I think Ryan's video makes a compelling argument that the display stones and the bumper stones are not the same stones. I know that's a bitter pill for many. But; facts are facts and no amount of water, light, lens exposure, or angle can account for this......its not the same stone.
View attachment 1176692
Questions do remain.
If there are "original stones" as shown on the bumper photo, where are they? How far back before copies were swapped for originals? Travis to Robert? Robert back to Travis? Mrs. T to Mitchell? or later?
The lettering discussion is also compelling. However, it concerns mainly the horse/priest stone. The provenience of this stone has always been questionable. I believe, there has been discussion, the Tumlinson family has said Travis carved this stone. He may well have carved them all. I don't doubt that he, or a combination of he and Robert, did carve them.
But; I believe he had a model. Ryan's video discusses this as well. Some time ago we discussed the likeness of the handwriting in the Peralta Tesora Mappa and Robert Tumlinson's handwriting. Today's video revelations just add more fuel to that fire. I don't think those comparisons are misplaced. I think they are right on the mark.
I'm waiting for the next shoe to fall and destroy the horse and stone map trails completely....but until that shoe falls, I continue to believe the stones themselves may be fake but the trails they depict are real. Regardless of what Travis/Robert may have done they both had a compelling reason to be around and among the Superstitions. An unforgiving area that doesn't give up her secrets willingly. Travis' health prohibited him from venturing long there but Robert spent considerable time and effort hunting for something. Its not a land one would choice to play out a drama for a long term scam. A more forgiving backdrop would have served the same purpose at much less wear and tear on the body. They were there because something they held took them there. Was it the Peralta Tesora Mappa? I think probably so.
Wayne, your information regarding Peg Leg is most interesting. I think if we put our collective effort behind sorting out what's to be gleaned of HIS background, travels and association we might get closer to the truth and closer to solving the mystery. Its amazing how far we have come. I know some of you more sage at the game already knew most of this but.....we HAVE come a long way in a relatively short time. Lets get after the rest of the story.