Originally posted by divideby3
Thank you OP for posting this.
Growing up in Arizona and traveling around the state extensively, I have never heard this story. My father was one of these treasure hunters. I would
spend weekends with my father heading out to old ghost towns in his FJ. Metal detectors beeping and digging through dirt, it was a great time and I
learned alot.
It was and is folks like you that destroy history. Metal detecting is strictly forbidden in most all of southeast Arizona's protected lands. ALL
ghost towns. Any form of relic hunting is strictly forbidden by the BLM.
I am not trying to bark, and im sure you were just a kid. Maybe the laws were different back then.
I have been an avid ghost town hunter and relic seeker for the better part of 12 years now. I take only photos. This ensures that future generations
can enjoy what is there. Unlike other areas that have been vandalized and stolen from.
I believe he would keep the arch a secret. This is a code of ethics within the ghost towner community. We will tell NO ONE of a new find. And only
drop subtle hints that someone in the "know" could pick up on. This keeps would-be thieves, weekend marauders and kids out of the place.
I know of two ghost towns that are preserved. So much so that there are windows in place (unbroken) and curtains still hanging. This one place at one
time still had dinner ware sitting on the dinning room table as if someone just up and left. And if its a big enough find, then tell a museum or
historical society so that they can take the necessary means to protect. OR just leave it out in the middle of the desert where you found it, well
hidden beneath the mesquite tree's so that no satellites can ever see it.
My main point is that regardless of any mumbo jumbo going on at that site. He has protected it for whatever good reason.
Remember, take pictures and leave only foot prints.
PS. BLM does not even want people to remove trash thats 50 years old. It's now part of history. I am not joking.
[edit on 1-3-2010 by djmolecular]