According to a recent press release by the California Association of Four Wheel Drive Clubs, you can find out about the history of Bodie, Aurora, Masonic and other ghost towns in your SUV during the second annual Bodie Ghost Town SUV Run on Sept. 17.
That SUV run will be hosted by the California Association of Four Wheel Drive Clubs.
"This trip is a one-day, narrated, historical trip, especially designed for families," said Oly Olson, one of the trip organizers. "We will be visiting some interesting old mining ghost towns in the Bodie area and on the east side of the Sierras. The trip will require some mild four-wheeling."
Olson said the trip is not limited to SUV's and all four-wheel drive (4X4) owners are invited.
Gold was discovered near Bodie Bluff about 1860, and by 1880, Bodie had grown to an estimated 10,000 people.
The town bustled with miners, robbers, store owners, gunfighters and prostitutes. During the height of the gold rush, the number of saloons in town reportedly reached 65.
Cost for the Bodie Ghost Town SUV Run is $35 per adult and $5 for children under the age of 15.
Lunch will be provided at the Bodie State Park, followed by a tour of the park at an additional expense of $7 per person.
Participants will meet at the Bridgeport Inn parking lot on U.S. 395 in Bridgeport, Calif., at 7:30 a.m. The trip will begin at 8 a.m.
To reserve space, contact Oly or Kate Olson at (530) 622-1117 or Email at mrolyolson@sbcglobal.net.
