The Spanish Missions were founded in Alta California during the time period between 1769 and 1823. Basically, the Russians were threatening to take over the Spanish claimed lands on the West Coast of America. To strengthen the Spanish claim over these lands, Padres were sent to establish a Mission and teach the natives the Catholic faith as well as mold the natives into useful subjects under the Spanish Monarchy.
Over time, 21 missions were built along El Camino Real (The King’s Highway) with each mission being located exactly one days walk from the last. Even now, the missions are along a path, marked out with bells, followed by many Catholic pilgrims.
Mission San Luis Rey
Mission San Luis Rey is known as The King of the Missions because of its grand size. The original mission compound covered almost 6 acres. Much of the Mission was a court yard that was often used for festivals and entertainment–even for bull fighting! The current courtyard is about 1/4 the original size. Within the courtyard walls still grows the first pepper tree to ever be planted in California.
The mission is used as a museum, and Mass services are still held in the Chapel.
The interior walls, windowsills, and doorways are an excellent example of the combination of form and function. As we walked through the museum and chapel, I was in awe of the way that the builders–Padres and Friars had taken the time to make everything both functional and beautiful. The walls of the chapel (as well as the doorways and windowsills throughout the Mission) were painted with beautiful Spanish-infuenced designed. The doors had intricate carving and decorative blacksmithing to welcome you into a chamber.
In the chapel, I happened to look up at the beams above the pulpit–carved with an intricate leaf design and polished to a shine. I was reminded that even if no one will ever see your work, God sees it. He will reward you for a job well done.
Mission San Luis Rey Garden
I wasn’t able to take any pictures inside the mission because the museum requested no photography. To see historical drawings and photos of Mission San Luis Rey, check out this site. You can also see a few photos of the inside of the church here.
March is an impatient time of year for me. Some days bring hopeful signs of spring–robins on the fence, birds singing in the apple tree. Other days bring 6 more inches of snow and forecasted lows of 2°F. Almost a year ago, it seemed good to Brenton and me to plan a sunny spring break as a reward for bringing a baby into the world.
Last week we escaped the snow and headed to sunny Southern California for a stay at Oceanside. Our first full day we drove historic 101 from Oceanside to San Diego. This used to be the main highway connecting Washington to Southern California, but it has been replaced with the more modern and traffic friendly I-5. From Oceanside to San Diego, Historic 101 in a lovely drive along the beach, through several small towns, and past many antique shops and vintage diners.
We ended our drive by heading a bit farther south to Cabrillo National Monument and the Old Point Loma Lighthouse.
The Point Loma Lighthouse was completed in 1855 and served for 36 years to guide ships safely into San Diego Harbor. The lighthouse was built on the top of a hill 422 feet above sea level. However, there was a serious flaw in the sight selected–fog and low cloud cover often obscured the light. On those nights, the lighthouse keeper had to stand outside and fire off gunshots to warn ships away from the rocks below (this was before the time of fog horns). So after 36 years of service, the old Point Loma Lighthouse was retired and a new one was built a mere 100 feet away.
Point Loma Lighthouse
Being a lighthouse keeper must have been a lonely life. Except for the assistant keeper, your nearest neighbor was a boat trip away across the bay. For a kid, being the keeper’s kid would have been awesome. The keeper’s (and family’s) quarters were actually a part of the main lighthouse structure. The bedrooms on the second floor were tucked right into the roof-line complete with interesting alcoves and short (kid-height) windows. I imagine a kid waking every morning to the sunrise over the bay, spending the day collecting sea-shells and watching hermit crabs.
I’m sure the kids that grew up at the lighthouse spent a lot of time playing in the tide pools on the west side of the island. Tide pools are basically saltwater puddles exposed when the tide is low. The water warms up, and the pools are home to an amazing variety of sea-life. Starfish, anemones, and sea sponges all make their homes in tide pools. These unique and fragile ecosystems are as fascinating for kids today as they must have been for children growing up at the lighthouse in 1855. On a warm sunny day, the Cabrillo National Monument tide pools are teaming with families hoping to catch a glimpse of a starfish or a sea anemone.
Point Loma Tide Pools
