- Time of past OR future Camino
- Yearly and Various 2014-2019
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Indeed...imagining how I would feel in that situation? It would definitely be 'interesting.'the terrible catalogue of events for Jeroen is so so sad and certainly brings into focus how confusing and upsetting this situation could be for anyone.
I think that is the key. Protecting our valuables by wearing them makes the loss of a backpack an inconvenience rather than a disaster. I leave mine outside of bars and beside the path when I wander off for a bush stop. I also agree with @arthur1218 that the probability is low.I have often left my backpack outside bars/cafes while I'm having a coffee and haven't had any problems. But all my 'valuables' (money, cards, passport etc.) stay with me at all times. Losing the backpack would not be good - but it wouldn't be a disaster.
This is a very simple and good idea...and a funny image!those hip and chest belts are useful! Wrap and click them around something, the table, the chair, a huge umbrella, a pillar - If somebody wants to grab and run with my 'unattended' backpack - s/he has to drag a whole lot of other things with her/him also ;-)
... If asked for a wallet, would have handed them the extra one I carried with 20 Euro and a card I'd put a hold on before travelling.
@Smallest_Sparrow--great idea...I also never thought of it. One of those temporary gift cards (with no money left on it) would do the trick without any risk of accounts being compromised.If asked for a wallet, would have handed them the extra one I carried with 20 Euro and a card I'd put a hold on before traveling.
I brought a lightweight cable and small lock to lock our two packs together. I never used it. Our packs were so big compared to everyone elses only a lunatic or forklift driver would go for ours over someone elses.
I assume they robbed him of his pack which contained the meds. I don't envision robbers taking the time to let us rummage through for meds, which is why I kept 3 days worth in my pocket.The story sofar is that Jeroen was actively robbed by three men. It was not a matter of leaving his backpack unattended, at least that is how I understand it. They took his backpack, his ID, phone and his medication.
I cannot get over it how someone should want to steal medication.
You can tuck away a credit card somewhere, but it seems terribly difficult to hide a separate stack of pills or an inhaler. Especially if you have to keep these cool.
I'd have no idea how to do that.
Ha ha...yeah, but then you get to carry it.A heavy pack would slow the run down too.
Sorry Arthur, that's exactly the kind of pack that no-one would want. I'm guessing thieves go for the newer flash ones.My backpack is 10 years old, it has been with me on gazillions of Caminos in Spain and on some interesting high altitude treks in Nepal, but it needs to be replaced. Can someone please steal it from me? Otherwise I will use it for another 10 years. I'll be on the Primitivo next week, if someone would be willing to help me. I will appreciate.
As grayland's story affirms...so all this is good advice:But nothing is impossible on the Camino de Santiago.
I never leave my pack outside and only out of sight in the albergues....not by the door in the albergues.
Up to you you how much trust you have in your luck.
Tie your camel well.
Can only second this. And never had any worries about my backpack. You want to carry it?I have often left my backpack outside bars/cafes while I'm having a coffee and haven't had any problems. But all my 'valuables' (money, cards, passport etc.) stay with me at all times. Losing the backpack would not be good - but it wouldn't be a disaster.
The fake wallet idea is super--too bad I just threw out a whole bunch of old stuff like that (I have to drag all my stuff everywhere I go, so really need to keep the excess down to a minimum).And I also have a "fake" wallet with max.30€ and some ran out cards. Not only bank cards but also ran out library cards that once belong to my friends children, bus cards etc.
Now we all must carry 3 wallets (2 fake)---the robbers will get wise and after we hand them one it wil be "come on, come on, we know you've got a second wallet." I can envision the thread: "got my three wallets down to 1.1 pounds by shaving the edges of cards...opinions?"The fake wallet idea is super--too bad I just threw out a whole bunch of old stuff like that (I have to drag all my stuff everywhere I go, so really need to keep the excess down to a minimum).
Well, it happens. Was the same for me in 2015 at Barcelona Airport when my swiss army knife (app.25€) was missing. This year I stashed it (the new one) really deeeeeeeeeep in my backpack and it arrived safelyi had my backpack rifled through by fed ex losing my jacket and few other things before it arrived a day late to beilari. i got it at 3;00pm and scampered up to orrisson. when i went for my shower towel i found out things were missing...well, besides a couple of chilly mornings the thief made my pack lighter and i was grateful...camino logic!! other than that my friends poles were taken by mistake due the other smaller red poles that were left for him.....
I assume they robbed him of his pack which contained the meds. I don't envision robbers taking the time to let us rummage through for meds, which is why I kept 3 days worth in my pocket.
Edit: first NOT criticizing Jeroen...point of thread is future preventionThe backpack of Jeroen was one of the things that he was robbed of.
Among other things, he also carried a fanny pack ~ that is where I might keep my daily meds, and the rest I would hide deep in the backpack, in order to protect them from the heat - and by the look of it he was wearing trousers with many side pockets.
He would probably be OK and alive if only the backpack had been stolen.
I can envision the thread: "got my three wallets down to 1.1 pounds by shaving the edges of cards...opinions?"
Good point. And the meds issue is a challenging one. @Smallest_Sparrow, you seem to have a good system--and if this sad story teaches us anything, it's that someone with essential meds (insulin, being only one example) must keep a copy of their prescription on their body separate from everything valuable, in case the worst happens.Having something in a fanny pack is the same as a backpack to robbers--perhaps more enticing since they'll assume it's extra valuable.
For airports, a trick a Burmese person in Australia taught me is to use cable ties on all zippers (even if you have locks). No-one can quickly gain access to your luggage, so it prevents impulsive theft.Was the same for me in 2015 at Barcelona Airport when my swiss army knife (app.25€) was missing.
One of the many many uses for diaper pins!For airports, a trick a Burmese person in Australia taught me is to use cable ties on all zippers (even if you have locks). No-one can quickly gain access to your luggage, so it prevents impulsive theft.
One of the many many uses for diaper pins!
They are not available in every drugstore, but some do carry them. I tend to stock up on them when I see them. (I haven't frequented baby stores much for a few years, but will start again soon, since I'm expecting a grandchild.) Maybe @ivar should stock them!If you can find them. I have tried with no success--too many people use disposables. Your secret, C?
And that situation happens every day close by the camino. At the Santiago busstation it can happen to everybody. You sit in the bus waiting to leave and the hold is open to anybody to grab your belongings.The only time I have worried about my backpack was in cities taking a long-distance bus, when you have to put it in the hold and it stays open.... I usually try and keep an eye on it until the bus leaves. Admittedly it is not on the Camino but getting to your starting place or leaving.... I'm usually weary of cities being a townie myself...
If someone takes my bag at other times, so be it... My passport and credit card stay with me at all times anyway.
I don't think it is worth losing sleep about
I always take a supply of these pins. I agree that they are harder to find in pharmacies these days - I buy mine on Amazon or in craft supply stores. They are invaluable - so many uses!If you can find them. I have tried with no success--too many people use disposables. Your secret, C?
As we allways do in such situations. Two Karabiner clips-bought in an outdoorshop-weigh and cost almost nothing and are very handy.Then 'chaining' your two packs together via chest/hip belts would have been an idea! ROFL y Buen Camino, SY
If a person is worried about their pack growing legs and walking away there is a tech solution that weighs almost nothing and cost is minimal - a GPS tracker chip sewn into your pack somewhere discrete. They sell them for $29 and as long as you didn't leave your smart phone in the pack (creating a classic face palm moment) then you can track your bag very easily. They are called TrackR and look pretty slick. Here is a LINK (no paid sponsorship here, just a fan )
Then 'chaining' your two packs together via chest/hip belts would have been an idea! ROFL y Buen Camino
The recent death of an experienced Belgian peregrino has been shocking on many levels.
Not the least of which because the entire unnecessary and tragic chain of events began when he had had his backpack stolen--and then (apparently?) was jailed as a vagrant on account of soliciting help.
I met a young girl while walking to Muxia who had had her backpack stolen. She left it outside the cathedral in Santiago. She had everything in it - money too! But peregrinos had given her a new backpack, and a small tent and bought her meals. She was very happy! Isn't the Camino amazing!
I've never considered the possibility of someone stealing my backpack--but then I don't tend to leave it unattended anywhere except inside the albergues. But I also don't know anyone to whom this has happened, and haven't heard stories from fellow pilgrims. So I've generally assumed the kind of story portrayed in 'the movie' (for example) is gratuitous hyperbole for the sake of drama.
But Jeroen's story really pulled me up short. Obviously it does happen--my naive bubble has just burst.
I think that the Camino is astonishingly safe, so don't want to foster undue anxiety--and certainly have no intention myself of looking over my shoulder while I walk--but knowledge is power .
So for the sake of communal education, precautions are worth discussing. Is it OK, for example, to leave it outside at a bar, or at one's table while using the aseos? What about at an albergue door?
Experiences and advice? What do you do? And if this has happened to you or someone you know, what would you/they have done differently?
(And yes...reporting is an obvious necessity!...)
They are actually a combination of bluetooth and group GPS so when another user of this tech is close to a tracker tagged as 'lost' then it used that persons current location to anonymously send your phone a message with the most recent location of your property. I agree it is not as convenient as pure GPS but at that price and size may still be worth investigating.These chips aren't GPS unfortunately, they only work via Bluetooth. This means that you can only locate things if you are within 30 meters.
I still might get one for finding my keys at home.
On the subject of being hit by lightning what's the 'physics' re poles grounded or no?I have a scientific background so I go with the theory of probability and sleep safe and sound.
With 300,000+ pilgrims carrying their backpacks to Santiago per year, 3 stolen backpacks means NADA. It will not happen to you, or me. Gosh, if it happens, you even make headlines at "Voz de Galicia" or at least at this forum! Cool!
I would worry much more about being hit by a lightning while walking the Camino. Probably the chance is much bigger!
Buen (and Safe) Camino!
On the subject of being hit by lightning what's the 'physics' re poles grounded or no?
And that situation happens every day close by the camino. At the Santiago busstation it can happen to everybody. You sit in the bus waiting to leave and the hold is open to anybody to grab your belongings.
People who travel to Porto by bus from Santiago beware in the Vigo bus station it happens too aswell at the Porto airport and casa de Música stop in Porto.
Also taking a local bus f.ex to Ferrol to start the camino Inglès. Everybody is obliged to leave luggage in the hold. Bags with groceries from the market, prams and your pack.
At every stop the driver opens the hold and you sit there dreaming of your camino to come and have no conttol of what is going on underneath your seat ...
If you travel with somebody else let one of you be as close as possible to the luggage compartment as long it is open to keep an eye on it. as we allways do .
Bom caminho
I always left outside with no fears, AliwalksThe recent death of an experienced Belgian peregrino has been shocking on many levels.
Not the least of which because the entire unnecessary and tragic chain of events began when he had had his backpack stolen--and then (apparently?) was jailed as a vagrant on account of soliciting help.
I've never considered the possibility of someone stealing my backpack--but then I don't tend to leave it unattended anywhere except inside the albergues. But I also don't know anyone to whom this has happened, and haven't heard stories from fellow pilgrims. So I've generally assumed the kind of story portrayed in 'the movie' (for example) is gratuitous hyperbole for the sake of drama.
But Jeroen's story really pulled me up short. Obviously it does happen--my naive bubble has just burst.
I think that the Camino is astonishingly safe, so don't want to foster undue anxiety--and certainly have no intention myself of looking over my shoulder while I walk--but knowledge is power .
So for the sake of communal education, precautions are worth discussing. Is it OK, for example, to leave it outside at a bar, or at one's table while using the aseos? What about at an albergue door?
Experiences and advice? What do you do? And if this has happened to you or someone you know, what would you/they have done differently?
(And yes...reporting is an obvious necessity!...)
I thought that I was the only one who was concerned for my backpack in the bus hold. I always hang around until the bus takes off and then peer out the window at each stop to make sure no one takes it.The only time I have worried about my backpack was in cities taking a long-distance bus, when you have to put it in the hold and it stays open.... I usually try and keep an eye on it until the bus leaves. Admittedly it is not on the Camino but getting to your starting place or leaving.... I'm usually weary of cities being a townie myself...
If someone takes my bag at other times, so be it... My passport and credit card stay with me at all times anyway.
I don't think it is worth losing sleep about
I like @SYates idea of securing the pack with the hip or chest belts. Easy low tech solution. I use a 10' leash when canoeing to secure our packs to the canoe thwart in case of a capsize. The leash has a loop on one end that is larks headed to the pack. The other end has a carabiner. The leash is looped around the thwart and secured with the carabiner, no knot necessary. A short leash would be more appropriate for use on the Camino. Any of these can be cut, but would act as a deterrent to a quick grab and go.
I am going to add my packing list to my other copies of electronic documents stored on the cloud. Shopping list just in case.
I have considered having my initials or email embroidered on my pack. It would not prevent theft, but I thought it might reduce the odds of it being picked up by accident (luggage transport etc,).
the occasion makes that the thieves pick out your pack. They only are interested in valuables to sell for a shot of boose or drugs so after a quick research they take out everything except for your underpants and throw away your pack..is the question what is valuable in your pack as you wear all your valuables on your body ?If a person is worried about their pack growing legs and walking away there is a tech solution that weighs almost nothing and cost is minimal - a GPS tracker chip sewn into your pack somewhere discrete. They sell them for $29 and as long as you didn't leave your smart phone in the pack (creating a classic face palm moment) then you can track your bag very easily. They are called TrackR and look pretty slick. Here is a LINK (no paid sponsorship here, just a fan )
my friend's backpack was stolen from the Convent in Leon...[the] pack had been sitting in the unattended courtyard (pack delivery service, which she used, had put it there.
Another simple thing to do: don't leave your pack here!When I stayed at the convent in Leon Nov 2012 someone had left their pack in the courtyard and it was stolen from exactly the same place.
for pinning the zipper shut, or poking the thief?One of the many many uses for diaper pins!
I keep enough handy for all purposes.for pinning the zipper shut, or poking the thief?
I thought that I was the only one who was concerned for my backpack in the bus hold. I always hang around until the bus takes off and then peer out the window at each stop to make sure no one takes it.
As I left the airport bus (on my way to Australia) I grabbed my green rucksack and set off. Opening it up for something or other I saw a Dan Brown book and thought ' I never read Dan Brown'. Total panic. Anyway, it was all sorted out and no one missed their flight... so so easy to do...mea culpa...
easy to do... mea culpa
I would only admit this here on this forumI once took my pack with me into a public restroom (?Bus station ?train station...don't recall) on the Norte. No hooks on the door. Imagine a female trying to drop pants (but not all the way to the floor), use toilet (but not sit), while struggling with pack. Hardest thing I did that walk, including the route Napoleon. Had I to do it over, would probably leave it outside.
I like @SYates idea of securing the pack with the hip or chest belts. Easy low tech solution. I use a 10' leash when canoeing to secure our packs to the canoe thwart in case of a capsize. The leash has a loop on one end that is larks headed to the pack. The other end has a carabiner. The leash is looped around the thwart and secured with the carabiner, no knot necessary. A short leash would be more appropriate for use on the Camino. Any of these can be cut, but would act as a deterrent to a quick grab and go.
I am going to add my packing list to my other copies of electronic documents stored on the cloud. Shopping list just in case.
I have considered having my initials or email embroidered on my pack. It would not prevent theft, but I thought it might reduce the odds of it being picked up by accident (luggage transport etc,).
I never, ever advertise my nationality in this day and age, although I am fine with it coming up in conversation.I plan to sew my state and USA flag to my pack along with a patch of the camino shell. My pack is an Osprey, very common, but the flag patches will give it an unique identification.
I would have thought that once, too. We don't know exactly what yet, but something definitely sinister befell Jeroen--a young robust man. Sadly, the days of thinking "It cannot happen" are over.That is however a total male perspective... the female side might present other threats and might appear mre uncertain....
Good point. It shows how naive I am--I hadn't thought of that.Two wallets? a good idea, but I would think that the thieves are going to be asking you to show your passport---where the passport is will be telling. They aren't stupid.
I would only admit this here on this forum, but I have mastered the ability to unclip just the hip strap on my backpack, drop my pants to the required level, do my business, and pull things back together - all with the pack on my back. I cannot do it while holding my poles, though.
...
4. Two wallets? a good idea, but I would think that the thieves are going to be asking you to show your passport---where the passport is will be telling. They aren't stupid. ...
While transiting I always use TamperTell security seals for checked baggage together with a lock. I keep the second tag in my jeans pocket and check the numbers on arrival as proof of tampering if required.For airports, a trick a Burmese person in Australia taught me is to use cable ties on all zippers (even if you have locks). No-one can quickly gain access to your luggage, so it prevents impulsive theft.
or some pointed message luggage tags though might have the opposite effectMaybe "NOT YOURS" in big, block letters...
When training in our local parks or going shopping I use a screw-gate carabiner on my backpack zips so that the pack can't be opened easily when I'm carrying it. The blue carabiner has a combination lock on it and this is the one I use travelling to tie our backpacks together in luggage holds or when left temporarily. We have a loop of steel cable in our packs to which this is fastened. They have prevented the theft of our packs twice - NOT experienced on our Camino though.As we allways do in such situations. Two Karabiner clips-bought in an outdoorshop-weigh and cost almost nothing and are very handy.
Going slightly sideways here - with the moderators indulgence - FYI should you be caught in a storm this is very useful information from UK Mountain Safety: Walking Poles and Lightning. I was struck by lightning as a child so was fortunate - both to just be knocked off my feet with a fried schoolbag and then to then be instructed at Brownies about what I should have doneOn the subject of being hit by lightning what's the 'physics' re poles grounded or no?
My friends in Sydney were alarmed that I was only using locks, telling me that people not infrequently slip contraband into luggage. I couldn't believe it, but they had stories. Hence the cable ties--but this is even better.It served us well when our luggage was 'held' during transit in Jo'burg airport and arrived 2 days later in Zambia with different numbered tags. I called over airport security to witness it being opened. No chemical additions, thankfully, but selective contents missing.
Good point. Most of this forumare probably too young to remember TWA flight 847.I never, ever advertise my nationality in this day and age, although I am fine with it coming up in conversation.
Me too!I am very glad for us all that you lived to tell the tale
Me too. We'd both be crispedI'd have thought a cave would be a good place to take shelter...well, I'd have been fried too.
...then balancing precariously on their non-Aarn backpacks (alas metal rods in balance pockets) while keeping their arms and feet off the ground...I'd never thought about the metal underwire in my bra. Conjures up images of female pilgrims ripping off their underclothes and casting them to the winds.
I brought a lightweight cable and small lock to lock our two packs together. I never used it. Our packs were so big compared to everyone elses only a lunatic or forklift driver would go for ours over someone elses.
Those days haven't existed in my lifetime!Sadly, the days of thinking "It cannot happen" are over.
I would have thought that once, too. We don't know exactly what yet, but something definitely sinister befell Jeroen--a young robust man. Sadly, the days of thinking "It cannot happen" are over.
Good point. It shows how naive I am--I hadn't thought of that.
(All good wishes to you, Deb--time with passing friends is very precious...)
... Anyway......does anyone know how I go about getting a copy of my compostela?
Thanks SYates, much appreciated!Send a PM to @JohnnieWalker and/or @t2andreo they might know how to do this. Buen Camino, SY
From another thread:
Another simple thing to do: don't leave your pack here!
I wonder how many people have lost packs this way; some people obviously know it's easy pickings.
Yes, there are also TILES which do the same thing. Around $25. One of my pilgrims carried a TILE this year and I generally could locate her within an hour. The way it works is that the signal bounces off OTHER tiles and makes its way to you.If a person is worried about their pack growing legs and walking away there is a tech solution that weighs almost nothing and cost is minimal - a GPS tracker chip sewn into your pack somewhere discrete. They sell them for $29 and as long as you didn't leave your smart phone in the pack (creating a classic face palm moment) then you can track your bag very easily. They are called TrackR and look pretty slick. Here is a LINK (no paid sponsorship here, just a fan )
Off topic here.....but a few days ago I lost my keys (turns out I left them in a grocery store). The grocery people simply scanned my little 'points' tag attached to my key ring, and got my name and phone number, so they were able to contact me. It's nice that I'm able to get my keys back, but I had no idea that information could be lifted off those tags.I use Tiles for my keys and wallet...I envision a day (in the not too distant future) when most things I own have Tiles attached
... The grocery people simply scanned my little 'points' tag attached to my key ring, and got my name and phone number, so they were able to contact me. It's nice that I'm able to get my keys back, but I had no idea that information could be lifted off those tags.
Fortunately, it was my cel phone number that was on my tag, and I don't know how simple it is to trace a person's address through his cel phone number - I take a little comfort in that. A land line number is a different matter; but I no longer have a land line.Now imagine your keys with tag would have been found by somebody less honest, somebody that just waits until you leave home for a spot of burglary ...
Buen Camino de la Vida, SY
Anything with a bar code can be scanned.I had no idea that information could be lifted off those tags.
The thread is migrating to lost things and how to find them--also a useful thing on the Camino.I envision a day (in the not too distant future) when most things I own have Tiles attached
I'm just pinning my supermarket rewards card to my shirt collarAnything with a bar code can be scanned.
Which is good and bad, as @SYates says.
The thread is migrating to lost things and how to find them--also a useful thing on the Camino.
I hope that someday I will not need a tile for myself (not all who wander are lost, but the older we get the more likely that is).
These chips aren't GPS unfortunately, they only work via Bluetooth. This means that you can only locate things if you are within 30 meters.
I still might get one for finding my keys at home.
I just love this. Double Har!Now we all must carry 3 wallets (2 fake)---the robbers will get wise and after we hand them one it wil be "come on, come on, we know you've got a second wallet." I can envision the thread: "got my three wallets down to 1.1 pounds by shaving the edges of cards...opinions?"
@Wokabaut_Meri I'd never thought about the metal underwire in my bra.
An interesting theory links underwire bras to an increased risk of developing breast cancer . I stress this is a theory although backed by some research . It appears that the shape of this reinforcing and conductive material is an almost exact match to collector aerials for high frequency radio and microwave transmissions . More risk from these than lightning.
Yes Kanga , there are lots of things to worry about , Lightning included
As far as the research there are literally thousands of studies concerning the effects of electromagnetic fields and their effects on human tissue , there is little doubt that exposure to these can at the very least exacerbate pre existing conditions .
I found the underwire connection interesting ; some years ago the same bras were thought to place pressure on the lymphatic system thus increasing such risks . This was quickly proven to be incorrect and yet some correlation remained .
The research into the EMF attraction is as yet unpublished and is being undertaken by a colleague .
Thank you for your post, Annie. I'm sorry to hear of the difficulties you have to endure. Your post is a gentle reminder to the rest of us of what some others have to contend with on a day to day basis............ Certain electromagnetic currents can make me extremely sick and many people with MCS cannot use computers or cell phones without experiencing pain. I had one laptop I had to dump because using it meant resting my wrists on the mousepad, where I could feel the current. My wrists and hands would not only ache, but would swell up after a short period of use. I called them my "football" hands because that's what they felt like bathe fingers would be like fat sausages and it felt like they would split if I bent them.
3. I can not hold the cell phone up to my ear without a resulting migraines I use the speaker, which droves other people crazy.
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