Seeking other opportunities as well, Parkhurst, in his late 30s, also left for California, sailing on the "R.B. Forbes" from Boston to Panama; travelers had to cross the isthmus overland and pick up other ships on the west coast. In Panama, Parkhurst met John Morton, returning to San Francisco where he owned a drayage business; Morton recruited the driver to work for him. Shortly after reaching California, Parkhurst lost the use of one eye after a kick from a horse, leading to his nickname of "One Eyed Charley" or "Cockeyed Charley".