This is the infamous "hanging tree" of legend.
In the time of the rancheros, justice was often harsh and swift. One of the worst crimes, punishable by death, was horse theft.
This is the very tree where Spanish settlers would take suspected horse thieves and hang them from the upper limbs. To ensure justice was served, they would shoot the condemned criminals while they hung. You can still see the bullet scars on the trunk today.
Legend has it that one of the thieves was framed by a jealous rival the night before his wedding. Unable to convince his accusers of the truth, he was executed at this very spot, and his body unceremoniously tossed into the nearby ravine. It was reported by many who travelled this trail alone that they sometimes sensed a presence behind them as they passed the tree. Some claimed to see the feet of the condemned man hanging down from the tree. Others reported feeling a chill breeze, even on the hottest of days.
This section of the Franklin Trail has been closed for many years. It has recently reopened. Will the apparation reappear?
Youvare searching for a camouflaged bottle, which also hangs from the tree. Be quick, and whatever you do - don't look up.