St. Augustine, Florida

Old photo's from the "Oldest City". St. Augustine in Florida is the first permanent European settlement in the U.S. (These old poor quality photo's are from the dark ages, my honeymoon back in 1972, taken with a little Instamatic then scanned).

There is so much to see and do here in this beautiful city. Spanish influence is most apparent as you tour the city. Spanish explorer, Juan Ponce de Leon first came ashore here in 1513. Though the word here has broad meaning. The exact location really isn't known, but thought to be in this area. He didn't come with a mission to make a settlement, rather his mission was to explore. The area wasn't well thought of, poor land, infested with insects and alligators, humid uncomfortable weather and hurricanes. Ponce de Leon continued on to other places in his explorations.


French Huguenots attempted to colonize the area in 1562, unsuccessfully as they ran out of food and pulled out. The French tried again in 1564 with a larger more well equipment group that included women. Trouble between France and Spanish ensued. I could tell you more about how Menendez rooted out the Spanish, was imprisoned and.......but, instead let me suggest that you schedule a trip to this fascinating city and find out first hand.

A wonderful place for families with beaches to enjoy, parks for those traveling with pets, Lighthouses to explore, Missions, Museums, and lets not forget the Fort. Ft Mantanzas is a National Monument, all children love cannons. History truly comes alive in St. Augustine.


As we continued on up the coast we spotted Ponce de Leon Inlet Light. This lighthouse is 175 feet tall, the tallest in all of Florida. It's located between St. Augustine and Cape Canaveral Light. Though it's history began in 1835, that structure was in a slightly different location, and was burned down during one of The Seminole Wars. The newer structure was constructed in 1883 and in 1998 was noted as a National Historic Landmark.

Mission San Carlos Borrome'o de Carmel, Traveling in California

Spain wished to colonize The California Lands, the Catholic Franciscan order wished to bring Christianity to the Natives, and thus The Mission period (1769-1835) along The El Camino Road was born. El Camino Real, the road to connect the 21 missions along the California coast made traveling from one to the other possible.

Mission San Carlos Borrome'o de Carmel, the 2nd oldest of these missions was named for Saint Charles Borromeo. It is considered to be the most beautiful of all the missions and was the headquarters. Father Junipero Serra built the mission, his favorite and is infact buried beneath the alter. This is a must see, and is just south of the city of Carmel.

There is much to see while traveling throughout the grounds, diorama's depicted it's early history, original bibles, pictures showing the various stages of The Mission, a grave yard, beautiful gardens with statues, and of course an impressive gift shop.












Secularization occurred in 1834 putting an end to the missions. They were all sold to private parties, except the church which fell into terrible disrepair. It stood empty, with a collapsed roof for 30 years. The first attempt at repair/rehab took place in 1884, and the 2nd in 1930.

If you're traveling with children make a point to spend ample time in front of these diorama's. There are several and detail is fabulous. Would also be a great way to introduce your children to making a diorama of vacation once they return home.



Touring this mission is very educational for people of all ages, I highly recommend it. What a peaceful thing to do with the family after a hectic hot day at the beach, or perhaps on a rainy day while on vacation. Encourage the kids to write about their visits to interesting places while you travel.

Santa Barbara, California

Driving up the coast of California a must stop is Santa Barbara. In fact, I think it was probably my favorite stop along the way; though we didn't spend much time there. In retrospect, we should have altered our reservations, stayed and explored more. Santa Barbara is rich in history, dating back to 1542, when a Portugese explorer Juan Cabrillo first sailed up the coast to claim the area for Spain. He made contact with the inhabitants, Chumash Indians. Later the area was explored more by Viscaino who named the channel Santa Barbara after The Roman Catholic Feast Day of Santa Barbara.

It wasn't until 1780 when establishment of a Mission and Presidio took place. In 1796 1,000 Chumash Indians were baptized. Trouble and damage to the area from an Earthquake in 1812 occured. The American Period began in 1845......but wait. Don't want to tell you all about it. Explore and find out for yourselves.

Santa Barbara is rich in history, quaint, and quite pretty there along the ocean. Watch the sunsets, eat at any local establishment and you'll be glad you did. Pick a cute affordable Mom and Pop type Motel/hotel for your stay. Enjoy yourself and avoid the chains. Santa Barbara doesn't look like anywhere USA.

Want to sun yourself on the beach........enjoy. Perhaps you want to fish, or visit a local winery. Much to see and do. I'm sorry our time there was short. We didn't have much daylight by the time we stopped, sorry only a few pictures. Even in the cool evenings open pit fireplaces warm you as you stroll up and down the beach sidewalk or dine outside across from the beach.

I highly recommend staying at The Mason Inn. We had a wonderful room just one block from the beach. Our room was very affordable, large enough for a table and chairs, microwave, and small fridge. Definatley not your routine bed in a room hotel.

We had free internet service as well. A very comfortable room. I'd like to go back and spend time in The Mission. We were there in June of last year when fires were everywhere in California. Believe going later in the year would have been a little more comfortable temperature wise.

On recommendations from our host at Mason Inn, we ate dinner at The Fish House. Ola la la!