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Former California State Route 145 on the Skaggs Crossing Bridge

The Skaggs Crossing Bridge was a former component of California State Route 145 at the San Joaquin River.  The Skaggs Crossing Bridge was completed during 1907 as a connection between the communities of Kerman and Madera.  The Skaggs Crossing Bridge was added to the State Highway System during 1933 as part of Legislative Route Number 126 and would become part of California State Route 145 during 1948.  The Skaggs Crossing Bridge would be removed during 2005 to make way for a new structure over the San Joaquin River.  The blog cover photo is the Skaggs Crossing Bridge as it was featured in the 1913 book "The Concrete Bridge."  Below the Skaggs Crossing Bridge can be seen crossing the San Joaquin River as part of Madera Avenue on the 1923 United States Geological Survey Map of Biola.   Part 1; the history of the Skaggs Crossing Bridge The location of Skaggs Crossing was one of the furthest points upstream along San Joaquin River that steamships could navigate.  Skaggs Crossing

Civil War Road Trip Day 3 - Gettysburg and More

Union cannon near the site of Pickett's Charge Day Three saw Colton and I head north into South Central Pennsylvania and Gettysburg.  It was the most enjoyable part of the trip, and we also saw a wide variety of things. Route: I-81, I-70, MD 66, MD 77, US 15, PA 116, PA 16, US 11, PA 163, MD 63, US 11, I-81. For the entire day's photo set on flickr - please head here . There's a lot to do and see in Gettysburg.  Compared to Antietam - it is more tourist-oriented, and the crowds can be overwhelming.  On this pleasant May Saturday - Colton and I did not feel overwhelmed or rushed by tourists.   When I visited in October 2001 - you could schedule a guided tour, but I thought it was in advance.  I recall how I should have done it that year and would the next time.  I thought Colton would be good with a tour guide a few years from now; however, after a quick call to my wife and some begging from Colton, I changed my mind and said yes. It was certainly worthwhile.  Similar to Ant

Former US Route 101 on Y Road near Betabel siding

Y Road is a former segment of US Route 101 in northern San Benito County located near the former Southern Pacific Railroad siding Betabel.  Y Road prior to 1932 was where US Route 101 would have crossed southbound over the San Benito River towards San Juan Highway and San Juan Bautista.  US Route 101 was realigned to the west along the Prunedale Cutoff which eventually left Y Road out of the State Highway System.  Featured as the blog cover is the end Y Road southbound where US Route 101 would have originally crossed the San Benito River.  Below is a scan of the 1935 Division of Highways Map of San Benito County which depicts Y Road east of US Route 101 as a spur of Legislative Route Number 2.  Part 1; the history of US Route 101 on Y Road in the Betabel area Betabel siding was located near Y Road to the west over the Pajaro River in Santa Clara County.  Betabel lies on land which was once part of Rancho Juristac.  By 1869 the Southern Pacific Railroad coast line reached the relocated