Alan Pearce
Veteran Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- Camino Invierno October 2022
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Love the Oiga but it can be very intimidate if you are afraid of big dogs.I think the dog in Villavieja (before Cornatel Castle) is there and likely to be barking his head off. He is a big mastiff type. Knowing that he has never bitten anyone though should give you some solace. I had spent some time with the owner of the casa rural before venturing out. He was there working on some upgrades and I asked whether that big loose dog was still there and he said yes. If you still are not comfortable walking past him, I think you can follow the reliable routine of just standing there and yelling OIGA while he is barking and wait for the owner to show up. He will eventually, even though he isn't very hospitable about it. In fact, as I've probably already said in a thousand posts that you've read, Alan, I always use that trick and it always works.
Oh what an history,I am sure you were very worried about the dogs,but you found your way,leaving the dogs behind.I came across quite a few dogs on the Invierno. I am not overly fond of dogs especially when they are big and barking (terrified of them actually). When I am bailed up by the dogs I don't speak, but stand still and wait, and in 4 of the 5 cases, the owner appeared, calling the dogs back. I cross my sticks behind, wait patiently and eventually things get sorted. There was one terrifying incident when I met three big chaps, with no one was around. I quietly, and slowly, advanced, and around the corner met another 2 big boys! I stopped and waited, again, no-one came and so with sticks poised (for what, I have no idea!)I slowly advanced. They sniffed around while I slowly left the village, took off across the fields to the main road where I went on a detour to the next village so as to not pass the dogs who were frolicking on the road further down. As it turns out I had turned off the path, because I wasn't sure exactly when I had to turn right and crossed a bridge to make sure where I was - a mistake which would have meant I wouldn't have met the dogs if I had continued straight on.
Yes quit a few of them I met but it was no danger whatsoever!!I am looking to walk the Invierno in May or June next year. My companion-to-be is scared [ I mean REALLY scared ] of dogs, and I am a bit leery myself. Could folks who have walked the Invierno lately please post an update on whether or not they had any encounters with unfriendly dogs?
Alan
Be brave. Life is joyous.
I am looking to walk the Invierno in May or June next year. My companion-to-be is scared [ I mean REALLY scared ] of dogs, and I am a bit leery myself. Could folks who have walked the Invierno lately please post an update on whether or not they had any encounters with unfriendly dogs?
Alan
Be brave. Life is joyous.
Be aware that there are not so many facilities , you might end up walking long journeys .My tentative 2018 Camino will include the Invierno from Ponferrada. I have recommended it here as an alternative to the Frances and the "Sarria stroll."
FWIW...Normally, I go on Camino for 30 days or so each year (April- May) . But, this year, "she who must be obeyed" shortened the apron string to two weeks. However, la jefa says she will meet me at Santiago for two weeks of tourist travel afterwards. She is NOT interested in doing Camino per se, but IS interested in seeing what I have been up to at Santiago for five years. So, there are places to go, and people to meet...
But, not having actually done the Invierno myself, it behooves me to do so. So I shall. I plan to start from Ponferrada around the 20th of April, and arrive in Santiago in the first week of May.
Easter is April 1 in 2018. So that puts the "Pig in the Python" surge starting at several transportation nodes to the east around Easter behind me, I think...
Once I do this, I will be in a better stead commenting on actual conditions. Heretofore, I have only commented on the Invierno route itself as an alternative to the Sarria segment and the crowds. So, needs must...
I will pay particular attention to the canine situation on the Invierno so I can report more accurately. Through a hilarious turn of events, when preparing to move overseas for a few years, back-in-the-day, I "accidentally" had a three-shot rabies vaccine, with indefinite, long-term effect. In December, I receive my updated tetanus booster. So, bring on the Invierno...
I hope this helps.
If a dog attempts to follow you out of the village or hamlet, DO NOT ALLOW IT.
Be aware that there are not so many facilities , you might end up walking long journeys .
Best way is to plan it in advance, enough food and water in your backpack !
Buen Camino!
If you are approached by a dog never give eye contact, turn your back , fold/cross your arms. NEVER wave arms or legs or walking sticks as this will be seen as a game or aggression.I am looking to walk the Invierno in May or June next year. My companion-to-be is scared [ I mean REALLY scared ] of dogs, and I am a bit leery myself. Could folks who have walked the Invierno lately please post an update on whether or not they had any encounters with unfriendly dogs?
Alan
Be brave. Life is joyous.
Hi CaroleI'm sorry the dogs were such a problem for you Luka.... sounds similar to the VdlP back in 2006. One really scary incident involving 3 farm mastiffs and no owner... and my one hiking stick which I am still convinced was all that prevented us becoming minced meat. Sorry t2Andreo.... I'll be keeping sticks out.... After reading this thread I'm now worried cos friend Sue and I are planning to walk the Invierno in June 2018. Buen camino, Carole
Perhaps we'll see you there Alan?
Thanks! It was mostly in my head, nothing really happened. I just couldn't get my mind at ease anymore. You will be fine with the two of you! With the number rising, this Camino is changing. As well as the VdlP did (which I walked in 2013 and 2014 without any dog problems).I'm sorry the dogs were such a problem for you Luka....
Hi Alan,Hi Carole
I'll be walking the Invierno with 2 companions [safety in numbers?!] from 28th April to 9th of May, following Lauries' 12 etapa programme. In the second half of June I will have the honour of being a hospitalero at Rabanal. When do you plan to finish your Invierno?
I will be carrying my walking staff on the Invierno!
Alan
This is some great information for the fear of dogs.Some time ago I wrote that dogs in Galicia did not have to be chipped. I cannot quickly find that posting. So I will inform everyone here that has changed and it is obligatory to have them all chipped.
News in Spanish.
Maybe that will not help any ones fear of dogs. But it is a step in the right direction.
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