I had a whirlwind trip to California this summer (2004). Spent most of my
time in southern California which I don't normally find very appealing but,
Mission Capistrano and Sea World were well worth the trip.
To view enlarged versions of the images below, click on any picture below
or view a
slide show.
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Mission San Juan Capistrano
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Founded in 1776 by Fr. Junipero Serra,
Mission
Capistrano is the "jewel" of Califonia's 21 mission system. |
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I often wonder what the world would be like today if the
Church hadn't been so hell-bent on recruiting/converting native peoples.
This statue of a Padre with a young Acjachemen Native American. |
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This fountain is the centerpiece of the inner courtyard. |
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These bells were important because no one had clocks, only
the bell keeper. |
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The gardens at the Mission are extensive and varied from
wild flowers to formal roses to cactus. |
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These coy fish are abundant in the fountains. |
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Incredible water lilies in the fountains. I have lots of
shots of these but will save them for other uses. |
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Sea World
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Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. These gals weigh 500-600 lbs. |
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This is Busker, a common dolphin which is much much smaller
(80-100 lbs). Those are my feet. |
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Hugging Busker. |
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Flamingoes. |
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A giant orca dancing through the water. |
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