It was hotter than hell in west Texas, and we saw a sign for South Llano River state park. A dip in the river sounded like a great idea. We got to the parking area, parked and started to pay the fee in the envelope drop area, when this park ranger starts eyeballing us. I'm thinking "here we go..." I walked back over to the TourRunner (my window was down), and the pig comes over and takes a whiff and says, "I smell weed." 

Now we hadn't smoked in there in a while, so I say, "no you don't."  He then tells me that he's hauled the last "6 car-loads of hippies off to jail already that day." After a couple more minutes of me telling him he can't search the car, he says, "sit down on the curb over there."  I say point blank, "have I broken any criminal law whatsoever?"  He says, "well, no." I say, "then I would like to be left alone." And he says, "Damn!" He knows he's beaten, barks a couple of bullshit orders, and leaves. I was shaking, too close to jail for me. But the satisfaction of showing that redneck up is never-ending.

It's important to know your rights when you go on tour. We used to hang out at this Cuban sandwich shop in Gainesville that happened to be a cop hang out too. Before we left for tour we asked one of the cooler cops what it really took to search a vehicle. He told us that either you give consent or you have to have broken a criminal law, such as going 20 over the speed limit or driving recklessly, etc.

Be careful out there and be smart. And pray for a fat DC Bag for me at the next show!

- MikeyHardcore

Grilled-Cheese-Wizard