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@zrexer
If you "wish a solo experience" do you "need to walk in somewhat close proximity to other walkers so as not to be a target?" Would you be willing to adjust your walking pace and your definition of "a solo experience" in order to feel safe? If you don't need to do so, do you think it reasonable to refer to another human being who doesn't want to do so either as lacking common sense?
I think what you look like or your age has nothing to do with it in most cases seems most predators look for opportunity and a vulnerable female or male ; best thing is don't give them opportunity and if you have a means of self defense be ready and willing to use it and let them know you ARE prepared to fight if need be
That is not what was asserted.do you think it reasonable to refer to another human being who doesn't want to do so either as lacking common sense?
Hi Sparrow!
I plan to walk Porto to SdC along the coast next April/May as a "final" camino. You'll probably be long gone before I'm there - but just relax and enjoy. And enjoy the company of other pilgrims, who will become your "pilgrim family". Whatever you do, don't be put off by these rare occurences. Check out my web site for my previous caminos, and know that I have enjoyed EVERY ONE!
Blessings from grey England....
I walked from Lisboa to SdC in 2016 and walked both alone and in a small group. I didn’t encounter any of the unsavoury type of males mentioned - who unfortunately you can fine anywhere BUT I did experience dogs. These dogs were only protecting their turf, but I was still frightened. I realised that they didn’t understand English and I don’t speak Portuguese so trying to talk to them was a waste of time but very quickly their owners arrived and took them away and were most apologetic. That experience was nothing like doing the VdlP last year and coming face to face with a bull ( I was lost at the time). Interesting how we react when we are out of our comfort zone.HI Stephen, I am walking porto to SDC starting early May. I am hoping there will be a few people on the trail. I read over your website. You reminded me of the dogs...hoping i have no encounters with vicious dogs on my walk. I may see you although i imagine you will be ahead of me. Bom Camino
Am off in a fortnight! OK OK I know it's only February! Couldn't wait any longer! I think it should be fine, and slightly cooler than in August!Too hot there Stephen a month ago , it nearly killed us .
We had walked coastal and survived with the sea breezes , then ventured north
You will love Portuguese , go very slow and venture west @ Caminha and then Spiritual .
Keep warm and i hope Cookie makes a ton.
Hi again, Sparrow!I start March 2019 - Lisbon up
I bought a dog dazer before my Camino de Invierno but I never had to try it. Does it really work? It was a bit heavy, so I guess I won´t bring it next time.I always take a "dog dazer" which emits a high frequency noise which humans can't hear, but dogs run away.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000IBRI2Y/?tag=casaivar-21{creative}&hvpos={adposition}&hvnetw=o&hvrand={random}&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=e&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl={devicemodel}&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=&hvtargid=pla-4583726541709559&psc=1
Hope this may help you: it's a bit of peace of mind, if nothing else.
Bon camino! I'm off in a fortnight to Portugal, to walk the coastal camino.
Hi again, Sparrow!
Well, I planned to walk some time after you....but I simply can't wait that long, and fly to Lisbon tomorrow!!!
Enjoy your camino.
S. x
I can only say it worked on the wild packs in Castellon. But it's in my luggage now!I bought a dog dazer before my Camino de Invierno but I never had to try it. Does it really work? It was a bit heavy, so I guess I won´t bring it next time.
Each camino I walk is my "final" one, Laurie! On this one, I shall turn 80 on 22nd Feb. I'm only walking for 2 weeks, so won't reach SdC, but plan to return next year to complete it..... oh! no! I can't if its my "final" one !!!Don’t mean to hijack this thread, but I couldn’t resist saying bom caminho to you Stephen. So glad you have found a way to keep on walking! I think I remember you telling me that your Ebro so many years ago (when you helped me out so much) was going to be the last. Just shows that hope springs eternal and frequently turns into reality. Lucky you. Would love to hear how it goes for you, will you walk all the way to Santiago? Bom caminho, Laurie
Most flashers are exhibitioners and get off your reaction . Don't think they mean to rapeI would say, yes. I would say that of any of the routes. That is if what you mean by safe, is safe from being the victim of a sexual assault or physical attack of some sort. Also I am assuming the solo man in question is fit and capable of taking care of themselves.
I do not think I have heard of any attacks/assaults on male pilgrims. Again, in the sense that this thread is discussing.
Criminals, especially sexual predators, size up their victims and the situation, location etc before they act. They do not want to risk the chance of being caught or being physically injured. They are cowards. Someone fighting back is not part of their plan.
Where do you buy the pepper spray?I agree. I just found that pepper spray under 5% is allowed in Spain and most airlines will let you bring it in your checked luggage. I carry pepper spray on my keys at home and will be bringing it to my next Camino. Stay safe ladies!
I bought a dog dazer before my Camino de Invierno but I never had to try it. Does it really work? It was a bit heavy, so I guess I won´t bring it next time.
Where do you buy the pepper spray?
AmazonWhere do you buy the pepper spray?
no but now that I have it I will carry it in certain situationsNot sure where you live Marisel but consider the street you walk home on being 1000 times worse than the Camino.
Do you carry it at home ?
I admit that I haven't walked there. However, I would fully expect that there have been harassment events in Tuscany!Has anyone experienced something like this on the Tuscany route in Italy (Via Francicena)?
I wonder if one can take pepper spray in to either Spain or Italy? I can buy it in my country which is quite dangerous at the moment to move around as a single woman!
Italy: Any citizen over 16 years of age without a criminal record could possess, carry and purchase any OC-based compounds and personal defence devices that respond to the following criteria:
Containing a payload not exceeding 20 ml., with a percentage of Oleoresin Capsicum not exceeding 10% and a maximum concentration of capsaicin and capsaicinoid substances not exceeding 2,5%;
Containing no flammable, corrosive, toxic or carcinogenic substances, and no other aggressive chemical compound than OC itself;
Being sealed when sold and featuring a safety device against accidental discharge;
Featuring a range not exceeding 3 metres.
Spain: Approved pepper spray made with 5% CS is available to anyone older than 18 years.
OC pepper spray, recently adopted for some civilian use (e.g., one of 22 grams, with no registration DGSP-07-22-SDP, is approved by the Ministry of Health and Consumption).
Thank you so much for this response. May your tribe increase. I'm considering walking this March and I hope there are many people like you around there.I think many men go through a range of emotions reading threads like this. I certainly do.
The temptation is to merely watch the threads unfold and say nothing.
What can we say? How will it be perceived? Will it be taken the wrong way? Will it seem X Y or Z?
I cannot begin to imagine what it's like to be a woman who has to walk through life being careful and wary of the opposite gender. No one should have to experience that.
And I feel shame for the actions of others of my gender.
It just saddens me deeply.
I try to make a point when walking to check that lone female pilgrims are OK.
Maybe by just making sure I stay within sight on a lonely stretch. Or just saying Hi at a coffee stop.
All of which in itself can be tricky to do without seeming like a predator...... catch 22.
But most women have fairly good radars to tell them which guys are the 'creeps'.
I think all we can do as males is to be aware. To discretely 'be there' for our fellow Pilgrims.
And obviously be prepared to 'step up' if required.
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