This photo came from the San Fernando Mission and is characteristic of those California Missions that I've seen.  (Click on any of the photos to see a full-screen version).

San Fernando Mission

Earlier this year, on the way to a favorite Vietnamese Restaurant, I stopped at the San Gabriel Mission located near it.  This Mission was built in 1771 by the Spanish as one of a series of 21 stretching from San Diego, California in the south to San Rafael in the North.  The grounds of the Mission are pretty interesting and I've taken photos there many times.  A few have appeared in an earlier posting in this blog.  

On this day, however, there was some kind of celebration with people dressed in period clothing and a Mexican band.  The temptation was too great ... of course,  out came the camera!

About thirty people were in costume.  They were easy and eager to have their pictures taken.

Two Women:

I liked this hat with feather lying on a table:

A Spanish soldier's uniform?

My favorite head shot of the event:

The Mission's grounds are worth a visit.  There's a small museum containing artifacts from that era as well as from the Mission:

The main building is, of course, the church.  Its interior, in keeping with the style of the period, is relatively plain and simple.  Of course, it was built around thick adobe walls that were the common construction material in California.  I don't have any interesting interior photos except for this photo of the Baptistery:

Located not too far away was this sign.  I've passed it many times thinking that it  might make an interesting image for my "sign" collection.  I was, of course, struck by it age and condition ... and a little bit by the irony presented by its message.  All "signs" of a good image!  :)

The musical group playing at the event saw me taking pictures of them and asked for copies ... I almost always am honored when that happens ...   I may include them in a future post.  

That's it for now.  Thanks for taking a look!

Adam