My friend 35 and i 55 both guys, were backpacking in Desolation Wilderness several years ago, found a spot for the night next to water, about an hour a single women 20s backpacker came along talked to us for a minutes then asked if she could camp next to us, she felt secure being nearby others. We didn't care. She put her tent about 20 ft from our 2 tents and we only saw her while everyone was making diner. She said Thank you in the morning and everybody went their way. Glad we didn't give her a bad vibe.
I was told years ago, when studying forensics to: 1. Always. ALWAYS listen to gut. 2. No man with good intentions will approach a woman in an environment where she may be unsafe, unless she's in distress. Good men understand this. It's saved me from a potential rapist, an abduction at university and years later as a mom stopping for gas late at night in an area that is a high human trafficking area, but one I was familiar with in general. I felt it before they even approached. It's a sense. Hone thar skill. Carry protection. Listen to ANY. ANY FEELINGS THAT SEEM OFF. DO NOT EXPLAIN THEM AWAY. I'm escaping dv and maybe considering living out of a van/ car to get on my feet. This is essential to safety. Ty for posting. I'm a new subscriber and will keep watching
I just don't know if number 2 is always true. Whilst undoubtably there will be times where creepy men will approach men in these sorts of situations, a few years ago I (26m) was walking in a wood when my dog ran off, so was running through the woods trying to find her, was looking for over half an hour, and then saw a woman walking her dog so ran towards her asking if she had seen my dog. Thinking about it after, she had a look of fear on her face as I approached from the trees, but I had no such bad intentions, I simply wanted to know if she had seen my dog, although it was definitely a situation where she was vulnerable. I get what you're saying but I don't think it applies in all instances.
Anyone gives you the creeps, pack up and go. I remember the story of the two women in Moab. They said the guy camped next to them gave them the creeps. They were both later killed. They had enough time to leave but they didn't act on their intuition. After 50 years of camping I realize that your fellow campers are either friendly or they want to be left alone. If someone gives you weird vibes, leave.
Actually i dont think he was n the girl that was also murdered there that was her bf. They never did get the guy that took the two women from their own vehicle as far as i know unless there was an update. The young girl was gabby and her bf brian he took his life as well. @@swaters5127
I get this! As a solo male camper, I cannot count how many times someone pulls in right next me and wants to chat. It’s annoying, some of us go to the woods to get away from noise,crowds, people,etc.
I have two dogs that over protect. They are on a chain. But no one wants to stop. They might tell hi or will they bite. Yep they will if ya get to close. I have one that is more so protective. But when they both get going ya better back off. I don't want to be up someone's behind. No thank you. I so understand the creepy guy thing. It is like a game w some. They drive by see a woman and then they park. Ya here door and hopefully they go on.
@@lornabartlett2744 Well if ya want to chat you can tell and if I feel up to it and my dogs think ok. I will come over and chat. I don't get lonely. I do get creeped out from time to time. But I refuse to dress like a man or feel bullied. I will pick and move or you might get a few words if ya get to close or fly a drone over me to many times. It's just plain rude. And as we speak I am making a camp fire as one flys pretty far away. I just don't get it guys. Why? Is there nothing better to do? Really I am not gonna change in front of you, bath, or to to the bath room. So I guess if it entertains you so be it. But if you go over that and come in my camo. You will have a pit bull on your behind and I will be short after with a number of weapons. I may look like a lady and dress like it. But I have know how to shoot since I was a child and we'll let's just say my gpa taught me more than to just work on my truck. I may have a few problems but my hearing and senses are better than most animals. Sorry had to vent. This week so far has been insane w peppers.
I agree entirely. I'm not a camper so never been in that sort of situation. However, I've found sometimes here in Oz, times I've gone to the beach, I walk a ways from other people, like to have my own quiet spot, and there's miles of spaces on our beaches here that it's easy to have a good stretch of beach to yourself. Then someone decides, that of all the miles of space available to choose from, they have to come and sit 2 feet away from you. Seriously😕
I started reading this once, maybe 15 years ago, but lost it at work part way though... Thanks for the reminder! I'm going to check it out again (on the Kindle, so it can't get lost so easily). I think my dad gave me the book when I moved to Florida on my own for an internship.
@@citygirlunplugged Gavin de Becker, a former FBI profiler now operating his own world class security company, is the author. He offers several more excellent books, as well.
Unfortunately mine is always on and so it's confusing. If I think I'm alone it's worse cause then there's this sinking feeling... I'm not really alone. By that point I just give up and let whatever happen or just leave and cry. In reality we don't know what's coming, it's usually unexpected.
Agreed. But it’s not just limited to women - anyone can learn to listen to and trust their gut, especially when one’s alone, though also apples to a group.
I just told another lady camper this same thing. Why are you ladies out travelling alone and into isolated areas? I know its kewl to see beauty of America but not alone. I’m ex-military and know betr than to be solo in rugged areas. Plz be safe omg you make me nervous
I love the fact how your dog is tethered in the vehicle and on that super long leash. You are a great pet parent. I wish everyone would do this. She still can run but you can also get her quickly.
I haven't received it yet, but I recently order a new (to me) type of "run" that you can place between two points. A leash then attaches to it, allowing dogs (or any animal) more freedom to roam (while still kept within an area). Here's hoping it works out like I think it will!
When you're in a remote spot alone and someone parks near you and then starts talking you've gotta wonder if they kind of followed you to where you are in the first place.
@@ellenswift3573 There is a simple way to defeat it, like wrapping your phone in two sheets of aluminum foil (this creates a faraday cage around the phone and no radio signals can get in or out) but then you can't use your phone while it's wrapped up.
Great advice! That sense has served me well when traveling alone. One of my LEO friends also told me to take a note of the plate number w/ a brief description and time and hold onto it for a bit-sexual predators/serial killers have been caught by ppl who did this when something felt ‘off’ about their interactions with a person. It sounds a little dramatic, but you could be saving a life or preventing more people from becoming victims in the future.
Exactly. Alert campers paid attention to their surroundings & helped Law Enforcement find the body of Gabby Pettico. Even tho Brian & his parents knew exactly where her body was left. Brian's parents need to be held accountable & charged for their participation in hiding evidence.
I always follow my gut. I have left several camp sites that I didn't feel relaxed. I am a true believer in following your gUT. I have been living and traveling full time for 4 years now with my dog Tinkerbell in my 1994 class A Winnebago Warrior filming and living my dream after beating Kidney cancer. I believe you did the best thing. Who cares if he is offended as long as you feel safe. I believe he overstepped by asking personal questions.
I'm glad you bailed. We don't owe strangers anything, not even a hello. For other people though, please remember everybody is not the same. I'm from the South and we will strike up a conversation with a perfect stranger at the drop of a hat. It's normal for us. I think it's less about not speaking and more about taking a hint. When someone is giving you one-word answers, when they're reading a book and don't put it down to talk to you, when they're continuing to go about their business instead of giving you their attention, when they look uncomfortable, THAT'S A HINT TO LEAVE THEM ALONE. And always, always, keep your distance to show you're not a threat. Don't walk up on some woman you don't know. Don't walk close to a woman you don't know. If you don't have to raise your voice to be heard, you're too freaking close.
I’m glad you addressed this. We’re all different, some are more comfortable with interactions. Some are not. Certainly the queue of one word answers, and someone reading a book that they’re not closing and putting down is another queue in my 68 years of life I have encountered so many socially awkward people who are really, really slow on social cues. it doesn’t mean their creeps. They’re just awkward. Either way, always, ALWAYS follow your gut!
As a woman in Mississippi, yeah, we’re rather chatty and outgoing yet respect and manners are very important as well. If you pay attention you can usually tell the difference between a friendly or intrusive person. In the end, I’m either comfortable or out of there. That first site was stunning but better safe than sorry!
I I'm glad you followed your instincts and left. I'm betting he was "testing the waters" to see your reaction and your dogs reaction to him. Always trust your gut. Stay safe.
To be honest, my first reaction as a woman when I found your channel, was on no! Why is she camping like this alone?! Then I watched your channel and I re-tought my reaction. You, and all Women, have every right to do any thing alone that you choose. You seem to have great instincts too. I respect that you listened to your gut and moved camp. Thank you for helping me see things in a different, more imposing light. Happy camping and exploring!
You handled the situation well and explained it perfectly. I agree with you 100%, if I’m alone, I’m not looking for conversation - a polite hello is enough.
I love to camp and I love camping by myself even more. I am a nurse I and I do not want to visit and chat. I get enough at work and home. I do take my dog and a loaded gun which my boyfriend has made sure I am very prepared to use. I have not been made to feel uncomfortable…yet. I am sure it will happen one day as long as I continue to camp and I feel listening to your intuition is a camping necessity after reading a lot of these comments. Thank you for reminding me I need to listen to myself and when in doubt just move.
I can never understand why people want to camp next to other people when there are huge wooded areas with privacy available. Over 30 years ago my son and I were on our annual backcountry canoe trip and after we got our camp set up a group of teenage girls with counselors decided to camp less than 100 feet from us. They stayed up late and made lots of noise doing so. I got up early the next morning and gave them payback with lots of noise. I made sure I deliberately banged paddles on the canoe and you should hear them grumble. One of the counselors came over to me. Before she said a word I asked why the hell they camped next to me and she said because you have a gun and there are bears about. I told her it wasn’t my problem. I figured they would do it again so that evening we pulled into a site and set up just our rainfly. Well they pulled in near us and set up their camp. After they set everything up we packed the rainfly and paddled away to another site away from them.
Like trains as well. Their are 100 other vacant seats, why oh why do they choose to sit near me and then proceed to have a chat on their cell phones. BTW if that counselor was really concerned about bears, he/she should bring their own protection in that case.
@@dylancarter1831 I’ve only been on a train a few times on the east coast and you are right. I like to read when I travel and sometimes they also want to talk to me for the whole trip. I don’t mind a little conversation, but not the whole trip. I put on my Bose headphones now when I travel even if there is no music.
Kinda sh***y of you, TBH. I have no issue with protecting others. Kids/Teenagers are noisy and annoying, but doing a good deed by making them feel safe is a good thing.
Dude it's happened to me 3 times over the last two days - and it's infuriating! I am a single woman and I go out door dashing in the early morning hours between 3:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. here in Seattle. Each time I wait for an order, I find a large empty parking lot in front of a closed store - and each time, a man (no doubt) in a truck would come pull up literally right. next. to. me.😮 and stare down into my car! It's super uncomfortable! I'm only 5'5 and 115 lb. I carry a Glock and have a huge pitbull, I also pack a Kershaw and benchmades. People want to say it's overki ill until they put themself in my position. I've been attacked more times than I can count by men for simply existing. Last summer I was smashed in the mouth really hard by some dick head on the street because I rejected his advances. He bludgened my head with a hard metal object, causing a traumatic brain injury and I've had to get two root canals on my front tooth so far. I have chronic pain despite having no root on that tooth anymore, that too still hurts for some reason. The specialists have no idea why. thanks, street dude. I lost my job as a teacher and had to drop out of University for a year, forcing me to put my pmp and construction management degree (which were halfway complete) on hiatus😢 he hit me so hard in the face with a can of spray paint that it dented the can and cause a fracture on the upper palate of my mouth @@sun_paper_girl
@@sun_paper_girloops, I apologize for directing the comment towards you, it was to the original poster who you had replied to. That being said, I'm glad we all agree that it's annoying because when I complain to my partner, he seemingly has no idea what I'm talking about😂
Yes go with your gut. Women have strong instincts. My son who is now 37 had a fourth grade teacher who told us about a camping incident that she experienced and she did what you did and turns out she was right. Without me going into details, you did the right thing.
Sorry you had to move camp. You have to follow your gut. My husband is very social and I have tried to tell him you don't just start a conversation with others out boondocking. He just doesn't get it. We are older so I think most people don't care, but it bothers me because I know if I were solo backpacking or camping, I would be uncomfortable and have to move on. Thank you for producing this video. Safe travels.
If we ever get approached when camping we’ll record it, if it’s nothing you can just delete it. But you might want to alert the authorities, rangers in the area, other campers whatever. We keep forgetting how useful our devices are. And people always trust your dog’s instincts.
I hear that, my grandpa was born in 1925 and his pa was from Arkansas. My grandma was born the same year but in Northern Norway, they are a very folksy and friendly people from where she is from. Very chatty and willing to sit and have small talk about anything. My grandpa's from a time of life where men looked out for one another, you always said hi to your neighbor and you would offer a hand to help with handy work that needed to be done, anything from woodworking to making trips to the dump to helping out somebody's kid learn how to ride a bike. Times have sure changed.
As a guy who likes to camp by myself now and then (my wife prefers motels and hotels), I greatly appreciate your comments. I might think I'm just being friendly when I come across another camper, but what you say reinforces the point of view of the other person. After seeing your video, I'll know better how to act, and just give a quick "hello," if even that. Thanks for the great advice. :)
This was a wonderful comment to read! I’m sure you are a good neighbor camper, but many of us don’t know if friendly is good or creepy. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts. I know there are way more good people in the world, but we need to stay safe when we can. ❤️
As a dude, I learned along time ago that women are terrified of me. I suppose it's not an unfounded fear. It's not that you're likely to eat them but the fact that most feel you could if you wanted to..so I get it.
@Dan Williams I see your second comment. Well, you said something critical of the G within your comment is the thing. Americans are not allowed to say anything critical of the G or the great leader.
@@sunfish4095 I have no clue what or who "the G" is, but how is it that you see this dude's comments while the rest of us don't? As an American, I think the 1st Amendment is all about us having the right to speak about our political leaders, but then this is the internet, which is somehow mostly run by ultra rich Liberals who only like freedom when they can control someone elses, so I can't say I'm all that shocked to see only half of whatever this mess is among UA-cam comments.
Good job! I am so happy you followed your instincts. I've solo camped, hiked, and hunted in the mountains for years, and only once did I get that creepy vibe. I agree with your advice about just leaving people alone. Especially when it's just you alone. Take care.
Hi Courtney, I’m so glad that you changed camp sites. That would have creeped me out too. We cannot be too careful in these situations. Having Luna with you is such an excellent idea. You are smart and safe.! Whew! Cheer, Pat
I recently had a spidey sense experience where I broke out into a run to get back to my car and take off. Having a backup camp spot is great advice. Unfortunately I was just winging it, so I ended up driving around for over an hour looking for a new place and didn’t find one until after dark. I also recently had the 12v battery that starts my Prius die. The day before it died, I was solo camping with no one around and no cell service. I was super lucky it didn’t die then. A backup battery you can jump your car with is a really great idea.
Aww, sorry to hear about that! I’m always around if you want safety in numbers while camping. I understand that sinking feeling of being out alone in a terrible situation. Hopefully, Mylo was with you to help you stay positive. Luna misses him. 🐕❤️
How funny is this!? I gave up my Facebook and Instagram so I no longer get to keep up with Lauren and Mylo, and I run into her on your site!! Hi honey! Having a blast in my minivan..did you ever get your not-so-electric prius?
@@dianeellsworth9502 hey 👋🏼 small world!! Glad to hear you are loving the van life! I did get my Prius and I lifted it so I can travel more places. I got the sticker you sent too. Thank you ❤️
Agree always go with your gut. That line of questioning was a little odd. Smart to have other places to camp already lined up. Looking forward to the next video.
Always trust your gut feelings. So many times after something bad happens a person will say, "I had a gut feeling and ignored it." So you are a smart lady.
That’s nice of you to be respectful to the guy at the campsite you chatted with by not filming him, but everybody films everyone in public cause of cell phones, but I think if anything happened to you, you would at least had this person on film just in case. ❤
Sorry you had to move camp, but so glad you listened to your inner voice. That area is beautiful, and I hope that you and Luna enjoyed yourselves to the fullest!!
Trust your Spidey Sense... ALWAYS, & never second guess yourself. It's like I was taught "defensive driving" in Driver's Ed: Just assume the "other guy" is NOT going to follow the rules, and WILL do something stupid at any moment!
I don't camp, but like hiking, I don't mind saying hi, but don't get close and get personal. I was hiking years ago and I stopped to look at the scenery and the lake. I heard someone coming down the trail above me, I turned my back to the lake and watch him catch up to me. I backed up, not being too friendly. I had my hiking poles on my shoulder and he never notice my crossed arms and poles as a warning to back off. He kept talking and asked about my poles. I told him I use them for balance and they make good weapons. After a few min. more, he says he has to get going. I believe he was a harmless elderly man who doesn't get it about personal space. But you never can tell... I have had met many people on the trails, but most are very polite and friendly. We say a few things, but we are in the woods to have peace and don't want to have a conversation with a stranger.
I camped alone and female for 15 years without anything like that to scare me. I usually set up my 5 man tent first, so I could talk to imaginary friends if someone made me nervous. When people pass by, as long as they keep moving, I don't care how much conversation they try to squeeze into that one minute or so. Just keep moving.
Hello 👋 my outdoors friend, greetings from Northern California. Sincere thanks for sharing your outdoor adventure. I enjoyed it. One can never be too cautious when camping 🏕 alone. I always apply.the 'golden rule' when camping 🏕. I never share too much information. You made the right decision. All the best to you and your cute dog 🐕. Stay safe and keep your Bear 🐻 spray handy. 🤗
Wow! The spot you initially choose to enjoy some quiet study time and let your dog go… was nothing less than breathtaking, and quite simply beautiful countryside. Thanks for sharing it with us. Nothing like this where I live I’m afraid. Shame about the creepy man and I fully understand your reservations. After all - you’re all alone out there (apart from your smashing dog). Nice one, and thanks again for sharing. Warm Regards, Dave 🇬🇧
Kinder, gentler days are behind us. Anyone, especially women who are out solo should have a reliable self-defense device plus a backup. Safe travels to all...
I so appreciate these videos and this channel Courtney!! It’s very refreshing to take a break from all my reselling content and tune into seeing how you spend your down time! Thank you for sharing it with all of us, you do a great job 👍 keep up the great work and stay safe
I always enjoy your videos. Thanks for the dishwashing lesson. Smart move to leave camp #1. Parking headed out toward the road is a great tip from Misty M. Have fun.
Even just going out in my vehicle in the city of Seattle I get harassed and followed by men in their vehicles. It's super uncomfortable. Everything from them pulling up to me in empty parking lots that are absolutely huge, for instance a large grocery store complex with a Safeway, a Jo-Ann's fabric, an IHOP, a Starbucks, etc. it's a like a 8 block complex! And it was completely empty last night when I was waiting for an order to come in on my door dash for the early morning. I don't know why this guy in a huge jacked up Dodge truck thought it was appropriate to pull up next to a petite woman alone in her vehicle who had clearly pulled into a spot in the parking lot indicating I wanted no proximity to other cars. There were about four other vehicles parked in front of the Starbucks, probably early morning employees opening the store. But did this guy go over there, no, he had to go and harass me, I don't even have tinted windows so I felt yucky. Normally I have no issue with cussing on somebody but I didn't have my handgun on me and I was not trying to get into it with some big ass Mexican guy. And then there are bullies. I was harassed and followed up here in North Seattle all the way down to a city south of Seattle called tukwila by a crazy tweaker, it was so scary! He was just staring right through me while trying to get me to pull over the entire time! it was terrifying. I was on the phone with 911 the entire time because I was making extra money driving for Amazon, and I wanted to get a police report so I could show my supervisor at the reason why I had gone over the speed limit. The guy had been following me and didn't turn his lights on until I got back to the warehouse! It was like some shit out of a horror movie. He even entered the Amazon employee entrance and was circling around in his vehicle inside of the premises that says employees only! He fled as a police cars were entering the complex, no justice.
I would guess that, had this guy just made small-talk instead of quickly going for personal info, you might not have reacted as you did. Your gut reaction was totally appropriate. I would say that any man who would try to do you harm would likely regret it immediately as Luna would take them to a world of pain!
It’s very nice up there ! I have had to move a few different times in my camping career. Usually it’s because a group of scary drunken men who think you invited them. It’s always best to follow your gut feeling in these cases.
You have to cross country backpack for better privacy. If you can drive to a camp site even if it's far down a dirt road it's only semi private. Dangerous too. At least backpacking you can be stealthy
Your holey shirt cracks me up. I have a bird who loved getting inside my sweatshirts and then picked holes so he could stick his head out. I didn't have a single shirt with holes in them.
Your first camp site - How perfect and beautiful. It's really too bad you had to leave. You try to be nice and polite, but unfortunately so many men take it as, "oh yeah, she's into me, she wants me". UGH!! Damn, why can't a woman alone walk the planet without the fear of crEEpy men assaulting us???
Don't blame guys. It's not so much that it's likely he will eat you but rather the fear that if he wanted to he could. Also, a lot of guys have no idea that some women go out into the world with that line of thinking. It took me awhile to get it. Even then for awhile I just thought that I must just be repulsive to women and simply kept doing it. Now I know to ignore them if they are alone or in a position where she feels she could get eaten.
@@sunfish4095 to the commenters and readers that read sunfish's comments this is exactly why you always must look over your shoulder of of this type of man that's pissed off at you instead of thinking that could be his mother or his daughter out there in the woods that has not learned to take her own power of protecting her own self in her hands instead of taking chances of being victimized by not learning to pay heed to your 6th senses, the warning bells that goes off on your body like the hairs standing up to on your arms, the deep pitted knot in your stomache. That's a million years of being prey on and stocking when we lived in trees that. That safety warning in you can't be bought
@@JAGreen-lj9zi Agreed, every boy has to go through that stage of growing into his adult male identity as a powerful and dangerous predator that others, given the right circumstances can't afford to trust. Depending how he embodies and reconciles with this realization will determine how he recons with it. If he embodies this identity that is foisted upon him (and all men) in a negative light he may identify with it in a negative way and become just that. It's important for men to embody their identity in a positive light. It is normal for men to be feared..just as it is normal for anyone to fear a lion, a shark or any other predator. It's important to not be offended or take it personally when anything that views itself as prey fears you...and it's just as important for women not to take it personally that they fear men. Both will lead to anger and hatred.
@@JAGreen-lj9zi It's important to not be offended or take it personally when anything that views itself as prey fears you...and it's just as important for women not to take it personally that they fear men. Both ways of thinking will lead to anger and hatred.
@@sunfish4095 Your response was a callus shot and put down to women by your obvious put downs to what you probably was taking a shot at is women's liberation. And any kind of taking control of one's own decision as a woman is seen as a threat to a man that feels that he should be able to be free to make a woman accept his advances, whether she wants it or not. Even if she's intimidated by him. That obvious bitter crack you made about she should also be accepting of him not doing anything to help her if a wolf or a wild animal attacks her since she doesn't want any advances from him is your jab at her as a woman you think is in fear of all man kind and deserves no help from you and men kind. And she should shut her mouth and don't ask any man at all for help. It's not that women fear "men". It's the type of men among most regular friendly males that women fear, since women are more then 70 percent the victims of those types of men that preys on women for forcibly sex violently, robbing them violently and murdering them to keep them from telling on the attacker. And most serial killers are men and most of their victims are women. The next victims of violent male crimes are children both males and females.
Anytime you feel weird or get the creeps pay attention to it. There is a reason for the feeling you are having. We go outdoors to relax and decompress. Get a good dog. A dog can alert you to predators but you have to pay attention to your dog and read their reactions. They can alert you to predators. I don’t like being around a lot of people but you really need a buddy to watch your 6!!!!!
It’s been almost 20 years since I’ve been on a road trip by myself, and I’m getting ready to go on one so, this gave me a reality check by reminding me to always trust your gut. These excursions of yours have made me wanderlust to travel again 🙂
That does look like an amazing camp area. I would love to park my trailer in a place like that for a summer, and hike every trail I could find with my dogs.
I’m so glad you stayed safe! Definitely good to trust your instincts! I’m wondering if people from different areas feel differently about the chatting. I live in Iowa and have lived here all my life. I consider myself an introvert but I still find myself having conversations with strangers very often. I think maybe it’s more common here. Of course your circumstance was unique in that it was just the two of you in a remote area and I would hope people would be mindful of that.
The music is perfect, and the way you use it in some parts of the video and not in others is commendable. It allows me to appreciate the music better. I can also better focus and appreciate what you're saying and trying to convey during the parts of the video that don't contain any music.
This is hard for me. I have always loved to talk to and meet new people. Growing up in the 80s we weren't always on Alert like people today. I definitely see people more standoff now that the wife and I travel around in our trailer.
This video was hard for me, too. On the one hand? He may just have been a really lonely person and seeking a "human connection" with a like-minded camper. On the other hand? He could have been a predator. You just never know, but it made me sad that someone ruined her otherwise perfect day. Glad she found an equally enjoyable camp site after all:-) And Luna is worth her weight in gold!!! Nothing in this world is as wonderful as our canine family:-)
You are right that's exactly how I felt ...if she would be in need of assistance or her car broke down she would be praying to run into someone...this whole society we live in is ass backwards you're not allowed to be friendly anymore or your considered a weirdo lol don't get me wrong there are some creeps out there but the majority of people are just friendly ...people just want to keep to themselves nobody wants interaction it's the computer game generation... can't have a conversation everyone is self absorbed ...I'm happy I grew up in the 70's and 80's ...society really sucks compared to then
@@olneykid6483 It might be just the U.S. I don't know if things have gotten this "weird" in other countries. The way all us single females are now taking "self defense" courses and carrying around pepper spray??? What's happening to our society? If being alive is this "dangerous" then what kind of future does the next generation have to look forward to 😢
I'm from Clovis, so about 20-30 minutes from Squaw Valley, and, yes, lots of smoke the last few years there. Enjoying your vids. Am thinking about becoming a weekend warrior.
Like the gift they gave you. I'm interested in that. I've been wanting a battery charger for a long time and now lm thinking about a power pack.... So glad you played it safe. Better safe then sorry. I was in a creepy situation and wasn't sure about it until my intuitive Rat terrier's fur stood up on her back and she ran to the truck and looked at me like ,"Come on, let's get outta here." I listened to her body language because usually she would never turn down a hike. I miss her so much. ..Those 🍔 looked good!
I'm catching up on your adventures so I'll be binge watching today. Loved seeing Luna's dinner happy dance - she's adorable. Smart to trust your gut. The second site was very pretty. Looking forward to more of your adventures. Glad it wasn't too smoky. I have family in some lower lying regions east of California and the smoke is getting trapped in those lower elevations. Hope you have a fabulous week.
The fact that you never let your dog run free in the woods is great,its too dangerous,with bears and mountain lions etc,keeping him on a long leash is the best way for him to wander around and be safe at the same time.
Luna is totes adorbs! And of a good size to have with you on your trips! She alone should be a solid deterent to many a creep who thinks he's stumbled onto an opportunity. Be safe, and always trust your intuition! And give Luna a few skritches behind the ears for me!
Hi. Just found you on Tristan's SUR RVing channel. So I came over to your channel. I am a retired single gal with a little dog and I hope to be hitting the road this summer in my older SUV and I can't wait. Love your channel. Good clean and informative channel. I'm watching your UA-cam with my grandbabies who will be going with me from time to time. Thank you for sharing. Luna is sweet. God bless your journey 💜
I’ve been single for a long time and I honestly think that men in general don’t have any awareness of what would make a woman alone feel uncomfortable with questions they might ask because they don’t realize how vulnerable we feel. I’m with you about getting the heck out of there when that happens, though. I hate to be thought of as unfriendly (because I’m a people pleaser) but my safety over rides that.
@@ramzyy5362That doesn't prove that women "need" a man. It just proves that once again males pose a threat so it's better for women to trust their intuition or arm themselves against potential male assailant.
Big meadows is absolutely beautiful. I've been camping there with family at age 7. Being older now, I take my wife and kids there every year. Alot of solo campers there as well. We just give the friendly wave but we never approach them. Anyways awesome channel you have!!
My pittie stands or sits directly in front of me at all times to guard me. One look at him is enough to ward off anyone thinking they could get to me. If they manage to get past him they still have to contend with me and I’m ready.
Please also be careful with the type of footwear you use in camping alone especially / traveling... enclosed footwear or sneakers might be good if you are able to wear them in case you needed to run/move fast...not so sure in flip flops....Love your doggo and the long leash. Haven't been able to watch all your vid's but does Luna also have an outdoor mat she can lie on instead of some of the stones/twigs etc you find at campsites? :-) Or does she enjoy just roughin' it? (ruffin' it LOL)... Take care, continue to be aware. Enjoying vids of yours I've watched so far. You are brave.
Hello NEWEST FRIEND! 👋 So, as a female I can imagine the creepiness u felt. And if moving is what helps, then do it. I believe it's imperative to follow that "feeling" and do what's best for ourselves. Looking forward to seeing more. Have safe and blessed travels. LUCRETIA
I agree that if u ain't comfortable with a situation leave it. I was scratching my head when saying hey to someone is considered strange and giving someone directions in the middle of the city is considered odd. Lort I live in the deep south if u don't say hello to someone u are called stuck up and unity. LOL. And if someone else thinks ur a friend of a family member u will probably be invited for supper. Crazy though how different regions are. But yet I saw another video where this one alone female camper in Arizona was harassed by this real creepy older fella. Glad u are safe
Sorry you had to move that was a great site...but ALWAYS listen to your inner voice..instincts...you go there for peace and quiet. There are many sites that groups go to if you want to chit chat. Glad you moved!!!!❤️
Years ago while camping in northern minnesota at a fairly remote federal campground With my brother .. my brother in law and a friend .. we were sitting around the camp fire having a few beers…their was a a guy camping in the adjacent camp site ( by him self) he sort of just invited himself over to our campfire .we were all getting sort of drunk ..and at first we didn’t really mind ..he presented to be our best buddy…I started getting getting irritated with my brother ..As I could see what was coming ..and my brother just didn’t realize ..to mske a long story shorter …he never left …he just stayed with us ..eating our food …borrowing our fishing gear etc etc…there was no getting away from him …my brother in law tried the diplomatic approach ..to no avail …I ended up “ hibernating “ in my tent to get away from . Finaly I had enough ..I asked him ..” do t you have your own campsite .? He looked shocked when I told him..he turned it around and asked what mY problem was …I explained to him I just want to spend quality time with my brothers and friend not some stranger I just met and know nothing about …he started getting very aggressive calling me every name in the book …we as a group didn’t dare send a day fishing leaving our campsite and gear unattended …and for sure none of us wanted to include him fishing with us..to get away from the creep we had to pack up and leave a few days early to get away from him,..after getting home ..he started showing up at my house driving around the block several days in a row showing up at my door unannounced..finaly had to call the police / detectives to report him…they finaly confronted him had a long talk with him ..and he never showed up again..but to this day several years later a still get spooked when I see strange vehicles driving around the neighborhood
I like the idea of solo travel but could never do it myself as I would not feel comfortable and quite frankly, scared. I have the "gift of fear" and I am okay with that.
Great video and I would love to live near camping like you get to experience regularly. I live in S.C and the summer is a miserable time trying to camp with the oppressive humidity.
John Holliday. I live in NC. Have the same problem. Hoping to have my first solo at the beach with my beagle in a camp ground in the fall Right now to chicken to go off the beaten path, besides hubby is having a fit about me doing that. Hoping with each adventure he I will feel better about it cause I love getting off the beaten path. Use to backpack 🎒.
I live in SC too but have found some places worth going for short stays in my SUV. Being prepared for the weather is key. If it's really oppressive, I mist my t-shirt and sleep with a fan and cross ventilation. As the water evaporates from the shirt, it cools the skin.
Never go camping out into the wilds and deep woods without a weapon a gun preferred, at minimum an 8" survival knife or machete. I use a sensor-activated intruder alarm and a garden solar motion-activated light too. I also have a couple of loud firecrackers that if I hear any menacing movement outside I light one up and shout "fire in the hold" throw it outside "BANG!!! things quiet down after that.
Always trust your gut......every time I didn't, irrespective of the circumstance, was a sore lesson learned.......I have a PhD from the school of hard knocks:(
@@citygirlunplugged We would rather not have that degree. I was taught to have manners and be polite and considerate. It's almost gotten me killed a few times. Seriously! Also, a pleasant, "why do you ask?" can find out the motive for questions instead of assuming. I have a mean chihuahua but I would never boondock alone in an isolated area. I can do a semi quick getaway without exiting the car.
My friend 35 and i 55 both guys, were backpacking in Desolation Wilderness several years ago, found a spot for the night next to water, about an hour a single women 20s backpacker came along talked to us for a minutes then asked if she could camp next to us, she felt secure being nearby others. We didn't care. She put her tent about 20 ft from our 2 tents and we only saw her while everyone was making diner. She said Thank you in the morning and everybody went their way. Glad we didn't give her a bad vibe.
Yup, she was the creepy guy, he was there first
You're lucky she didn't kill you in your sleep.
@@jeffk464 nope
I was told years ago, when studying forensics to:
1. Always. ALWAYS listen to gut.
2. No man with good intentions will approach a woman in an environment where she may be unsafe, unless she's in distress. Good men understand this. It's saved me from a potential rapist, an abduction at university and years later as a mom stopping for gas late at night in an area that is a high human trafficking area, but one I was familiar with in general. I felt it before they even approached. It's a sense. Hone thar skill. Carry protection. Listen to ANY. ANY FEELINGS THAT SEEM OFF. DO NOT EXPLAIN THEM AWAY.
I'm escaping dv and maybe considering living out of a van/ car to get on my feet. This is essential to safety. Ty for posting. I'm a new subscriber and will keep watching
I just don't know if number 2 is always true. Whilst undoubtably there will be times where creepy men will approach men in these sorts of situations, a few years ago I (26m) was walking in a wood when my dog ran off, so was running through the woods trying to find her, was looking for over half an hour, and then saw a woman walking her dog so ran towards her asking if she had seen my dog. Thinking about it after, she had a look of fear on her face as I approached from the trees, but I had no such bad intentions, I simply wanted to know if she had seen my dog, although it was definitely a situation where she was vulnerable. I get what you're saying but I don't think it applies in all instances.
Anyone gives you the creeps, pack up and go. I remember the story of the two women in Moab. They said the guy camped next to them gave them the creeps. They were both later killed. They had enough time to leave but they didn't act on their intuition. After 50 years of camping I realize that your fellow campers are either friendly or they want to be left alone. If someone gives you weird vibes, leave.
I believe women should never camp alone,,,serial killers only kill women that are alone,, they will never attack a man,, they are nothing but cowards
When was this? Was the guy caught and prosecuted?
Amen and YES!❤
yeah so many women dont act on their intuition or remove themselves from bad situation because they dont want to be rude... how crazy is that
Actually i dont think he was n the girl that was also murdered there that was her bf. They never did get the guy that took the two women from their own vehicle as far as i know unless there was an update. The young girl was gabby and her bf brian he took his life as well. @@swaters5127
Tip when Camping.... Always park and position your vehicle towards the exit in case you need to get out of there quickly.
Good one... thx!
Also install a turbo in your car so you can get out of there even faster.
I get this! As a solo male camper, I cannot count how many times someone pulls in right next me and wants to chat. It’s annoying, some of us go to the woods to get away from noise,crowds, people,etc.
We’re all out for different reasons, but I agree, most of us are out camping for peace and quiet. Safe travels to you 🤗
I have two dogs that over protect. They are on a chain. But no one wants to stop. They might tell hi or will they bite. Yep they will if ya get to close. I have one that is more so protective. But when they both get going ya better back off. I don't want to be up someone's behind. No thank you. I so understand the creepy guy thing. It is like a game w some. They drive by see a woman and then they park. Ya here door and hopefully they go on.
Well spoken, beautiful !
@@lornabartlett2744 Well if ya want to chat you can tell and if I feel up to it and my dogs think ok. I will come over and chat. I don't get lonely. I do get creeped out from time to time. But I refuse to dress like a man or feel bullied. I will pick and move or you might get a few words if ya get to close or fly a drone over me to many times. It's just plain rude. And as we speak I am making a camp fire as one flys pretty far away. I just don't get it guys. Why? Is there nothing better to do? Really I am not gonna change in front of you, bath, or to to the bath room. So I guess if it entertains you so be it. But if you go over that and come in my camo. You will have a pit bull on your behind and I will be short after with a number of weapons. I may look like a lady and dress like it. But I have know how to shoot since I was a child and we'll let's just say my gpa taught me more than to just work on my truck. I may have a few problems but my hearing and senses are better than most animals. Sorry had to vent. This week so far has been insane w peppers.
I agree entirely. I'm not a camper so never been in that sort of situation.
However, I've found sometimes here in Oz, times I've gone to the beach, I walk a ways from other people, like to have my own quiet spot, and there's miles of spaces on our beaches here that it's easy to have a good stretch of beach to yourself. Then someone decides, that of all the miles of space available to choose from, they have to come and sit 2 feet away from you. Seriously😕
There’s a book called The Gift of Fear, that explains exactly this. Listening to your internal “gut” feeling is always best. You did the right thing.
I’ll check the book out! Thank you! ❤️
It’s one of my favorite books…. Good on you Courtney! Not about his hurt feelings. It’s all about your safety😇
I started reading this once, maybe 15 years ago, but lost it at work part way though... Thanks for the reminder! I'm going to check it out again (on the Kindle, so it can't get lost so easily). I think my dad gave me the book when I moved to Florida on my own for an internship.
The book is great!!! Have it and will reread💝💝💝
@@citygirlunplugged Gavin de Becker, a former FBI profiler now operating his own world class security company, is the author. He offers several more excellent books, as well.
Women should never, ever ignore that feeling that something isn't right. Call it woman's intuition or whatever but never ignore it. So glad you moved.
Thank you 🙏❤️
Unfortunately mine is always on and so it's confusing. If I think I'm alone it's worse cause then there's this sinking feeling... I'm not really alone. By that point I just give up and let whatever happen or just leave and cry. In reality we don't know what's coming, it's usually unexpected.
Agreed. But it’s not just limited to women - anyone can learn to listen to and trust their gut, especially when one’s alone, though also apples to a group.
Bravo Kady very good say you about this feeling.
I just told another lady camper this same thing. Why are you ladies out travelling alone and into isolated areas? I know its kewl to see beauty of America but not alone. I’m ex-military and know betr than to be solo in rugged areas. Plz be safe omg you make me nervous
I love the fact how your dog is tethered in the vehicle and on that super long leash. You are a great pet parent. I wish everyone would do this. She still can run but you can also get her quickly.
Hi Charlene. Did you used to work SICU Ocala regional? I’m Kathleen Harper. Just the other day I was wondering what happened to you
I haven't received it yet, but I recently order a new (to me) type of "run" that you can place between two points. A leash then attaches to it, allowing dogs (or any animal) more freedom to roam (while still kept within an area). Here's hoping it works out like I think it will!
When you're in a remote spot alone and someone parks near you and then starts talking you've gotta wonder if they kind of followed you to where you are in the first place.
That's creepy as hell!
@@ellenswift3573
But usually true. See that Iphone in your hand? It's also a tracking device... Creepy right?
@@BillySBC I know I hate it, and its the only device I own.
@@ellenswift3573
There is a simple way to defeat it, like wrapping your phone in two sheets of aluminum foil (this creates a faraday cage around the phone and no radio signals can get in or out) but then you can't use your phone while it's wrapped up.
I dont agree with that. Lots of friendly people out there. Not creepy.
Great advice! That sense has served me well when traveling alone. One of my LEO friends also told me to take a note of the plate number w/ a brief description and time and hold onto it for a bit-sexual predators/serial killers have been caught by ppl who did this when something felt ‘off’ about their interactions with a person. It sounds a little dramatic, but you could be saving a life or preventing more people from becoming victims in the future.
Great tip!! Thanks for sharing with us ❤️❤️
Definitely worth documenting, these days videos are the best witness 😇❤️
Exactly. Alert campers paid attention to their surroundings & helped Law Enforcement find the body of Gabby Pettico. Even tho Brian & his parents knew exactly where her body was left. Brian's parents need to be held accountable & charged for their participation in hiding evidence.
Off
Yeah, I wish she recorded or took a pic of this creepy guy.
I always follow my gut. I have left several camp sites that I didn't feel relaxed. I am a true believer in following your gUT.
I have been living and traveling full time for 4 years now with my dog Tinkerbell in my 1994 class A Winnebago Warrior filming and living my dream after beating Kidney cancer.
I believe you did the best thing. Who cares if he is offended as long as you feel safe. I believe he overstepped by asking personal questions.
I'm glad you bailed. We don't owe strangers anything, not even a hello.
For other people though, please remember everybody is not the same. I'm from the South and we will strike up a conversation with a perfect stranger at the drop of a hat. It's normal for us. I think it's less about not speaking and more about taking a hint. When someone is giving you one-word answers, when they're reading a book and don't put it down to talk to you, when they're continuing to go about their business instead of giving you their attention, when they look uncomfortable, THAT'S A HINT TO LEAVE THEM ALONE. And always, always, keep your distance to show you're not a threat. Don't walk up on some woman you don't know. Don't walk close to a woman you don't know. If you don't have to raise your voice to be heard, you're too freaking close.
Yep agree. I'm an approachable person, & my instincts have never let me down.
I’m glad you addressed this. We’re all different, some are more comfortable with interactions. Some are not. Certainly the queue of one word answers, and someone reading a book that they’re not closing and putting down is another queue in my 68 years of life I have encountered so many socially awkward people who are really, really slow on social cues. it doesn’t mean their creeps. They’re just awkward. Either way, always, ALWAYS follow your gut!
As a woman in Mississippi, yeah, we’re rather chatty and outgoing yet respect and manners are very important as well. If you pay attention you can usually tell the difference between a friendly or intrusive person. In the end, I’m either comfortable or out of there. That first site was stunning but better safe than sorry!
Well said 💕
Good for you. Too many people get hurt because they don’t want to seem rude. That’s a big mistake.
If you're rude that can trigger a psycho too.
I
I'm glad you followed your instincts and left. I'm betting he was "testing the waters" to see your reaction and your dogs reaction to him. Always trust your gut. Stay safe.
Good job trusting your gut and moving. Sounds like the guy was fishing for info not being friendly. Stay safe and thanks for bear advice!
So relieved that you left the original site, that fellow obviously had little respect for boundaries, Sequoia is really beautiful !
Often people get taken advantage of because they want to be nice. "Nice" can get you in trouble when you're alone
To be honest, my first reaction as a woman when I found your channel, was on no! Why is she camping like this alone?! Then I watched your channel and I re-tought my reaction. You, and all Women, have every right to do any thing alone that you choose. You seem to have great instincts too. I respect that you listened to your gut and moved camp. Thank you for helping me see things in a different, more imposing light. Happy camping and exploring!
You handled the situation well and explained it perfectly. I agree with you 100%, if I’m alone, I’m not looking for conversation - a polite hello is enough.
Exactly 🙌
I love to camp and I love camping by myself even more. I am a nurse I and I do not want to visit and chat. I get enough at work and home. I do take my dog and a loaded gun which my boyfriend has made sure I am very prepared to use.
I have not been made to feel uncomfortable…yet. I am sure it will happen one day as long as I continue to camp and I feel listening to your intuition is a camping necessity after reading a lot of these comments. Thank you for reminding me I need to listen to myself and when in doubt just move.
I can never understand why people want to camp next to other people when there are huge wooded areas with privacy available. Over 30 years ago my son and I were on our annual backcountry canoe trip and after we got our camp set up a group of teenage girls with counselors decided to camp less than 100 feet from us. They stayed up late and made lots of noise doing so. I got up early the next morning and gave them payback with lots of noise. I made sure I deliberately banged paddles on the canoe and you should hear them grumble. One of the counselors came over to me. Before she said a word I asked why the hell they camped next to me and she said because you have a gun and there are bears about. I told her it wasn’t my problem. I figured they would do it again so that evening we pulled into a site and set up just our rainfly. Well they pulled in near us and set up their camp. After they set everything up we packed the rainfly and paddled away to another site away from them.
Like trains as well. Their are 100 other vacant seats, why oh why do they choose to sit near me and then proceed to have a chat on their cell phones. BTW if that counselor was really concerned about bears, he/she should bring their own protection in that case.
@@dylancarter1831 I’ve only been on a train a few times on the east coast and you are right. I like to read when I travel and sometimes they also want to talk to me for the whole trip. I don’t mind a little conversation, but not the whole trip. I put on my Bose headphones now when I travel even if there is no music.
Kinda sh***y of you, TBH. I have no issue with protecting others. Kids/Teenagers are noisy and annoying, but doing a good deed by making them feel safe is a good thing.
Dude it's happened to me 3 times over the last two days - and it's infuriating!
I am a single woman and I go out door dashing in the early morning hours between 3:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. here in Seattle. Each time I wait for an order, I find a large empty parking lot in front of a closed store - and each time, a man (no doubt) in a truck would come pull up literally right. next. to. me.😮 and stare down into my car! It's super uncomfortable!
I'm only 5'5 and 115 lb. I carry a Glock and have a huge pitbull, I also pack a Kershaw and benchmades. People want to say it's overki ill until they put themself in my position.
I've been attacked more times than I can count by men for simply existing. Last summer I was smashed in the mouth really hard by some dick head on the street because I rejected his advances. He bludgened my head with a hard metal object, causing a traumatic brain injury and I've had to get two root canals on my front tooth so far. I have chronic pain despite having no root on that tooth anymore, that too still hurts for some reason. The specialists have no idea why. thanks, street dude. I lost my job as a teacher and had to drop out of University for a year, forcing me to put my pmp and construction management degree (which were halfway complete) on hiatus😢 he hit me so hard in the face with a can of spray paint that it dented the can and cause a fracture on the upper palate of my mouth @@sun_paper_girl
@@sun_paper_girloops, I apologize for directing the comment towards you, it was to the original poster who you had replied to. That being said, I'm glad we all agree that it's annoying because when I complain to my partner, he seemingly has no idea what I'm talking about😂
Yes go with your gut. Women have strong instincts. My son who is now 37 had a fourth grade teacher who told us about a camping incident that she experienced and she did what you did and turns out she was right. Without me going into details, you did the right thing.
Sorry you had to move camp. You have to follow your gut. My husband is very social and I have tried to tell him you don't just start a conversation with others out boondocking. He just doesn't get it. We are older so I think most people don't care, but it bothers me because I know if I were solo backpacking or camping, I would be uncomfortable and have to move on. Thank you for producing this video. Safe travels.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts/experiences ❤️❤️
If we ever get approached when camping we’ll record it, if it’s nothing you can just delete it. But you might want to alert the authorities, rangers in the area, other campers whatever. We keep forgetting how useful our devices are. And people always trust your dog’s instincts.
I hear that, my grandpa was born in 1925 and his pa was from Arkansas. My grandma was born the same year but in Northern Norway, they are a very folksy and friendly people from where she is from. Very chatty and willing to sit and have small talk about anything. My grandpa's from a time of life where men looked out for one another, you always said hi to your neighbor and you would offer a hand to help with handy work that needed to be done, anything from woodworking to making trips to the dump to helping out somebody's kid learn how to ride a bike. Times have sure changed.
As a guy who likes to camp by myself now and then (my wife prefers motels and hotels), I greatly appreciate your comments. I might think I'm just being friendly when I come across another camper, but what you say reinforces the point of view of the other person. After seeing your video, I'll know better how to act, and just give a quick "hello," if even that. Thanks for the great advice. :)
This was a wonderful comment to read! I’m sure you are a good neighbor camper, but many of us don’t know if friendly is good or creepy. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts. I know there are way more good people in the world, but we need to stay safe when we can. ❤️
As a dude, I learned along time ago that women are terrified of me. I suppose it's not an unfounded fear. It's not that you're likely to eat them but the fact that most feel you could if you wanted to..so I get it.
@Dan Williams Dan, I see that you commented but you thoughts are not allowed. When you look you will see your comment but others do not.
@Dan Williams I see your second comment. Well, you said something critical of the G within your comment is the thing. Americans are not allowed to say anything critical of the G or the great leader.
@@sunfish4095 I have no clue what or who "the G" is, but how is it that you see this dude's comments while the rest of us don't? As an American, I think the 1st Amendment is all about us having the right to speak about our political leaders, but then this is the internet, which is somehow mostly run by ultra rich Liberals who only like freedom when they can control someone elses, so I can't say I'm all that shocked to see only half of whatever this mess is among UA-cam comments.
Good job! I am so happy you followed your instincts. I've solo camped, hiked, and hunted in the mountains for years, and only once did I get that creepy vibe. I agree with your advice about just leaving people alone. Especially when it's just you alone. Take care.
Hi Courtney, I’m so glad that you changed camp sites. That would have creeped me out too. We cannot be too careful in these situations. Having Luna with you is such an excellent idea. You are smart and safe.! Whew! Cheer, Pat
Thank you, Pat ❤️❤️
You people on here are a bunch of cowards like 80 percent of america
I recently had a spidey sense experience where I broke out into a run to get back to my car and take off. Having a backup camp spot is great advice. Unfortunately I was just winging it, so I ended up driving around for over an hour looking for a new place and didn’t find one until after dark. I also recently had the 12v battery that starts my Prius die. The day before it died, I was solo camping with no one around and no cell service. I was super lucky it didn’t die then. A backup battery you can jump your car with is a really great idea.
Aww, sorry to hear about that! I’m always around if you want safety in numbers while camping. I understand that sinking feeling of being out alone in a terrible situation. Hopefully, Mylo was with you to help you stay positive. Luna misses him. 🐕❤️
@@citygirlunplugged We should plan a trip sometime! Solo travels are fun, but so are trips with friends. Mylo sends a tail wag to Luna!
How funny is this!? I gave up my Facebook and Instagram so I no longer get to keep up with Lauren and Mylo, and I run into her on your site!! Hi honey! Having a blast in my minivan..did you ever get your not-so-electric prius?
@@dianeellsworth9502 hey 👋🏼 small world!! Glad to hear you are loving the van life! I did get my Prius and I lifted it so I can travel more places. I got the sticker you sent too. Thank you ❤️
@@adventurebravo very cool...I want to get the minivan lifted, is it a big deal? And worth it? My mechanic is charging $100 an hour now!! 😳
Agree always go with your gut. That line of questioning was a little odd. Smart to have other places to camp already lined up. Looking forward to the next video.
Aww, thank you 🙏
Always trust your gut feelings. So many times after something bad happens a person will say, "I had a gut feeling and ignored it." So you are a smart lady.
That’s nice of you to be respectful to the guy at the campsite you chatted with by not filming him, but everybody films everyone in public cause of cell phones, but I think if anything happened to you, you would at least had this person on film just in case. ❤
Look at the thumbnail lol she even put a creepy man label under him to be “respectful”
Sorry you had to move camp, but so glad you listened to your inner voice. That area is beautiful, and I hope that you and Luna enjoyed yourselves to the fullest!!
It was a wonderful weekend!! I love the sequoia area so much! ❤️❤️🐕🤗
Trust your Spidey Sense... ALWAYS, & never second guess yourself. It's like I was taught "defensive driving" in Driver's Ed: Just assume the "other guy" is NOT going to follow the rules, and WILL do something stupid at any moment!
I don't camp, but like hiking, I don't mind saying hi, but don't get close and get personal. I was hiking years ago and I stopped to look at the scenery and the lake. I heard someone coming down the trail above me, I turned my back to the lake and watch him catch up to me. I backed up, not being too friendly. I had my hiking poles on my shoulder and he never notice my crossed arms and poles as a warning to back off. He kept talking and asked about my poles. I told him I use them for balance and they make good weapons. After a few min. more, he says he has to get going. I believe he was a harmless elderly man who doesn't get it about personal space. But you never can tell... I have had met many people on the trails, but most are very polite and friendly. We say a few things, but we are in the woods to have peace and don't want to have a conversation with a stranger.
I camped alone and female for 15 years without anything like that to scare me. I usually set up my 5 man tent first, so I could talk to imaginary friends if someone made me nervous. When people pass by, as long as they keep moving, I don't care how much conversation they try to squeeze into that one minute or so. Just keep moving.
What’s a five man tent
@@pencil6965 I have 5 guys who hold their ponchos above me all night. Then when it's their turn to sleep, they all crawl into the same tent.
Hello 👋 my outdoors friend, greetings from Northern California. Sincere thanks for sharing your outdoor adventure. I enjoyed it. One can never be too cautious when camping 🏕 alone. I always apply.the 'golden rule' when camping 🏕. I never share too much information. You made the right decision. All the best to you and your cute dog 🐕. Stay safe and keep your
Bear 🐻 spray handy. 🤗
Wow! The spot you initially choose to enjoy some quiet study time and let your dog go… was nothing less than breathtaking, and quite simply beautiful countryside. Thanks for sharing it with us. Nothing like this where I live I’m afraid.
Shame about the creepy man and I fully understand your reservations. After all - you’re all alone out there (apart from your smashing dog).
Nice one, and thanks again for sharing. Warm Regards, Dave 🇬🇧
Kinder, gentler days are behind us. Anyone, especially women who are out solo should have a reliable self-defense device plus a backup. Safe travels to all...
Yep, safety first!
You did the right thing for your safety and your dogs 💜
I so appreciate these videos and this channel Courtney!! It’s very refreshing to take a break from all my reselling content and tune into seeing how you spend your down time! Thank you for sharing it with all of us, you do a great job 👍 keep up the great work and stay safe
This comment means so much to me! Thank you McKenzie ❤️❤️
I always enjoy your videos. Thanks for the dishwashing lesson. Smart move to leave camp #1. Parking headed out toward the road is a great tip from Misty M. Have fun.
I find wherever i am seemingly thinking i'm on my own, theres nearly always someone turns up to ruin it.
@bromptinowner763 that's why I don't go to movies anymore😁
Listening to our gut is important. You made the right choice to move on.
Always. Follow the "gut feelings" you have when a situation becomes uncomfortable. Your decision to move was a wise one
Nice camping spot! Too bad people can’t respect our space, even out in remote places.
I’m not sure men can fully appreciate the wariness that female solo travelers have to keep up. It is so different for them.
Even just going out in my vehicle in the city of Seattle I get harassed and followed by men in their vehicles. It's super uncomfortable. Everything from them pulling up to me in empty parking lots that are absolutely huge, for instance a large grocery store complex with a Safeway, a Jo-Ann's fabric, an IHOP, a Starbucks, etc. it's a like a 8 block complex! And it was completely empty last night when I was waiting for an order to come in on my door dash for the early morning. I don't know why this guy in a huge jacked up Dodge truck thought it was appropriate to pull up next to a petite woman alone in her vehicle who had clearly pulled into a spot in the parking lot indicating I wanted no proximity to other cars. There were about four other vehicles parked in front of the Starbucks, probably early morning employees opening the store. But did this guy go over there, no, he had to go and harass me, I don't even have tinted windows so I felt yucky. Normally I have no issue with cussing on somebody but I didn't have my handgun on me and I was not trying to get into it with some big ass Mexican guy.
And then there are bullies. I was harassed and followed up here in North Seattle all the way down to a city south of Seattle called tukwila by a crazy tweaker, it was so scary! He was just staring right through me while trying to get me to pull over the entire time! it was terrifying. I was on the phone with 911 the entire time because I was making extra money driving for Amazon, and I wanted to get a police report so I could show my supervisor at the reason why I had gone over the speed limit. The guy had been following me and didn't turn his lights on until I got back to the warehouse! It was like some shit out of a horror movie. He even entered the Amazon employee entrance and was circling around in his vehicle inside of the premises that says employees only! He fled as a police cars were entering the complex, no justice.
men face the same dangers, but are more prepared than women
@@ernestogastelum9123
Way to mansplain it to her...hopefully she listened and learned
Yes because us men are knife proof and bullet proof.
@@TheFracturedfuture you are physically stronger and aren’t preyed upon like women are
I would guess that, had this guy just made small-talk instead of quickly going for personal info, you might not have reacted as you did. Your gut reaction was totally appropriate. I would say that any man who would try to do you harm would likely regret it immediately as Luna would take them to a world of pain!
Luna does not like new people, that is for sure 😂
You did the right thing Courtney. Always be safe.
Thank you, Shirley ❤️
beautiful camp sights! Glad you left. always better to be safe than sorry !!!
Agreed! 🤗
It’s very nice up there ! I have had to move a few different times in my camping career. Usually it’s because a group of scary drunken men who think you invited them. It’s always best to follow your gut feeling in these cases.
Haven't been camping in 50 rs.But we always went in a group
You have to cross country backpack for better privacy. If you can drive to a camp site even if it's far down a dirt road it's only semi private. Dangerous too. At least backpacking you can be stealthy
Your holey shirt cracks me up. I have a bird who loved getting inside my sweatshirts and then picked holes so he could stick his head out. I didn't have a single shirt with holes in them.
Your first camp site - How perfect and beautiful. It's really too bad you had to leave. You try to be nice and polite, but unfortunately so many men take it as, "oh yeah, she's into me, she wants me". UGH!! Damn, why can't a woman alone walk the planet without the fear of crEEpy men assaulting us???
Don't blame guys. It's not so much that it's likely he will eat you but rather the fear that if he wanted to he could. Also, a lot of guys have no idea that some women go out into the world with that line of thinking. It took me awhile to get it. Even then for awhile I just thought that I must just be repulsive to women and simply kept doing it. Now I know to ignore them if they are alone or in a position where she feels she could get eaten.
@@sunfish4095 to the commenters and readers that read sunfish's comments this is exactly why you always must look over your shoulder of of this type of man that's pissed off at you instead of thinking that could be his mother or his daughter out there in the woods that has not learned to take her own power of protecting her own self in her hands instead of taking chances of being victimized by not learning to pay heed to your 6th senses, the warning bells that goes off on your body like the hairs standing up to on your arms, the deep pitted knot in your stomache. That's a million years of being prey on and stocking when we lived in trees that. That safety warning in you can't be bought
@@JAGreen-lj9zi Agreed, every boy has to go through that stage of growing into his adult male identity as a powerful and dangerous predator that others, given the right circumstances can't afford to trust. Depending how he embodies and reconciles with this realization will determine how he recons with it. If he embodies this identity that is foisted upon him (and all men) in a negative light he may identify with it in a negative way and become just that.
It's important for men to embody their identity in a positive light. It is normal for men to be feared..just as it is normal for anyone to fear a lion, a shark or any other predator. It's important to not be offended or take it personally when anything that views itself as prey fears you...and it's just as important for women not to take it personally that they fear men. Both will lead to anger and hatred.
@@JAGreen-lj9zi It's important to not be offended or take it personally when anything that views itself as prey fears you...and it's just as important for women not to take it personally that they fear men. Both ways of thinking will lead to anger and hatred.
@@sunfish4095 Your response was a callus shot and put down to women by your obvious put downs to what you probably was taking a shot at is women's liberation. And any kind of taking control of one's own decision as a woman is seen as a threat to a man that feels that he should be able to be free to make a woman accept his advances, whether she wants it or not. Even if she's intimidated by him. That obvious bitter crack you made about she should also be accepting of him not doing anything to help her if a wolf or a wild animal attacks her since she doesn't want any advances from him is your jab at her as a woman you think is in fear of all man kind and deserves no help from you and men kind. And she should shut her mouth and don't ask any man at all for help. It's not that women fear "men". It's the type of men among most regular friendly males that women fear, since women are more then 70 percent the victims of those types of men that preys on women for forcibly sex violently, robbing them violently and murdering them to keep them from telling on the attacker. And most serial killers are men and most of their victims are women. The next victims of violent male crimes are children both males and females.
Brave girl! I could never do this. I am a major chicken. I am afraid of my own shadow. 😂
I'm not that scared lol. I do like to be around people, but not bothering them. Lol
@@blackestcat-ce4zc 😂
Your dog is so sweet. Looks a bit like an Aussie red cattle dog (heeler) or dingo even, it's smile is like a dingo. 🥰🤗 best dogs EVER.
I think you did great listening to your instincts...always go with your gut feeling! I feel my gut never steers me wrong!
Anytime you feel weird or get the creeps pay attention to it. There is a reason for the feeling you are having. We go outdoors to relax and decompress. Get a good dog. A dog can alert you to predators but you have to pay attention to your dog and read their reactions. They can alert you to predators. I don’t like being around a lot of people but you really need a buddy to watch your 6!!!!!
Always listen to you're gut feeling/instinct. It will never lie to you!
It’s been almost 20 years since I’ve been on a road trip by myself, and I’m getting ready to go on one so, this gave me a reality check by reminding me to always trust your gut. These excursions of yours have made me wanderlust to travel again 🙂
Awesome!! Let me know how your trip ends up 👍🤗
Glad you left! In my life , listening to my spidey senses kept me from danger twice. And once when I didnt...I had a scary outcome. Glad you are safe💗
That does look like an amazing camp area. I would love to park my trailer in a place like that for a summer, and hike every trail I could find with my dogs.
Nice family enjoying the adventure. For me I don't think I'm brave enough to do at night, anyway enjoy and good night.
Always be prepared for problems, going out alone can be disastrous.
I’m so glad you stayed safe! Definitely good to trust your instincts!
I’m wondering if people from different areas feel differently about the chatting. I live in Iowa and have lived here all my life. I consider myself an introvert but I still find myself having conversations with strangers very often. I think maybe it’s more common here.
Of course your circumstance was unique in that it was just the two of you in a remote area and I would hope people would be mindful of that.
This makes me miss camping so much, I haven't been to Sequoia in years. Thanks for the great content! 💜💜
"I don't feel bad"...yaasssss! Thank you for normalizing trusting our intuition and putting personal safety over "politeness".
The music is perfect, and the way you use it in some parts of the video and not in others is commendable. It allows me to appreciate the music better. I can also better focus and appreciate what you're saying and trying to convey during the parts of the video that don't contain any music.
This is hard for me. I have always loved to talk to and meet new people. Growing up in the 80s we weren't always on Alert like people today. I definitely see people more standoff now that the wife and I travel around in our trailer.
This video was hard for me, too. On the one hand? He may just have been a really lonely person and seeking a "human connection" with a like-minded camper. On the other hand? He could have been a predator. You just never know, but it made me sad that someone ruined her otherwise perfect day. Glad she found an equally enjoyable camp site after all:-) And Luna is worth her weight in gold!!! Nothing in this world is as wonderful as our canine family:-)
You are right that's exactly how I felt ...if she would be in need of assistance or her car broke down she would be praying to run into someone...this whole society we live in is ass backwards you're not allowed to be friendly anymore or your considered a weirdo lol don't get me wrong there are some creeps out there but the majority of people are just friendly ...people just want to keep to themselves nobody wants interaction it's the computer game generation... can't have a conversation everyone is self absorbed ...I'm happy I grew up in the 70's and 80's ...society really sucks compared to then
@@olneykid6483 It might be just the U.S. I don't know if things have gotten this "weird" in other countries. The way all us single females are now taking "self defense" courses and carrying around pepper spray??? What's happening to our society? If being alive is this "dangerous" then what kind of future does the next generation have to look forward to 😢
@@rosecrow810 it's always been this way. Crimes often rises and falls through out the ages usually because of increasing poverty
@@olneykid6483 yes. nobody wants interaction. so stop trying to force it
Woohoo! says puppy, Two great smelling stops in one day. 🐕 😄 Cheers from Toowoomba Qld Australia 🇦🇺🐞
I'm from Clovis, so about 20-30 minutes from Squaw Valley, and, yes, lots of smoke the last few years there. Enjoying your vids. Am thinking about becoming a weekend warrior.
Like the gift they gave you. I'm interested in that. I've been wanting a battery charger for a long time and now lm thinking about a power pack.... So glad you played it safe. Better safe then sorry. I was in a creepy situation and wasn't sure about it until my intuitive Rat terrier's fur stood up on her back and she ran to the truck and looked at me like ,"Come on, let's get outta here." I listened to her body language because usually she would never turn down a hike. I miss her so much. ..Those 🍔 looked good!
I'm catching up on your adventures so I'll be binge watching today. Loved seeing Luna's dinner happy dance - she's adorable. Smart to trust your gut. The second site was very pretty. Looking forward to more of your adventures. Glad it wasn't too smoky. I have family in some lower lying regions east of California and the smoke is getting trapped in those lower elevations. Hope you have a fabulous week.
Luna only has the happy dinner dance if I add some regular meat. I don’t do this at home, so she isn’t as excited for dinner always 😂
The fact that you never let your dog run free in the woods is great,its too dangerous,with bears and mountain lions etc,keeping him on a long leash is the best way for him to wander around and be safe at the same time.
With you being a single female, I think you made the right decision to pack up and leave, especially with no one else around for miles.
Be careful out there. I enjoy your camping videos, but Id be too scared out there all by myself.
Luna is totes adorbs! And of a good size to have with you on your trips! She alone should be a solid deterent to many a creep who thinks he's stumbled onto an opportunity. Be safe, and always trust your intuition! And give Luna a few skritches behind the ears for me!
Hi. Just found you on Tristan's SUR RVing channel. So I came over to your channel. I am a retired single gal with a little dog and I hope to be hitting the road this summer in my older SUV and I can't wait. Love your channel. Good clean and informative channel. I'm watching your UA-cam with my grandbabies who will be going with me from time to time. Thank you for sharing. Luna is sweet. God bless your journey 💜
I’ve been single for a long time and I honestly think that men in general don’t have any awareness of what would make a woman alone feel uncomfortable with questions they might ask because they don’t realize how vulnerable we feel. I’m with you about getting the heck out of there when that happens, though. I hate to be thought of as unfriendly (because I’m a people pleaser) but my safety over rides that.
then stop saying yall dont need a man because if she was with a man none of this wouldve happened
@@ramzyy5362That doesn't prove that women "need" a man. It just proves that once again males pose a threat so it's better for women to trust their intuition or arm themselves against potential male assailant.
Wow. Careful out there. Trust your instinct, and be safe.
Those little battery jumper and charger packs are great
Big meadows is absolutely beautiful. I've been camping there with family at age 7. Being older now, I take my wife and kids there every year. Alot of solo campers there as well. We just give the friendly wave but we never approach them. Anyways awesome channel you have!!
My pittie stands or sits directly in front of me at all times to guard me. One look at him is enough to ward off anyone thinking they could get to me. If they manage to get past him they still have to contend with me and I’m ready.
Wow beautiful rock formations !
Please also be careful with the type of footwear you use in camping alone especially / traveling... enclosed footwear or sneakers might be good if you are able to wear them in case you needed to run/move fast...not so sure in flip flops....Love your doggo and the long leash. Haven't been able to watch all your vid's but does Luna also have an outdoor mat she can lie on instead of some of the stones/twigs etc you find at campsites? :-) Or does she enjoy just roughin' it? (ruffin' it LOL)... Take care, continue to be aware. Enjoying vids of yours I've watched so far. You are brave.
Hello NEWEST FRIEND! 👋 So, as a female I can imagine the creepiness u felt. And if moving is what helps, then do it. I believe it's imperative to follow that "feeling" and do what's best for ourselves. Looking forward to seeing more. Have safe and blessed travels. LUCRETIA
I could never camp alone, that’s just me, even my my two large German shepherds. Those that do I call you Brave and hope you are always safe .
Smart girl ! When ever you feel uncomfortable go with those feelings. Better safe than.
Fun fact: bear spray doubles as human spray
You did the right thing to move. Always listen to your gut feelings and if something doesn't feel right, take action.
I always back in, so my car is pointed into the direction, that I came in from. It's a good practice, to get into.
I agree that if u ain't comfortable with a situation leave it. I was scratching my head when saying hey to someone is considered strange and giving someone directions in the middle of the city is considered odd. Lort I live in the deep south if u don't say hello to someone u are called stuck up and unity. LOL. And if someone else thinks ur a friend of a family member u will probably be invited for supper. Crazy though how different regions are. But yet I saw another video where this one alone female camper in Arizona was harassed by this real creepy older fella. Glad u are safe
Sorry you had to move that was a great site...but ALWAYS listen to your inner voice..instincts...you go there for peace and quiet. There are many sites that groups go to if you want to chit chat.
Glad you moved!!!!❤️
Thanks for sharing the coordinates! Someday....
Years ago while camping in northern minnesota at a fairly remote federal campground With my brother .. my brother in law and a friend .. we were sitting around the camp fire having a few beers…their was a a guy camping in the adjacent camp site ( by him self) he sort of just invited himself over to our campfire .we were all getting sort of drunk ..and at first we didn’t really mind ..he presented to be our best buddy…I started getting getting irritated with my brother ..As I could see what was coming ..and my brother just didn’t realize ..to mske a long story shorter …he never left …he just stayed with us ..eating our food …borrowing our fishing gear etc etc…there was no getting away from him …my brother in law tried the diplomatic approach ..to no avail …I ended up “ hibernating “ in my tent to get away from . Finaly I had enough ..I asked him ..” do t you have your own campsite .? He looked shocked when I told him..he turned it around and asked what mY problem was …I explained to him I just want to spend quality time with my brothers and friend not some stranger I just met and know nothing about …he started getting very aggressive calling me every name in the book …we as a group didn’t dare send a day fishing leaving our campsite and gear unattended …and for sure none of us wanted to include him fishing with us..to get away from the creep we had to pack up and leave a few days early to get away from him,..after getting home ..he started showing up at my house driving around the block several days in a row showing up at my door unannounced..finaly had to call the police / detectives to report him…they finaly confronted him had a long talk with him ..and he never showed up again..but to this day several years later a still get spooked when I see strange vehicles driving around the neighborhood
I like the idea of solo travel but could never do it myself as I would not feel comfortable and quite frankly, scared. I have the "gift of fear" and I am okay with that.
Great video and I would love to live near camping like you get to experience regularly. I live in S.C and the summer is a miserable time trying to camp with the oppressive humidity.
I can’t imagine! Hopefully this fall is better for you 🤞
John Holliday. I live in NC. Have the same problem. Hoping to have my first solo at the beach with my beagle in a camp ground in the fall Right now to chicken to go off the beaten path, besides hubby is having a fit about me doing that. Hoping with each adventure he I will feel better about it cause I love getting off the beaten path. Use to backpack 🎒.
I live in SC too but have found some places worth going for short stays in my SUV. Being prepared for the weather is key. If it's really oppressive, I mist my t-shirt and sleep with a fan and cross ventilation. As the water evaporates from the shirt, it cools the skin.
Better to feel safe! However, small town folks love conversation because they never seem to get enough.
Never go camping out into the wilds and deep woods without a weapon a gun preferred, at minimum an 8" survival knife or machete. I use a sensor-activated intruder alarm and a garden solar motion-activated light too. I also have a couple of loud firecrackers that if I hear any menacing movement outside I light one up and shout "fire in the hold" throw it outside "BANG!!! things quiet down after that.
I agree. Anyone that makes you feel uneasy, move. New subbie. Glad to be along for the rude. Safe travels.😊
Even camping in our motor home. Next door neighbors would come over when we wanted to relax!
Always trust your gut......every time I didn't, irrespective of the circumstance, was a sore lesson learned.......I have a PhD from the school of hard knocks:(
That is a great degree to have ❤️
@@citygirlunplugged :)
@@citygirlunplugged We would rather not have that degree. I was taught to have manners and be polite and considerate. It's almost gotten me killed a few times. Seriously!
Also, a pleasant, "why do you ask?" can find out the motive for questions instead of assuming.
I have a mean chihuahua but I would never boondock alone in an isolated area. I can do a semi quick getaway without exiting the car.
I have a tiny Fanttik air compressor. Love it.