"Ian W" wrote in message
. ..

In 25 years of remote site observing (mostly solo) here in Australia I've
only ever had a couple of events that were remotely approaching what I'd
call dangerous. In each case it was drunken louts who were more curious
than agressive and a bit of chat, and a closely supervised look through
the scope calmed them down and they soon left me alone.
[SNIP]

Ian,

One of our dark sites has, in the past, been the site of the roving high
school weekend beer party. Our presence has pretty much put an end to it -
they see a bunch of cars and telescopes and go elsewhere. (I suspect they
have found a less traveled location, as they have not been seen in recent
years.)

Actually, one group of young ladies pulled in one night and got out of their
car before realizing it wasn't a beer party. A pretty dazed group when one
of our friendly observers invited them over to look through his scope.
Actually, one turned out to be interested in what we were doing - but they
didn't stay long.

My one encounter with drunks was actually in my front yard at my parent's
house. They apparently noticed the telecope, and one of the crew wanted to
look. Aside from having trouble standing up, he appreciaed the chance to
look through a scope. As I think about this, I realize that we are far, far
more likely to have unexpected company in our front yard than out at one of
our remote observing sites.

Clear skies, Alan