staceegutierrez
New Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- 2022
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LOL. So funny! I've had the exact same thoughts on Australia and Africa.There is virtually no wildlife to compare with the US in terms of object danger. I’m not entirely sure where you came up with ‘rutting stags’ as a potential hazard, but you can certainly cross that off the list.
I can’t think of much in Spain - apart from the occasional Spaniard - which ought to cause concern.
Spain’s fine.
Don’t consider Africa and don’t even open a book with Australia on the cover. The wildlife there would eat anything in Spain for breakfast.
Whilst wanting to be suitably fluffy, supportive and so on, are you entirely sure that the ‘wild camping’ thing really is for you?
Yes, greatly appreciate your reply and excellent advice! Yes, I read that boar use the same paths as humans do at night to forage so it's recommended to not set up camp near animal migration paths (downed brush, well-worn path, etc) and keep food above the ground (hanging in trees like you would in bear country). Thank you again!Stags rut end of September to November - their hormones only switch on then.
Boar?
"When are wild boar dangerous? Wild boars are not always dangerous.
Usually, wild boar are nocturnal anyway. They can be shy and prefer staying far away from humans. They become dangerous only when…
I would be more concerned with scorpions, camping out wild. (They will not cross bunches of Lavender).
- They feel they are cornered, ignored, or threatened
- They need to defend themselves from animals, humans, and hunters
- They need to protect their young. This is one of the major causes for many wild boars being dangerous in terms of attacks – particularly females with their young. "
I don't know if this helps but territory is important to feral hunters. Back in the late 70's there was a hunter turned photographer who often went to the North Canadian and Alaskan wilds, where wolf packs roamed. When he made camp he would dribble small amounts of his urine all round the perimeter of his camp. He said that wolves would come as far as his perimeter but never cross. He never had any problems with wild animals when he set up his urine perimeter - does this help??
LOL. So funny! I've had the exact same thoughts on Australia and Africa.
Yes, camping/backpacking is a new hobby/passion and I am working through the process of learning and gaining experience. Yes, in the US we have mountain lions, rattlesnakes, bears, etc, etc. I started reading message boards about the wild pigs in Europe and the horror stories being discussed. So I thought I'd ask for advice here. Thank you so much for your reply! Greatly appreciated!
Oh and yes, the stag 'incident' was a vlog about wild camping in Scotland.Glad to hear this won't be a problem in Spain. Thank you again!
Shivers down my spine just thinking about it. Some people are made for these types of circumstances but nay, nay am I!hahaahha - of the venomous species on this planet 70% are in Australia - 70% !!!!
hahaahha - of the venomous species on this planet 70% are in Australia - 70% !!!!
Reminds me of the back 40s in TexasAll an exaggeration! As long as you wear thick gloves while gardening (for the killer spiders that live in holes) check under the toilet seats (for the painful but non killer spiders), check under wood in the garden (for the killer snakes). Apart from those and a few dozen other things............... everything else is fine.
Just don't go in the water..........that's another story.........
Canadian pee is likely to be laced with LaBatts or Molson so no wolf worth his salt will come near!Stags rut end of September to November - their hormones only switch on then.
Boar?
"When are wild boar dangerous? Wild boars are not always dangerous.
Usually, wild boar are nocturnal anyway. They can be shy and prefer staying far away from humans. They become dangerous only when…
Boars breed November to January.
- They feel they are cornered, ignored, or threatened
- They need to defend themselves from animals, humans, and hunters
- They need to protect their young. This is one of the major causes for many wild boars being dangerous in terms of attacks – particularly females with their young. "
I would be more concerned with scorpions, camping out wild. (They will not cross bunches of Lavender).
I don't know if this helps but territory is important to feral hunters. Back in the late 70's there was a hunter turned photographer who often went to the North Canadian and Alaskan wilds, where wolf packs roamed. When he made camp he would dribble small amounts of his urine all round the perimeter of his camp. He said that wolves would come as far as his perimeter but never cross. He never had any problems with wild animals when he set up his urine perimeter - does this help??
I doubt Scottish midges will have their digital certs yet...I've camped a lot mostly with a bivvy bag or tarp throughout wild areas of Europe and I've often opened my eyes in the morning and to find deer grazing around me, young wild boar running past or marmots staring me right in the face. You probably won't see much wildlife on the Frances but I did have 3 feral pigs wander past me one night near Roncesvalles and a large bull sit on my tent a bit further on. There's usually nothing to fear from the larger wildlife, they mostly stay away, ignore you if not a threat, or some like marmots and squirrels inquisitive, although I was chased by a pack of weasels once. The biggest "danger" is usually from biting insects like mosquitoes and especially Scottish midgies, some ants can bite, spiders are ugly but usually harmless, slugs and snails just slime you. Ticks are the only thing that concern me, a growing problem in Scotland although I've been lucky not to be bitten by an infected one. I ended up with a load one day on the Frances, but I think they are rare there I was just unlucky.
Thank you Felipe for your response.No experience with camping, but I can assure you that wild boars are very present in many regions of rural France. They roam along creeks and brooks, from one foraging area to another. They have become less shy and more used to humans; you can occasionally see them when you are going by car, in quite populated areas. And yes, there are every year many serious incidents, although most of them involve hunters. The usual lively debate between conservationists and farmers is sometimes present in the newspapers.
I would ask local people about the situation, for example at the bistro where you stop to have a café au lait; or the albergue manager.
I concur. Seen them in the Charente all the time. Make for great Sunday roast, don't they.No experience with camping, but I can assure you that wild boars are very present in many regions of rural France. They roam along creeks and brooks, from one foraging area to another. They have become less shy and more used to humans; you can occasionally see them when you are going by car, in quite populated areas. And yes, there are every year many serious incidents, although most of them involve hunters. The usual lively debate between conservationists and farmers is sometimes present in the newspapers.
I would ask local people about the situation, for example at the bistro where you stop to have a café au lait; or the albergue manager.
Thank you Felipe for your response.. Some people have given me the impression that I'm crazy for even asking about safety when regarding wild boars but I know for a fact as well that they are there and I definitely need to use caution. Thank you for the information! I think my solution is to mostly camp near gites/albergeus. Felipe, do you mind if I copy your response and post it to my FB post with the same question so the people following my post are made aware and I can be validated in asking my question?
Thank you so much for telling your experiences! Before walking El Camino I will be walking the West Highland Way and St. Cuthbert's Way in the UK. I planned my trip specifically to start in April to avoid the midges and I've got a good plan of prevention and attack for the ticks. My aunt has been plagued by lyme disease her whole adult life so it is definitely something to prepare against. I appreciate hearing your experience because this is the "realistic" scenarios that could happen and I'm not ready for the fright, so I'll stick to very public camping places for now until I get some more experience under my belt.I've camped a lot mostly with a bivvy bag or tarp throughout wild areas of Europe and I've often opened my eyes in the morning and to find deer grazing around me, young wild boar running past or marmots staring me right in the face. You probably won't see much wildlife on the Frances but I did have 3 feral pigs wander past me one night near Roncesvalles and a large bull sit on my tent a bit further on. There's usually nothing to fear from the larger wildlife, they mostly stay away, ignore you if not a threat, or some like marmots and squirrels inquisitive, although I was chased by a pack of weasels once. The biggest "danger" is usually from biting insects like mosquitoes and especially Scottish midgies, some ants can bite, spiders are ugly but usually harmless, slugs and snails just slime you. Ticks are the only thing that concern me, a growing problem in Scotland although I've been lucky not to be bitten by an infected one. I ended up with a load one day on the Frances, but I think they are rare there I was just unlucky.
Let us not forget the wild dogs of Foncebadón David.Nobody has mentioned the bears and wolves that are in Spain yet
The only bad experience I had with wildlife was in a very remote part of the Camino Primativo. In this region they have wolves, and because they also have a lot of stray dogs, there is a bit of a problem with wolf dog hybrids. I had a nasty run in with 2 of them while hiking there early one morning.Hello everyone,
I am planning on walking El Camino from Le Puy to SJPD to Santiago to Muxia to Finisterra ( or maybe will go the Norte route instead of the Frances... we'll see where the wind blows me) next June to Aug (73 days approx). I have been reading and researching message boards for the past several months so I've heard all the arguments for and against camping/wild camping as far as the social aspect goes... and all the legalities, sensibilities regarding "Leave no Trace" and not starting fires, etc. I know there are plenty of camping options along the route and I'll be using Gronze and MMDD to find these spots as well as wild camping if the opportunity arises.
I am an ultralight backer (somewhat novice and very cautious-- still learning) in the US so I have all the appropriate gear dialed in and would like to camp/wild camp the majority of the way. I have one hang up due to some experiences I heard about through all my research. I know it's not a common occurrence that will detract people from camping, but I'm worried about wild boars, rutting stags, and other creatures roaming at night that might be aggressive with the potential to attack. I would love to camp but I need to be able to sleep well and not loose sleep being afraid of these creatures.. For those of you who have camped, did you have any animal encounters and what did you do to handle the encounters. Thank you for any information!
PS. I'd LOVE to hear encouraging responses so I can put my mind at ease and continue with my plans to camp, but if it's dangerous I'll have to concede.
I walked the gr-65 from le Puy in 2017, made it all the way to Moissac (was going to finish it in 2020) and my biggest regret was not taking a tent. In France yes, you can camp out in camping sites, plenty of them in GR-65. you can alternate with staying at hostels or b&b's though they are more expensive than the albergues in Spain. treat yourself once in a while to a home cooked dinner and a bed with clean sheets. I found all food in France to be exquisite. I never saw, heard or smelled any creature on the trails. Though I did see lots of goat excrement.Hello everyone,
I am planning on walking El Camino from Le Puy to SJPD to Santiago to Muxia to Finisterra ( or maybe will go the Norte route instead of the Frances... we'll see where the wind blows me) next June to Aug (73 days approx). I have been reading and researching message boards for the past several months so I've heard all the arguments for and against camping/wild camping as far as the social aspect goes... and all the legalities, sensibilities regarding "Leave no Trace" and not starting fires, etc. I know there are plenty of camping options along the route and I'll be using Gronze and MMDD to find these spots as well as wild camping if the opportunity arises.
I am an ultralight backer (somewhat novice and very cautious-- still learning) in the US so I have all the appropriate gear dialed in and would like to camp/wild camp the majority of the way. I have one hang up due to some experiences I heard about through all my research. I know it's not a common occurrence that will detract people from camping, but I'm worried about wild boars, rutting stags, and other creatures roaming at night that might be aggressive with the potential to attack. I would love to camp but I need to be able to sleep well and not loose sleep being afraid of these creatures.. For those of you who have camped, did you have any animal encounters and what did you do to handle the encounters. Thank you for any information!
PS. I'd LOVE to hear encouraging responses so I can put my mind at ease and continue with my plans to camp, but if it's dangerous I'll have to concede.
Oh goodness! Seriously. No bueno! Is pepper spray or your trekking poles a good deterrent?The only bad experience I had with wildlife was in a very remote part of the Camino Primativo. In this region they have wolves, and because they also have a lot of stray dogs, there is a bit of a problem with wolf dog hybrids. I had a nasty run in with 2 of them while hiking there early one morning.
I have read most of the posts and they give sound and sometimes whimsical advice.Hello everyone,
I am planning on walking El Camino from Le Puy to SJPD to Santiago to Muxia to Finisterra ( or maybe will go the Norte route instead of the Frances... we'll see where the wind blows me) next June to Aug (73 days approx). I have been reading and researching message boards for the past several months so I've heard all the arguments for and against camping/wild camping as far as the social aspect goes... and all the legalities, sensibilities regarding "Leave no Trace" and not starting fires, etc. I know there are plenty of camping options along the route and I'll be using Gronze and MMDD to find these spots as well as wild camping if the opportunity arises.
I am an ultralight backer (somewhat novice and very cautious-- still learning) in the US so I have all the appropriate gear dialed in and would like to camp/wild camp the majority of the way. I have one hang up due to some experiences I heard about through all my research. I know it's not a common occurrence that will detract people from camping, but I'm worried about wild boars, rutting stags, and other creatures roaming at night that might be aggressive with the potential to attack. I would love to camp but I need to be able to sleep well and not loose sleep being afraid of these creatures.. For those of you who have camped, did you have any animal encounters and what did you do to handle the encounters. Thank you for any information!
PS. I'd LOVE to hear encouraging responses so I can put my mind at ease and continue with my plans to camp, but if it's dangerous I'll have to concede.
Only chiming in here as likely the most important item has not been mentioned. Camino camping is very much frowned upon most of the area that you have mentioned. As a guest in the country, the very first thing is to honour the requirement. The rule is not there for frivolous or even economic reasons but to keep Visitors safe. In fact, beyond all other responses here, it is the things that we do not or cannot foresee that would be of greater concern.
Wild camping in the UK and Ireland is a whole different ball game and I have done that myself. In Spain, I, like you, was going to camp, but never did, out of respect for our Host, España, and its Citizens. As independent as we wish to be, it is those Citizens that we all need, and their services that allow us to accomplish our pilgrimage.
Hello, I won't be ignoring the law and will not be starting fires.I’m just going to point out you are traveling during fire season. If you must ignore the law please at the very least don’t ever ever ever light a match. EVER. People in my state have died from massive fires started by homeless camping in dry river beds.
Thank you everyone for your replies! I received some very good advice and I now know how to proceed. Thank you!Hello everyone,
I am planning on walking El Camino from Le Puy to SJPD to Santiago to Muxia to Finisterra ( or maybe will go the Norte route instead of the Frances... we'll see where the wind blows me) next June to Aug (73 days approx). I have been reading and researching message boards for the past several months so I've heard all the arguments for and against camping/wild camping as far as the social aspect goes... and all the legalities, sensibilities regarding "Leave no Trace" and not starting fires, etc. I know there are plenty of camping options along the route and I'll be using Gronze and MMDD to find these spots as well as wild camping if the opportunity arises.
I am an ultralight backer (somewhat novice and very cautious-- still learning) in the US so I have all the appropriate gear dialed in and would like to camp/wild camp the majority of the way. I have one hang up due to some experiences I heard about through all my research. I know it's not a common occurrence that will detract people from camping, but I'm worried about wild boars, rutting stags, and other creatures roaming at night that might be aggressive with the potential to attack. I would love to camp but I need to be able to sleep well and not loose sleep being afraid of these creatures.. For those of you who have camped, did you have any animal encounters and what did you do to handle the encounters. Thank you for any information!
PS. I'd LOVE to hear encouraging responses so I can put my mind at ease and continue with my plans to camp, but if it's dangerous I'll have to concede.
Hello, camping where prohibited is ignoring the law. Also I said light a match, not start a fire. Most people who start massive wildfires didn’t mean to do so. A cigarette has set Costa Brava on fire right now with hundreds forced to leave their homes. Camp on camp grounds, be a polite traveler.Hello, I won't be ignoring the law and will not be starting fires.
On the VDLP waaaaay back in 2009, we were walking before sun-up one morning.
I heard a "snort" and pointed my camera in that direction.
Took a flash photo and this is what was snorting. Hahaha!
But they were just curious. No threat.
The only other scary things I've seen were on the Aragones route.
I saw a viper alongside the trail.
About 8 inches long and deader than a doornail.
And one year I was pretty sure I saw cougar tracks on top of a mountain trail but that was pooh-poohed by the forum. I still believe it was a large cat, but ::
I walk alone all the time.
Don't fear - just go.
Thank you, thank you, THANK you!Annie, no cougars in Europe but we do have wild cats - you most likely saw the Iberian Lynx. They go up to about 90cms long.
View attachment 105457
Good Old Shoes, thank you so much for your reply! This is exactly the information I was needing.On the way from Le Puy it is very safe and easy to camp. Many gites allow to camp in their garden for a small fee (5-10 Euros usually) and then you can use the bathroom and the kitchen which is also perfect for meeting fellow pilgrims, share a meal and so on if you feel like it. There are also many official campsites along the way. If you camp in such environment, you can be very sure not to get eaten by wolves, bears and the like at night ;-)
You can find information about possible camping spots in the "miam miam dodo" guide book which you mentioned in your post, as it lists not only hostels but also the information whether they allow you to pitch a tent. BUT: Best call ahead and ask to be sure, a few times the information was not correct when I walked 2017.
France in general is very camping friendly. If you wild camp responsibly (no fire - including candles, stoves and cigarettes! - no littering and so on, but you already know that!) you most likely won't be bothered by anyone even though it is not legal.
Spain is completely different in that regard. It will be more difficult on the Frances from St Jean onwards to camp but is possible at least some days. Please don't wild camp in Spain though, not only is it illegal but the Spanish are much more strict about it than the french and dislike it in general. Please respect that.
Have a good trip and enjoy the fresh air under the stars
I would forget about the café au lait and drink it black like God intended and then you can crap on the vipers! My only worry when doing some wild camping was if the mad axeman was loose from some penal establishment and specifically looking for ME!No experience with camping, but I can assure you that wild boars are very present in many regions of rural France. They roam along creeks and brooks, from one foraging area to another. They have become less shy and more used to humans; you can occasionally see them when you are going by car, in quite populated areas. And yes, there are every year many serious incidents, although most of them involve hunters. The usual lively debate between conservationists and farmers is sometimes present in the newspapers.
I would ask local people about the situation, for example at the bistro where you stop to have a café au lait; or the albergue manager.
Tip-toing Elephants. I so love that!!!!I wild camped in Botswana. Heard some faint rustling noises during the night. In the morning there were elephant prints. They had literally tip toed between the guy ropes. We came across the culprits a bit further along the sand track that day – a nursing herd of females and calves. Just thought I’d throw that in here.
I camped 80 percent of Le Puy en Velay to Muxia with five children (youngest 9) and we too had "amazing experiences", so much so TWO pilgrims from Europe have been guests in our home, one we flew out to spend 6 weeks as our guest in our home, with a wonderful tour of the East Coast of the US, DC, NYC, mountains, primitive beach. One can describe their experience but let's not imply that others "miss out"...Hi Stacee,
Having walked half of the del Norte, I think that you are missing one of the important reasons for walking a Camino if you intend to exclusively Wild Camp - even in these difficult times, spending time with other pilgrims in B&B, restaurants, bars or albergue is a major part of the experience.
If you really want to do some nights under canvas, then why not consider doing so over a section of your route and shipping your camping gear for collection when you arrive at Santiago. That way you might be under canvas for the more rugged start (and perhaps the Santiago to Finisterre bit too) but can take advantage of the lighter backpack and better infrastructure as you get closer to Santiago.
Alternatively, if you are selecting camping to avoid getting too close to other people (to avoid Covid infection), then you might want to ship your camping gear for collection at a half way point instead and take advantage of a lighter backpack for the more strenuous starting sections.
PS: if you walk Del Norte then you can skip some sections using the train.
Ha ha ha! I will be definitely be on the lookout for your green tent.@staceegutierrez I just realized that, if all goes well, I'll be walking the le Puy at roughly the same time as you next year (if covid allows). Starting from home, I should be on the Le Puy in june. So you won't be the only maniac doing it with a tent around that time! Maybe that's reassuring or maybe scary, I guess it depends. Lol. If you see a strange lady with a giant backpack (I am nowhere near ultralight!) and a tiny olive green tent that might be me. Ignore me or say hello if you like. Bon chemin anyways!!
Thank you for posting your experience! Definitely an adventure of a lifetime!I camped 80 percent of Le Puy en Velay to Muxia with five children (youngest 9) and we too had "amazing experiences", so much so TWO pilgrims from Europe have been guests in our home, one we flew out to spend 6 weeks as our guest in our home, with a wonderful tour of the East Coast of the US, DC, NYC, mountains, primitive beach. One can describe their experience but let's not imply that others "miss out"...
Our trip was a trip of a life time.
With that said I couldn't dare give advice to others on camping, we just went with our gut and made it happen, not really traditionally. My blog does capture our nights, any difficulties and our spirits...
One of my favorite camping experiences with animals while in tent was on the GR11 (Spanish side of the Pyrenees) , I was literally frozen to death with my two daughters, it was so misty that it felt like it was raining and it was dark. We set up our tent, wet, cold and possibly miserable...but woke to the sounds of bells EVERYWHERE, as a Sheep were running by. It was a very dreamy experience...
On the Le Puy route, you literally walk among some hunters. Their standing in areas and don't really walk with you but you could say "bonjour" to them and they would hear you. I actually think I am going to get some orange vests for my daughter and me on this upcoming Le Puy route...I see two dangers in your planned walk. You will be walking in summer. It will be hot. Pilgrims die on the camino, some from dehydration. Be sure that you carry lots of safe water. There may be fountains along the way, but some are likely to be marked "non potable" and others to be dry. A secondary risk, mentioned above, may be hunters. I don't know the hunting seasons in Spain, but I have heard gunfire at the edge of a village (target practice?), picked up a spent shotgun shell from a camino route and seen many hunters along the Way. I have always walked in autumn, As your walk is planned to end in August, this may be a lesser risk, depending on the hunting seasons. Take care and be sure to be hydrated. Buen camino.
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