Walt Whitman from ''Leaves of Grass'': ''Lo, soul! seest thou not God's purpose from the first?/ The earth to be spanned, connected by net-work.''

Download the Jack's Gap Bridge Dedication Program here. (PDF format)

Photos taken by Ken Eells (unless noted) from the Dedication and the run of the Live Oak Shay - 11/11/06:

Ken Eells designed and built these station signs to be erected at each end of the bridge. The ceremonial beer can be seen at the base among the rocks. - Rita Allan photo.

Jeff Sessums was the first to christen the bridge with a Coors Light® bottle.

Beverly Sessums, Jack's wife, followed. - Tom Gaszi photo.

John Sessums eases the #7 onto the bridge for the inaugural crossing.

John is almost to the other side as he crosses over the Mule's Relief line grade.

First steam on the east end of the bridge.

Jack's Gap Cake designed by Rita. - Peter Moseley photo

Check out the Fall Meet 2006 Photo Album here.

Paul Lavacot working on shoring up the East Abutment.

Dick Pantoja tamps the temporary west end connector track.

May workday update:

The Gap is Spanned! - Rita Allan photos.

Panoramic view of the 100' Jack's Gap Bridge which now spans the entire dry wash. May 13th, 2006.

Decking and Rail will be placed in the Fall.

Ole places the last stringer beam with help from John above and Roger below.

Mike Brehm rebuilding the west abutment. A huge effort!

Roger spins a yarn while Tom listens intently.

The Main Span goes up.

Photos from November 15th, 2005. - Tom Arnold photos.

GSD Chief Engineer Rick Mugele, architect of the Span.

Rick can be seen fitting up bracing.

View of the bents.

Photos from the build, November 13th, 2005-

Our friendly tractor operator, Ole, sets the 40' main span on the bents.

Rita Allan photo.

Roger Stabler finishes his 3 days of welding by securing the span beams to the main bents Sunday evening.

Tom Arnold photo.

Moonrise over Jack's Gap.

Tom Arnold photo.

	Rick's design for the deck truss bridge that will span the wash. Curtis Ferrington has drawn this 3D view in CAD.
	This side elevation has the Redwood Valley Railway #4 included to impart a sense of scale.

Our friend, mentor and inspiration. Rest in Peace, Jack.

Jack's Gap Bridge.

The Gap is Spanned! - Rita Allan photos.

Panoramic view of the 100' Jack's Gap Bridge which now spans the entire dry wash. May 13th, 2006.

Decking and Rail will be placed in the Fall.