markmcilroy
Active Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- CF 2016
CF 2017
Le Puy 2018
CF 2022
VDLP 9/ 2023
Last edited:
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You DO realize that the careless, cigarette tossing pilgrim is in a world of hurt if the authorities catch him/her? Tensions and emotions are running very high, from where you are across Galicia. Hundreds of folks lost their homes, people are dying. This is dead serious...no joking here.
There are dozens of fires, and not enough resources to fight all of them. Northern Portugal and southern Galicia are aflame. Even being caught wth cigarettes and a lighter or matches might be cause for stern questioning by the Guardia Civil or local law enforcement.
The authorities have determined that the fires were caused by arson. This is being reported in the media this morning.
I would imagine that some pilgrims will be stopped, questioned, and possibly even search for fire-making materials. I have separately advised pilgrims carrying stoves, or fire making materials to mail them ahead to Ivar at Santiago.
Please avoid the embarrassment and consequences or being wrongly implicated or wrongly accused. Get rid of your stoves and fire making materials NOW.
If you are walking west of Leon, be mindful of what may be around the next bend. Watch the wind direction. You are relatively safe if UPWIND of the smell and smoke. If DOWNWIND of the smoke and smell, expedite your arrival at the next town or village.
If in doubt as to whether to proceed, take a rest day. Pray for rain.
Also, while going cold turkey from smoking is not a fun idea. Consider the relative worth of NOT having tobacco products or a lighter or matches on your person if stopped and questioned. Just sayin... At least think about it until you get to Santiago. Who knows, you might even manage to kick the habit...
I hope this helps.
Good advice, Tom. I hope everyone in that area heeds this.You DO realize that the careless, cigarette tossing pilgrim is in a world of hurt if the authorities catch him/her? Tensions and emotions are running very high, from where you are across Galicia. Hundreds of folks lost their homes, people are dying. This is dead serious...no joking here.
There are dozens of fires, and not enough resources to fight all of them. Northern Portugal and southern Galicia are aflame. Even being caught wth cigarettes and a lighter or matches might be cause for stern questioning by the Guardia Civil or local law enforcement.
The authorities have determined that the fires were caused by arson. This is being reported in the media this morning.
I would imagine that some pilgrims will be stopped, questioned, and possibly even search for fire-making materials. I have separately advised pilgrims carrying stoves, or fire making materials to mail them ahead to Ivar at Santiago.
Please avoid the embarrassment and consequences or being wrongly implicated or wrongly accused. Get rid of your stoves and fire making materials NOW.
If you are walking west of Leon, be mindful of what may be around the next bend. Watch the wind direction. You are relatively safe if UPWIND of the smell and smoke. If DOWNWIND of the smoke and smell, expedite your arrival at the next town or village.
If in doubt as to whether to proceed, take a rest day. Pray for rain.
Also, while going cold turkey from smoking is not a fun idea. Consider the relative worth of NOT having tobacco products or a lighter or matches on your person if stopped and questioned. Just sayin... At least think about it until you get to Santiago. Who knows, you might even manage to kick the habit...
I hope this helps.
I don't think that t2andreo suggested that it was you.You DO realize I'm not the careless idiot who tossed the cigarette. I've just got a video (from my friend) of when it first started. I haven't met someone yet who wouldn't welcome any questioning and would gladly assist anyone in catching this person. I've been disgusted at the number of people smoking along the Camino.
You DO realize I'm not the careless idiot who tossed the cigarette. I've just got a video (from my friend) of when it first started. I haven't met someone yet who wouldn't welcome any questioning and would gladly assist anyone in catching this person. I've been disgusted at the number of people smoking along the Camino.
I have just arrived in Samos after walking from Tricastela. I strongly suggest not to take this route until the fires have stopped. At one stage I had actual flames on both sides of the track well within arms reach. There are no fire fighters about as it seems they are fighting other fires. I took a video and will try to upload it.
Sad to say this fire was started by a careless pilgrim who flicked their cigarette!! Leaves ignited, other pilgrims tried to stamp out to no avail. I have a video from someone who was passing by when this first started.
I totally agree with you about the smoking. Both Spaniards and Pilgrims!You DO realize I'm not the careless idiot who tossed the cigarette. I've just got a video (from my friend) of when it first started. I haven't met someone yet who wouldn't welcome any questioning and would gladly assist anyone in catching this person. I've been disgusted at the number of people smoking along the Camino.