Bodie, CA - Historic Mining Town
I've driven past the turn-off to Bodie dozens of time while travelling down US 395 and have always said "yep, I should visit that place some day". That day finally came after seeing the park being open until 10PM for Ghost Stories and late night tours on a handful of days this year with August 25 being the last for 2018. I thought this would be a good opportunity to learn more about the town while also making a few photos. It also gave me the chance to try out some long exposure night photography as well as some light painting.
CA270 will take you into Bodie. The narrow two-lane paved road that winds through the mountains isn't terribly bad though it's not maintained/plowed during the winter which means Bodie is often inaccessible when there are heavy snows. The last three miles of the road is a rough dirt stretch that will be sure to shake you awake. While you can certainly get there via car, a SUV or truck probably makes this part of the journey a bit easier to manage.
The town is in a state of "arrested decay" where buildings' roofs, windows, and foundations are repaired and stablized to maintain the appearance when the California State Parks took over the area in 1962. With only about 5% of the buildings remaining today from its heyday between 1877 and 1881, you really get a feel for just how big this "little" mining town was.
The Standard Stamp Mill is off-limits due to hazardous conditions unless you go with a tour. The tour itself costs $6 and is well worth the money. The interior is fascinating as you work your way through a storage room, up and down stairs, stop in the electrical and the machine room, and then see where the ore was actually stamped. All along the tour is narrated and you'll hear stories of the dangers of the job, the extra pay, and can almost feel the difficult work involved here.
There are plenty of choices to compose a picture including various abandoned cars scattered throughout the remains of the town. This includes the most photographed rusted out car which I also happened to choose as the foreground for a sunset picture.
For history buffs and those looking for adventure that is off the beaten path, Bodie holds a wealth of opportunitiy to learn, see, and experience one of the best ghost towns in the US. If you get the chance to make the turn off of 395, you're missing out if you don't. Here are a few of my photos from the day.
