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In this case, the most likely culprit is a commercial enterprise seeking to increase business. That is probably the main source of these arrow wars (think O Porriño outside of Tui).Laurie,
Glad that you mentioned this so that those on the Olvidado camino now know the good/bad possibilities. On any camino following an arrow the wrong way can be chaotic.
If I recall, this is at the top of the first major climb, where you have a great 360 degree view. Another reason to have an app accessible with GPS tracks.Ender just sent me a picture of an arrow that some pilgrims followed yesterday and wound up getting lost in the mountains. This is not an official Camino marking. Do not follow it!View attachment 126727
Some details. In the town of Boñar, there are two options. One is up through the mountains to Vegacervera. It is well marked. It is referred to as stage 13 B on the official website. The other option, also well marked, stays low and goes from Boñar to La Robla. It is referred to as 13 A.
The 13 A option passes through the town of Aviados where there is a private albergue. The 13 B option does not go through that town. At some point on the 13B route, someone has put this sign directing pilgrims to Aviados.
If you take that turn off and manage to get yourself to Aviados, you will find that you are not on the route to Vegacervera but rather back on the route to La Robla. Even worse, if you get lost, you’re out in the mountains somewhere.
Ender is heading out to see what he can do, which will probably involve ripping out the sign, but he will go to Aviados and see what’s going on. But he wanted me to post this heads up in case there are people heading out and who might take the turn off.
GPS, definitely.What's the best way to avoid falling for the trap?
GPS? This is disturbing.
Ultreia!
Totally agree that a GPS is essential for this camino. There are too many times when you are out in remote mountain areas. The marking is generally very good, but it would be, IMHO, irresponsible to go without GPS unless you are a whiz with a compass and a map.What's the best way to avoid falling for the trap?
GPS? This is disturbing.
Ultreia!
With one known exception there is no trap. Just variants to the routes. Some official, to get around roadworks or get pilgrims off a highway, some not so official- because the official variant has taken foot traffic and therefore custom away from local businesses. And then there’s that there is no one in charge unless they choose to be and even then they’re not really ( except the Galician Tourismo).What's the best way to avoid falling for the trap?
GPS? This is disturbing.
Ultreia!
Many thanks,GPS, definitely.
Easy enough to check with something like google maps.What's the best way to avoid falling for the trap?
GPS? This is disturbing.
Ultreia!
OH Yes I was there in May 2015. The mood around Astorga was palpable. Police everywhere.Let's not forget Denise Thiem, murdered on the Camino Frances in 2015 after being lured off trail with phoney painted signs; be sure to stay alert while walking.
Wow, the Spanish are indeed passionate people!you can still see a few metal arrows or conch shells with bullet holes.
I remember well, on a scorching hot day cursing that particular bar owner just beyond the mess of arrows as I trudged the concrete pavements through the industrial area of porriño for a couple of hours afterwards.In this case, the most likely culprit is a commercial enterprise seeking to increase business. That is probably the main source of these arrow wars (think O Porriño outside of Tui).
That should always be your final backup. Sometimes GPS doesn't work. A map and compass, generally do. I always try to have some sort of paper (or laminated A4 sections) map, in the back pocket of my ruck along with a small compass.Hopefully I don’t need to go back to paper chart and compass on the Salvadoralthough that was quite fun back then (high school Duke of Edinburgh expeditions)
I followed this beautifully crafted sign yesterday, after chilling at an antique laundry spot. Brought me onto a road with no shade, and required crossing a field, train tracks and field to get onto dirt road again.Ender just sent me a picture of an arrow that some pilgrims followed yesterday and wound up getting lost in the mountains. This is not an official Camino marking. Do not follow it!View attachment 126727
Some details. In the town of Boñar, there are two options. One is up through the mountains to Vegacervera. It is well marked. It is referred to as stage 13 B on the official website. The other option, also well marked, stays low and goes from Boñar to La Robla. It is referred to as 13 A.
The 13 A option passes through the town of Aviados where there is a private albergue. The 13 B option does not go through that town. At some point on the 13B route, someone has put this sign directing pilgrims to Aviados.
If you take that turn off and manage to get yourself to Aviados, you will find that you are not on the route to Vegacervera but rather back on the route to La Robla. Even worse, if you get lost, you’re out in the mountains somewhere.
Ender is heading out to see what he can do, which will probably involve ripping out the sign, but he will go to Aviados and see what’s going on. But he wanted me to post this heads up in case there are people heading out and who might take the turn off.
I love those places and always take opportunity to dip my bandana in the cool water before tying it around my neck again...ahhh, bliss!after chilling at an antique laundry spot.
@AshIreGal, I’m pretty sure you are saying that this is another instance of “arrow trickery” on the Olvidado. This is on the day from Cistierna to Boñar, correct? Any idea what the purpose of it is? Why would someone want to take you off the Olvidado at that spot?I followed this beautifully crafted sign yesterday, after chilling at an antique laundry spot. Brought me onto a road with no shade, and required crossing a field, train tracks and field to get onto dirt road again. View attachment 129863
Wow.. and a girl who walked a few days before me, said she did her best to get the damn thing out, but to no joy. Screws etc...I with my little Spanish, somehow passed it, and spent the day awaiting this *Sign* that was going to trick me.I have heard that the arrow pictured in the original post will trick peregrinos no more. Unfortunately, it seems that the one who took care of the problem whacked himself in the head with it as he was pulling it out, so maybe the owner of the albergue in Aviados has some supernatural powers.
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