Lee Vining --> Mono Lake --> Bodie

Our first stop today was Mono Lake which is located just a stone's throw away from Lee Vining. The lake is famous for its exposed tufa towers. These fascinating structures are usually located beneath the surface. But in 1941 water was diverted from four of the tributaries that fed the Lake in order to provide water for Los Angeles. As a result the lake level fell rapidly. In 1994 measures were taken to protect the Mono Lake. Since then the lake level has steadily risen again. After a short photo stop at the lake we went on for our main destination: Bodie.

Bodie State Park is the most authentic, intact ghost town in the 'Wild West'. In 1876 it became a gold rush boom town with 60 saloons. It had a population of 8,000 people then including its own chinatown with several hundred Chinese residents. And it had a red light district. But most of the inhabitants left the area after the gold rush. Around 1930 the last inhabitant left the city. In 1962 it became Bodie State Historic Park. Due to the very low humidity many of the 170 remaining buildings are still in surprsingly good condition.

My cousin and I could not resist: we shoot a short 'Wild West' video clip on the main street. Since there were no guns available some of our snack bananas had to serve as weapons. They did a great job. Probably more convincing than the human actors. To be honest: This video turned out to be rather a cheap comedy than a serious western. Maybe I will upload the video file someday. When I am very drunk ...