Return to Santa Barbara

photo above...the large carved wooden doors that open into the mission church. We were unable to go inside as there was a wedding in progress...perhaps my next trip out I'll be allowed to view the inside of this old historic church. We did however enjoy listening to the wedding vocalists sing a heavenly version of Ava Maria as we strolled about the interior courtyard gardens.

My last post was about the Queen of Missions...the Santa Barbara Mission. Unfortunately I only had time to write up a post regarding the outer grounds and exterior of the mission, this post will cover the lovely courtyard area.

Photo above...As we entered the mission courtyard we were greeted by incredibly tall palms. They seemed as though they were attempting to reach the heavens. I had to tilt the camera almost straight up to get a shot of their crown of palm frond.

Photos below are of the main courtyard with it's gardens and fountain.

Photo below...One of the covered walkways that circle the courtyard.

Photo below...A small cactus garden looks most appropriate against the old stone wall of the mission.

Photo below...One of my favorite shots. These steps must have led to a doorway at one time but the rows of potted cacti look enchanting lined up so neatly on the stone stairs.

Photo below...In another section within the walls of the mission is a small cemetery and at its center stands a large ficus tree.

Photo below...Large crucifix that reigns over the mission cemetery.

Photo below...Backside of one of the twin bell towers...to me it looks just as attractive from this side as it does from the main entrance.

Photo below...The cemetery plaque with a bit of the history of the old mission cemetery.

Anymore it seems my eye is drawn to every little thing, guess I've been bitten by the shutterbug as I seem to see photo opportunities everywhere I look. The photos below were taken at the front of the mission

Photos below...The old lavanderia (Laundry).

Glad I don't have to do laundry this way !

Photo below...Grand old Eucalyptus tree with mission style homes in background.

Photo below...And a grand old California Pepper tree that stand alongside the historic Lavanderia.

My next post will take us out of Southern California as we head North into the California wine country. Blogging and traveling has created a small time lapse problem for me as it is most difficult to keep up when my online time is kept to a minimum. So far my posts have been a couple of steps behind me.

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.