Story and photos by:
Jack Raudy 530/389-9154 or jraudy@foothill.net

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

RELIVE THE OLD WEST IN YOUR SUV
Bodie Ghost Town, Saturday, Sept. 17, 2005

SACRAMENTO (Aug. 22, 2005) – Find out about history of Bodie, Aurora, Masonic and other ghost towns in your sport utility vehicle (SUV) during the 2^nd annual Bodie Ghost Town SUV Run, Saturday, Sept. 17, hosted by the California Association of Four Wheel Drive Clubs.

"This trip is a one-day narrated, historical trip especially designed for families," said Oly Olson, one of the trip organizers. "We will be visiting some interesting old mining ghost towns in the Bodie area on the east side of the Sierras and the trip will require some mild four-wheeling." Olson said the trip is not limited to SUVs and all four-wheel drive owners are invited.

Gold was discovered near Bodie Bluff about 1860 and by 1880 the town of Bodie had gown to an estimated 10,000 people. The town bustled with miners, robbers, storeowners, gunfighters and prostitutes. During the height of the gold rush, the number of saloons in town reportedly reached 65.

Cost for the Bodie Ghost Town SUV trip is $35 per adult and $5 for children under the age of 15. Lunch will be provided at the Bodie State Park followed by a tour of the park at an additional expense of $7 per person.

Participants will meet at the Bridgeport Inn parking lot on Hwy 395 in Bridgeport at 7:30 a.m. and the trip will begin at 8 a.m.

To reserve space for this exciting trip, contact Oly or Kate Olson at (530) 622-1117 or email mrolyolson@sbcglobal.net .

###