Yesterday morning I had some free time. Imagine? It was the first day back to school after February vacation and since all my boys were back in school for the day, including my little man – who was back at preschool for the morning, I decided that it was a perfect day to take a walk. There’s this really nice piece of conservation land in my town called Pratt Farm. It’s basically just a couple of paths through the woods, but I’ve been there many, many times with my kids and we really enjoy it there. Since I was alone yesterday morning, off I went with my bottle of water and my iPod fully charged.
I pulled into the parking lot and to my surprise, no one was there. Usually the place is full of people. About ten seconds after I pulled into the parking lot, a car pulled in and parked right next to me. I didn’t think much of it at first. I sat in my car for a minute fiddling with my iPod and when I looked up, the guy was still in his car. Being slightly paranoid, I decided that I’d just wait for him to get out of his car and start walking and then I’d go, especially since I looked over and he looked a somewhat creepy. By creepy I mean that he had a fuzzy, unkempt looking beard and beady eyes. Five minutes (literally) went by and he was still in his car looking at some papers, so I figured he wasn’t there to walk.
I got out of my car and headed toward the path. Literally as soon as I got out of my car and started walking, he got out of his car and started walking behind me. By then I was slightly more paranoid, so I pulled off to the side and pretended to text someone so that he could go in front of me (I was about 100 feet away from my car). He walked by me, said hello, and kept on walking. He wasn’t really dressed to be out for a walk, but he did have a half drunken bottle of water with him, so that make it appear that he planned ahead for a walk through the woods.
I watched him walk for a second and as soon as he was out of sight, I bolted to my car and got the hell out of there. I admit that I watch way too much SVU and he was probably totally harmless, but I ran away just the same. I think if there had been other people there, I would have felt a little better, but since it was just me and creepy there, I felt better leaving.
What do you think? Would you have done the same thing or would you have taken off like I did?
PS – I do carry a pair of scissors in my pocket whenever I am out walking alone, so if anyone did try to attack me, I’d aim straight for their balls. And then their eyes.
I would of gotten out of there too! Always trust your gut!
You did the right thing – always follow your instincts! He may have been harmless, but what if he wasn’t? With no one around, it’s too risky.
You definitely did the right thing. Always trust your gut!
I used to carry Mace…..I guess I should figure out where I put that. You can buy it in NH Grant saw some for sale at Harbor Freight – and then use it in MA if needed.
That would have freaked me out too. NO DOUBT!
I would have ran away too…then again I get scared when someone knocks on the door in the middle of the day…or when the storm door blows and I think its someone knocking…or when there is a creak in the attic…or the dog scratches…
I don’t know…leaving was probably a good idea. Maybe you could have just stayed behind him with your scissors ready
You totally did the right thing. You can never be too safe. We all need to learn to listen to our gut. It is the hardest thing to teach our children.
I would have left too. I usually walk thru my neighborhood if I am alone because the woods can creep me out when I’m by myself.
Always listen to your gut, it will never fail you. I would have gotten out of there as well without a doubt.
Opening credits of an SVU scene.
I’m with you. I would have run too. When you have alarm bells going off, it’s best to listen and keep safe.
I keep a small 2″ long knife with me if I walk the dogs, and I live on a small cul de sac in the country. Someone wants to miss with me, I’ll stab em!
This post raises the hair on my back. When your gut says to run, you listen to it. I would have bolted. Good thing you did! Guy was definitely up to no good.
I would of done the same exact thing. People tease me because I always have a knife on me, I have my concealed weapons license and I’m always very much aware of my surroundings but it’s because when I was 16 I was walking in the park with my now husband. We were down on this trail when we started chasing me being playful. Me being that 16 year old girl being playing darted off a side trail. Before he could catch up to me a man came out of no where and grabbed me. Thankfully I kneed him in the groin and was able to run away. But ever since that day I’ve always made sure I knew who and what were around me. So good for you for bolting back to your car. Even if that guy was harmless it may of been your gut telling you something else was wrong down that trail.
ALWAYS TRUST YOUR GUT!
Im glad you left..i like reading your blog!!
(sorry mysterious creepy guy,you just never know)
Better safe than sorry.
Creepy was probably pretending to look thru those papers in his car and was probably trolling for some fresh meat. I probably wouldn’t have gotten out of the car and would have high tailed it out of there. He could’ve tried to take your ass down while you were pretending to txt n dragged ur ass into the woods. I watch too many drama shows too-lol!
Glad u left
If you use scissors/knife to protect yourself, you have to wait until the guy is within 3 inches of you. You can stab someone several times and not stop them.
Testicles and eyes are a very small target when you’re in a fight for your life.
If you use pepper spray, you can protect yourself from ten feet away.
I carry concealed. I can protect myself from 25 feet away…
I would have left too!!
You totally did the right thing. I know the area that you are talking about. Yiou never know what that guy was there for. It may have been harmless or it may have been something more. Either way, if your gut is telling you to bolt, always listen to it. It may have been for nothing and you missed out on a nice walk, or it may have saved your life.
Always trust your instincts. Doesnt hurt to be cautious.I would’ve kept walking though because I always carry my gun on me.
I would have convinced myself that I was crazy and gone for the walk – which would have been the wrong decision. Glad you got out of there! That’s definitely creepy!
I don’t think you overreacted at all. Scary things happen all of the time – and a woman should NEVER ignore her gut.
you absolutely did the right thing!
better safe than sorry, eh? i wouldve ran too.
Robin, I don’t think you should ever walk paths in the woods alone. And, with an iPod, you’re more at risk because you can’t hear and your attention to your surroundings isn’t 100%. just want you to be safe! And, contrary to popular opinion, just because it’s “daytime,” doesn’t mean it’s safe. (I’m sure you know that, but many people think that daylight is safe and let their guards down.)