Some years ago I was walking alone along the Alta Via 1 in the italian dolomites and pitched my little tent for the night, although I wasn't supposed to because it was a national park. I pitched the tent late to avoid park wardens and on the spot fine. It was a lovely pasture at around 7,000 feet and all the pegs went into the ground lovely.
I was just about to drop off when I heard this sound in the distance. It was definitely getting closer and I soon found out the cause - a herd of alpine cattle with bells around their necks. They weren't unfreindly. They were a little smaller than our cattle but if one had tripped over a guy rope it would have crushed me. I tried lighting matches and trying to scare them away, but their curiosity kept them there.
I hardly slept all night and the next morning as I made some porridge they were sniffing me and trying to lick me. As I packed the tent away they were sniffing around the flat boulder where I had had my breakfast.
They were really quite sweet, but it they scared me in the night having them around, especially when at times when I could hear them frollicking around. The next couple of nights were spent at a campsite at the head of the valley near Passo Falzarego.
Thanks folks. I liked this site until I read this thread. Now, being the big girls blouse I am, I think I'll be taking my vallium and kalm tablets along with lots of over reactionary weapons I'll probably harm my self with if a squirrel passes wind near my tent
I must admit I've just put my tent up in the back garden to see if everything works (the last one I used for the first time ever had a little fault) and I feel less secure sleeping on my back garden. It shouldn't be like that.
I can't remember being scared as such. Borda the dog gets startled by noises like people/animal walking past etc.., and he would woofed a bit before settling down again. That bothers me more than strange noises!
My dogs have often put the wind up me by giving a low growl and staring at the door as though something's out there. I think they do it for a laugh.
Where you camped sounds like my perfect heaven, no noise apart from the trees and the wildlife .... Can you please let me know which site it was please.... I will have to visit sometime.
Hello Ian, the site is called 'Field Barn' near Bourton on the Water. It is a lovely site, and although I managed to scare myself silly,it was the peace and quiet, the beautiful countryside, the fantastic facilities which made this site so perfect. I would go back without a moments hesitation.
Camping in Bala with our 2 year old son, we had gone to bed and were all cosy and comfy when me and OH were startled into wakefulness by an enormous all consuming noise that came out of nowhere. We sat bolt upright in bed. A military jet flew low over the valley completely disturbing the peace in the dark. We both realised what it was within a matter of seconds and fell asleep again easily but for a brief moment we thought the world was ending!
Thanks for the link, I don't know the site, but I certainly know the area...
I grew up up around that area, Bouton on the water, Burford, Minster lovell, Witney, The Barringtons, Ascott & Shipton under wychwood... definitely a beautiful part of the world, I will have to go to that campsite.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Have you ever felt scared?
