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OH, me too, leaving today, dog worry!Sorry, but I zoomed in on the dog bite. I am not at all fond of dogs and the thought of encountering an aggressive one on this route (where I will be walking in a few weeks) has alarmed me. Where and what happened?
Don't sweat the dogs. If you see one you are concerned about, look straight ahead, walk forward and give it a wide berth.OH, me too, leaving today, dog worry!
I leave from Ponferrada on June 3rd!I'm just back from my first Camino. I did Ponferrada to Santiago in 9 days. To those that are just starting out, I thought I'd share some lessons learned.
- I packed really light - and I was glad of it. My pack was under 15 pounds and I used everything I packed.
- Don't be afraid to use the pharmacist - I didn't go until Day 8...and the IBprofin they gave me and the cream for my odd rash worked wonders - I didn't have to suffer for days.
- You really don't need to worry about anything other than walking, sleeping and eating.
- All the guidebook reading I did.....it helped very little. Things really are pretty self explanatory.
- TALK TO PEOPLE! The people I met on the camino are some of the best I ever met ---- and the camino has a way of having you run into them again and again even when you see hardly another soul.
- Don't be worried about crowds. We only ever saw any other people (really any others - it was a very desolote camino the week after Easter) was on Friday as we came out of Sarria - we stopped early and got out of the crowd and didn't see anymore the whole way. Note - we didn't stop at traditional stage ends.
- Plan for any weather...but still pack light - ie layers.
- The camino has a plan for you....and sometimes the lessons it teaches take the form of a not pleasant day--- remember to let it go and learn from it. I walked by myself through over a foot of snow, got bit by a dog, stung by a bee, almost trampled by sheep, hailed on...twice, and had to walk 10 miles more than planned on this day. But I learned a lot about myself and also learned how to let things go so the rest of my trip wasn't marred.
- ENJOY. Live in the moment - don't let the overplanning, over information, over researching get in the way of just enjoying the moment and taking things as they come!
Truthfully, regardless of the dog bite, the endless rain (8 out of the 9 days it was almost constant), and some tough learning moments --- this was the best trip of my life and one that will stay with me forever. I'm glad for the research I did - but I'm also glad I didn't get caught up in overplanning. Its so easy to do.
If anyone has any specific questions about the route starting in Ponferrada - I'm happy to answer! We took the country route out of Villafranca --- I HIGHLY recommend it if you are in moderate shape.
I bought a (dog) Dazer II on EBay. I keep it in the small pocket on my lower pack strap. If dogs make you nervous, then they make you nervous. Prepare and remove that concern so you're not carrying a tiny stressful preoccupation around with you on your Camino.Sorry, but I zoomed in on the dog bite. I am not at all fond of dogs and the thought of encountering an aggressive one on this route (where I will be walking in a few weeks) has alarmed me. Where and what happened?
I bought a (dog) Dazer II on EBay. I keep it in the small pocket on my lower pack strap. If dogs make you nervous, then they make you nervous. Prepare and remove that concern so you're not carrying a tiny stressful preoccupation around with you on your Camino.
I've been on my Camino France's for 2.5 weeks, I've seen many dogs. All have been locked up doing their jobs as watchdogs. Dog owners along the Camino have apparently been asked to keep their dogs fenced in. The Camino is an enormous industry which plows a lot of foreign currency into the Spanish economy. Nobody wants a single walker to get bitten, I assume. To put it very bluntly, it's bad for business.
I think it's weird when people say don't overthink it, go with the flow. What on earth is wrong with just using the brain one is born with, preparing and therefore being as undistracted as possible so as to enjoy the experience.
Buen Camino, - Mike
I'm a bit skeptical about the effectiveness of that dog dazer thing. Not sure if an ultrasonic sound will chase one off. Have you ever tested it?Mike--I agree! I bought a Dog Dazer II for my last trip to Spain, but got busy and just forgot to pack it. As it was, I only had one dog issue, and fortunately, a car pulled over and the driver stayed with me while the dog just walked on by.
For those of us who have been bitten, the phobia is a hard one to shake. It's not a negative thing to take care of oneself.
On my first trip to Spain, a friend I was walking with was fixated on petting all dogs, approaching them all. It drove me crazy, especially when some snapped at her. I just kept walking.
www.wunderground.comThanks for your replies, and scuse me Beth that your nice thread is getting dominated by the (expletive to express how I feel about them) dogs thing. I had read this thread https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/names-of-towns-with-loose-dogs.36783/#post-400086
and there's mention of Dog Dazer there. I have tried using them when I lived in a place with a serious street dog problem and found them effective for some mutts but certainly not all. But I do understand that in general the road-more-travelled Frances has pretty much dealt with roaming ones.
Now onto my other major horror in life.. cold weather!!! I'm a softie from the subtropics and my idea of 'layering' is putting on a t shirt. Am watching the weather reports for my upcoming trip and thinking - yep, that's me in the taxi!
www.wunderground.com
You can look up past years weather in different parts of Spain for the month of May. Not a predictor of future weather, but does give you an idea of what to expect.
That's a good attitude to have.I'm looking at this year's weather, Mark, and it does seem an unusually cold and wet spring. Never mind, I will just have to deal with it. And I already allow myself no pressure at all to stretch myself physically into illness. I've had a very rough last few months, since I decided to take this walk, and it's going to be all about looking after me, and having no shame in asking for any kind of help I need
I really just want to emphisize that for new walkers, the chance of getting bit is very low.
I'm a bit skeptical about the effectiveness of that dog dazer thing. Not sure if an ultrasonic sound will chase one off. Have you ever tested it?
I had to deal with aggressive dogs all the time as a copper and even got nipped a couple of times, but no breaking of the skin. The dogs that nipped me were small. You never let a big aggressive one get that close to you on a call.
Yes, I will have nice techy Pacer Poles. But what would one actually DO with a pole to indicate to a nasty barking charging /planted in from tot me type dog that it should just go away shut up and leave me alone (cos really I am not going to/able to rip its throat out like it's indicating it would like to do to me) ? Seriously, I don't know.. wave it around while shouting? ram at its face?You have hiking sticks-the dog doesn't! I own dogs over 50 pounds each, they would be no match for titanium hiking poles. A bit of cheese tossed aside works great too. You are walking through their turf.
Tough old "what's"? Has anyone used a water pistol loaded with vinegar (or acetic acid) - spray at the nose/mouth. Or is this going more than a little over the top?? I have to agree if a little mut had bitten me it would have received flying lessons!! (see @Mark Lee)!!That's right! The Spanish dogs love the old tough ones!!
You don't sound like too much of a "Saint" Saint MikeTough old "what's"? Has anyone used a water pistol loaded with vinegar (or acetic acid) - spray at the nose/mouth. Or is this going more than a little over the top?? I have to agree if a little mut had bitten me it would have received flying lessons!! (see @Mark Lee)!!
Nah, not saint, just an old fart (one year older!!)You don't sound like too much of a "Saint" Saint Mike
If you know an unknown dog is coming, present your buttocks - it avoids eye contact and is the best bit to be bitten on.Yes, I will have nice techy Pacer Poles. But what would one actually DO with a pole to indicate to a nasty barking charging /planted in from tot me type dog that it should just go away shut up and leave me alone (cos really I am not going to/able to rip its throat out like it's indicating it would like to do to me) ? Seriously, I don't know.. wave it around while shouting? ram at its face?
I usually carry a whistle in case I get hurt in the NZ bush. But I got a bit carried away with saving weight and trying to have every item serving at least 2 purposes. So I packed a tin whistle so I could do the distress call, and intended to bone up on my musical skills to entertain myself. Well, although I could make an earsplitting distress whistle I was never distressed - and there were too many people around to play music without causing them distress, so that whistle survived the trip untouched.I've been told to carry a whistle in my pocket during my upcoming walk. Firstly to chase off dogs or other animals and secondly in case I fall somehwere and need to get attention or to scare away some unwanted attention as I'll be walking alone.
I've been told to carry a whistle in my pocket during my upcoming walk. Firstly to chase off dogs or other animals and secondly in case I fall somehwere and need to get attention or to scare away some unwanted attention as I'll be walking alone.
This is my first Camino. I carry a plastic hiking whistle, headlamp, Dog Dazer and a small Swiss Army knife. I bought a first rate compass but sent that ahead to Ivar at Santiago.I've been told to carry a whistle in my pocket during my upcoming walk. Firstly to chase off dogs or other animals and secondly in case I fall somehwere and need to get attention or to scare away some unwanted attention as I'll be walking alone.
I'm just back from my first Camino. I did Ponferrada to Santiago in 9 days. To those that are just starting out, I thought I'd share some lessons learned.
- I packed really light - and I was glad of it. My pack was under 15 pounds and I used everything I packed.
- Don't be afraid to use the pharmacist - I didn't go until Day 8...and the IBprofin they gave me and the cream for my odd rash worked wonders - I didn't have to suffer for days.
- You really don't need to worry about anything other than walking, sleeping and eating.
- All the guidebook reading I did.....it helped very little. Things really are pretty self explanatory.
- TALK TO PEOPLE! The people I met on the camino are some of the best I ever met ---- and the camino has a way of having you run into them again and again even when you see hardly another soul.
- Don't be worried about crowds. We only ever saw any other people (really any others - it was a very desolote camino the week after Easter) was on Friday as we came out of Sarria - we stopped early and got out of the crowd and didn't see anymore the whole way. Note - we didn't stop at traditional stage ends.
- Plan for any weather...but still pack light - ie layers.
- The camino has a plan for you....and sometimes the lessons it teaches take the form of a not pleasant day--- remember to let it go and learn from it. I walked by myself through over a foot of snow, got bit by a dog, stung by a bee, almost trampled by sheep, hailed on...twice, and had to walk 10 miles more than planned on this day. But I learned a lot about myself and also learned how to let things go so the rest of my trip wasn't marred.
- ENJOY. Live in the moment - don't let the overplanning, over information, over researching get in the way of just enjoying the moment and taking things as they come!
Truthfully, regardless of the dog bite, the endless rain (8 out of the 9 days it was almost constant), and some tough learning moments --- this was the best trip of my life and one that will stay with me forever. I'm glad for the research I did - but I'm also glad I didn't get caught up in overplanning. Its so easy to do.
If anyone has any specific questions about the route starting in Ponferrada - I'm happy to answer! We took the country route out of Villafranca --- I HIGHLY recommend it if you are in moderate shape.
Yes 3 point field goal attemptYou don't sound like too much of a "Saint" Saint Mike
Actually most of the dogs I came across just wanted to have a scratch behind the ears.I think the chances of any of the concerned pilgrims having an issue with dogs is minimal, but, just as spiders hunt me down...so the best advice is to not engage with the dog, keep walking confidently and/or if necessary take an alternative route around the dog if possible. I find (and I work with dogs for a living) that a good stern 'GET' is enough if they look at you sideways (I call them 'Jack Nicholson eyes) but I also don't walk around offering pats to dogs in public where they are more likely to be territorial or guarding their owner or property, much as I love them, they tricky ones will suck you in with their cute eyes and at the last moment snap at you. I must admit at work I do have the benefit of drugs, but I don't think it would go down too well if I wander around drugging all the dogs I come across!
Most dogs doActually most of the dogs I came across just wanted to have a scratch behind the ears.
I'm just back from my first Camino. I did Ponferrada to Santiago in 9 days. To those that are just starting out, I thought I'd share some lessons learned.
- I packed really light - and I was glad of it. My pack was under 15 pounds and I used everything I packed.
- Don't be afraid to use the pharmacist - I didn't go until Day 8...and the IBprofin they gave me and the cream for my odd rash worked wonders - I didn't have to suffer for days.
- You really don't need to worry about anything other than walking, sleeping and eating.
- All the guidebook reading I did.....it helped very little. Things really are pretty self explanatory.
- TALK TO PEOPLE! The people I met on the camino are some of the best I ever met ---- and the camino has a way of having you run into them again and again even when you see hardly another soul.
- Don't be worried about crowds. We only ever saw any other people (really any others - it was a very desolote camino the week after Easter) was on Friday as we came out of Sarria - we stopped early and got out of the crowd and didn't see anymore the whole way. Note - we didn't stop at traditional stage ends.
- Plan for any weather...but still pack light - ie layers.
- The camino has a plan for you....and sometimes the lessons it teaches take the form of a not pleasant day--- remember to let it go and learn from it. I walked by myself through over a foot of snow, got bit by a dog, stung by a bee, almost trampled by sheep, hailed on...twice, and had to walk 10 miles more than planned on this day. But I learned a lot about myself and also learned how to let things go so the rest of my trip wasn't marred.
- ENJOY. Live in the moment - don't let the overplanning, over information, over researching get in the way of just enjoying the moment and taking things as they come!
Truthfully, regardless of the dog bite, the endless rain (8 out of the 9 days it was almost constant), and some tough learning moments --- this was the best trip of my life and one that will stay with me forever. I'm glad for the research I did - but I'm also glad I didn't get caught up in overplanning. Its so easy to do.
If anyone has any specific questions about the route starting in Ponferrada - I'm happy to answer! We took the country route out of Villafranca --- I HIGHLY recommend it if you are in moderate shape.
Hi, we are doing the same track this May, we have pre booked some accommodation, should we be worried about having every night pre booked? or is there plenty along the way?
in particular the track between Ambasmestas To O Cebreiro , should we be staying at O Ceberiro? appreciate your help, Adam
I'm just back from my first Camino. I did Ponferrada to Santiago in 9 days. To those that are just starting out, I thought I'd share some lessons learned.
- I packed really light - and I was glad of it. My pack was under 15 pounds and I used everything I packed.
- Don't be afraid to use the pharmacist - I didn't go until Day 8...and the IBprofin they gave me and the cream for my odd rash worked wonders - I didn't have to suffer for days.
- You really don't need to worry about anything other than walking, sleeping and eating.
- All the guidebook reading I did.....it helped very little. Things really are pretty self explanatory.
- TALK TO PEOPLE! The people I met on the camino are some of the best I ever met ---- and the camino has a way of having you run into them again and again even when you see hardly another soul.
- Don't be worried about crowds. We only ever saw any other people (really any others - it was a very desolote camino the week after Easter) was on Friday as we came out of Sarria - we stopped early and got out of the crowd and didn't see anymore the whole way. Note - we didn't stop at traditional stage ends.
- Plan for any weather...but still pack light - ie layers.
- The camino has a plan for you....and sometimes the lessons it teaches take the form of a not pleasant day--- remember to let it go and learn from it. I walked by myself through over a foot of snow, got bit by a dog, stung by a bee, almost trampled by sheep, hailed on...twice, and had to walk 10 miles more than planned on this day. But I learned a lot about myself and also learned how to let things go so the rest of my trip wasn't marred.
- ENJOY. Live in the moment - don't let the overplanning, over information, over researching get in the way of just enjoying the moment and taking things as they come!
Truthfully, regardless of the dog bite, the endless rain (8 out of the 9 days it was almost constant), and some tough learning moments --- this was the best trip of my life and one that will stay with me forever. I'm glad for the research I did - but I'm also glad I didn't get caught up in overplanning. Its so easy to do.
If anyone has any specific questions about the route starting in Ponferrada - I'm happy to answer! We took the country route out of Villafranca --- I HIGHLY recommend it if you are in moderate shape.
Hi Adam! We had NO issues with accommodations at all. There seemed to be plenty available. All of our stops had plenty of room (in some of them we were the ONLY ones staying). My disclaimer is we tended to stop in areas that weren't "end of day" stops in any of the guidebooks. We stopped before O Ceberiro and then stopped in Fonfria after. Both we had no issues with at all. It was nice to start O Ceberiro on "new" legs and not do it at the end of the day......especially since we did the country/mountain route out of Villafranca. After doing the country route, O Ceberiro actually didn't feel bad - I think because its not as steep.
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