400,000 euros to be spent on Camino in Castilla y León

[peregrina2000]

That seems like a lot of money, and I was surprised to read the article Javier just posted. http://www.canal54.es/el-camino-de-...o-las-nuevas-directrices-del-consejo-jacobeo/

First bit of news for me was to see that at the regional level, the Camino is handled by the Department of Tourism, just like in Galicia, and not by the Department of Culture (where it used to be located, at least in Galicia). This seems to lead inevitably to a certain focus and emphasis.

Second bit of news is that there is now a 7 month program to standardize all camino signs in Castilla and León. From what I could see in the video, it looks to me like this region has chosen the rectangular blue sign with a schematic shell, a figure walking, and the arrow. You have undoubtedly seen these signs. 7 months and 400,000 euros to fix a problem that I haven't heard anyone mention in years and years on the Camino Francés.

 

[Rebekah Scott]

if you want to keep the grant money coming, you gotta come up with a new "problem" every year or so. None of the people involved has set foot on the camino de Santiago.

 

[SabsP]

Why does it not surprise me?
And of course under Tourism , not under Culture?

I will leave it to this otherwise I'm going to write a too political opinion.....

 

[Kanga]

Walking between Granja and Tábara (in Castilla and Leon) today, on the VdlP, I noticed new signs like these, on posts in the ground. Sometimes at variance to older stone blocks with hard to read yellow arrows. Possibly re-routing the path around the Ave works. They were actually quite helpful but I wonder how long the wooden posts will last.

 

[MinaKamina]

That seems like a lot of money, and I was surprised to read the article Javier just posted. http://www.canal54.es/el-camino-de-...o-las-nuevas-directrices-del-consejo-jacobeo/

7 months and 400,000 euros to fix a problem that I haven't heard anyone mention in years and years on the Camino Francés.

Signage on the Camino has been a concern for years of the Consejo Jacobeo and other authorities. because of false arrows and dubious diversions. The death of Denise Thiem put the issue even higher on the agenda. Denise would be alive today if the arrows past Castrillo de los Polvazares had been in order.

 

[Tincatinker]

400,000 Euros of expenditure. 100,000 euros into the local economy on labour? 50,000? None, 'cos the job will go to a major national contractor?

Just think what just a bit of 400k would do for St Anton, or other donativo / parochial Albergues.

What happened to Denise was tragic and attributable. 400,000 Euros on pretty little plaques will not stop the proliferation of deceiving arrows painted by those bars, Albergues and Pueblos who have been by-passed by the Autopista-Peregrino.

Perhaps it is time to start reminding the money-grabbers with that Peregrino Euro sparkling in their eyes "No soy un tourista!".

 

[Anamiri]

Pity they dont spend it on public toilets... if no water then they can be composting. Thats what they do in NZ. BYO paper.

 

[Kanga]

@ Anamiri composting toilets only work if people obey the rules - ie only human waste a small amount of toilet paper and the lid lowered after use. It was tried in one little village years ago and was quickly filled up with plastics and other rubbish and became disgusting very quickly and completely full and overflowing.

 

[Anamiri]

@ Anamiri composting toilets only work if people obey the rules - ie only human waste a small amount of toilet paper and the lid lowered after use. It was tried in one little village years ago and was quickly filled up with plastics and other rubbish and became disgusting very quickly and completely full and overflowing.

I have experienced the odd one that isn't pleasant (if you've done the Tongariro crossing you'll know what I mean, that is a track with high traffic) but most of them here are not too bad (they do need regular servicing like any other toilet - but that could be contracted to locals). Maybe even the 'long drop' option that the early NZ settlers used is a better option. At least they are better than people just doing their business all over the place, and confines the mess to one place. I think a lot of pilgrims may not be used to the 'no toilet' environment, which probably contributes to the unfortunate mess you find behind many trees and shelter.
The smell of a 'non flushing' toilet may not be particularly fragrant, but most people are just looking for a spot of privacy.
In my experience the act of walking and exercise often speeds things up in that department, and a more frequent toilet would be welcome.
I would rather have a cheaper arrow system, and toilets than fancy arrows.

 

[Luka]

I saw the big sign explaining about this big investment just out of Frómista and was surprised as well. It read that they indeed were going to spend the money on signage, the paths and some resting places (they showed a picture of the one on top of the little hill out of Castrojeríz). But there is absolutely nothing wrong with the signage, the paths and the resting places (apart from a few small repairs). What a waste...