For most of us, life is flying by so fast we can barely keep-up, let-alone stop and reminisce long enough to grasp some appreciation.  

Sometimes, however, when we look back at historic places or historic things we do actually stop and take the time to wonder what must have been. And in doing so we somehow acknowledge the turbulence which must have been the resident’s existence. California decided fifty-years ago that Bodie, a real once-thriving mining town, ought to be preserved forever so that generations to come could “feel” for its inhabitants. And by “feel” I mean, “feel bad” for how hard life must have been.

But the truth is that I can’t wait to go back. I actually never wanted to leave. Ya, granted, I didn't ride-into town on this:

Or in this:

I rolled in aboard one of the Bakers’ 4x4 Tacomas.

And I had all the food and beverage I could possibly consume during my succinct visit. And of course I never felt the need to be armed, which was nice.

But unless you were the guy that had “plans” and dreams of a white picket fence, this town had everything. 50-miles from Mammoth. 100 miles from Yosemite. Only twelve miles to Mono Lake! And lots and lots of gold. And gambling. And this little quaint town of 5,000 residents had 65 saloons and a thriving red-light district. For two years in a row Bodie averaged a murder per day! And very little real “work” because 20% of the town was Chinese slaves.  

Would all that be TOO much excitement?

Maybe I'm romanticizing again. Sometimes black & white brings me down to reality..

I am a pretty big wimp when it comes to getting cold and at 8400 ft., Bodie's winters might be just a tad too unbearable.

Plus, who am I kidding, anyway? I found the love of my life before I was even 21.

And not to belabor the point, but sometimes I can't even get my Accounts Payable guy to cut a check. How am I going to convince a bunch of slaves to keep digging when they're working for free?

I dunno. Bodie does make me realize one thing: I am a truely lucky guy... Just don’t ask me to put-up a picket fence.