Hwy 395

Lake Sabrina, near Bishop.

looks like a Bristol Cone tree

our lodging for the night

Keough Hot Springs pool, Bishop, CA.

amazing Hollyhocks in Bridgeport, CA.

Pete and I spend Labor Day weekend on Hwy 395 in the Eastern Sierra nearly every year. Even though we’ve been there several times, there is still so much to discover. This year, we slept in a covered wagon in Bridgeport, swam in the historic (built in 1919) Keough Hot Springs pool (it’s actually not that hot, since the pool is regulated by a cool water mist fountain), and hiked a few miles up the majestic Mount Whitney to the magical Lone Pine Lake (not pictured in this post. Still need to develop that role of film). In the Inyo National Forest, we found all kinds of creeks and lakes in which to play. I’m even considering taking up fly fishing for next year’s trip. While in the towns along Hwy 395, we ate at local restaurants and bars. In Jake’s Saloon in the town of Lone Pine, we shared a sweet remembrance of an old friend prompted by a David Allen Coe tune. Also in Lone Pine, we stumbled upon a real-deal garage sale - as in vintage accessories were like 25 cents a piece. I came away with several vintage hats and purses (including the red sun hat I’m wearing in this post) for $5!

Happy Friday! I’m stoked for tonight because I’m going to see Dwight Yoakam perform at the Palladium in Hollywood. Yippee!

Outfit # 1: 50s plaid shorts, vintage cotton top, vintage hiking boots (thrifted) \
Outfit # 2: Baja hoodie (thrifted) jeans with a name so stupid I’m too embarrassed to tell you (American Rag), reissued Van Doren daisy print shoes by Vans.

the highway is for lovers

Here in Los Angeles, it’s sweltering, the sky is visibly polluted, and the traffic is a living hell; my mind drifts towards last weekend’s trip along Hwy 395. Here is a peaceful image of the windy road as seen from the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest.

long time friends

After exploring the Bristlecone Pine Forest, we made our way to one of our favorite little towns, Bridgeport, where we ate some top notch fried chicken and peach pie that made me moan aloud. Later that night, we entertained ourselves with a game of horseshoes (I'm afraid the photos were too grainy to post). With Pete's advice to play with more finesse and grace, I actually did pretty well for my first try.

Believe it or not, there was no film at this store.

Outside of our room at the Virginia Creek Settlement in Bridgeport

The next morning, we drove to Virginia City, Nevada, a dusty, bawdy, old western mining town, where outlaws, gamblers, miners, soiled doves, and Mark Twain once roamed. Mark Twain's first novel,"Roughing It", was based on his time spent living and working in Virginia City, NV. I have yet to read this book, but I can't wait to now. And here I am roaming around.

Mark Twain sat here in his role as editor of the local newspaper, the Territorial Enterprise

He also sat here.

The sun shines through big undies here in Virginia City.

in the bookstore. My dress features an insect print.

the main drag in Virginia City

We decided to lodge at Lake Tahoe but in retrospect, we would have enjoyed Virginia City's nightlife much more. Anyway, on our way to Tahoe, my car overheated, and so we parked it in the shade, right in front of the sign for the Moonlight Bunny Ranch, which we couldn't actually find for a photo op.

We made it to Tahoe just in time to hit the lake and catch some rays.

The nightlife in South Tahoe is basically an outdoor shopping mall offering a lot of crap retail, but we found an arcade in Harrah's Casino that had old school video games like Ms. PacMan!

The next morning, we made our way to June Lake, a charming and friendly little resort town, that we really want to return to in the Fall or Winter.

June Lake

Pete in front of our room. We spent the evenings with the locals at the Tiger Bar, where we sat at the bar and conversed with everyone about important matters like who makes the best pie along Hwy 395. Pete and I shared a piece of peach pie, and though it was yummy, but Bridgeport's peach pie was much better.

The Tiger Bar

We stopped at several antique shops during our trip. I found a turn of the century crochet crop top with pink ribbon trim for $15. I wore it for most of the trip, but those photos are on the black and white film that is still in my camera. I also bought Pete a pair of handsome cowboy boots as an anniversary gift (It's been three years this final time around). I found the cutest 1930s round glasses, but the celluloid arm snapped in half as I was trying them on after purchase. The owner of the shop let me pick out another pair and also let me keep the damaged ones; I'm hoping Pete can fix em' for me, and I'm pretty sure he'll be able to. He's been successfully fixing my run down shit forever now.

Hwy 395: Bridgeport, Mono County & Twin Lakes

We said our goodbyes to Bodie and headed to the small town of Bridgeport (population 817), to celebrate "Founder's Day", actually a very small affair, though heart-warming all the same. This charming and humble town was established in the early 19th century, and several of the Victorian structures still stand, though have been converted into restaurants, stores, motels, and the Mono County Museum pictured below. Bridgeport belongs to a simpler time. Last year during the Founder's Day Celebration, an elderly lady, native to Bridgeport, sold one of her homemade pies for $400. $400! I believe the proceeds go back into the preservation of the town. We were told this story by a sweet elderly lady, beaming with hometown pride, who further encouraged us to buy raffle tickets and check out the Quilt Exhibit, housed in the 19th century gymnasium. Not wanting to say "no" to an older soul, we obliged her. Most of the quilts were not to my liking, too many ducks and too country cottage chic, but there were some treasures. After, Pete & I ate Indian tacos, curbside. If you've never had an Indian taco, (and by Indian, I mean Native American), they're like a funnel cake stuffed with greasy hamburger meat, cheese, tomatoes, and onions. Basically a yummy heart attack, but for the onions, which were added despite my request to "hold the onions." It's a curse. She who hates onions and requests that they not corrupt her meal and violate her mouth will be perpetually served them. Growdy, aggressively crunchy when raw, slimy critters when cooked, I rebuke you from all future meals! Wow, sorry for that. With full bellies, we made our way to the Mono County Museum, a short walk away. I love an intimate and unassuming museum such as this, and it's a good way to learn about the history of a small town. I was even encouraged by another saintly old lady, who worked the counter and oversaw the museum, to take pictures. Here they are below.





Teha, the centenarian pictured above, was a Paiute basket maker from Mono County, who was 125 years old when this picture was taken in 1902. 125 years old! Maybe it's the crisp mountain air, or the uncomplicated lifestyle, but people have grit in Mono County, which would explain all the vibrant elderly ladies guiding us through our adventures. Long live Bridgeport and its people, it's America to me.

Later that day: Twin Lakes






I am now addicted to lakes. (We stopped at 2 more lakes during our travels.) I hope to go to a local lake one of these upcoming weekends, weather permitting.

Well, my stomach is badgering my brain to get a move on, so I'm gonna wrap things up. til next time.