot. Then, if you’re a good neighbor, you’ll be welcome to stay as long as you like. I stay in the same neighborhoods sometimes for as long as 6 months, and everybody knows me and we look out for each other just like if I was living in a house. If a neighbor needs help, I’m first in line with a helping hand. I keep the streets & sidewalks clean, and pull any weeds in the guttters. It gives me something to do in my spare time, and makes me a good neighbor. I like a clean neighborhood just as much as they do.
Hiding is counterproductive. Last summer, I parked in the same place I am again here this summer, and I was welcomed back, and everyone was curious about my winter activities. Technically what I’m doing is illegal, but since none of the neighbors complain, I am golden. In Minneapolis and Duluth MN, last winter, I returned to the same places I stayed at the winter before. All the neighbors know me by site, and many know me by name. Even when I’m doing much more traveling, and to new places, I generally follow the same routine wherever I go.
Cheers!