California's Mother Road

In 1925 the Federal Government was faced with the dilemma of how to make a national US Highway system easily understood. The trend had been to name Highways after presidents or areas and this muliplied by all the Highways which cross the country would challenge even the best memory. They finally agreed upon a numerical system, which desiginated East-West Highways with even numbers and North-South Highway with odd numbers. This system was adopted, but took years for the signs to appear on most highways. The West Coast US Highway would be designated as US Highway 101. Then as now the large majority of people lived in the coastal area and this new highway would mimic the explosive growth of the Sunshine State.

Torrey Pines is stunning as it hugs the coastal cliffs between La Jolla and Del Mar. It has always been a place of beauty and enchantment. The oldest image shows a car driving up what is now the park road, but once was the coastal route which made up the early US Highway 101 between San Diego and Los Angeles. The color view to the South leaving Del Mar is almost exactly the same as today. No development has taken place to steal away this view. The same view in black and what shows what happens when to many cars clog the route. The last image is an early photo of the grade leaving Del Mar to the North.

The only section of National Register Designated US Highway 101 is in Torrey Pines State Reserve. It is a narrow ribbon of concrete in the Southern part of the Park.

King of the Missions

Mission San Luis Rey in the beautiful San Luis Rey Valley of Oceanside draws thousands of visitors each year to enjoy its Majesty. By far this mission was the largest of all built by the Spanish Franciscan Friars. Returned to the church by President Lincoln after it had been seculaized by the Mexican govenment in the 1800's.
It has a museum to explore and a gift shop for those looking for souviniers and religous gifts.

March 3, 2008 What a great day at the beach. Southern California is known for its surf culture. Hazy sunny days year round. Here in Oceanside we enjoy our 3 1/2 miles of wide sandy Beach's crowned with the longest pier on the West Coast. Cruise on The Strand inches from the sand with the beautiful Pacific Oceanside on the West and some classic old beach cottges on the East. Remember there are no bad beach days.

Mexico to Canada

Us Highway 101 in its full splendor began at the Mexican Border and ran North through Califonia, Oregon and Washington next to Canada.

Third Annual Beach'n 101 Cruise

September 7, 2008 the Third Annual Beach'n 101 Cruise will roll out along the Historic Highway 101 between Oceanside and La Jolla. If the previous two cruises are any indication there should be over a thousand cars and trucks enjoying the San Diego coastline.
Spectators can enjoy the cruisers closeup along the route and see them parked while they are shopping or eating in the six totally unique beach towns. They can also see them for the award presentation at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in the afternoon. For more details check out the Highway 101 Associations website: www.drivethe101.com Also check out photos of the participants from 2007 at the site.

Valentine Day at the 101 Cafe

I like to talk with customers at the Cafe. I saw a couple of twenty something women talking at the counter and thought I would chat with them. I noticed that one was wearing large heart shaped earrings and said "those were very appropriate for Valentine's day." She looked down at her breast(she happened to be wearing a Hooters t-shirt). It was clear she thought I was talking about her breast so I quickly said "no I didn't give a Hoot" and walked away.