Bodie Historic State Park lies just outside of Bridgeport, California via a bumpy, windy dirt road. The site actively maintains the remaining structures from the gold mining town of Bodie, which at one point had 10,000 residents. Although over 90% of the buildings were destroyed in a fire there are still an impressive number and variety left standing. As you walk around, the history of the place is palpable. You can't help but get a feeling for the time and place, and if you're like me, a sort of nostalgia for a time you never knew.
The town sits in a high basin at 8500' to the east of the Sierras. The history of the town is a fascinating proxy for the history of the West. Gold, immigrants, Native Americans, railroads, logging and violence! All the good stuff.
The road is open from March to first snowfall, but the park is open all winter if you don't mind a 13 mile (I think) cross-country ski approach. I think it would be pretty cool to visit in the winter!
1 comment:
What a cool set of pictures. I know, as your mother, the one picture makes me proud! LeAnna - love the car shot. You seem to find those special ones where ever you go. It looks like you had the place to yourself?
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