Wednesday, April 23, 2008

along the el camino real...

So here is part deux of my trip up north to Monterey. We enjoyed visiting the beautiful rugged coastline of California. Even though it was brisk and windy...it seemed to sweep the cobwebs away...
We also visited three California Missions...Mission San Antonio de Padua, Mission San Juan Bautista and Mission Nuestra Senora de la Soladad.


I have this fascination with the California Missions. It's not the religious affiliation but more the history that intrigues me. This is California's history...be it good or bad...history helps us learn from our mistakes...


The planning of the missions had spaced them roughly a day's horse ride or a three-day walk from one mission to the next along the highway known as the El Camino Real, which means the kings' "royal way."The missions are among California's oldest structures and are evidence of a time when the Western world was changing. The Church and government expected the missions to support themselves from farming and growing crops.
Some missions were built in more ideal situations while others experienced devastating earthquakes, winds and floods. While only a few of these historical buildings are supported by the state, others have created groups to sustain the missions. It has taken time but through the generosity of visitors many have been able to rebuild.
Some are worn down and tired, others are modest, a few are elegant...but they all make for fascinating study.

For me it is a step through time, as I meander their pathways and enjoy the peace and serenity within the mission walls.
I'm almost halfway through visiting all 21 missions.

10 comments:

Amanda A. Brooks said...

I love the old west photos since I write western romance novels. My blog is amandaromantic.blogspot.com-a ten book western series.
-Amanda
:)
Beautiful photos.

Deirdre said...

I've seen three or four of the missions - seeing all of them is on my life list. I know their history isn't all good, and I'm not religious, but there's something about the missions that touches me. Even after several visits to the one nearest my home.

Tiglizzyclone said...

Your photography is really bueatiful! You have really captured the spirit of the missions in your photos. It just reminds me. When I was a kid in elementary school our class went to Mission Dolores on a field trip. I remember the awe I felt then, just being there in the middle of all that history. That awe it has stayed with me all these years. Recently when we had relatives come in from Michigan they wanted to go to San Francisco, never having been there. My first thoughts were that they have got to see Mission Dolores. Thank you for sharing your pictures, I especially like the red brick porch next to the arches. Also, the kitty cat.
Leslie

Amanda A. Brooks said...

Angela, a little off topic-but found this youtube video of you singing I ENJOY BEING A GIRL. So adorable. :)
-Amanda
:)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=vmBfTZ3VcKQ

Denise Felton said...

Amazing journey! Thank you so much for sharing these photos!

Lisa Kettell said...

These are such wonderful pictures, you really captured the magic of the missions.
Thank You for sharing!
All the best!
Lisa!

Anonymous said...

Those are beautiful pix. I love the two of the black and white cat. Especially the last one. I had a black and white cat I loved dearly as a child. And your shadow kinda looks like mine. So I can relate to it.

Pallas said...

Great photos of the missions. I was stationed at Fort Hunter Liggett many many years ago, and enjoyed Mission San Antonio de Padua while I was there. (The mission and post were joined) My husband and I visited the mission several years ago and attended a Mass. It was an active Parish then, but I don't know if it is active today.

Pallas

ann h said...

Hi Angela,Enjoyed your pictures.I was there over ten years ago.I love the history of it too.The kitty was adorable.I had one like that years ago.Thanks for sharing all of your beautiful photos.

Peggi Meyer Graminski said...

Beautiful photos of the missions - they are always so peaceful and inspiring.

Thanks for sharing!

Peggi