Does seem odd. The initial story reminded me a little too much of an adventure two women friends of mine had back in the 70s. They left Seattle to go hiking in the Cascades, I believe off Stevens pass. Stopped for gas near the turn off to 2 and a guy in a VW started asking what they were doing. He said he was going to Vancouver, BC. But when they started up again they saw the VW following them up Stevens Pass. They got near their trailhead and just kept driving- did not stop. Went to a little restaurant instead, and went in, and guy followed them in. So when he went in to the restroom, they got back in the car and went home.
When the news came out about Ted Bundy and the VW, they got a little freaked. Their guy didn't have an arm in a cast, but following them up the mountains was a bit too weird. Luckily they went with their instincts and did not hike that day.