Considering that I'm a tiny girl who travels alone quite a lot, nothing too sketchy has happened... at least not yet, and I'd like to keep it that way
So far the only uncomfortable experiences I've had took place in Fort Ross along the Highway 1 in CA. Itsy bitsy coastal town, only a very vintage gas station, a few hotels, some cool parks to hike around, rural houses nestled in the woods, oh, and OF COURSE A FUCK TON OF MISSING PERSON POSTERS FEATURING YOUNG WOMEN RIGHT AROUND MY AGE.
That alone set me on edge. Then this older man with long, gray hair cornered me in the gas station and began inquiring about my pot smoking habits.
"I don't have any right now, sorry," I said.
He followed me out to the wagon and started asking me if I was traveling alone. He tried to get me to go back to his house to sleep in his yard. He could've just been a horny old guy, but I was not about to take my chances, especially since I didn't have cell service, and something about him was off putting.
Later that night I was parked at the same gas station. It was closed. Nobody else in the parking lot but me. I was just sitting in the wagon with a lantern, reading my map, figuring out where I would stop next.
This big SUV pulled up, driven by a balding man in his mid 30's. He motioned for me to roll my window down. Nope. I waved my hand and mouthed, "I'm fine."
He started trying to ask me questions.
Was I lost?
Was I traveling alone?
Did I need help?
Was I sure?
Once it became clear that I wasn't about to roll my window down, he finally left me alone.
I mean, it's not like I was scared for my life, and for all I know they could have meant well, but I don't regret being cautious one bit. Something about it seemed wrong, and I couldn't take any chances. When in doubt, don't.