<<A couple tips from experience: Try to get someplace (like campground, or
 wherever) in daylight and pick the campsite or parking places carefully
 (like close to the office or not hidden from other�s views)! >>

very good advice. i copied your note and pasted it into my file. thank you!

i just read a fantastic book called A Journey of One's Own: Uncommon Advice
for the Independent Woman Traveler by Thalia Zepatos. it is awesome, written
by a woman in her 40's who took off for an around the world trip (18 months
long!) and details her experiences. LOTS of advice on how to stay safe when
traveling. travelers often say that the most dangerous animal they encounter
is... man.

thank you!
~kari