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I'd been debating whether to bring my pepper spray, buy some in Spain, or just hope that I'll be safe. Is pepper spray legal to carry in Spain?
Hey, thanks.
Im walking cf alone in June. Was wondering if any groups or anyone will be in this area mid June so i can walk with someone??
Thanks
Is pepper spray legal to carry in Spain?
As few previous posters asked - what are those reports about "improper behaviour towards women", Ivar???Dear Pilgrims,
There has been some improper behavior reported towards women over the last few weeks on the stage between Astorga and Rabanal. These reports are sufficiently credible that we would like to make a general advisory that pilgrims walking alone on this section of the Camino Frances, might want to walk in pairs or groups. This is the general area where Denise the missing pilgrims was last seen a few weeks ago. The local police are still working on finding Deniese and also are aware of these latest occurrences.
The Camino has been a very safe place, and it still is, but it only takes a few to make the situation more uncertain. This message is not made to scare anyone, but more to inform of the situation, so that if you are walking this section in the next few days/weeks can make the necessary adjustments and find a walking parter.
If you decide to comment on this thread, please try to stay away from speculations, so that this thread can become a place where pilgrims can come and learn "what we actually know", and not rumors or speculations around this topic. The mods will help me with this.
Buen Camino!
Ivar
An attempted kidnapping by two men, according to the press reports.I am wondering what details you can give about the situations that have been reported.
Here is the story I found on http://caminosantiago2.blogspot.com/2015/04/a-missing-pilgrim.html. I cannot verify that this is in any way accurate but it does give a warning for the following - "Lastly, if you are planning to walk or know someone currently on the Camino, please advise them NOT to take the shortcut/alternative route from Murias de Rechivaldo through Castillo de Polvazares! There have been two instances of solitary pilgrims being tazed. One man was robbed and a German woman managed to get away. Stick to the main route and walk this section in a group. This is Stage 23 in Brierley's book from Astorga to Rabanal del Camino." Posted 4/27/15 by Annie's Simple Life.
Pictures of Denise and a request for any information that anyone may have is also included in the link.
Again, I cannot verify that the information is in any way accurate regarding the tazered pilgrims so please do not use this as a verified source or panic that this will happen again. This is merely submitted as an informative article for those that may be travelling this route alone.
Buen Camino!
Thank you for the heads up - all info is welcome.Dear Pilgrims,
There has been some improper behavior reported towards women over the last few weeks on the stage between Astorga and Rabanal. These reports are sufficiently credible that we would like to make a general advisory that pilgrims walking alone on this section of the Camino Frances, might want to walk in pairs or groups. This is the general area where Denise the missing pilgrims was last seen a few weeks ago. The local police are still working on finding Deniese and also are aware of these latest occurrences.
The Camino has been a very safe place, and it still is, but it only takes a few to make the situation more uncertain. This message is not made to scare anyone, but more to inform of the situation, so that if you are walking this section in the next few days/weeks can make the necessary adjustments and find a walking parter.
If you decide to comment on this thread, please try to stay away from speculations, so that this thread can become a place where pilgrims can come and learn "what we actually know", and not rumors or speculations around this topic. The mods will help me with this.
Buen Camino!
Ivar
Hi Sarah, there are 2 recent articles in the Spanish press, "Diario de Leon," about this situation. The most recent development, as per the articles, is that a local woman was victim of an attempted abduction, somewhere in the area of Santa Catalina de Somoza, a town located just after Astorga and before El Ganso. According to the article, since the disappearance of the American woman over a month ago, other women have have reported being harassed by a man or men in this same geographical area. The victim of the recent abduction attempt was "practicando deporte" someplace not far from the Camino de Santiago, near Santa Catalina de Somoza---my guess (sorry, I know we aren't supposed to speculate) is she was jogging, I say this because I have seen people jogging along the trail every time I walked through that area. The woman was quoted as saying her would-be abductors were not speaking in Castellano, that it sounded like an "Eastern" language. Links to both recent articles from the Diario de Leon may be found on the APOC (American Pilgrims on the Camino) Facebook page. Although I am a solo female hiker, I am out of the age demographic usually targeted for this sort of thing (read: old!), but if my daughter were planning to walk now, I would advise her to make sure to walk with other people, probably from Astorga all the way to Sarria, or at the very least to be sure to let someone know where she was going to be walking each day and to have her spider sense activated. When I was in that area just over a month ago, I actually called the police from the trail after running into, for the 3rd time, the phony "deaf-mutes" soliciting donations along isolated areas of the trail. According to the locals, a band of Rumanians has be frequenting certain areas on the trail, soliciting donations for a center for the hearing impaired. According to the locals, these are the same people who robbed pilgrims last summer at the albergue in O Cebreiro. I do not know whether they are connected with the recent incidents near Astorga, but I imagine the police know a lot more than they are telling at the moment. Last but not least, I wouldn't discourage anyone, even my own daughter, from walking the Camino right now. Just don't get so carried away with endorphins that you forget to pay attention...I am leaving for my camino this Saturday 5/23. I will undoubtedly be walking through this area during the beginning of my camino (I'm starting in Leon.) As a solo female, I am wondering what details you can give about the situations that have been reported. This way I know behavior to look out for and when I should be walking with others. Any information you can provide would give this about-to-be pilgrim some peace of mind! Thank you! Sarah
Will be leaving Burgos 2nd June - we are two "older" women - I am from Canada my friend is from Sweden only going as far as Astorga this year. Keep in touch if you need it - but also be assured you will meet wonderful caring people on the Camino who will look out for you too if you are open to it.Hey, thanks.
Im walking cf alone in June. Was wondering if any groups or anyone will be in this area mid June so i can walk with someone??
Thanks
Thank you for this post. I am hesitant to share this with immediate family. Would it be appropriate to start a thread for solo females beginning the Camino within the next month or so, or should we reply here? I am solo beginning in SJPdP June 25.
There is a lot of pilgrims walking now. Should not be a problem.Are there many pilgrims out right now? I'm planning to start from Astorga may 31. Really hope I can join someone..
Starting a new thread would be the best...Thank you for this post. I am hesitant to share this with immediate family. Would it be appropriate to start a thread for solo females beginning the Camino within the next month or so, or should we reply here? I am solo beginning in SJPdP June 25.
You can easily find someone at the lodging in Astorga. I am sure you will not be alone in this regard. Please don't let this discolor your excitement - you are going to have a wonderful experience!Hey, thanks.
Im walking cf alone in June. Was wondering if any groups or anyone will be in this area mid June so i can walk with someone??
Thanks
Would be great if we were to meet up around this area and walk together to get past it…..but I don't start my walk (SJdP) until approx Sept 23/24 and all of October; few days in November...I also will be there on my own in Sept./Oct. Thank you, Ivar, I appreciate this information. What is the source of the improper behaviour? Could be helpful to know.
I am starting on 27 May from Pamplona so I should be in Astorga around the 11th or so.Hey, thanks.
Im walking cf alone in June. Was wondering if any groups or anyone will be in this area mid June so i can walk with someone??
Thanks
I will be walking the Camino Francés in September (leave SJPP late August, walk in to Santiago about the end of September). I am a confident woman and not fearful. I will be happy to share this part of the route with traveling companions who might find reassurance in knowing we can all look out for one another. (Hey, it's my first post! Thanks to all who share their knowledge and good humor in this forum!)
An attempted kidnapping by two men, according to the press reports.[/QUOTE
Yes, that would have been great but I am leaving approx. Sept. 14. I'm sure there will be others to walk with when the time comes. Buen camino!Would be great if we were to meet up around this area and walk together to get past it…..but I don't start my walk (SJdP) until approx Sept 23/24 and all of October; few days in November...
Your comments are much appreciated Ivar. Thank you.Dear Pilgrims,
There has been some improper behavior reported towards women over the last few weeks on the stage between Astorga and Rabanal. These reports are sufficiently credible that we would like to make a general advisory that pilgrims walking alone on this section of the Camino Frances, might want to walk in pairs or groups. This is the general area where Denise the missing pilgrims was last seen a few weeks ago. The local police are still working on finding Deniese and also are aware of these latest occurrences.
The Camino has been a very safe place, and it still is, but it only takes a few to make the situation more uncertain. This message is not made to scare anyone, but more to inform of the situation, so that if you are walking this section in the next few days/weeks can make the necessary adjustments and find a walking parter.
If you decide to comment on this thread, please try to stay away from speculations, so that this thread can become a place where pilgrims can come and learn "what we actually know", and not rumors or speculations around this topic. The mods will help me with this.
Buen Camino!
Ivar
I leave st Jean June 11 and have Orrison booked that night.Hey, thanks.
Im walking cf alone in June. Was wondering if any groups or anyone will be in this area mid June so i can walk with someone??
Thanks
I'll be there Oct 12 - Nov 15th or so, so I'll keep an eye out for you too. Us ladies need to stick togetherWould be great if we were to meet up around this area and walk together to get past it…..but I don't start my walk (SJdP) until approx Sept 23/24 and all of October; few days in November...
Thank you Ivar for the information.
I walked last year the Camino frances and not a moment I was scared,even when I was walking alone....I am feeling a bit scared now even though I am walking Camino north in a month from now....I don't want to begin this magic way feeling scared...I ve been there and I know that u can find friends and walk in a group but if there is a day that u don't find someone to walk???
I don't know...I try to think positive but sometimes when I read about all this I am scared....I hope everyone has a Buen camino and I hope that the way will provide safety for every pilgrim.
Hi Maggie, i will be walking Sept Oct too on my own. Starting form Pamplona on Sept 2nd. Hope to meet you somehwere on the camino.With much gratitude Ivar; so helpful to know this. I will be on my own, but not until Sept/Oct, so I will keep in touch with this thread in the event I can hopefully join a few fellow pilgrims in this particular area; otherwise, I feel totally safe on my own. Maggie
I am walking Sept Oct too, starting from Pamplona on Sept 2ndThank you for keeping us informed Ivar. I am also walking in sept/oct so it is good to bec aware. This is a fantastic group.
Thanks so much for your post. In checking Brierley's edition that I have (2014) in the map section #23 (P.204), it doesn't mention a shortcut specifically, but it does show what appears to be an alternate route (in bray), but appears to be longer in distance. Murias de Rechivaldo, Castrillo de Polvazares, Santa Cataline, El ganso, ending in Rabanal are all on the main route (yellow)That's my blog and the tazered pilgrims have reported on this forum in person.
That would be lovely…..and if it doesn't happen, we're all going to be just fine. Thanks for your postHi Maggie, i will be walking Sept Oct too on my own. Starting form Pamplona on Sept 2nd. Hope to meet you somehwere on the camino.
Walked this route yesterday and did notice that police were patrolling the route fairly regularly....only time I felt a bit uncomfortable was when a red ? French plate car pulled off road and drew up very close to the Camino path.....took quite a few attempts to get where he wanted to be Parked. The route was however very busy So although walking alone other people were not to far off..Dear Pilgrims,
There has been some improper behavior reported towards women over the last few weeks on the stage between Astorga and Rabanal. These reports are sufficiently credible that we would like to make a general advisory that pilgrims walking alone on this section of the Camino Frances, might want to walk in pairs or groups. This is the general area where Denise the missing pilgrims was last seen a few weeks ago. The local police are still working on finding Deniese and also are aware of these latest occurrences.
The Camino has been a very safe place, and it still is, but it only takes a few to make the situation more uncertain. This message is not made to scare anyone, but more to inform of the situation, so that if you are walking this section in the next few days/weeks can make the necessary adjustments and find a walking parter.
If you decide to comment on this thread, please try to stay away from speculations, so that this thread can become a place where pilgrims can come and learn "what we actually know", and not rumors or speculations around this topic. The mods will help me with this.
Buen Camino!
Ivar
Thanks so much for your post. In checking Brierley's edition that I have (2014) in the map section #23 (P.204), it doesn't mention a shortcut specifically, but it does show what appears to be an alternate route (in bray), but appears to be longer in distance.
My wife and I are leaving SJPDP on June 17th. You can walk with us if you like.Hey, thanks.
Im walking cf alone in June. Was wondering if any groups or anyone will be in this area mid June so i can walk with someone??
Thanks
Since no-one seems to have created a thread for those who want walking companions, I just did:Starting a new thread would be the best...
Hola!I am walking Sept Oct too, starting from Pamplona on Sept 2nd
Hola!
You might put your starting date into Camino Calendar: https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/calendar/ so you won't have to respond to each and every post about your departure date
Don't panic, everything will be OK!
I do that everytime I go out with my backpack. Sort of a reminiscence of a past times when I was alpinist and there were no cell phones in case of emergencyWhen I started my camino on April 1st I was hiking with a working cellphone and two hiking poles. By the time I got near Astorga I also had two safety whistles: a small one attached to my pack and a seriously super-loud one hanging around my neck & very visible.
Hi Elaurel - I will be starting from Logrono on the 5th September so I think we may be walking the same or similar stages - hoping to see you there!Hi I am also walking Sept Oct and will be starting Pamplona on the 2nd Sept.
These articles are about an incident near Santa Catalina de Somoza just West of Astorga at a rest stop along the camino. I speculate that this incident is what has caused Ivar to post his warning.
El Correo Gallego .es
http://www.elcorreogallego.es/santia...edium=facebook
Diario de León
http://www.diariodeleon.es/noticias/...no_979812.html
ElBierzoDigital
http://www.elbierzodigital.com/los-i...se-thiem/89180
I am also walking alone Sept/Oct. When and where are you starting from? CindyWith much gratitude Ivar; so helpful to know this. I will be on my own, but not until Sept/Oct, so I will keep in touch with this thread in the event I can hopefully join a few fellow pilgrims in this particular area; otherwise, I feel totally safe on my own. Maggie
Hi! I'll be walking from Astorga to Rabanal on June 9th; being a solo female first timer, I'd love to meet up and walk with someone if they'll be in the area!
These articles are about an incident near Santa Catalina de Somoza just West of Astorga at a rest stop along the camino. I speculate that this incident is what has caused Ivar to post his warning.
Diario de León
http://www.diariodeleon.es/noticias/...no_979812.html
The woman who made the report was apparently just doing some sports in the area, but was traveling in the same area as the Camino--so she would not have been carrying the useful walking poles.Grrr...too bad she wasn't carrying the "big stick"...Beat them about the head with it. Boy this makes me mad...
And the whistle is a great idea...two is even better than one!
No, not just perhaps - it is the best advice by far that I have read here and that I share: start early when many others start walking and finish by early afternoon.We're on the Camino right now and there are many, many people walking early morning to mid day. I happened to walk late afternoon (4-7 pm) Viana to Lograno today due to my wife's knee problems slowing us down. And there was no one on the trail. Perhaps one piece of good advice would be to get an early start and plan on being done walking by early afternoon.
Hi EllieHey, thanks.
Im walking cf alone in June. Was wondering if any groups or anyone will be in this area mid June so i can walk with someone??
Thanks
No, not just perhaps - it is the best advice by far that I have read here and that I share: start early when many others start walking and finish by early afternoon.
Since no-one seems to have created a thread for those who want walking companions, I just did:
https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/ill-walk-with-you.33777/
We take care of each other here...everyone's posts are very heartening. (BTW, I echo the 'no fear' comments. There are many pilgrims now and by and large we DO take care of each other.)
Walking poles are useful if you know how t use them, and even better without a backpackThe woman who made the report was apparently just doing some sports in the area, but was traveling in the same area as the Camino--so she would not have been carrying the useful walking poles.
Have a lovely walk Anemone. Are there many people starting the Primitivo this time of the year?It's 8:45 am in Spain and I just watched the news clip about what happened yesterday en route to Astorga. The woman this happened to is a local who jogs on that path regularly and she is easily in her 50s. She knew the area and this helped her hide after she distracted the men in the car and ran from them after they actually managed to put their hands on her. Again, these things are not just a concern for the young women.
And Imwrite this as I am heading solo from Oviedo to Esclampero on my own, via Naranco sites so I assume few will be walking with me.
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