February 2004 Ranch Hike / Pig Farm PAGE 2 |
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| With dark clouds moving in, we all were worried for a bit about rain. However, it didn't dampen the spectacular views of the Babocomari Valley as we reached the top of a small hill. Except for a few drops and rare glimpes of the sun, we enjoyed almost perfect hiking weather. |
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| With a grand 360 degree view of the valley, a group of graves, large and small, lie side by side at the peak of a hill. Most were unmarked, however one headstone was placed by his devoted Family. Ramon F. Rodriguez 1856-1919. "Recuerdos de Sus Hijas." "Regards from His Daughters." |
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| Left: With the Huachuca Mountains (I think) in the distance. Our next stop was called the "Pigfarm" by our guide. While known to be a pig farm early in the 20th century, this location was thought to be open grazing land in the 1880's. Left: Though adorned with a newer layer of cement, an old well inside the remains of a circular corral marks the spot of an interesting discussion amongst the hikers. |
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| Left: The original well was hand dug, but later genrations of users made improvements. Right: About 50 feet from the well lay an old, unmarked grave. Idle speculation was it could've been the long, lost resting spot of the notorious Curly Bill Brocious. The story goes that, during his vengeance ride, Wyatt Earp, standing strong and tall (with his holster down around his knees), blasted Curly Bill near in half with a shotgun. One version of the story has friends of Curly Bill burying him somewhere on the Patterson Ranch. |
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| Right: Just like nails, barbed wire and the different types were discussed. Left: ...Not to mention tin cans. In this case, these cans were said to hold tobacco. |
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| Growing up in the Pacific Northwest with the Cascades as my playground, I am naturally attracted to the various mountain chains that surround the valley. While no comparison to the majesty volcano and glacier carved mountains of my home, the stark ruggedness of the mountains of the Southwest are just as spectacular. I was impressed to see the hills of the Sonoran desert topped with snow. |
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