Mountain Range Monuments/Markers

The Spanish used mountain range markers like we use highway signs today. The markers had to be seen up to 8 miles (four leagues). A large squared shaped "U" was notched out of an existing dip in the ridgeline. The "U" means: entrance, doorway or mouth. It may be straight up or angled. It may also be the open mouth of a head monument.

These large monuments are usually miles away from the main trailhead leading you further into the intended mountain range. As you get nearer to the monument There will be important messages that will be near or close by the entrance, doorway or mouth monument. These range monument messages are to be at a distance and from left to right. What makes this type of monument necessary to understand, is that these squared "U's" will also be used along the "In" trail to a mine or treasure, but their size will be reduced.

Near these monuments or within the base of the "U", will be large boulders or humps that tell us about the different trails that are available. Depending on each one's position, is the trail's position from this monument. A large boulder or hump says that there is a trail that is low and gradual and is to be used by the animals or the caravan.

The next size down is what is called the fast walker's trail. This trail is the more direct route to the next monument, trailhead or campsite for the caravan. It was the duty of the fast walkers, to get to the next site and secure it before the caravan?s arrival.

The smallest hump designates the King's trail. This trail could only be used by the King's representative and the only trail that gold or treasure could be moved to or from the site. This trail has much smaller abstract monuments and directional indicators than the other two. You have to be much more aware of what to look for.

More to come.

"Be Safe Out There"

"Hawkeye"