Santa Barbara Mission...Santa Barbara, California

Photo above...Scenic mountains of Santa Barbara, California. Just above the Santa Barbara Mission.

The one draw back with traveling is that it can be difficult to find Internet connections, especially while one is confined inside a moving vehicle. My little cannon camera has clicked away at a number of photographic sites but they remain on its memory card until I have sufficient time to label and post them. Guess what this all boils down to is that I am now in Bend, Oregon and still have pictures from California yet to blog about. Always a day late and a dollar short!

Photo below...Many of the homes in Southern California feature Spanish architecture. Here, in the area near the Mission, stands a cloister of mission style homes which seem to adapt well to the California landscape.

Photo below...The front of the historic Santa Barbara Mission with its interesting architectural details.

Photo below show close up of the detailing on mission pediment and the cross. The mission entrance is flanked by twin bell towers.

Photo below...another perspective of the front of the mission, this time sans tourist. Unfortunately we were not able to view the interior of the mission church as there was a wedding in process...lucky couple to have such a gorgeous place to have their wedding.

Photo below...Mission plaque stating some of the chronological history of the mission.

Photo below...Panoramic view of mission or as panoramic as my tiny camera can get.

Photo below...Santa Barbara hillside dotted with mission style homes and gardens, and an amazingly clear blue sky.

Photo below...One of the bed of roses in the mission park rose garden.

Photo below...Me and my hubby in front of the roses. Was surprised that I didn't break the camera, LOL.

Photos below...more of the rugged but beautiful California mountains.

I will have to post more later, but at this time we are about to leave to go to the cemetery and take care of John's mother's remains. Bye for now.

California Mission...San BuenaVentura

MISSION SAN BUENAVENTURA

Below are photos taken while vacationing in California. These are of the Historic Mission in Ventura, California.

Photo above...the front of the Mission San Buenaventura. The street in front of the mission was closed off to traffic a few years ago and fountains, benches and even a park have been added. When I lived and worked in this pretty city (back about 45 years ago) this street was just an ordinary street and open to traffic...the park was a block of businesses such as a Pep Boys Auto parts store and varied shops. Things sure change, this time it is for the better!

Photo above...An historic store stands on the corner of this street. I can remember shopping here back in the early 60's...it was an old building even back then.

Photos above...View of one of the street fountains and mural on wall depicting Ventura's historic past.

Photo above...full view of fountain, notice that flags are at half mast as this was taken 9/11. The Pacific Ocean is only a couple of blocks away.

Photo above...The small park that now adorns the area across the street from the Mission San BuenaVentura.

Photo above...Mission Bell Tower with the foothills of Ventura in background.