Bridgeport, California

As a kid I enjoyed many summer vacations in Bridgeport, California which is located in the Eastern Sierras. I learned how to fish there, use an outhouse and it was in Bridgeport that I fell in love with the great outdoors. This truly is the place to be if you love the mountains, camping, fishing and being in nature. I've been telling John-Mark about Bridgeport for years and this year we finally took the trip. I couldn't wait to show it to him and the kids. We went with his folks and brother and my sister. My folks were going to come but couldn't at the last minute. I missed having them there. Next Year!

note the T-shirt I'm wearing. Indeed it was 1982. I was 9 years old and got this shirt when I visited my Grandparents in Colorado that Spring.

Visiting Bodie (mining ghost town) for the first time.

My Dad and Me

Our trip was fantastic. Full of countless memories! What a different perspective I had this time around. This time I was the mom, the packer, the planner...not the free spirited kid that ran off with my fishing pole without a care in the world. It's their turn now...Gabriella and Jude. I'm happy to pass it off to them. I love it. Can't wait to go back next year.

Opa and Jude

Our Bridgeport Home for the Week

Reedley Peaches for Breakfast

Sistas

Breakfast with Auntie Mo

Opa and Uncle Aaron

Our first full day there we did a little fishing at one of the Twin Lakes. Gabriella caught a few things of her own.

Our Boy...(he's thinking "those poor poor fishies")

Jude with Omi

Our Outdoorsy girl

"Hello fishing pole, it's been a while."

No bites today........

....but the next day however.....

.....We CAUGHT 14 fish!"

John and Geri rented a pontoon boat for the day. It was so much fun. We fished, had lunch, took a little ride along the lake, Jude was lulled to sleep by the waves, and we caught dinner! Monica even caught her fish with our dad's pole. Dad's pole and some Power bait!

I have to say, being a vegetarian, I struggled with catching and killing these sweet little swimmers. What an inner struggle I experienced that day. I told myself before the trip that this was a special occasion...camping, fishing, roughing it, and that I would partake in our fish dinner.... I did.... It was tasty, I have to say. But I probably won't do it again....at least not until our next Bridgeport trip.

My fish and it's murderer

Jude liked to steer

Whole grain pancakes on my cast iron skillet

(JM used our lensbaby to take these photos)

Gabriella loved the little brook that ran through our camp. She loved to get wet and dirty even more!

As a kid I remember coming to Bodie, the old gold mining ghost town. It was fun to share it with JM, the kids and the rest of the family. JM and I shared the camera for the day. I think we capture some great memories.

In an old house

JM captured this shot of our girl. Love it.

JM's dad took this shot of all of us in front of the museum store

I loved this old fence and bottles in the window

Gold Mine

These next 2 shots were taken by John (JM's dad) also.

Family

Me, John-Mark, Jude, Omi, Ella, Monica, Aaron, Opa

JM capture the essence of Jude. I love the red background and his striking eyes.

This is what sunscreen will do to your hair.

With Omi

Going Home for the Day

Uncle Aaron fishing one last time

Splashing with Auntie Mo