Mission - San Antonio de Padua

Each of the missions I've visited has some wonderful new thing to see.  San Antonio de Padua, probably the furthest off the beaten path, situated a little over twenty miles west of 101 had a great museum. The arrangement allowed easy viewing and there were many unique items, including a    When the wine was ready it would be drained through that hole you see.





San Antonio Padua was established in 1771 by Father Serra, the 3rd mission in the system.  It was run by Franciscan priests until 2005 when it was taken over by the Diocese of Monterey.

It is still an active church, albeit with a tiny community.  It is also open for individual and group retreats.






It is definitely in the boonies, but well worth the trip.  Be aware that your GPS might not know the way after a certain point so you might want to look at a map before you go.

There was also a great gift shop.  Artists have placed their wares on consignment, which allows a much better collection that could be maintained if the items had to be purchased.  It's a great place to stock up for next seasons gifts!

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• Mission San Antonio de Padua website
• Mission San Antonio de Padua - Wikipedia
• California Through My Lens
• See Monterey

LH - Hunting Island (South Carolina)

One of the places we traveled to South Carolina in 2009 for Ethan's wedding in Beaufort.  It was a lovely park and a great lighthouse.

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Valentine Hearts

Another early lap quilt.  I think one of my first...made in the days when material was found in the remnant bin at Gemco.  I'm never sure that I love this, not the color choices I'd make today. But then it was what was available and I've lived with it on Valentines day for close to forty years.

SMCP - Pillar Point Bluff

It was another great day with the San Mateo County Parks Foundation,  a beautiful January day, and Michele had arranged for Malia and Chris to lead this birding hike.  Malia is an expert for  ibirds, responsible for checking reported sightings for the area.  Also on the hike were rangers Rob Cala and Mark Schneider.  Rob Cala's huge camera lens captured some wonderful shots of the day.  Check the harrier and the heron below.



As we hiked the bluff, I realized I had been there once before, without realizing it, when we took our Bay to Bridge hike in 2014.

Harrier Land Brush - Rob Cala 2020 - Used with permission
Northern Harrier

Misty Pillar Point Harbor

Once you know where this park is, it is easy to get to and well worth the drive to get there.  It's a short hike to Mavericks Beach or in the other direction to the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve.

Pillar Point Bluff County Park
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Magnificent Mushrooms
Fly Agaric

Heron - Rob Cala 2020 - Used with permission
Black Crowned Night Heron