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.
Shared Illusions 
Lost the comment I started. Good for you doing all that training. I need to get at it. I used to hike alone in the Sandias. Never saw a guy with his pants down, though! Although I did encounter one on the Francés. A bit unnerving. Was the medallion tree on 3-gun? I’ve not found one there, although I’ve found a couple on other trails.
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It was a bit unnerving, but didn’t feel threatening. Yes, the medallion tree is on 3 Gun.
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Tried to leave
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Paula,
What beautiful pictures taken on this walk. Thanks for sharing.
John
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Hey Paula, absolutely wonderful pics. I am going to put them in my “Painting inspirations” folder, if I may. I’ve been painting about 1 canvas a week, sometimes two if I don’t have many clients. Your pics most definitely an inspiration. I am dancing around possibly attending a labyrinth training at Chatres Cathedral in June, but dependent on finances, just had to work on furnace and getting quotes for reshingling house, as it falls around us. But I will most certainly look forward to your adventures, in any case. My brother Eric is doing as well as can be expected. Next week they may take out his trach and train him to swallow again. He will also get his chemo/radiation schedule. But he’s a tough old bird and is even driving and shopping. You and Ed keep well and safe. Your cousin Cris
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Hi, dear heart. By all means use any photo you want to. I love looking at the one you sent me from a photo I took in Faycelles. Oh, Chartres! We went with mom back in 2011. A woman was walking the labyrinthe and singing. What a voice she had. It resonated within – my body and the cathedral. I’d visit there again. I hope you get to go.
Boy, Eric is going through a difficult time. But he’s out and about! Amazing. May you all be well. Big hugs.
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Big thank you! Fascinating to learn of the tree medallions and their history! Greetings from your and Charlie’s fan in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Margo
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Hi Margo!
Nice to hear from you. I still have that chop with your name on it. Maybe we’ll get to PV next winter.
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Paula, Good to know how you are getting on! So where is the boston tree? I have found the pennsylvania one, about 1/2 mi past the stick of success as you turn right & continue up oso pass (3rd ponderosa pine on the left lol) but I don’t think i’ve ever found the boston one!
So glad you are training, I know it will pay off Don’t forget to get electrolytes & magnesium in france. i know readily available in spain….. but that’s along the camino with so many hikers.
glad i didn’t see the guy in the tighty whities. carrying a knife is a good idea – i guess i’d half to bear spray him. !
Take care!
Debbie
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Hello, Debbie. I reckon the best way for you to see my tree and for me to see your tree would be to hike 3 Gun together sometime. But it will be months as we leave on Thursday.
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Have a safe trip!
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