Back in the '80s I used to occasionally drive up the local lookout to do some binocular observing. I was there one night with the back door of the Sigma station wagon open with my charts and observing journal open... I had my head down making some notes when the cops swung in behind me with their high beam on and then both stepped out with mag lights on me held out to the side.
When I turned around to speak to them I started off with one eye shut trying to preserve some night vision, but thought better about it when I saw their demeanour.
Once they saw my charts and journal they were OK and even asked to have a look. I explained they wouldn't see much unless they waited half an hour to develop some night vision, but they didn't have that sort of time... they had a quick squizz at M42 and were off.
These days the lookout is locked at night
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Al.