Off the Beaten Path
We recently made our way to California with a load of lumber from RW Colorado yard. On the way back to Colorado, we decided to take a little detour off Interstate 80. One of our stops was in a little town called Bridgeport California, located on Hwy 395 (runs north/south on the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada). If you dig American History, Hwy 395 is the way to Old West nostalgia!
Bridgeport was amazing, rich with the history of the gold rush and more.
Reclaiming History
When we arrived it was July 3rd, so the town feel was pretty patriotic as everyone was preparing for the 4th. Bridgeport’s character and charm was all the caboose!
As we headed downtown, we stumbled across this arts and crafts fair where we had the pleasure of meeting Wanda & Richard Canton. These two gold nuggets were busy promoting the history of a unique ghost town named Bodie, through their own volunteer efforts as well as an organization called “Friends of Bodie Railway & Lumber Company, Inc.”
The Canton’s, along with “Friends of Bodie” is dedicated to reclaiming and preserving the history of the railway in the Mono Basin area. The Canton’s even published a book, “Railroad in the Sky 1881 – 1917.” (see link below)
Don’t Forget to Take Pictures
If you’re ever in that neck of the woods, stop by and explore the area! The only thing that disappointed us was not getting a selfie with Wanda & Richard!
https://www.recordcourier.com/news/local/minden-couple-writes-bodie-railway-history/
https://bridgeportcalifornia.com/
In the mid-80s, Donna and I passed through Bridgeport and made the short trip on a dirt road to Bodie.
Very interesting old ghost town, we took pictures.