The day we've been waiting for! It's day 2 of our U.S. Highway 395 Road Trip and we set off from Bishop, California riding up through the incredible June Lake Loop, swimming in Silver Lake, and off to the historic Bodie Ghost Town! There's some history in these parts you won't want to miss!

After a decent night's stay at the Elms Motel, we walked down the street to Jacks for a much needed homestyle breakfast before hitting the road. There's something about staying in these small adventure towns that always makes for a good time. It seemed like half the restaurant guests had backpacking and hiking gear with them and were either starting an adventure or finishing one up! Bishop is home to an endless amount of hiking trails and is also a stop among some travelers on the Pacific Crest Trail from what we hear.

After a grueling 0.5 mile ride out of town, we stopped at the famous Mahogany Smoked Meats to stock up on snacks and visit one of Josh's favorite stops from his childhood road trips with family. Needless to say, the pound or two of jerky we picked up barely made it through the day. That stuff is GOOD!

We began to get some miles in on 395 and slowly began to see more and more pines as we cruised around the curves and climbed in altitude towards the June Lake turnoff on State Route 158. The June Lake Loop, nestled in the eastern Sierra Nevada of California, is a picturesque ride/drive renowned for its stunning alpine scenery and tranquil lakes. This scenic byway winds through a landscape of towering granite peaks, lush forests, and pristine lakes, including the namesake June Lake, Gull Lake, Silver Lake, and Grant Lake. Each lake offers unique recreational opportunities such as fishing, boating, and hiking along their shores.

After a quick dip in Silver Lake, we continued on through the loop and landed back on 395 which we took north through Lee Vining to get to Bodie Road aka State Route 270, which would lead us into Bodie State Historic Park. The ladder section of Bodie road leading into the park turns into a gravel covered fire road, so always be careful of the roads ahead! We hopped off the bikes, got to chat with some fellow riders, then walked in to explore some awesome history!

Bodie Ghost Town, nestled in the rugged landscape of eastern California, stands frozen in time as a testament to the Gold Rush era of the late 19th century. Founded in 1859, Bodie boomed following the discovery of gold nearby, swiftly growing into a bustling mining town of over 10,000 residents by the 1880s. Its heyday was marked by saloons, gambling halls, and a vibrant community that catered to miners seeking their fortune. 

Despite its remote location and harsh climate, Bodie boasted amenities uncommon for its time, including a railway, numerous businesses, and even a red-light district. However, the town's fortunes declined just as quickly as they rose. By the early 20th century, the gold veins were depleted, and Bodie's population dwindled. Fires and natural disasters further devastated the town, leaving behind a hauntingly preserved glimpse into the past. Today, Bodie Ghost Town is maintained in a state of arrested decay, offering visitors a rare and evocative glimpse into the Wild West. Its weathered buildings, still stocked with remnants of daily life, stand as poignant reminders of the dreams and hardships of those who once called Bodie home. Protected as a State Historic Park since 1962, Bodie continues to captivate and inspire with its stark beauty and rich history.

We snapped some pics and walked around for a bit then loaded up to head back to Lee Vining for lunch! We've ridden through there numerous times and Nicely's always hits the spot so we grabbed some sandwiches and patty melts to fuel up for the next stretch of the day!

Stay tuned for our ride through Tioga Pass into Yosemite National Park on the next episode!