Kbierstube
Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- Aug 29 (2017)
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Well, I'm glad that everyone is laughing at my expense! Please note, not offended in the least, because I believe the only bad question is the one unasked. So, again, I'm glad that I can reassure my husband that safety isn't an issue.
Safety off, ready to party. That's me!
I'm sure you are joking. However, some people go on the Camino thinking they are in a sacred bubble, and they become shocked and dismayed to find that the Camino is populated by human beings of all sorts. You should absolutely bring along a sensible safety attitude. And don't let your valuables ( passport, cash, bank cards and phone) out of sight.Safety off, ready to party. That's me!
The "safety off, ready to party" was in reference to the firearm (photo of AK-47 in this thread) I think. That means the safety of the firearm is in the off position, ready to fire (the one in the photo is actually on safe). Anyway, it doesn't mean a sense of keeping oneself safe while travelling is on off, ha ha. At least I hope my assumptions are correct.I'm sure you are joking. However, some people go on the Camino thinking they are in a sacred bubble, and they become shocked and dismayed to find that the Camino is populated by human beings of all sorts. You should absolutely bring along a sensible safety attitude. And don't let your valuables ( passport, cash, bank cards and phone) out of sight.
I am assuming from the question you are also from the US like I am & have a husband who is concerned about you. Living in Montana we have a very strong gun culture, so let me assure you you will be safer on the Camino & in Spain generally than any state in the US. The only thing I would suggest is common sense, & remember it is for most of us a pilgrimage. I believe the biggest danger is from traffic so keep your wits about you when walking.
Buen Camino
I'm sure you are joking. However, some people go on the Camino thinking they are in a sacred bubble, and they become shocked and dismayed to find that the Camino is populated by human beings of all sorts. You should absolutely bring along a sensible safety attitude. And don't let your valuables ( passport, cash, bank cards and phone) out of sight.
The "safety off, ready to party" was in reference to the firearm (photo of AK-47 in this thread) I think. That means the safety of the firearm is in the off position, ready to fire (the one in the photo is actually on safe). Anyway, it doesn't mean a sense of keeping oneself safe while travelling is on off, ha ha. At least I hope my assumptions are correct.
No need for apologies....I've lived pretty much my entire life in Louisiana and Texas.Yes. I was being sarcastic. I don't know anything about the gun pictured. Please accept my apologies.
They may actually make titanium ones for backpacking. Hmmm.......I'm savin' up for some whisky tumblers
How on earth did you accidentally drive into one of those camps?I'm a middle-aged British male so my perspective will be a little different. In 40 years of walking long-distance routes in a number of European countries I have never felt seriously threatened. By contrast a memorable highlight of my only visit to the USA - 6 days in Montana - was accidentally driving into a backwoods militia camp and being warned off by four men carrying rifles. A very different gun culture indeed.
heyyy.....that's pretty cool, and the compass and light attached justifies it practicality ha ha
Driving back from Yellowstone to Alberta. I decided to take a gravel forest road marked on a state tourist map SW of Stanford. Took the wrong branch at a fork and ended up on a track that came to a dead-end in a clearing with a few cabins and a big unfriendly "stay out" sign. As I turned the car around 4 men came out of the cabins, picked up rifles and stood shoulder-to-shoulder in front of the cabins, rifles held across their chests. Back at the fork a logging truck driver stopped to help and told me who these guys were. He also added that the local sheriff kept out of their way. Not funny at the time.How on earth did you accidentally drive into one of those camps?
yikes....good thing it wasn't a meth lab or an illegal marijuana farmDriving back from Yellowstone to Alberta. I decided to take a gravel forest road marked on a state tourist map SW of Stanford. Took the wrong branch at a fork and ended up on a track that came to a dead-end in a clearing with a few cabins and a big unfriendly "stay out" sign. As I turned the car around 4 men came out of the cabins, picked up rifles and stood shoulder-to-shoulder in front of the cabins, rifles held across their chests. Back at the fork a logging truck driver stopped to help and told me who these guys were. He also added that the local sheriff kept out of their way. Not funny at the time.
Certainly sounds as if walking is different in the US.Well, I'm glad that everyone is laughing at my expense! Please note, not offended in the least, because I believe the only bad question is the one unasked. So, again, I'm glad that I can reassure my husband that safety isn't an issue.
There's literally thousands of miles of hiking trails all over the lower 48 in the US and more in Alaska and Hawaii. Some of the more famous trails here are the Appalachian Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail. They attract millions of hikers annually. I believe that overall they are very safe and criminal activity on them is rare. A hiker on them is more than likely going to fall victim to poor judgement or the elements than a criminal incident.Certainly sounds as if walking is different in the US.
The Camino is probably one of the safest places you could be. M a n y solo women are out there. I walked alone for the 800km journey (often making beautiful friends along the way). I would not trade that journey for anything! Try to assuage those fears before you leave. The more fear you project, the more you will draw it to you. I'm sure you and your husband have agreed to a plan for when and how you are able to keep in touch. He must be a proud hubby. Wish you Buen Camino.Well, I'm glad that everyone is laughing at my expense! Please note, not offended in the least, because I believe the only bad question is the one unasked. So, again, I'm glad that I can reassure my husband that safety isn't an issue.
Hi Kbie - despite the very very sad events on April 2015 the Caminos of Spain are probably the safest back-roads of any country in the world. You can bring a (small) knife - one that you can use to cut the bread & cheese & ham & tomatoes to make your picnic lunch. (BTW A knife like the one that Paul Hogan used in Crocodile Dundee would not be allowed.)Well, I'm glad that everyone is laughing at my expense! Please note, not offended in the least, because I believe the only bad question is the one unasked. So, again, I'm glad that I can reassure my husband that safety isn't an issue.
I can attest (twice) that one can indeed walk the Camino whilst hungover. Not very far (for me I was only able to cover about 12K each time), but it's possible, but not recommended.I'm female and I walked solo from Ponferrada to Santiago last fall. I felt extremely safe and minded my own business. I carried a whistle, but never needed it. My hiking poles served as a deterrent once when a dog approached me a little to fast. On my day to Palas de Rei an oldish man stopped his car next to me and asked if I wanted a lift, I graciously but firmly refused. Basic personal safety rules apply wherever you go, same holds for the Camino. Watch for speeding cars in blind turns when you are walking on the road. If you plan on walking before sunrise, wear a reflective vest and other reflective paraphenalia over and above using a headlamp or flashlight. Common sense should prevail. If you don't feel comfortable in a situation, quietly leave the situation and seek to be among other pilgrims. Avoid getting drunk beyond your faculties (anyhow the hangover would prevent you from walking the next day). I think that should cover it. The only guns you can have are your biceps; the only mace, used for cooking; the only knives, for slicing tomatoes or cheese.
I had people ask me if I would be carrying a gun, so I understand where that comes from.What are your top 3 safety tips, for a person (female) traveling CF solo?
Has/does anyone bring personal safety devices? I.e. Mace, knife, gun? (My husband wants to know)
What else?
Tia!
When are you traveling? I am in Texas too and plan on going April- May@MTtoCamino thank you for your understanding! I was born in MT (Butte), raised in Mn, and currently live in TX. I'm familiar with the 'gun culture'. Good to get your perspective to share with my father and husband.
Talked with a young woman on the CP. I asked her how she handle walking alone.What are your top 3 safety tips, for a person (female) traveling CF solo?
Has/does anyone bring personal safety devices? I.e. Mace, knife, gun? (My husband wants to know)
What else?
Tia!
What are your top 3 safety tips, for a person (female) traveling CF solo?
Has/does anyone bring personal safety devices? I.e. Mace, knife, gun? (My husband wants to know)
What else?
Tia!
Must be nice. We're all just nuts here these days in the U.S. But then I guess everyone has noticed that.Just to clarify for the benefit of pilgims from the US - there is NO "gun culture" in Europe. I'm also a middle-aged Brit and haven't seen a real firearm (apart from the occasional armed police officer at an airport) in many years. The possession of handguns by civilians is illegal. The only knife permitted outside the home or work is a folding pocket knife with a blade of less than 3 inches. Pepper spray, Mace, CS etc absolutely forbidden. (They are classed as firearms.) Breach of any of these laws will result in prison. Most European countries have similar legislation. The Camino is very safe (crime levels in Europe are low, anyway) andthe only risk is petty theft - I endorse the advice to keep your valuables in sight/on your person at all times. Enjoy your Camio.
We? Really?Must be nice. We're all just nuts here these days in the U.S. But then I guess everyone has noticed that.
I live in Spain, it was on Spanish tv and the Guardia were everywhere in that area of the route. The Camino is of huge importance. I am a 66 year old femail, I did Sarria to Santiago alone last November and am starting in Pamplona(three days in from France) in a few weeks, starting in Feb. I have lots of femail friends who have done it alone. Spain is a very safe country in general. As people say be careful with your passport, money, etc. I take a money belt which I take with me even when I get a shower, never out of my sight. It is fantastic!!There's literally thousands of miles of hiking trails all over the lower 48 in the US and more in Alaska and Hawaii. Some of the more famous trails here are the Appalachian Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail. They attract millions of hikers annually. I believe that overall they are very safe and criminal activity on them is rare. A hiker on them is more than likely going to fall victim to poor judgement or the elements than a criminal incident.
I believe most of the concern about safety on the Camino (more specifically the Camino Frances) stems from the murder of a female pilgrim near Astorga two years ago.
Except of course you cannot bring it on the plane. unless you pay £40 to put the rucksack in the hold. Anyone suggest a remedy to this? I do need a decent knife.Hi Kbie - despite the very very sad events on April 2015 the Caminos of Spain are probably the safest back-roads of any country in the world. You can bring a (small) knife - one that you can use to cut the bread & cheese & ham & tomatoes to make your picnic lunch. (BTW A knife like the one that Paul Hogan used in Crocodile Dundee would not be allowed.)
I agree it is a potential problem. One solution I saw was to buy an appropriate knife when you arrive in Spain (or France). If you are not taking it home you could donate to the last albergue or hostel you stay in. I have an Espinal knife that folds up to around 80 mm (so theoretically can be taken into the cabin), but as I always have checked baggage it goes in there. CheersExcept of course you cannot bring it on the plane. unless you pay £40 to put the rucksack in the hold. Anyone suggest a remedy to this? I do need a decent knife.
That is the most sensible advice I have seen here. A small knife like that is v cheap to buy.I agree it is a potential problem. One solution I saw was to buy an appropriate knife when you arrive in Spain (or France). If you are not taking it home you could donate to the last albergue or hostel you stay in. I have an Espinal knife that folds up to around 80 mm (so theoretically can be taken into the cabin), but as I always have checked baggage it goes in there. Cheers
I agree with these comments, if you really feel that you need these devices, then perhaps the Camino is not for you. The Camino should be aan enjoyable experience, not looking over your shoulder for possible trouble. There are many feemales on the Camino traveling alone, It is safe."Mace, knife, gun"?! Really? I am pretty sure these are illegal in Spain, at the very least the last two, and quite certain if some hospies knew you would be carrying they would not give you a bed.
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