In order to leave San Luis and Stoner Bob, I knew I had to first make it over Pacheco Pass. (fascinating link to Pachecho Pass here - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pacheco_Pass ) Stoner Bob made it sound like the wind would be the worst up there, and so I was expecting as much. I had never towed Hammy through any extreme wind and frankly I was a little worried. We made it over with only one white knuckle moment, which I always consider to be a success, and stopped briefly at a fascinating little roadside enterprise, Casa de Fruta.
Whoever funded and owns this enterprise, my hat is off to you. Whatever he could think of, he put on the property, I mean this place has it all - a farmer's market, a restaurant, a winery, a pond, a garden, peacocks roaming the property, a train you can ride on, and a double decker carousel that will knock your eyes out, the thing was a piece of artwork and should NOT be outside!! I wanted to ride it but was also anxious to keep going. I had just stopped to give the dogs and I a break, so it was a quick pee for all of us and then keep on going.
Just a short distance on down the road was the exit for San Juan Bautista; I had known I would be going by it and have always been curious about its history, so I decided to stop. What's an hour eh? Oh what an hour indeed. San Juan Bautista has many well kept secrets, and if you stop and let him whisper them in your ear, you will come away all the richer because of it.
A small, simple little town, but steeped in historical significance. Nowhere is this more felt than when you are touring the grounds of the mission. It just seeps into you when you realize how old and hallowed this ground is. I quite literally "felt" the holiness of the Mission and the vibration was strong. I sat for a long while on a bench in the courtyard and said a long prayer for myself and Oogway, and asked forgiveness for my sin of ignorance. I felt instantly lifted. Whatever your belief or religion in this life, it is all One, it all comes down to the same thing - that there just isn't enough love and compassion in the world today, and we all need to start being the change, living the change. Practice what we preach.
I took photos, read plaques, and just strolled around, taking it all in. The mission itself has been restored several times, as it sits on the San Andreas Fault and has been damaged more than once by earthquakes. They have done a fine job, however, of leaving it looking as it did over 200 years ago, as well as the nearby buildings in the plaza. For more fascinating history, you can read about it here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mission_San_Juan_Bautista
I didn't get the chance to browse any of the more than 3 antique shops in town, as it was Monday and they were all closed (I thought that was only for beauty salons?), so I loaded up the pups and we pulled out. I couldn't think of a better way to have spent an hour of my life. Definitely worth seeing if you ever get out that way.
Until next time, I'm living small and loving it largely.
Eli
