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Ghostly Bodie The former gold-mining town is alive with memories. By Craig Reem Published: February, 2004

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As we drove the last three miles, as the two-lane road turned to dirt and the van pitched around, it started to sprinkle. My wife wondered if we should make the walk through Bodie. It seemed like this would be a hard-scrabble tourist visit. We did get out, and within a half-hour, the haunting beauty of the Northern California ghost town near the Nevada border became impeccably beautiful as the sun broke through and the sky turned blue. Bodie State Historic Park, northeast of Yosemite and about a hour’s drive from Mammoth, once had a population of 10,000 people. When a small amount of gold was discovered in the hills north of Mono Lake, all kinds of humanity descended on the place. Men in need of work. Women who saw to their comforts. Thieves. Gamblers. Drunks. It was a vicious place with a hell of a lot of gold. Today, a small part of the town remains in what is described as “arrested decay.” But there is plenty left in which to get the feel of a town that once throbbed with humanity. The children may not get the sense of the rickety outhouses, but they will have an appreciation of the old church and the schoolhouse, and the Bodie Hotel that used to “serve meals at all hours.” The walk through the town is reminiscent of a scene from a Clint Eastwood movie, as the cowboy walks from street to street, scanning the scenery where not much life is evident. The gift shop has a good mix of remaining artifacts and things to buy, such as faux gold coins. Be sure to bring your camera and a picnic lunch, although the nearby picnic area was disappointing, so we ate in the parking lot, which was fine. Take time to walk through the church and into one of the few homes that is open for touring. They aren’t kidding when park officials say Bodie looks much like it did more than 50 years ago when the last residents took flight. One last tip: Catch the historical film that is shown periodically. IF YOU GO Bodie is open year-round, but at 8,375 feet, the winters can be brutal. Wait for spring. Directions: The park is northeast of Yosemite and 13 miles east of Highway 395, just south of Bridgeport. From 395, take State Route 270; the last three miles is a dirt road. You are in the High Sierras, so enjoy the trek along 270; it is breathtaking, as is Bodie’s actual location. Hours: 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Memorial Day through Labor Day; otherwise, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. or as posted. Information and road conditions: 760.647.6445. A ghost town closer to home Calico Ghost Town has a lot going for it, including gunfighters and a locomotive. It is located just north of Barstow and is reached by taking the Ghost Town Road exit from I-15. Among the 2004 events: • Feb. 14-16 (Presidents Day Weekend): Experience history as the North meets the South in a Civil War re-enactment. Drills, music, living history displays, Confederate and Union Camps are set throughout the town. May 7-9 (Mother’s Day Weekend): An Old Time Music Festival featuring free flowers for Mom on Mother’s Day, plus other games and contests, including a chili cookoff on Saturday and a stew cookoff on Sunday. • October 8-10 (Columbus Day Weekend): Relive Calico’s glory days during ther 1880s mining celebration. Includes a Wild West parade, National Gunfight Stunt Exhibition, old prospectors’ burro run, and games and contests. Information: www.calicotown.com or call 800.To-CALICO. Drive the streets of O.C. A new booklet, titled the “Orange County Area Driving Guide,” is available for free to the public. From one of the oldest streets in California, the legendary Los Rios Street in San Juan Capistrano, to the lively Dory Fishing Fleet in Newport Beach, or the intriguing Walk in Walt’s Footsteps tours in Anaheim, this colorful 44-page guide takes families on a journey east, west, north and south. Broken out by 11 major cities, the booklet contains maps of each area, driving directions, a list of points of interest, and regional trivia. Popular annual events are highlighted as well, such as Huntington Beach’s Fourth of July Parade and Dana Point’s Tallships Festival. The guide also offers a driving tour of the Inland Empire’s Temecula, and its wine region. Other highlights include driving tips and games to play in the car while you’re in route. Published by the Anaheim/Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau, the guide can be ordered online at www.anaheimoc.org or by calling 714.765.8888. It is also available at the Anaheim Resort Visitor Information Center at 1500 S. Harbor Blvd. in Anaheim.

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