New Roads....,

I, too, love those relaxing walks near home; and when one lives in rural areas, it gives us an opportunity to be cautiously creative. Here are some things that I might suggest:

1. Take a Conceal to Carry course and purchase a small firearm that may be carried in a backpack or fanny pack;
2. ALWAYS carry your cell phone, and if possible chat with someone, using one earbud, while walking (it makes for a pleasant walklike sharing the day with a friend). I hasten to say that you want to be very alert to cars coming up on you from behind (thus using just the one earbud so to hear traffic)...always checking the area around you for oncoming cars or anyone walking near the road. When a car approaches be aware of the color, license, etc., Such information may prove to be useful if you feel threatened.
3. Carry pepper spray or wasp spray with you.
4. Most importantly, let the sun shine into your heart and breathe deeply of the fresh air and chance of hope for your futureAND ENJOY!!!!!!
Blessings to you. TJ

I understand your fear and I have it too. I do police sketches and many Detectives have suggested that a can of wasp spray is in many ways more effective than Mace which is for close encounters and requires aim. Wasp spray shoots up to 12 feet, less aim required and it will completly disable a person. I went to Dollar General and bought 4 cans for about $3.00 each and I keep one near front, back, garage door and beside my bed. Who would suspect wasp spray? I guess a Vet could tell you if it works on dogs. Most home robberies take place when owner is absent so Detectives also advised me to put some money (enough to tempt) near the door I enter my through, and upon returning, if the money is missing, just back out, get in car and call police. It means someone is in your house or has been there.

I don't walk much and when I do I am pushing a stroller. I do not find a stick to be the most practical means of protection. I carry a pistol and know how to use it.

Maggie

I always have my cell phone,whistle around my neck,and a feisty little dog who doesn't like strangers.I saw a movie with Farrah Fawcett called Extremities and she used wasp spray to disable the guy in the movie.
Walking is so good for us.I love to get out in the fresh air ,it always make me feel so refreshed.I hate we have to always be on guard all the time even for the simplest pleasures.
Enjoy your walks and be safe.I think all the suggestions here sound good.I like the wasp spray one.
Sadie

I am sorry you don't feel safe as you walk. I usually walk with someone. We have a walking trail through the Kettle Morraine and it is nice. I absolutely hate guns and really don't advise them. You could get into a lot of trouble for shooting someone. The wasp spray is a good idea, anything but a gun!!! Take your cell phone too. Enjoy your walks.

I agree with what TJ said. I don't know what state you are in but some like Colorado will allow you to carry a firearm loaded as long as it is in view. A baseball bat or golf club will do just as much damage as the rebar but they are much lighter and easier to handle. A big dog is always a great deterrent. Take care and be safe.
Big Bear Hugs
Ralph

Where I walk it's not very secluded, and many others are walking or running too. I never feel scared - guess it's from growing up in a small town, where we never locked our doors. I am a very scheduled person (have to be), and my neighbors pretty much know my routines. If they don't see me, they know where to look. I always bring ID, and my cell phone. I would never have or carry a gun or even kill a wasp for that matter (it's a wonder I'm still alive!!! ha ha ha). Daisy the Wonder Dog would be no help at all if I got into trouble - she would lick and kiss anyone who approaches - jeeze. I walk her, and then walk me after because she stops at every tree. Walking is so good for your soul - hope you stay safe and feel you can enjoy it. Best regards, Vicki

New Roads...
Is good to be cautious, but don't let fear take the fun our of your activity. Have you thought about pepper spray? A steel rod looks menacing and can be considered a weapon -- If you want a lighter to carry stick, look for bamboo it does not break and it's much, lighter and it hurts if you hit someone with it. Always take your cell phone with you and when you see an unsavory character take it out and pretend you are talking on it and always walk away from suspicious people as fast as you can. Always pray before your walk and ask for divine protection. You'll be safe, but it's good to take precautions. Keep enjoying your walks! Hugs! Connie

If you need a gun to go for a walk I would go someplace else. I like the bamboo stick or cane idea. It is a very strong and light wood and much lighter that a iron rod.

Gosh, I never dreamed there were so many ideas out there. You guys are fantastic. I will definitely try some of your ideas. I would not hesitate to take a gun if I had one. At one time, I was certified but that was long ago. I gave my pistol to my grown son. Don't have anything but rifles and shotguns now. I'll definitely buy some wasp spray. I think there was 100% agreement that that was an excellent idea! Again, thanks.

mace or pepper spray - easy to carry and won't kill anyone or anything including yourself if someone takes it away from you.
Take care.

I go with the wasp spray. It's enough to deter, without hurting anyone or yourself. I used to carry many years ago, when I worked in the bars, but haven't since because I did see an accident with a pitol, and it's something you never forget.

the wasp spray, or pepper will put HURT in there long enough for you to get away, and wont cause long term damage, and can be put in your pocket, or they have some that are on a keychain!!

What i also used to do was to carry my keys with the prongs through my fingers, and if attacked, I already had a weapon.

I LOVE TJ's idea about self defense! I think all should take the class!

HUGS and HOPES that you NEVER have to use any of these things, and can get the air, and BREATHE and walk!!!

Diane

I go with the wasp spray or peppe srpay also.

i can walk in the neigborhood and do at times. But, I like to go to a nearby park with nice trails and walks. There are other people there and it's nice to be out among them. I also have a membership to a gym in the summer. My little dog enjoys going for a walk in the park.

One of my concerns besides the ones you mentioned is that you are walking alone in a secluded area. Please make sure to take your cell phone becuase if you accidently hurt yourself you need to be able to get help to you.

I walk with a whistle around my neck. Also, I have a walking stick...the knob on top can be pulled off quickly to reveal a very sharp instrument, I'm more worried about critters. I hate it that you feel so insecure about the area you are walking in. Be safe & enjoy the out of doors!

Maybe you can try meetup.com and find some new friends in your area who are willing to walk with you. There are all kinds of groups out there, including walking/hiking. My daughter did this and got a wonderful friend out of it. Be safe and peace to your heart.