Historical sites and GT safety

[davef]

I have 2 questions. One on locations the other on GT safety.
I’ll be visiting Arizona from Connecticut in May.
Locations:

I’m trying to find several historical sites, some not ghost towns.
They are:
The Stockton Ranch - All I have been able to find out so far is that it is ~ 15 miles east of Tombstone. I read about it in a book on Arizona by Trimble or Lauer.

Soldier Holes – It is near Pearce, at a wash near the road. Same source as above.

The Wham robbery site – It happened on an old road between forts Grant and Thomas. Same source as above.

Brunckows Cabin – I think I photographed the ‘wrong’ Brunckows cabin last year. The ruins I saw were a few feet from a large cement slab. I read that there is supposed to be a sign near the site. See photos.

I would greatly appreciate exact directions or references to someone who can give same.

Safety:

I think I’m reasonably prepared for excursions alone to these sites.
I bring a walking stick, cell phone, satellite phone[rented], gps, snake-bite kit (suction kind), long pants/shirt/boots, water, have directions/phone# to area hospitals, several knives, I call my brother when I’m entering site/expect to return and where to call If I don’t call in by ‘x’. But there is another concern. What about people ? Meeting strangers, alone and in the ‘middle of nowhere’. What are your thoughts/experiences ?

Thank you!

D

[campp]

Take lots and lots of water, always. I personally avoid the "snake-bite kit" things, they can be more dangerous than the bite. Avoid the snakes instead :). Good to call people at both the in and out, and ALWAYS leave your agenda with someone.
I generally do not run into many people in the back country. I would be somewhat concerned only because of proximity to the Mexican border in that area. Farther north, no problems. A buddy or two is probably a good idea.

[bob3 was bob2]

Is this a road trip, or are you flying in? Pack a firearm if you can. You can never be too careful IMO. Extra water, more than you think you will need is also a good idea. How about a GPS?

[Joel]

I've always found that most folks are fairly well polite away from the asphalt. Bring water. Your cell phone just might be useless (depends on your carrier.) out in those parts and bring water. You can never have enough.

[bad bob]

Being alone in a remote area CAN be a dangerous proposition. While most folks may be friendly, there are also ruthless thugs that will, at best, steal ANYthing of value including your vehicle, and leave you alive. However it's more likely (they'll) want no witnesses left to testify in court.

I have no idea of the odds of this happening, but let's say it's 10%, or maybe even about as safe as commercial flying. Unfortunately for the victims, game over. Better to be well prepared for ANYthing (IMO). :)

[Goat]

Invest in a CamelBak hydration system, you can freeze the bladder in it, and it'll be ready when you need it. For a longer hike, other water containers can be used as well.

Campp is right about the "snake bite kit", more chance for a nasty infection. Best thing to do is kill the snake and bring it with you to the hospital to have it ID'd. Tourniquet above the bite, and get the he11 back to your vehicle quick! Snake bites are rarely fatal, and snakes usually aren't really aggressive unless provoked.

(General snake rule: Be wary around the shade in the heat of the day, and the heat source when it gets cooler).

For my crew, everyone is armed, trained, and comfortable. No exceptions.

[Vulture]

I have 2 questions. One on locations the other on GT safety.
I’ll be visiting Arizona from Connecticut in May.
Locations:

I’m trying to find several historical sites, some not ghost towns.
They are:
The Stockton Ranch - All I have been able to find out so far is that it is ~ 15 miles east of Tombstone. I read about it in a book on Arizona by Trimble or Lauer.

Soldier Holes – It is near Pearce, at a wash near the road. Same source as above.

The Wham robbery site – It happened on an old road between forts Grant and Thomas. Same source as above.

Brunckows Cabin – I think I photographed the ‘wrong’ Brunckows cabin last year. The ruins I saw were a few feet from a large cement slab. I read that there is supposed to be a sign near the site. See photos.

I would greatly appreciate exact directions or references to someone who can give same.

Safety:

I think I’m reasonably prepared for excursions alone to these sites.
I bring a walking stick, cell phone, satellite phone[rented], gps, snake-bite kit (suction kind), long pants/shirt/boots, water, have directions/phone# to area hospitals, several knives, I call my brother when I’m entering site/expect to return and where to call If I don’t call in by ‘x’. But there is another concern. What about people ? Meeting strangers, alone and in the ‘middle of nowhere’. What are your thoughts/experiences ?

Thank you!

D

Dave,
I don't know what your personal feelings are about firearms. AZ is an "open carry" state. The areas you are interested in are frequented by drug runners & other border crossers. I always carry when in those areas. Your thoughts about clothing & boots (over the ankle) are right.
May is in the allergy season here, it can be ****.
It sounds like you have an interest in AZ history 101. There is lots more to see in the areas you mention.
Have fun. As far as provisions go, you got lot's more than Wyatt ever carried & he got out alive...yer doin' fine.
V

[High Desert Drifter]

I agree with BB and Goat.. I always pack while in the back country. I'm sure you can find plenty of threads here alone that resulted in problems while in on explorations. My rule has always been, if there are children with us I hide my firearm in a fanny pack or back pack but readily accessible etc.. No children, I carry exposed. OK, here is devils advocate! If you don't have a lot of experience with a firearm, and lack the confidence in using it should poo hit the fan, or maybe even feel a bit unsure of yourself in making the decission to use it (or not)... than maybe you are safer without. There are also plenty of stories that hit the news about people who made a bad decission with a firearm!

whatever you decide, I hope your trip is a safe one and that you enjoy yourself.

[LauraA]

.......and don't forget the sunblock and a wide brim hat. :cool: