BalmainGirl
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- Time of past OR future Camino
- Camino Frances 12 days (2017)
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BalmainGirl, there are sometimes taxi numbers on tienda doors, or the locals can tell you. You can try to stay at/leave from a larger albergue (thus among the maximum number of others) when it seems most are heading out (which often seemed to be around 07:30). BethHi everyone,
I was really sorry to read today of the experiences some women have had with the balaclava flasher/moron on the way to Viana. This must have been a terrifying experience. I am going to be walking solo from SJPDP from the 11th June. It sounds like this happens later in the day. What is the best time of day to leave for the day's walk to ensure that there are many pilgrims around? Would it be sensible with this person still hanging around to get a taxi through this stretch if it is not busy with walkers?
Thanks for your thoughts - I'm really looking foward to it - but am concerned about the occasional scary story that comes through.
I walked alone in 2012. I had no problems and never felt afraid, however did recognize that I was often vulnerable.
I walked during the busiest time-May 28-July 4- yet there were many times when I was completely alone. While I always knew there were people behind me on the road, the reality is they could be minutes or hours away and it only takes a moment for something to happen.
It is not as easy as it sounds to walk with someone; to keep pace with another walker, and the one time I did ask a fellow pilgrim to assist me for a few moments to ease my fear I was asked sarcastically, "Why? Because you're afraid and you think you need someone with you?" I know I asked the wrong person.
A woman traveling alone is very different than a man traveling alone, especially if she is unfamiliar with traveling alone to another country.
All that said, I loved the Camino and want to go back. I know I cannot change how others are going to act or respond, and I cannot change the way the Camino seems to be changing. Before I left the first time people said I was brave, but I didn't know what I didn't know.
Now that I know these things I have a different kind of fear and I realize I'm not as brave as they believed. I want to be brave yet cautious. I want to not be afraid to travel alone and not be fearful or humiliated when I ask for help. I want to remember the hundreds of kilometers of joy and not have them overshadowed by the small instances of danger, real and perceived, that I've been reading about.
Any advice?
MoniRose - " the one time I did ask a fellow pilgrim to assist me for a few moments to ease my fear I was asked sarcastically, "Why? Because you're afraid and you think you need someone with you?" I know I asked the wrong person."
There! Another perfect reason to carry at least one custard pie with you on Camino!! What a Twat that man was!!
Please don't let my recent post cause any discouragement or reluctance! Going alone was the best thing I ever did, so much so that I want so badly to do it again. I was scared to death the day I left home but quickly learned to take each moment as it comes.I am traveling solo the last week of June and all of July on the Camino Portuguese and I feel some trepidation- I am undecided about which route I will take to start but in any case I have read that there are some scary paths -and very isolated in the beginning stages.
I will be trying to connect with fellow pilgrims prior to my start in Lisbon to help me feel more assured.
Thanks Moni - it's ladies like you that are giving me the confidence to do this .............Please don't let my recent post cause any discouragement or reluctance! Going alone was the best thing I ever did, so much so that I want so badly to do it again. I was scared to death the day I left home but quickly learned to take each moment as it comes.
Fear is irrational and normal (look at me talking to myself here!). I admire you so much for accepting the challenge your heart has put on you. One day soon I will do the same again!
Much love, respect, and encouragement!
Moni
Please don't let my recent post cause any discouragement or reluctance! Going alone was the best thing I ever did, so much so that I want so badly to do it again. I was scared to death the day I left home but quickly learned to take each moment as it comes.
Fear is irrational and normal (look at me talking to myself here!). I admire you so much for accepting the challenge your heart has put on you. One day soon I will do the same again!
Much love, respect, and encouragement!
Moni
Too bad you had the experience with that one unhelpful person. I traveled alone and for a few days had a pretty bad limp from a sore leg muscle. I was walking slowly and many people passed me. So many people stopped and asked if I was okay, did I need help, offered support and encouragement AND offered all sorts of drugs and remedies for leg pain (if I had accepted them all I could have opened a pharmacy).I actually began stopping when I heard people approaching and pretended to be enjoying the view so they wouldn't feel the need to "help" me.
You'll be fine. Buen Camino[/QUOT
thank you!
I am also walking sola from STJPP on June 13th and also somewhat hesitant to leave as early as I was thinking of doing....6:30am. Any suggestions?Hi everyone,
I was really sorry to read today of the experiences some women have had with the balaclava flasher/moron on the way to Viana. This must have been a terrifying experience. I am going to be walking solo from SJPDP from the 11th June. It sounds like this happens later in the day. What is the best time of day to leave for the day's walk to ensure that there are many pilgrims around? Would it be sensible with this person still hanging around to get a taxi through this stretch if it is not busy with walkers?
Thanks for your thoughts - I'm really looking foward to it - but am concerned about the occasional scary story that comes through.
We may cross paths, angelab - I start walking the 8th.I arrive in SJPdP on 5 June & will be walking my 1st Camino solo from 7th . I'm not nervous about doing it on my own as I know the Camino will support me & reveal herself in every step. Whatever that may be. I know I will be ok. I may take a whistle as that seems a 'sensible' thing to do. I've also been told by others who have walked Camino that you are never really alone. Especially during Spring & Summer. Walking mindfully is my only plan...and to enjoy of course.
Buen Camino
I agree a taxi is NOT necessary ... if concerned you will easily find someone to walk with .... I carry poles and small tin hairspray on outside of pack in case self protection necessary in areas I am concerned ..... do not let these instances disempower you
Ultreia
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