Some fantastic advice Elise. I am an multiple ex-Ironman but haven’t done anything in 5 years due to injury and laziness. I do love an adventure though and you have inspired me to get back outside and do stuff. I will feel great and lose weight so perfect!
I’ve car camped in Canada alone. That is about the extent of my outdoorsey solo adventures. I personally feel safer in a city. I’ve been kept up by moaning cows when camping in a field near a diary farm. They were loud! Louder than the wolves.
Nice article! Cows!!! I concur! I was backpacking in the Grayson highlands in Virginia, US. I had enjoyed seeing a dozen or more feral ponies on the trail, and pitched my tent on a ridge crest off trail among a stand of conifers. All of a sudden a herd of cows came up the trail, about 200 ft from where I’d pitched my tent. There were at least 50 of them. I stood in the trees motionless. A little calf came closer, then ran and ducked behind its mother. Then I saw the bull. A longhorn with big wide pointy scary looking horns. Two younger bulls also with horns trailed the herd. My only thought was “stay back, don’t look like a threat”. The bull stared me down for a few minutes and ultimately moved on and grazed the grasses on top of the ridge. I went inside my tent figuring they’d all lose interest and focus on grazing. It worked for.about 15 minutes. Then I heard hooves surrounding the tent. I held my breath, and the licking started. They were licking my tent! Maybe there was salt or moisture on it that they liked. I stifled a belly laugh when they gave up licking, moved on, and I realized I wasn’t going to be trampled. Nevertheless, it gave me a healthy respect for cows and a desire to avoid them.
I had my first bad experience with a field of cows recently - after years of laughing at other's phobias - and I have to say it was the most afraid that I've ever felt whilst out in the country. I get it now!
Some fantastic advice Elise. I am an multiple ex-Ironman but haven’t done anything in 5 years due to injury and laziness. I do love an adventure though and you have inspired me to get back outside and do stuff. I will feel great and lose weight so perfect!
I’ve car camped in Canada alone. That is about the extent of my outdoorsey solo adventures. I personally feel safer in a city. I’ve been kept up by moaning cows when camping in a field near a diary farm. They were loud! Louder than the wolves.
And I thought I was the one afraid of cows!😃
Nice article! Cows!!! I concur! I was backpacking in the Grayson highlands in Virginia, US. I had enjoyed seeing a dozen or more feral ponies on the trail, and pitched my tent on a ridge crest off trail among a stand of conifers. All of a sudden a herd of cows came up the trail, about 200 ft from where I’d pitched my tent. There were at least 50 of them. I stood in the trees motionless. A little calf came closer, then ran and ducked behind its mother. Then I saw the bull. A longhorn with big wide pointy scary looking horns. Two younger bulls also with horns trailed the herd. My only thought was “stay back, don’t look like a threat”. The bull stared me down for a few minutes and ultimately moved on and grazed the grasses on top of the ridge. I went inside my tent figuring they’d all lose interest and focus on grazing. It worked for.about 15 minutes. Then I heard hooves surrounding the tent. I held my breath, and the licking started. They were licking my tent! Maybe there was salt or moisture on it that they liked. I stifled a belly laugh when they gave up licking, moved on, and I realized I wasn’t going to be trampled. Nevertheless, it gave me a healthy respect for cows and a desire to avoid them.
These is such great advice. Didn’t even think of the dangers of posting online where you are.
Would you have any suggestions for finding travel buddies if you absolutely don’t want to travel alone ?
Thank you Elise, nice read & good tips. Have a wonderful weekend.
What's your specific fear re cows?
I had my first bad experience with a field of cows recently - after years of laughing at other's phobias - and I have to say it was the most afraid that I've ever felt whilst out in the country. I get it now!