This this point in our trip, we  have viewed the largest canyon in the world, the largest tree in the world and the largest granite rock in the world.

Bridgeport, California -- population 500.   We were in Bridgeport at the perfect time to tour the abandoned town of “Bodie”, a State Historical Park, designated in 1962.   In the mid-1800’s a gold strike was found in what was to be the town of Bodie at an elevation of 8,375 ft and subject to high winds.  It was 82 degrees while we were there.  Snowfall can average between 3 to 6 feet on flat ground, with drifts up to 20 ft. high.

By 1879, Bodie had a population of 10,000 and was a true wild west, six shooter, Bowie knife carrying tough guys and possibly tough women.  The remains of Bodie has been preserved almost as it was when the last people left the town.  This is not a tourist trap set-up to sell anything...there is nothing for sale in Bodie and it is run by the state to keep it as it was when it was abandoned.

Homes still have furniture, beds, dishes, shreaded curtains hang in the windows -- the school even has desks and books sitting out, albeit with everything dust covered. 

What remains is 10 percent of the original town and it still takes 3-4 hours to tour.  Going inside the houses is not allowed, but you can look inside windows -- that is how Archie took his indoor  photos.

(Found the sunscreen in the refrigerator -- ha)