In January I posted about three days in the Sandias, one of which was Three Gun. Since then, I’ve hiked it thrice more; once alone and twice with Ed. I bet I’d be walking it alone more often, if I hadn’t told Ed about a man I came upon.

Almost at the end of the trail, I round a corner, and see a man standing with his pants down, naked legs, white skivvies. I turn away fast, make a little noise, and walk a bit in the opposite direction. I get my knife out. When I check on him, pants are up. He’s walking on. I wait a bit. Should I go on? I want to get to my end point and I didn’t get a bad vibe. So, I continue, without incident.

I’ve decided it’s a good training trail for our next hike in France – the Chemin de St. Gilles or the GR 700. It’s a short one, compared to the Camino Portugues and the Via Podiensis. Still, it has significant elevation gain and change over the 150 or so miles.

So, we’re in training. I want to avoid the discomfort (pain) that I experienced on the first two days last year. This is a good trail for a number of reasons: no bicyclists; no snow and ice; easy to get to; steep, with 2200 ft elevation gain over 4 miles; 8 miles r/t is a decent training distance; I think it’s beautiful. And every once in a while, the aroma of pine wafts by, stopping me in my tracks. But it’s so ephemeral, it’s almost gone as soon as it’s detected – a gift.

Here’s more information: https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/sandia-medallion-trees

I’ve also been taking brisk – read fast – walks around the park nearby. My legs – and feet! – are feeling good.