gemgemsy
New Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- Starting Camino Frances June 9th (2016)
A few days ago as I was walking along the uphill forested path between Sarria and Barbadelo and was groped by a man on a quad bike.
He was driving down the trail as I was walking up. As it was quite narrow, I stopped walking and stepped to the side to allow him to pass. He surprised me by stopping the bike next to me. Not being in the mood for a chat at that moment, I started to continue walking and we exchanged small talk about the heat that day.
As I passed him he grabbed my butt, quite aggressively, then immediately started to drive away. Completely shocked I shouted a few choice words in English , then screamed after him in Spanish that I would call the police. He laughed while driving away.
I didn't end up making a police report as I didn't pass a car or station for a couple of days and to be honest, just wanted to forget it. A Camino friend encouraged me to make this post so other women might be forewarned. Should you see him, I suggest you try to keep walking or keep a wide berth if the trail is spacious enough. He was on a quad bike wearing a helmet, glasses and a bright orange tshirt. I'd estimate in he is in his forties.
I do want to add that I have hiked alone extensively in many countries and have never experienced anything like this before, which is probably why it came as such a shock. Additionally every pilgrim and local person I have met on the Camino over a month of walking has been extremely friendly. I did not and would not let this experience stop me continuing to walk solo.
He was driving down the trail as I was walking up. As it was quite narrow, I stopped walking and stepped to the side to allow him to pass. He surprised me by stopping the bike next to me. Not being in the mood for a chat at that moment, I started to continue walking and we exchanged small talk about the heat that day.
As I passed him he grabbed my butt, quite aggressively, then immediately started to drive away. Completely shocked I shouted a few choice words in English , then screamed after him in Spanish that I would call the police. He laughed while driving away.
I didn't end up making a police report as I didn't pass a car or station for a couple of days and to be honest, just wanted to forget it. A Camino friend encouraged me to make this post so other women might be forewarned. Should you see him, I suggest you try to keep walking or keep a wide berth if the trail is spacious enough. He was on a quad bike wearing a helmet, glasses and a bright orange tshirt. I'd estimate in he is in his forties.
I do want to add that I have hiked alone extensively in many countries and have never experienced anything like this before, which is probably why it came as such a shock. Additionally every pilgrim and local person I have met on the Camino over a month of walking has been extremely friendly. I did not and would not let this experience stop me continuing to walk solo.