Sad to report another wierdo on The Way.

[Paintboy2]

A camino friend that we first met in Viana de Castelo and caught up with again in Pontevedra recalled for us an incident between Povua de Varzim and Esposende where a man with no pants and a busy hand had exposed himself to her in a wooded section of that area. She retreated and he began to follow sans pants until a jogger approached and stayed with the woman until they were in a more populated area. Be careful everybody. Maybe find a Camino buddy to walk with.

 

[CalgaryLynn]

How pathetic, I would take a picture and go straight to the nearest police station. He won't be able to catch me if I run and his pants are down.

 

[ksam]

How pathetic, I would take a picture and go straight to the nearest police station. He won't be able to catch me if I run and his pants are down.

Completely agree. Obviously being safe yourself is the first issue here...but making sure this idiot doesn't bother anyone else (local or pilgrim!) is absolutely critical. So sad to see this happening again.

 

[Walton]

Very thankful for that jogger passing by.

Hopefully this has been reported to the police.

If not, nothing happens and then you can bet your life that the perpetrator will continue these appalling acts on future pilgrims.

 

[Sansthing]

Unfortunately taking a picture may put you in danger. The perpetrator may be so concerned about being identified that he could become violent, so this is not recommended.

 

[CalgaryLynn]

Unfortunately taking a picture may put you in danger. The perpetrator may be so concerned about being identified that he could become violent, so this is not recommended.

Not to make light of this or your comment. That is not my intention and I hear what you are saying. Men like that are GENERALLY not violent. I have a brother who is a cop and he is always telling me that the dangerous ones are the ones that you don't suspect who try to catch you off guard. A man with his pants down is giving you fair warning. If he was going to be dangerous, he would hide in the trees and catch you unaware. The best thing to do is ignore him but I would still try to sneak a picture and go to the cops.

 

[Arn]

Carry a shrill whistle (Acme Thunderer or Fox40), let fellow pilgrims know you have it and if they hear it come running. Likely to also scare away the perp.