October 2004 THE HIKES (page 1) Babocomari Ranch Fairbank to Charleston People who come to the FoT gathering have come to expect a few things. One is is historical presentations and talks of new findings in the old west field. Another is the promise of tromping through the spectacular wild scenery of the Sonora Desert in well laid out hikes.... well, at least there is the scenery. I think none of the hikes have truly wound up quite as planned: a short hike... through the stickers, an easy 6 mile hike... well 8 miles along railroad tracks where no pace or stride can be kept for long, or two (or three... or four...) Iron Springs locations where Curly Bill was killed that may just be around the next bend... or maybe the next.... or... Our hikes genrally end up where our faithful core of scouts and explorers kicks there feet in the dust, thinking about best laid plans gone wrong while the rest finish with sore muscles, blisters, and high spirits. All the minor miscues over the years have come to be what made the hike worth the aches and pains. Special hats off to FoT's Exploratory Corp of Scouts, which include, Bill Evans, Tom Bryant, Larry Knuth, and Billy Johnson. |
| The Babocomari River Hikes |
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| On day one, the onwers of the Hayhurst Ranch graciously allowed access to view ruins along the Babocomari river and old rail line. Mr Hayhurst and Bill Evans were guides to old adobe ruins. This is one of the suspected locations of the old Patterson Ranch and possibly the McLaury Ranch. |
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| Atop one of the highest hills in the area is small family graveyard. From theis viewpoint, the hills above Iron Springs, where Curly Bill Brocious was alegedly killed by Wyatt Earp, were clearly seen. If Curly Bill had been buried on the Patterson Ranch as legends go, could he be buried in or around this point? At another location, called by Bill, the Pig Farm may have once been prime cattle grazing area includes a well and a nearby unmarked grave. |
| Fairbanks to Charleston Hike |
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| After a genuine Arizona rain squall the night before, we found the morning to be perfect for a hike. For the hardy fools... er few, we met at the Larian to map out a leisurly "about six" mile walk between the two ghost towns. Anne was already doing her best to get in front of my camera. |
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| It soon became apparent, either walk the loose gravel along the sides or traverse in an uneven pace on the tracks. Neither option was particuarly comfortable and our "easy walk" was soon being named the "Fairbank to Charleston deathmarch." |
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| Our native guide, BJ checks his map to get correct bearings. It was only then we found out that he was using a map from the 1880's! Turned out he bought it from a red-sashed cowboy on Allen St. claiming it was treasure map to Curly Bill's grave. Anne hurt her ankle about this time and begged me and Troy to carry her. We didn't figure out for a mile or two she was faking. |
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| The group stretched out as each found, or was unable to find, their own pace as the track stretched out in the distance. Along the way Anne found herself an inspection nail with the year 1938, marked on top. |
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| Everyone was pretty convinced at the start of the hike that the tracks were no longer used. That is until we saw a train coming our way. It was such a surprise we needed pictures just to prove it hadn't been a ghost train as it passed. It was about that time that we had enough of Anne so we tied her to the tracks. But cleverly using the combination of her "Old 38" nail and her hair barrette, she was able to save herself in time. |
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| "After 10,023 paces," said BJ's authentic Curly Bill treasure map, "Leave the railroad tracks by the old tree." So off into the San Pedro Riparian wilderness we went. We passed an old car with a skeleton in it, holding remnants of the same map as BJ's. |
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| After treading the tedious tracks half the day, we thought that walking along the cool waters of the San Pedro to be a... change of pace... |
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| ...but after about a scant mile of loose sand and several river hops, we were ready for the tracks again. |
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| With soggy shoes we made it back to the tracks and continued the march. It was about this time that BJ turned his treasure map over and discovered that the final destination led back to the Crystal Palace Saloon where one could get a half price discount on a drink called "Curly Bill's Open Grave." Eureka! |
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