Having seen the sign Harvey House on the California State Historical Signs for years, even decades, as I would drive between southern California and Las Vegas, I decided today was the day to investigate. What is Harvey House and why is it a California State Historical Landmark? The Harvey House is at the Barstow Amtrack Station. It is a relic of a time gon by. There were over 80 Harvey Houses between Chicago and Los Angeles. They were train stops to allow travelers a place to sleep and something to eat. In the early days of train travel there were no sleeper or diner cars. The
Water and Wood Powered
Trains could stop and get water for the steam engine, wood or coal for the engine, and allow travelers a chance to get a hot meal, during a short stop, or a nights rest during a longer stop. The Harvey House in Barstow was built in 1885, and rebuilt in 1906 following a fire. This particular Harvey House is also called Casa del Deseirto. Once with a very long and curving lunch counter, all that remains of the counter is Continue reading Harvey House – Barstow, California→
Mission San Antonio de Padua is another old mission you might say. Well yes it is, but it is so much more. Our history is made of old things, old places and old stories. This place is full of stories and so full of history. The yarns that are spun and the truth that is told blend into a rich tapestry of early California with more characters that a grade school play.
Father Serra founded this mission. It is one of the nine that he founded, this one here in 1771.
There are 21 missions in total.
Huge Central Patio
Although rather stark outside the mission grounds are very well kept and clean.
Protection from the invasion of the wild critters in the surrounding area makes the central patio oh so cozy, with healthy plant life and fruit during the right time of year.
The faithful always find something in the gift shop and historical material abounds as well! The museum is well kept and so interesting. An overnight stay at the church will enable first hand enjoyment of the incredibly clear skies and possibly howling coyotes! Praying in the chapel, which was built of 200 years ago, brings history into sharp focus. The drive give great view of these wide open spaces in addition to frequent wildlife sightings.
Mission San Antonio – Mission Days
Authentic Costumes and Music
Mission Days at the San Antonio Mission is the biggest event of the year with authentic period music and dancing, historical story telling and choral music that is top quality. Finally get a program for this event from their website so you don’t miss any noteworthy events. Look for the event in early April every year. Come early and stay late!
NO. 232 MISSION SAN ANTONIO DE PADUA – Mission San Antonio de Padua, established on July 14, 1771, was the third in a series of missions founded in Alta California by Father Junípero Serra. Its picturesque setting in the valley of the San Antonio River within the Santa Lucia Range makes it one of today’s most outstanding examples of early mission life. Location: Take Jolon Rd 26.5 mi from Hwy 101, to Hunter-Ligget Military Reservation, 23 mi W of King City. Plaque located at Hwy 101 & Jolon Rd on W. side
Charley Carlin
About The Author Charley has many quests. One of those quests is to visit and explore all the California Missions and other missions throughout the southwest. Found all around the southwest in his Prius, he is a passionate seeker of those slightly odd and a bit different locales. He can also be found on his family blog – charley.net. his social media guide – Charley Carlin – Social Media Guide and via Reviews on YELP, Trip Advisor, Google Maps, and Google+.
Finding new places is a real passion. Then to see what is there and what has been done or what was, well that is the joy of exploration. So after spotting Yume Japanese Garden in Tucson, I said lets go! After all we are in town and had a morning available to see things in Tucson before roaring off our my next destination that was in New Mexico. Now to find the place was a bit difficult. We were looking for the Japanese Gardens, but found the Tucson Botanical Gardens. We drove up and down the street finally going to the Tucson Botanical gardens that, unknown to us was two doors north or was it south. Anyway when we asked at the Tucson Botanical Gardens about the Yume Japanese Gardens we got the deer in the headlights look. They did not know about it. Continue reading Yume Japanese Gardens – Tucson, AZ→
When in the Southwest and in the southwestern part of New Mexico there are so many wide spots in the road to choose from. Hurley is one such wide spot in the road. When coming from Silver City, New Mexico traveling down the 180 towards Deming, if you get off the 180 in North Hurley and take North Hurley Road into Hurley, one can witness a town that time, history, and the economy have left behind. It looks pretty run down and time has not been kind. The town of Hurley is exactly 640 acres. Interesting as 640 acres is exactly one square mile. It seemed to me as if the mining company set aside one square mile or one section of land for the town. Note on the map the city is almost square. As a side note around Hurley were several locations for shooting scenes of the 2013 move Lone Ranger. A very minimal claim to fame. Now, you may ask ‘Charley what are you doing here?’ That is a good question. With relatives in Silver City, the world’s best chiles in Hatch, New Mexico and an excellent chili roaster in Hurley, I end up on the 180 several times a year. Lets face it – I love side roads, great chiles, and Continue reading Miracles are here – The Shrine of the Infant Baby Jesus→
Well for me there are two very important items in that title. First the word National tells me that this may be a whole lot more than a patch of swamp land with a few alligators and a flock of birds. Second the words Wildlife Refuge. I love wildlife, and I love refuge. So this is a must stop, that is all there is! Easy to find and just a few miles off the highway is the Visitor Center. A good place to start, for sure. Continue reading Mississippi Sandhill Crane Refuge→
Driving down the Great Highway as one follows the road along the far west of the city of San Francisco beaches abound and parking is scarce. Vistas of the ocean are everywhere, and one wonders what the rents might be on ocean facing apartments or even the cost of the homes viewing the ocean. Dream on. Dream on. The Great Highway ends in a few miles and Skyline Boulevard continues along the coast. One comes by Lake Merced on the east side of the road and on the ocean side is Fort Funston. It does not look like a Fort. There do not seem to be any military buildings. Wait, the sign says Fort Funston National Park. Continue reading Fort Funston→
