Walking alone- should I avoid Astorga to Rabanal?

[Hilary]

Hello,
I plan to complete the remaining 215 miles remaining after 3 previous trips - the first with a friend and because I enthused so much about how fantastic the experience was, the following two years I returned with my husband.
We made many friends who we have kept in touch with and visited one in Denmark when we were on holiday there the following year.
I was really looking forward to coming back, this time alone.
I have found other threads on the forum very useful - about making friends, taking my diary with me to dinner outside the albergue, taking my valuables into the shower, being careful amongst traffic, smelling the roses along the way...... then I was downloading a Camino app onto my phone and discovered about the distressing issues around Astorga and the advice about avoiding walking alone between Astorga and Rabanal.
Can anyone give me an update on advice, please as I am becoming apprehensive about coming on my own.
I would really appreciate any input on this topic.
Many thanks,
Hilary

 

[peregrina2000]

Hi, Hilary,
I hope you won't let apprehension get the best of you. The terrible murder that occurred last year was, I believe, the only murder that ever occurred on any Camino in Spain. In fact, over the past 25 years, there has been a total of 15 violent crimes on all of Spain's many many Caminos, just to put it in perspective. Surely that makes it among the safest places on the planet. The accused is now in custody awaiting trial.

Denise's murder took place as she was walking an "unofficial" stretch, a little detour to see Castrillo de Polvazares, a historic, prettified old town. Apparently, the accused had painted some arrows taking her off that detour and to his ranch. I don't think you have any cause for concern, one because you will probably stay on the official Camino, and second because he is in jail.

I'm sure it will be a solemn time to walk that way and think of Denise, as many have, and you can read about carrying shells in her memory here:

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/com...-memorial-tree-a-place-for-your-shells.39490/

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/memorial-shells-for-denise.36391/

 

[Jeff Crawley]

If you are worried then walk with one or two companions but, as P2000 says it's very rare for trouble to strike along the Camino.

Be bold, brave and enjoy - walking into Rabanal is one of my favourite etapes.

 

[CaminoDebrita]

Hi Hillary:

I just recently walked from Astorga to Rabanal, just a few weeks ago! Last September, I walked from Astoria to Rabanal, stopping for an overnight at El Ganso.

A few comments: as a wary traveler, I try to keep my ears and eyes open at all times, and last September, Denise Thiem's body had just been found. As Peregrina2000 noted, her murder appears to have been the exception to an otherwise safe journey. In fact, most of us on the forum followed her disappearance and all that occurred with the case very closely, and I will have to agree that I was so glad that the murderer was caught and put in jail. While we grieve the loss of a fellow pilgrim, we can appreciate that the fiend is now behind bars.

Anyway, I found the journey from Astorga to Rabanal to be one of my favorites this time. Last September, it was too recent, and I found myself upset, rushing through the beautiful city of Astorga, feeling nervous walking alone to El Ganso. These were all place names that rang a too-familiar bell. Now, however, you can walk in relative security.

I will share that on this most recent trip--walking from 17 March through 3 April--I had one situation on the trail in which I called out to another pilgrim for assistance. An odd fellow was on the trail, and appeared to be standing and waiting for me to walk by. I called ahead to a gentleman just ahead, "Jose! Esperame!" (Jose, wait for me), and he not only waited, but walked back to meet me. I don't know that the rather strange person--who looked to be living on the trail--would have caused me any harm, but I thought that it would be better safe than sorry.

I do so much hiking and walking in various remote areas that I've found that keeping aware, keeping one earbud out (at least), and maintaining a healthy skeptical attitude toward strangers is a good idea.

Buen Camino--

Deb

 

[erinadrift]

I will be walking a long day from Hospital de Orbiga to Rabanal in a couple days. Since it's a long one I'm not sure how easy it will be to find others to walk with from Astorga. I know there were concerns in 2015 about this section. Any current safety updates?

 

[peregrina2000]

I will be walking a long day from Hospital de Orbiga to Rabanal in a couple days. Since it's a long one I'm not sure how easy it will be to find others to walk with from Astorga. I know there were concerns in 2015 about this section. Any current safety updates?

Hi, Erin,
I think the earlier posts should answer all your concerns. There will be other pilgrims around, I'm sure (if the Vdlp is crowded now, there are surely a lot of people on the Frances). I don't think this section (Hospital to Rabanal) currently poses any safety concerns that are any different from any other section of the Camino Frances. Buen camino!

 

[cabigred]

When I walked last year, several women were a little nervous, we all banded together. Feel free to approach other pilgrims and as if you can walk with them. They will be very welcoming.

 

[ranthr]

I walked alone from Astorga middle of May last year. But I was nearly never alone on a visible strecht along the path.
Was reminded about Denise by posters on the way, so I must admit I kept my eyes open, looking into ditches and so on. Glad she at last was found so that her family could get an answer.
After all I think the CF must be the safest place to walk for women alone. Buen camino, Hilary!

 

[Hilary]

I walked alone from Astorga middle of May last year. But I was nearly never alone on a visible strecht along the path.
Was reminded about Denise by posters on the way, so I must admit I kept my eyes open, looking into ditches and so on. Glad she at last was found so that her family could get an answer.
After all I think the CF must be the safest place to walk for women alone. Buen camino, Hilary!

Thank you all for your prompt replies and reassuring words of encouragement! This has helped to put my concerns into perspective and I will continue getting prepared and looking forward to my next camino.
Thank you again.

 

[MinaKamina]

[QUOTE="peregrina2000, post: 399609, member: 537"

Denise's murder took place as she was walking an "unofficial" stretch, a little detour to see Castrillo de Polvazares, a historic, prettified old town. Apparently, the accused had painted some arrows taking her off that detour and to his ranch. I don't think you have any cause for concern, one because you will probably stay on the official Camino, and second because he is in jail.

/[/QUOTE]


So far, all evidence is pointing to Denise being on the main Camino. The man who is now in prison for her murder told some stories about her getting lost that do not add up nor are they supported by the findings of the autopsy that have transpired in the press.

 

[Rebekah Scott]

It's springtime in Castilla y Leon. Even if there aren't a lot of pilgrims in sight, there are plenty of farmers out plowing and planting along the way to Rabanal.
Don't be afraid. Don't let a single terrible event in the past steal away your joy or confidence.

 

[trevorcc]

Hi, Erin,
I think the earlier posts should answer all your concerns. There will be other pilgrims around, I'm sure (if the Vdlp is crowded now, there are surely a lot of people on the Frances). I don't think this section (Hospital to Rabanal) currently poses any safety concerns that are any different from any other section of the Camino Frances. Buen camino!

Hi Laurie, you stated that numbers are already in this Holy Year, after I walk the Levante I am meeting up with some friends in Sarria to walk in to Santiago around the 13th Oct. as I never pre book would you suggest maybe this year. I just do not like walking to a fixed schedule. Keep weel.

 

[MaidinBham]

Hello,
I plan to complete the remaining 215 miles remaining after 3 previous trips - the first with a friend and because I enthused so much about how fantastic the experience was, the following two years I returned with my husband.
We made many friends who we have kept in touch with and visited one in Denmark when we were on holiday there the following year.
I was really looking forward to coming back, this time alone.
I have found other threads on the forum very useful - about making friends, taking my diary with me to dinner outside the albergue, taking my valuables into the shower, being careful amongst traffic, smelling the roses along the way...... then I was downloading a Camino app onto my phone and discovered about the distressing issues around Astorga and the advice about avoiding walking alone between Astorga and Rabanal.
Can anyone give me an update on advice, please as I am becoming apprehensive about coming on my own.
I would really appreciate any input on this topic.
Many thanks,
Hilary

Hi Hilary,
I dont know what country you are from, but if you look at crime statistics for Spain, I bet they are a lot lower than your own country. I traveled solo CF in April 2014, and have no doubt's for upcoming CP. Take the usual precautions, but as you know there is great camaraderie on the Camino, and wonderful hospitality of Espanol's .
Buen Camino,
Janice

 

[billmclaughlin]

I wonder if anyone has a link to a proper account of the murder. The idea that someone could place arrows to lead a hiker to his ranch and get just a lone female to follow those arrows strikes me as implausible.

 

[trecile]

Hi Hillary:

I just recently walked from Astorga to Rabanal, just a few weeks ago! Last September, I walked from Astoria to Rabanal, stopping for an overnight at El Ganso.

A few comments: as a wary traveler, I try to keep my ears and eyes open at all times, and last September, Denise Thiem's body had just been found. As Peregrina2000 noted, her murder appears to have been the exception to an otherwise safe journey. In fact, most of us on the forum followed her disappearance and all that occurred with the case very closely, and I will have to agree that I was so glad that the murderer was caught and put in jail. While we grieve the loss of a fellow pilgrim, we can appreciate that the fiend is now behind bars.

Anyway, I found the journey from Astorga to Rabanal to be one of my favorites this time. Last September, it was too recent, and I found myself upset, rushing through the beautiful city of Astorga, feeling nervous walking alone to El Ganso. These were all place names that rang a too-familiar bell. Now, however, you can walk in relative security.

I will share that on this most recent trip--walking from 17 March through 3 April--I had one situation on the trail in which I called out to another pilgrim for assistance. An odd fellow was on the trail, and appeared to be standing and waiting for me to walk by. I called ahead to a gentleman just ahead, "Jose! Esperame!" (Jose, wait for me), and he not only waited, but walked back to meet me. I don't know that the rather strange person--who looked to be living on the trail--would have caused me any harm, but I thought that it would be better safe than sorry.

I do so much hiking and walking in various remote areas that I've found that keeping aware, keeping one earbud out (at least), and maintaining a healthy skeptical attitude toward strangers is a good idea.

Buen Camino--

Deb

Even if you don't know someone ahead or behind you, if you pass by someone who makes you feel uncomfortable it might be a good idea to shout out something like, "wait" or "hurry up!"

 

[CaminoDebrita]

Even if you don't know someone ahead or behind you, if you pass by someone who makes you feel uncomfortable it might be a good idea to shout out something like, "wait" or "hurry up!"

Which is exactly what I did! The very savvy Spanish gentleman understood what I was doing, and all credit to him, was there for me.

 

[Albertagirl]

Hilary:
I left for my camino frances last September shortly after Denise's body had been found and I walked alone, with a certain amount of trepidation. The section from Astorga was quite busy at first, then I sat down for a snack at a picnic table and was passed by everyone, so was all alone until Rabanal. But I noticed two police cars passing in that section, and later a police car stopped and a policewoman called out to me to see if I was well. That section of the camino was being very closely watched by the police and I felt extremely safe.

 

[trecile]

Which is exactly what I did! The very savvy Spanish gentleman understood what I was doing, and all credit to him, was there for me.

I should have said whether you know IF anyone is ahead or behind you.

 

[CaminoDebrita]

I should have said whether you IF anyone is ahead or behind you.

You are so right! "Hey, wait up!" shouted in the loudest voice possible, then a big booming laugh and an apology to the unusual person....

 

[trecile]

I hav

You are so right! "Hey, wait up!" shouted in the loudest voice possible, then a big booming laugh and an apology to the unusual person....

I have a friend that does this when hiking. She will ask people that she passes, in a loud voice "did you see those guys, how long ago did they walk by?"

 

[Pingüigrino]

I wonder if anyone has a link to a proper account of the murder. The idea that someone could place arrows to lead a hiker to his ranch and get just a lone female to follow those arrows strikes me as implausible.

Hi. Sadly it could be very plausible. You only need a yellow painting can and a brush. You can find lots of false arrows, painted by bars, shops, and albergue owners. to direct the pilgrims to their "shops".
Subsequent investigations show that some other pilgrims took the false path too, only to be redirected to the main path later. They (men and women felt they were observed for this b_stard, He is distraught
but a very intelligent one.
This said, the Camino is usually a very safe place. You can find some times infrequent annoying beaviors, but rarely dangerous. It is easy to understand, female disconform and fear if find a nude man working at their garden, or a stupid and blundering man proposing sex to her, but public nudity is not a crime at most of Spain, neither stupidity.
Buen camino to all honest people.

 

[SeaHorse]

I walked during the period when Denise was announced missing from the part between Astorga and Rabanal and the case wasn't solved yet. I did skip that part. So I can only tell what I saw from bus windows: I was so sorry I was not on that very beautiful path. And it didn't look dangerous per se, no deep ravines to fall in or anything. Nice more or less flat surface, some bushes with flowers on. And it was possible to see over most of the path.

 

[jefferyonthecamino]

Hello,
Can anyone give me an update on advice, please as I am becoming apprehensive about coming on my own.
I would really appreciate any input on this topic.
Many thanks,
Hilary

the man who has been arrested has a small plot of land and shack right off the Camino on this stretch. it appears that he most likely befriended her and led her off the Camino.

point is, this could have happened anywhere along the Camino. it happened on this section by chance (the guy had his home there). there is nothing remote or dangerous about this section, most likely what you will find, if you decide to walk it, are several pilgrims in front and behind you; and friendly locals!

Buen Camino

 

[mspath]

The locals are indeed very friendly and most helpfil!
For example the bar/albergue San Blas in Santa Catalina de Somoza when I was alone in the dorm one Sunday set outside the dorm door a hot thermos of coffee, buns and hard boiled eggs for my next morning breakfast since the bar would only open late morning. What a happy surprise it was to find and enjoy before walking in the frosty morning air.

 

[nidarosa]

On a purely practical note @erinadrift : If you stand in front of the Bishop's Palace or church in Astorga, both on the Camino path, you will probably see other pilgrims still with their packs on. Strike up a conversation, leave when they leave or just start walking on, there will be traffic and people along the trail at least until Murias de Rechinvaldo. By the time you get to the most excellent El Llar bar/café at the end of the street, just before that long flat stretch that some people are worried about, I suggest you sit down, have a coffee or some yummy food, talk to Pilar who runs the place and whoever else is there and tag on to some others. Either by asking if you can walk with or just behind them, or by just making sure they are within eyeshot until you get to Santa Catalina. Have another coffee or something there, tag on to someone else. I highly doubt you'll be alone for long in either of these places. Some people get up at five to race on to the next place, others (like me) dawdle and stop and start and spend the day walking, so there is almost always someone just around the corner.

 

[Al the optimist]

When I walked this stretch last year it was soon after Denise's disappearance. Many solo ladies were reasonable concerned. So it was just a question of offering walking companionship to anyone who wished to be accompanied. Whereever you are on the Camino pilgrims will always respond positively to ant request for company. Please don't let it affect your walking. Buen Camino.

 

[movinmaggie]

I wonder if anyone has a link to a proper account of the murder. The idea that someone could place arrows to lead a hiker to his ranch and get just a lone female to follow those arrows strikes me as implausible.

May we just let this rest.

 

[t2andreo]

I am in Rabanal del Camino now. I walked from Astorga today. There were other pilgrims on the route, male and female, in pairs and walking solo.

IMHO, and experience, if you are walking solo and are concerned on ANY section, ask someone who is staying where you are, say inAstorga if you can walk with them to Rabanal, or beyond.

However, and as others have already stated, the crime that occurred last August was a VERY RARE, "one-off" thing. The Camino remains safer than most cities around the world.

You will find that pilgrims, especially those from other countries find a bond in walking the Camino. That shared experience causes pilgrims to look out for one another. Ignore them, and they will ignore you. But this makes for a solitary Camino.

Tiny acts of kindness have a ripple effect. For example, today, I found one white glove on the Camino that appeared to be for a woman. Two hours later, I walked into the Cowboy Bar at El Ganso. There were two Korean female pilgrims having a break. On the table was the mate to the glove I picked up. Happy day! Gloves reunited. My day was made.

Later, on arriving at Rabanal del Csmino, I again encountered a solo woman pilgrim from Finland I had exchanged greetings with earlier in the day. She was tending to a serious callus, blister, with blood combination.

I walked her over to Refugio Gaucelmo for some Betadine, but they could do no more. So I escorted her over to Albergue La Pilar, where the senora was experienced in treating blisters, etc. Problem solved, I departed for this night's lodgings.

My experience today is more the rule than the exception, in my experience.

I hope this helps.

 

[billmclaughlin]

May we just let this rest?

I don't understand why someone prefers urban legend and information communicated and miscommunicated person to person to facts. If you're not interested, fine. I am. One good piece of journalism in any language would be appreciated.

 

[C3 to Camino]

May we just let this rest.

Seriously. Do people worry and research murders, thefts and misdirection this much everywhere they travel? I may be a bit naive (not having done the Camino yet), but what happens, happens, wherever you are. You just have to decide how to deal with it and hopefully keep your grace and good intentions along the way.

 

[Hilary]

Thanks again......I really do appreciate all your posts of encouragement and reassurance...I guess travelling in pairs when I was a student and being subsequently married for 36 years has increased my sensitivity to the prospect of being on my own for the first time! I am confident that I will make friends along the way.
I have the blessing of my husband and children and now I am reassured and focused once again. Sincere thanks to you all.

 

[movinmaggie]

Thanks again......I really do appreciate all your posts of encouragement and reassurance...I guess travelling in pairs when I was a student and being subsequently married for 36 years has increased my sensitivity to the prospect of being on my own for the first time! I am confident that I will make friends along the way.
I have the blessing of my husband and children and now I am reassured and focused once again. Sincere thanks to you all.

And consider this a huge gift to yourself…..the opportunity to be alone. Many never seem to find the opportunity even though they would welcome it. Wish you heartfelt Buen Camino.

 

[kelleymac]

I walked that section a few days before Denise disappeared-- I walked with my 14 yo son and so was not alone. But there were almost someone ahead and someone behind. We walked from Astorga to Foncebadon in one day-- It was beautiful. We walk again beginning in SJPP a week from today. I will wear a second shell for her.

 

[Kanga]

In September my friend Robyn and I deliberately walked off the camino to take the detour to Castrillo de Polvazares, to honour Denise, as a kind of personal exorcism, and also because I have alway wanted to see this extraordinary little Maragata village. We stayed overnight and it is a beautiful place. During the day it is filled with tourists and there are several restaurants doing wonderful Maragata food - traditionally about five courses. We stayed in accommodation above one of the restaurants. It was slightly unnerving when the owner and staff left to go home to Astorga and we found ourselves in a deserted village, so do be aware of that if you decide to visit. Of course we were fine, the silence was intense and the stars extraordinary and I was really glad we were there. The next morning was a glorious day and Denise was much in our thoughts as we walked back onto the camino and on to Rabanal.

 

[Saint Mike II]

From what I remember last year and from the above, this section of the Camino Frances is now one of the safest place in all Spain. For all pilgrims (women or men) regardless of whether you are starting your day in Astorga or places East you should have no problems finding another pilgrim to walk with. Avoiding this part of Camino would, I think, be a disservice to the millions who have walked the Camino during the past 1000 years.
I really like Kanga's suggestion and will make that diversion myself in May/June 2017, as well as visiting Denise's Memorial Tree.

 

[Anemone del Camino]

I never realised this was how Denise ended up in trouble. First thing that comes to mind Is how wonderful it Is that She was a Spirit curious about explorons off The beaten path and explorons a village I was just too tired to detour to. The n I wonder Why ot took so long to find her remains if The suspect had painted arrows pointing to his farm.

This being said, to The OP, this part of The Camino is basically a suburb, not remote at all. Just walk being aware of your surroundings as You would anywhere else, this section is actually bery touristy and well travelled.

 

[Kanga]

Well, I would not call it suburban. It is rocky scrubby countryside. We did not see any houses or other people on the path and only a couple of cars on the minor road into the village. The Camino is rejoined across country on the other side of the village, so it really does not add more than a few kilometres.

 

[Anemone del Camino]

Well, I would not call it suburban. It is rocky scrubby countryside. We did not see any houses or other people on the path and only a couple of cars on the minor road into the village. The Camino is rejoined across country on the other side of the village, so it really does not add more than a few kilometres.

I did not mean The detour is suburban but The regular Camino route between Astorga and Rabanal.

 

[Kevin F. O*brien]

One is sometimes bound to remark that questions of this nature seem slightly hysterical. What happened to Denise was appalling but it must be said that one can be murdered anywhere, anytime if you are unlucky enough to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Our cities in Europe and the USA are far more dangerous statistically than the Camino could ever be, not to mention our roads. The same goes for the anxious soul who was afraid of terrorism on the Camino!! Please live your lives in hope and peace and stop worrying about these things, otherwise stay at home!

 

[Albertagirl]

One is sometimes bound to remark that questions of this nature seem slightly hysterical. What happened to Denise was appalling but it must be said that one can be murdered anywhere, anytime if you are unlucky enough to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Our cities in Europe and the USA are far more dangerous statistically than the Camino could ever be, not to mention our roads. The same goes for the anxious soul who was afraid of terrorism on the Camino!! Please live your lives in hope and peace and stop worrying about these things, otherwise stay at home!

I would hope that most pilgrims, having considered what they feel to be threats, would step out in faith. Fear and worry are human emotions which help us to look at possible challenges. I welcome you to walk with me if you have fears. I shall be on that section of the camino at some point in October (sorry that is not very specific, but others will make the same offer).
It can be a good idea for safety's sake to evaluate threats. For example, pilgrims have risked their own lives and some have died by ignoring official warnings not to take the Napoleon route from St Jean Pied de Port. Pilgrims have died, and continue to die, through being hit by motor vehicles when crossing busy roads on the camino. If you want to be safe, follow the directions of public authorities and be very careful when crossing busy roads.
If you feel uncomfortable with a particular situation or person when on camino, move away from that person and walk with someone with whom you feel safe. If you are afraid now, it is because you are going into a new and unfamiliar situation. Use this forum to help you feel more familiar with it and to evaluate what might feel like threats. When you are ready to go, all will be well. Buen camino.

 

[Ravenback]

I would hope that most pilgrims, having considered what they feel to be threats, would step out in faith. Fear and worry are human emotions which help us to look at possible challenges. I welcome you to walk with me if you have fears. I shall be on that section of the camino at some point in October (sorry that is not very specific, but others will make the same offer).
It can be a good idea for safety's sake to evaluate threats. For example, pilgrims have risked their own lives and some have died by ignoring official warnings not to take the Napoleon route from St Jean Pied de Port. Pilgrims have died, and continue to die, through being hit by motor vehicles when crossing busy roads on the camino. If you want to be safe, follow the directions of public authorities and be very careful when crossing busy roads.
If you feel uncomfortable with a particular situation or person when on camino, move away from that person and walk with someone with whom you feel safe. If you are afraid now, it is because you are going into a new and unfamiliar situation. Use this forum to help you feel more familiar with it and to evaluate what might feel like threats. When you are ready to go, all will be well. Buen camino.

Hi, Hilary,
I hope you won't let apprehension get the best of you. The terrible murder that occurred last year was, I believe, the only murder that ever occurred on any Camino in Spain. In fact, over the past 25 years, there has been a total of 15 violent crimes on all of Spain's many many Caminos, just to put it in perspective. Surely that makes it among the safest places on the planet. The accused is now in custody awaiting trial.

Denise's murder took place as she was walking an "unofficial" stretch, a little detour to see Castrillo de Polvazares, a historic, prettified old town. Apparently, the accused had painted some arrows taking her off that detour and to his ranch. I don't think you have any cause for concern, one because you will probably stay on the official Camino, and second because he is in jail.

I'm sure it will be a solemn time to walk that way and think of Denise, as many have, and you can read about carrying shells in her memory here:

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/com...-memorial-tree-a-place-for-your-shells.39490/

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/memorial-shells-for-denise.36391/

 

[Ravenback]

My understanding is the event occurred after Astorga on the optional route to Castrillo de Polvazares. I stayed at the charming Albergue Villares (which I would highly recommend staying at) at Villares de Obrigo two weeks after the suspect had been arrested and I was informed by the Belgium hospitalera that Denise had taken this alternative route.. Denise had taken photos inside the albergue prior to her murder and the police had interviewed the hospitalera on two occasions about the murder. I was informed by the hospitalera that the alternative route was charming and that I should take the route so I assume that it now very safe.

 

[Shalaw]

My fiancé and I were on the Camino Frances last September and walked this stretch right after Denise was found. On our way out of Astorga, there was a lady walking ahead of us and we could see she was making frequent stops. When we caught up to her, we asked she was ok and she said there was a man just ahead of her with a backpack who also kept making frequent stops and it was making her nervous So of course it was a given that she walk with us for that stretch. We had such a nice chat along the way and after we parted ways in Rabanal, we kept bumping into her.

Don't be afraid to ask to walk with others if you feel nervous. Everyone is always willing to help out a fellow pilgrim when they can.

Buen Camino!!

 

[Avian]

I walked the Camino France's last October/November with my husband and you do find your senses become finely tuned as a way of looking after your personal safety. We were quick to note the 'pilgrim' acting suspiciously and stopping when we stopped and watching us all the time- his lopsided backpack & casual shoes gave him away as being someone who was probably not a pilgrim. In this instance we were on a stretch of lonely road so we picked up the speed in order to catch up with some other walkers. I found having a whistle in my hand gave me comfort- not so great as a weapon but at least it might scare the person away or at least draw attention to my situation.
I did want to comment on another situation that people should be aware of. On theMeseta there is a picnic area with an area to rest. It has a wall that displays information of the area and of course this wall lends itself to allowing pilgrims to 'relieve' themselves in semi privacy from the trail. The day that I went behind there I was quickly warned by other pilgrims not to, as there was a man in the ditch in the paddock on the other side. Sure enough I could see his feet sticking out of the bushes- he had made a small bivouac where he could lurk unseen and watch all the toileting activities. After a while he ambled away and walked down the paddock to his vehicle down the far end.
So it is like others have said that its always wise to be alert and always pay attention to your 'gut instincts'. Otherwise walking the Camino was an amazing experience that we will never forget & always treasure.

 

[Hilary]

Hola!
I have just returned from the Camino and want to sincerely thank everyone who reassured me when I became anxious about walking by myself.
You gave sound advice on so many different levels - personal safety, safety of personal possessions, appreciating the whole experience - I am really grateful as I had an absolutely brilliant time, was perfectly safe and returned home with all my belongings, yes, but more importantly, wonderful memories ( and some email addresses) of fantastic people I met during my time on the Camino.
Walking between Astorga and Molinaseca was one the highlights of all the sections I have completed over the years - the timelessness of the path over the hills, stunning views, the villages, the birds, flowers, convivial pilgrims... I felt blessed to be there appreciating everything.
At no time did I feel my personal safety was at risk - in fact, local people went out of their way to ensure I was on the correct path.
Also, the advice on the forum about keeping one's passport and extra cash in a pouch, making sure it was even taken into the shower with me gave me additional confidence.
I also met two inspiring Irish perigrinas who return to the Camino regularly. I had never thought of taking a sheet sleeping bag, taking more substantial nightwear and using the blankets in the dormitories, but am planning to copy this on my next trip, thus reducing the weight of my rucksack even further....prudent in the warmer weather.
I commend this forum and the support everyone gives.
I am already planning to return next year......hopefully I will see you then!
Buen Camino!!

 

[Hilary]

I forgot to mention, I felt I met more people this time as I was by myself.
I chose albergues which offered a communal meal so that I could get to know more people while sharing an evening meal and I felt that was successful.
I will be perfectly happy to return by myself next year.
Thanks again.

 

[domigee]

Thanks for coming back and telling us about your Camino, so pleased you
had a great time