Mission San Juan Capistrano.
I made a little trip, with family, to the Mission San Juan Capistrano back on July 4th. You know,the place that the swallows return to every year? I don't think they do anymore...I think they found another place to roost, but that's what it's famous for. It's really gorgeous, and I highly recommend it to anyone who visits the area. They don't call it "the jewel of the missions" for nothing.
I think I may have already made a post on this a few years ago. But so what. Here's another one.
The Sacred Garden, Bell Wall, and ruins of the Great Stone Church.
Shrine in the Sacred Garden.
Koi pond.
Koi disapproving of my not having brought him breakfast.
Great Stone Church
The gardens are always very pretty at any time of year.
More flowers, with old Soldiers Barracks in the background.
Looks to be a sunflower of some fancy kind.
Central Courtyard.
If you, as I am, are a fan of arches, bricks, and adobe in buildings, then this is the place for you!
Pond reflection.
Outside the Serra Chapel.
Inside the Serra Chapel. This is the oldest part of the mission and dates from 1782, earthquakes be damned!
The Spanish Baroque reredo in the chapel. It's blurry because using a flash in a dark church where people are praying is tacky. It's covered in gold leaf.
Lizard in disguise. He was so sure no one could see him. :)
Bell Wall.
Cactus.
This was way above eye level, painted on the end of an old beam. I liked it.
The mission is a big tourist attraction but it's still an operating church and there are still monks living there. I can think of worse places to live, can't you?