Saturday, May 30, 2009
The Governor of California "Arnold" has just announced several closures of state parks this next year, with one of my favorite historic places to visit being noted on his hit list.... The infamous ghost town "Bodie"
My rustic soul was first founded when I was a child. My family roots are Illinois and being second generation "Californian", My parents made sure that their children learned California history. Bodie was one of the first places that I discovered what "rustic" truly meant. The weathered wood from the brutally harsh winters and rust that formed on every piece of metal in sight was an experience to remember.
The historic mining ghost town of Bodie, located on the east side of the Sierra Nevada's on HWY 395. The photo opportunities are unbelievable and the history is fascinating. This place is as rustic as rustic gets and EXTREMELY weathered. If you're anywhere on the west coast this summer, I would suggest stopping by Bodie. It's a dirt road that is approximately 13 miles off of 395 and in the midst of high desert which by the way.... experience summer lightning and thunder storms.
There's many gems to be found on 395 which the high desert ghost town of Bodie is only a drop in the bucket. My families favorite place with a 60 year history is on the June lake loop (featured twice on the cover of Sunset Magazine). Located near the loop are, Mammoth lakes, Yosemite, Twin lakes and Lake Tahoe. This is most beautiful country California has to offer besides the coastline of the northern Pacific ocean.
So... my last time to inspire on the wild west and the gold/silver rush.... the place that is the root of my passion..... jewelry!
We'll be sending a farewell to Bodie in July for our last photo opportunity, what a shame that a well preserved park will be closing due to California's financial crisis.
California ~ The Eastern Sierras
6 comments:
Although I haven't visited Bodie, I do love visiting historic places whenever I can. I love your photos; Bodie looks like a great place to visit.
This is sad news indeed!
The eastern Sierra's are beautiful, if you ever get a chance you should experience that side of California as well.
Grrrrr and I've not gotten there yet; I need to map it out and head out before it's too late. Damn him.
I also received a frantic email from Mono Lake today asking everyone to plz write the government to ask for help...looks like the Govenator is also shutting down all funds to that too...and we all know it's hanging on by it's toenails already :(
I can help the state out with cutting corners! We Mom's know how to perform that task.... it's a "pre-requisite"!!!!!
Cindy
I went through this ghosttown when I was 9 on a camping trip with m y parents. I am so sad about this! I can still remember the sagebrush rolling across the windy hills and the cemetery with tombstones that stuck out like crooked teeth. What a shame.
What a shame and what a gorgeous post. I haven't been to California in so many years but your photos make me want to get on a plane and visit this wonderful park. It's such a pitty the arts and nature always seem to be high on the list of budget cuts. I am looking over at the house next door, amazed at all the money being thrown at this family that refuses to work and pay for anything themselves, thinking this is where the cut downs should be, not in this nation's heritage. Love your blog!
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