Because I only visited Mono Basin only twice last week (going to and from Mesquite), I headed back down on Tuesday.
I wanted to finish a few stories and visit some sites before the snow sticks.
I explored the old ranches, the Bodie & Benton Railroad and the town of Mono Lake with Nevada Expeditions. It wasn’t a long day, but productive with the ranches. Mono County has done an excellent job preserving the historic ranches and placing historical markers.
De Chambeau Ranch was the highlight! The grounds are excellent and include the house, barns and outbuildings. I look forward to returning for photos in summer and fall. We also visited the Cain and Filosena Ranches. I look forward to diving into their histories.
Did you know what is now Tiago Lodge was once the town Mono Lake? The lodge buildings are from Bodie. First a stage station, a post office opened in 1882.
(buildings from Bodie)
Bodie Green Creek Powerhouse and Dynamo Pond were an unexpected stop. Bodie’s first powerplant was built in 1892 to power the Standard Consolidated Mining Company’s mill. The sun was setting but I’m glad we stopped; it is a unique part of Bodie’s history that many don’t visit.
I revisited Mono Mills and followed part of the old rail bed, finding ties and spikes. The road washed out to reach the Bodie & Benton Tressle, leaving me to back up a mile and a half due to sandy conditions.
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