CSHP - Santa Barbara Presidio

The Presidio was founded in 1782 to protect Spain's claim to the area and to provide oversight to the colonization project.  Much of the current structure is a reconstruction of the original based on archeological excavation.

El Cuartel, the guard house, which is currently across the street from the main complex is original, having been cared for by the family of one of the original soldiers.  They had lived in the rooms until 1924. 

The reconstruction includes a chapel and padre quarters, The comandancia, living quarters and office for the Comandante,  gardens, a kitchen and more. The Presideo aqueduct has also been located.

  

Santa Barbara SHP

Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation

Presidio of Santa Barbara - Wikipedia

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Herbs

These have been hanging in the kitchen for years.  They predate the 1991 remodel, but have hung above the window since then.

CSB - El Capitan

 A grey day in August... a really pretty beach with nice hiking trails

 

El Capitan State Beach

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NP - Zion

"....didn't faintly prepare me for the reality of the towering rock walls, splashed with brilliant hues of tans and reds, interspersed with whites...the great towers, temples, spires and peaks appeared unearthly as they encircled the narrow lush gorge cut by the sparking virgin River."  Horace Albright 1918

In May 1982 the family took a trip to Arizona visiting many parks and other sites along the route.  One stop was Zion National Park where we camped and took a horseback ride.

Zion National Park

More Pictures - 1982

 

Mission - Santa Barbara

A trip to bring Alexis to visit a friend gave me an
opportunity to visit Mission Santa Barbara.

The mission, often referred to as the Queen of the Missions,  was established in 1786 by Padre Fermín Lasuén.  The current chapel is the 4th, constructed after the 3rd was destroyed by an earthquake in 1812.  Damaged again by earthquake in 1925, it was restored in 1927.  Further restorations have taken place over the years.

 https://www.santabarbaramission.org/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mission_Santa_Barbara

I'm always surprised by the chapel decor in the missions.  Although buildings seem very similar the decor of each chapel is unique.  This one had a lovely mix of pastel colors.  The graveyard has some unique graves and an mausoleum.  

The museum provides a history of the Chumash peoples and their artesian works. Early items from the mission are also on display

Below you'll find a couple old pictures by Isaiah West Taber, showing what it was like around 1885.

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The Garden at Santa Barbara Mission
Isaiah West Taber #A418

Santa Barbara Mission
1885 Isaiah West Taber #B1313