Hi All: Still in Bridgeport, CA. John and Diane Van Duesen got here yesterday from over by Fresno across the Sierra mountains. We had a couple drinks here at the motor home and then went in to town for dinner. Had a super time. Met then again this morning for breakfast at the same restaurant. Good food... We then went to the USMC Mountain Training Center up the highway a ways. Was not sure we could even get in, but the guard waved us right in. I was there for Escape and Evasion School in 1963 I think, but what I saw this time was NOT even close to what I remembered the Quonset huts etc of "Yesteryear". They must have invested Millions of dollars in that place. It was a beautiful base. It is a place they train the Marines on Mountain Warfare and how to survive in places like Afghanistan. Enjoyed seeing that place a lot.

Above is a photo of the little museum in Bodie, CA. It's a Ghost Gold Town they have tried to maintain in natural conditions. They took a lot of gold out during the late 1800's, and is now a state park. Altitude is about 9200 feet... The ranger said it was 20 degrees there this morning. Down in Bridgeport at the Motor home it was 39.. Still to cold for me to breath...


This is one of the building they have allowed to go natural without any help over the years. I think this is the Ranger Home there. Would not like to be here in the winter when it gets to 30-40 degrees below zero. No big heaters, just the wood stove like they had in the late 1800's They don't pay them enough...

Photo of Diane and Amy at the parking lot at Bodie State Park Gold Mine.

Photo Of Diane Van Deusern with her new truck at Bodie, CA. A 1929 Dodge as I remember..

Ranger at the gate to Bodie, CA Gold mine State Park. When it gets to 30 below zero I would think the beard would help some..

Van and I at the gate of the of the U. S. Marine Corps, Mountain Warfare Training Center, Pickle Meadows, CA.

I am so glad we decided to stop here and visit with Van and Diane. We had a great time with them..

Semper Fi

Don, Amy & Pharaoh