far away fridays

History is fascinating and especially when we can visit places that have become rich with heritage from those who have passed before us. California has 21 missions along a strip familiarly called El Camino Real that stretch along the coast where Spanish settlers and Native Americans “converged” many years ago when our country was just getting started. This little place is located in San Benito County and is right along our path when we journey to the ocean. As the kids grew we frequented here just to take in history and soak up the atmosphere. Here lies the

Mission of San Juan Bautista founded in 1797. It’s a place where one can FEEL history. The sounds of the wooden floors creaking, the dusty smell of the air, the artifacts, and the presence of a sanctuary that still holds mass every day. There are many rooms filled with the past and it is amazing that so much of it still exists. Everything is quiet and one is compelled only to whisper and stand witness to lives and practices gone by. They have a little souvenir shop that is loaded with catholic articles. Outside the mission walls there is a huge garden area, a cemetery and the entire site sits up on a hill that overlooks the actual trail or “highway” that was traveled by settlers. The encompassing walls are wrought with tangles of flowers and vines, and one gets the sense that not much has changed over the years. It’s both an educational and peaceful place to spend a little time.