Walking through one of my regular campgrounds one recent evening, I passed by the campsite of Dwayne, one of my friends. He mentioned that his girlfriend just bought two new canisters of pepper spray for her personal safety, and he wondered if I had some.
“Sure do,” I said. I like to carry pepper spray as one of many layers of personal safety I need while camping full time. It could be used against a human assailant, or a rabid dog, or a bear. I read a story about three rangers out in the wild who encountered a mother bear with her cubs. At first the mama was frantic and distressed. But she retreated into the woods and then emerged with fierce determination to destroy these human threats. The rangers had gotten their bear spray canisters out, and when the bear approached, they deployed their spray and created a spicy cloud. As soon as the bear ran into this cloud, she retreated for good.
I kind of doubt I’ll ever encounter a bear. But it does happen.
Unfortunately, my own pepper spray was in my other bag when Dwayne mentioned it. But yes, I had some. Dwayne pressed the issue by asking me how old my pepper spray was. He said they dry up and it’s good to test them. I assured him I had tested mine. Stubborn much? Yes, I am.
Walking back to camp that evening, I started to think about how long ago I bought and tested my pepper spray. A long time. Back at camp, I put my pepper spray canister into my dog-walking bag. I saw Dwayne outside his right the next evening, and I pulled out my pepper spray and deployed it at some distance to show him it was good. But oops! Only a small dribble came out, all over my fingers. That certainly wouldn’t stop an assailant!
Dwayne offered to hold the dog leash while I went to the bath block and washed my hands. He warned me about touching my face or eyes.
That night, I ordered a fresh pepper spray canister.
I ordered this particular item because of the excellent reviews and the low cost. I previously owned a pepper spray canister for my keychain. But I don’t always have my keys with me on walks, so this type that can clip onto a purse or pocket is best for me.
It’s possible I will never use my pepper spray to incapacitate an assailant. But having it with me gives me more confidence. I feel safer and more prepared to defend myself. That gets me out more, enjoying nature and the world. What a shame it would be if I went to all the trouble to set up a life of full-time travel and camping and then be scared and hunkered down in my trailer, too afraid to go out. Having one more layer of protection is a great benefit for me.
It’s so good to have friends in the campground! Thank you Dwayne for the reminder!
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