Mission San Juan Capistrano

I think I remember going to this mission when Domanique was staying with us, as she had heard the story of the swallows and it was on her bucket list.  But then I think it was such a long way did Mom really make that trip or just talk about it.  Anyway now I have been.                                                                                          

Mission San Juan Capistrano was founded on 1 Nov 1776.  Serra's Chapel, built in 1782 is the oldest building still in use in California.

Probably the most popular mission, due to the legend of the swallows, it was a long walk from parking to the entrance.  Like every mission there were unique exhibits.  I really am happy that I have visited them all.

Mission San Juan Capistrano

Wikipedia   Mission San Juan Capistrano

 Mission San Juan Capistrano

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CALIFORNIA REGISTRER HISTORICAL LANDMARK #200     

SHP San Pasqual Battlefield

San Pasqual Battlefield State Historic Park honors the soldiers who fought in the 1846 Battle of San Pasqual, the bloodiest battle in California during the Mexican–American War. The battle was fought between United States troops under the command of General Stephen Kearny, and the Californio forces under the command of General Andres Pico on December 6, 1846.

The 50-acre park was originally set aside not as a monument to war, but as a place of reflection of the human ideals, actions, and passions that can drive nations to bloodshed.  The park is working with the San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians to incorporate the Kumeyaay ancestral land history as well. 

San Pasqual Battlefield State Historic Park 

San Pasqual Battle field Volunteer Assoc  

San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians 

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Spring

 

SB - Silver Strand State Beach

Silver Strand State Beach is located on the sand-spit that forms the outer edge of San Diego Bay between Coronado and Imperial Beach. There are 2 1/2 miles of ocean beach.  From the parking lot you can go through a tunnel to a half mile of bay and hiking trails on the other side of the spit. 

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SBorder Field State Park

Border Field State Park is located on the Mexican Border and lies within the Tijuana National Estuary and the city of Imperial Beach, along the coast.  Due to storm damage from Hilary in 2023 that contributed to the failure of an International Sewage treatment plant the park is currently closed to visitors.  The day I drove up to the gate the road in was closed, but it seemed that it was open for hiking as long as you stayed on the trails.  There were a few other cars parked and I could see a ranger up the road.  

I just wandered a little ways though it was warm and not that inviting!  Anyone that knows me, knows that I much prefer trees to desert.

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Mission San Gabriel Arcángel

 Mission San Gabriel Arcángel, the fourth of the missions,  was founded on 8 Sep 1771 by Friars Somera and Cambon. It is the home of the Campo Santo, the first cemetery in California.  A large cross marks the final resting place of over 6000 neophytes as well as many Franciscan Priests. 

Mission San Gabriel Arcángel

Wikipedia has an interesting article on this mission, which discusses whether the local people were in fact indoctrinated and used as slave labor.  Like so many early settlements in California, this is an issue and some missions and settlements were worse than others.  

Wikipedia Mission San Gabriel Arcángel

The mission was secularized with the end of the Spanish rule of Mexico.  For a time in the 1850s it became the home of a rather notorious saloon.  In the 1860s the chapel was used as a local parish.  In 1908 the Claretian Missionaries took over the grounds and worked to restore the buildings.  Today the grounds are open for all to see.  There are some great exhibits including indoor and outdoor kitchens, a winery and vats for candles and more.

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CALIFORNIA REGISTRER HISTORICAL LANDMARK #158 old mission site #   161           

SB - Assorted State Beaches

 These Beaches are ones I visited but they seemed so much like others they don't really warrant a post.  So Here is one post for all of them.

Moonlight State Beach - San Diego County

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San Elijio State Beach

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Cardiff State Beach

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South Carlsbad State Beach

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Carlsbad State Beach

Leucadia State Beach

San Buenaventura State Beach

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Point Loma Lighthouse - Old and New

Located within the Cabrillo National Monument Point Loma Lighthouse was built in 1854. In 1855 they installed a Third Order Fresnal Lens which was first lit on Nov 15 of that year.  The light was visible for up to 28 miles, except on Foggy days.  It guided the way for the next 36 years.

The Lighthouses of Cabrillo National Monument

Old Point Loma Light - San Diego History Center

Unfortunately fog and low clouds often obscured the light at the top of the hill and in 1891 the light was extinguished as the keeper moved with his wife and family to the new lighthouse at the bottom of the hill

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Frog Ladder