Chartres Cathedral seems to float above the medieval town of Eure-et-Loir, its statuary and stained glass lovingly cared for by the townspeople. But that's only part of its charm. For on every midsummers day, visitors from around the French countryside gather here to walk the finest labyrinth ever to grace a nave.
With fond memories of Chartres, I was pleased to hear of a labyrinth in University Place inspired by the original. As you pass through the lunations and wend your way to the rosette, perhaps your thoughts will turn to introspection just as they have for the people of Eure-et-Loir these thousand years.
Enter the labyrinth with a bottle of water and observe the flower at center. Imagine three different numbers that combine to equal the number of petals, and arrange them from smallest to largest, adding the number of circling benches to the last number. May your tumblers turn with the same precision as these stones.
Take the tree-lined path toward the sea, following the gentle curve to another stone circle, this one a small rock garden. Cross the driveway and continue down the path, taking the footbridge when you come to it.
Turn left as you step off the bridge, passing yet another stone circle, and approach the farthest pillar. Sprinkle water near the bottom on the south side, and watch six odd symbols appear. Once you have the cache in hand, dial the code from the labyrinth, starting at the tethered end, and open the device gently to access the log. Please realign the camo with a light touch.