|
TWO DAYS BEFORE THE SEA: |
|
 |
We chose a January visit and midweek when
the inn would be less busy with room rates reduced. Rates run from
$150 a night up to the deluxe Tower rooms that go for $250 to $500
in weekend, high season. Rates include a hearty continental breakfast,
afternoon tea and wine, room coffee makers and refrigerator with complimentary
beverages. And, as is typical with small inns, the staff is knowledgeable
about the area and knows what visitors will want to do after they've
studied the harbor statue of Richard Henry Dana that gazes inland,
forever casting its eyes to the San Juan mission beyond the cliffs.
|
 |
|
| It's a ten minute drive to San Juan Capistrano,
though a longer flight for the swallows that return every year in
March and, now in contrast to the town of Dana Point, you do find
streets to walk that talk of the past. A free brochure, Walking Tour
Guide to Historic San Juan Capistrano, is published every year by
the city and is readily found in shops and restaurants and at the
city's centerpiece: the Mission. Established, by chance in that important
date in our history 1776, the Mission was the seventh of the 21 Californian
missions started by Father Junipero Serra along the foot trail from
San Diego in the south to Sonoma in the north. |
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
A statue of the founding father himself greets visitors at the far end of the gardens that add to the Mission's charm. Behind it swing the four bells that originally hung in the tower of the great stone church until the earthquake destroyed it. And beyond lies the Serra chapel, the oldest building in California and the only remaining Mission church where Father Serra conducted services. A short side passage at the chapel's entrance leads off to the Saint Peregrine Shrine for Cancer Sufferers. Saint Peregrine died at the age of 80 in 1345, having earlier been cured of terminal cancer when he became the patron saint for those with malignancy. Deep in the church is the gold leaf baroque altar that arrived 350 years ago from Barcelona in Spain to add to the great history and create even more beauty in this small corner of our Golden State.
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
| PAGE 1 2 3 |
