Time for reflection

Life is one beautiful trip.

Today’s post is for Claire.

It’s time to start making our way south, back to Costa Mesa. Rather than a sad retreat to our starting point, it is another anticipated part of the journey. There is still much to explore on the 101. 

Mission arcade

The Mission of San Miguel Arcangel bell tower can be seen from the highway. Its leaning, patched façade calls to us, and we decide to explore further. We pull over to take a picture (or 17 or 50), debating whether we should leave Steady Betty running for this quick stop. Joelle decides to go ahead and shut her off, knowing it will take an extra few minutes to warm the engine when we are ready to leave. Turns out to be prescient thinking Jo’s part.

The garden is very quiet, despite being located between two roads. Our pace slows to enjoy the calm oasis as we walk the shady path. The open arms of Jesus welcome us.

Franciscan Spanish priests chose the spot in 1797 because of the large population of indigenous people, known as the Salinan, whom they wished to convert.

Olive press

The original murals painted by Esteban Munras are intact today. The pigment is made from ground minerals and cactus juice.

Today, the mission serves as the local parish for the approximately 1400 people of San Miguel. It stands strong through a history of being appropriated as a residence, used as a store, suffering a fire, and being closed for earthquake damage from 2003–2009.

Stairs leading to bell tower

What started as a quick roadside stop, became a 2-hour time for reflection. There was something interesting to see around every corner, and many examples of the culture and daily life of the Salinan people.