I visited the Ponderosa in my youth. About the only memory that stuck was drinking root beer out of a tin cup with pictures of the Ponderosa plastered on it (which I kept for many years).

I wouldn't classify Bodie as geeky. It is a truly classic ghost town that is a unique visit.

I believe that a good chunk of Calico burned down a few years ago and was rebuilt.

I still have one of them there tin cups.