The beautiful state of California is dotted with Missions harkening back to a profoundly different time in our history. Some have been restored and some show their age. I would love to see them all and had the opportunity to check one more off the complete list near the Monterey area. Mission San Juan Bautista is a fine example of a restored mission turned state park adjacent to a lovely little historic town. I’m not exactly sure why I’ve never been hear considering its close proximity to Monterey and Carmel. Perhaps I’ve always been in a hurry to hit the beach? Regardless, this gem was a great place to take a break and stretch our legs on the way to the beach. The church is magnificent and the grounds are pleasing and peaceful. The nearby structures show period houses, hotels, a jail, blacksmith, stables, etc. School kids were running around soaking it all in as little kids should be.
Have you ever visited any of the California Missions? I’ll try my best to stop by and visit some more in coming days and years, they are a treat.
*In other news, I have also been looking for the opportunity to take a photo and mention the mission bells one can see whiling driving on historic California roads. The mission bells indicate El Camino Real and there are many of them connecting Mission country up and down California. I am usually whizzing by them on the highway without the ability to stop and wanted to capture this one for you since it was right outside the church.
Bulldog Travels / Photos By Jenny 
Those churches are so identical to the ones we have here all across Mexico… 🙂
Loved the photo of Little C. with the “Old-Timer”.
(You are clearly slowly inoculating the travel virus into Little C.)
😉
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I sure am. He loves going places and seeing new stuff. He loves beaches a lot at the moment.
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Does he build castles? 🙂 Too young to write love letters in the sand (except to his mom). Ah! That’s a very old Pat Boone song… Your parents must know it.
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He does build a “castle” and also made a garbage pile because he is obsessed with garbage trucks. I remember the song.
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How little boys get obsessed with trucks right? Little G. loves his trucks. And cars. He also uses one as a garbage truck. We also bought him vehicle that can be taken apart and reassembled with big plastic screws, nuts and bolts, screwdrivers… He loves it. I think he will be a car mechanic. (When cars will have be banned!)
Pretty song right? (Very vintage)
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Sounds like G and C would get along just fine! Colin has something similar and is surprisingly proficient with some tools. But then that’s what his Dad teaches him regularly so he gets it from there. Yes, great song.
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Male bonding. 😉
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Lovely kid and nice photos
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