October 2004 THE HIKES (page 2) Arriving at Charleston Iron Springs |
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| With civilization in the form of the Tombstone-Sierra Vista road in view, we turned back off the tracks to make our way to Charleston. Arrow marked the way for any of the stragglers still on the railroad tracks. |
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| Charleston was established in 1879. It was the milltown for Tombstone, some 10 miles away. The Clantons open the first boarding house in Charleston. Ike Clanton even once had a restaurant there. |
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| Charleston lasted about ten years up to the flooding of the Tombstone area mines and decline of mining. At one point after WWII, Charleston was used as target practice by the nearby Fort Huachuca. Still, there are some impressive walls showing a little of what the town once was. |
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| With perfect timing, the foot-sore railroad ramblers met up with the smarter part of the group who chose to meets us at Charleston. |
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| By this time we were old hands at river crossings. Still, a helping hand was not not turned away going across this ready-made bridge. |
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| This large, dead tree was a stark reminder that even with the river nearby, we were in desert climate. The bridge signaled the end of our 6... or maybe 8 mile trek. Some came out of the hike with a nice set of blisters. While others danced the night away later. For me, it's a hike I will aways remember but no doubt will never repeat! |
| Iron Springs Hike |
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| The last, full day found us about thirty-five miles west of Tombstone in an attempt to locate the fabled Iron Springs. The story goes that in 1882, during his Ride of Vengence, Wyatt Earp and his posse were ambushed by Curly Bill Brocious and other cowboys. During the gunfight Wyatt claimed to have shotgun-blasted Curly Bill near in two before making his escape. Despite his claims, Curly Bill sightings cropped up for some time. |
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| In contrast to the railroad hike the day before, this hike was hilly and rugged. |
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| The trail led up between tall hills amid mesquite and sage. 120 years ago, the ground cover would have been more grasses. |
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