just joined, and need advice

hey matt. welcome! for most of your questions, my annoying answer is "it depends where you're exploring". in more high stakes and sensitive locations, low numbers equal a lower profile, but there are many places where it's fine to bring a group. during the first halloween of quarantine i brought about a dozen friends to explore an old barn and homestead since we couldn't celebrate together indoors. for most explores i usually go alone or with 1 or 2 friends. in city settings i wouldn't recommend enormous teams. in terms of what to bring, depends what you're trying to get into. for most places i just bring a flashlight and a camera. if you plan on breaking in you might need a crowbar or bolt cutters. the problem with bringing tools is that it becomes hard to plead naivety if you are caught with them. dont carry anything you cant ditch if you have to run. as you explore further i am sure you will naturally find the answers to many of your questions and your own rhythm. cities as a rule are harder places to find locations since a closer eye is kept on things and real estate tends to change hands quickly. if you have a car, my advice would be to drive around new or proposed subdivisions. there are often old houses slated for eventual demolition. the outskirts of a city are a great place for beginners to start.

Hello fellow newbie! I am in the KW area, but joining you from afar to begin our journey towards greatness! By greatness, of course I mean explorers and safe healthy individuals; always careful and prepared! I have done a few strolls off the beaten path, I walk mostly everywhere if not public transit. I have found a few places that I remember to return to with my camera and a friend to get a better look. I am keen on sharing my findings, send me a message and we can compare field notes if you'd like! Good luck and stay safe out there