Don't try legally parking on a side road and walking along Rt 9 at the south
end of Dover AFB to look for upland sandpipers. This is the only place I
have seen them and was trying to add to my 'big day' list last spring. There
are new no parking signs and fences, but I was legally parked and walking
along the shoulder of the road when Air Force security came up with lights
flashing. They asked me what I was doing and after I explained it to them they
asked me to leave anyway. I was ready to stand up for my rights, but they
simply gave me two options, get in their car for a ride a) back to my car or b) to
base security to 'sort things out.' Well, I backed down, BUT when we got
back to my car they saw my stock mounted scope on the back seat and freaked out.
I had to assume the position while they searched my car and called for a
supervisor. After the captain looked over my stuff, I told him to either let
me go or lock me up. He gave me my wallet and keys (and pen knife) back and
asked me to 'please' leave the area. Still would like to know the legal status
of walking along the highway. They followed me to Ted Harvey, don't know how
long they waited. I assume I am on some terrorist list now.
Tom Beal
Glenn Dale, MD
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