Missions of the Gaviota Coast

The Gaviota Coast refers to the rural, undeveloped section of the California coast from the western (aka northern) edge of Goleta to Point Conception at Vandenberg Air Force Base.

Of the 21 California Missions 2 are located along El Camino Real (Royal Road) in the Santa Ynez Valley (Saint Agnes) above the Gaviota Coast.  Each of the 21 California missions was a self-sustaining community, mission life was hard.  The Franciscan Padres did not wander pristine gardens with hands clasped in prayer.  The gardens contained vegetables and there was always work to be done. 

Each of the missions had two Franciscan Padres, one to meet the spiritual needs of the community, another to handle the business aspects of the mission.  I went back up the hill Monday to visit the 2 missions.

La Purisima Mission, now a California State Historic Park, is the most complete of all the California missions.  It displays the best representation of early mission life.


Originally established in 1787 it was the 11th California Franciscan Mission.  In its heyday there were over 100 buildings on 2000 acres of land, but weather, neglect the 1812 earthquake left the buildings in ruin.  Union Oil acquired the property and donated it to the public in 1933.  By this time only 9 of the buildings remained intact.  Restoration began in 1934,  La Purisima Mission is the only example in California of a complete mission complex.  And there are no ornamental gardens …


I wonder if the bell at the top of the carillon is original … I’d ask at the Visitor Center, but it is closed on Mondays!


Franciscan Father Mariano Payeras served the mission until his death in 1923.  His grave is at the base of the altar.


A presidio was maintained at every mission.  Each soldier had a small space to contain his belongings.  Outside of the buildings are long shaded walkways to offer a cool reprieve from heat or shelter from the rains.



Ox carts were used to carry heavy loads of buildings materials or the results of the harvest.


Wool was spun into yarn and woven into clothing and blankets.


A complete leather factory produced every thing for clothing, to saddles or the rawhide for binding strips.  The blacksmith forged what was needed for repairs or construction.


The Chumash Indians that chose to live at the mission were provided apartments.


Although much of the orchards are now gone, trails cover the mission grounds to where cattle once grazed.



I did not follow much of the trail system as I immediately recognized this 3-some on the smooth red stems.  No these are not wild blackberry bushes!


Had I taken this loop trail in the other direction I would have had advance warning.


Santa Ines Mission is in Solvang, across the street from the RV parking.  Established in 1804 it was the 19th California Franciscan Mission.  Santa Ines is another spelling for Santa Ynez, both are pronounced the same.


For many this is a favorite destination.  The church stands on the original foundation giving the mission claim to the longest continuous use mission.


The courtyard contains a beautiful well maintained garden.


The first college in California was built at the mission.  There are no pictures or rendering of the building itself.  I did find it interesting that the Chumash built it using asphalt from the tar deposits.


Mission Santa Ines also has the distinction of being the home of the Chumash Revolt in 1824.  The Chumash revolted not just at Santa Ines but also with coordinated efforts La Purisima and Santa Barbara missions.  The mission at La Purisima was captured from within.  The Mexican army used cannons to quell the siege and the mission never recovered from the damage.

The portico looks inviting


I’ll save my day in Santa Barbara for the next post.  Until then thanks for stopping by.

Solvang - an afternoon with the Danish

Solvang (Danish for 'sunny meadow') is a ‘themed’ community, priding itself as a genuine traditional Danish village.  Solvang was founded in 1911 by Danes lured from the harsh winters of the midwest.  Located above Gaviota in the Santa Ynez Valley (Saint Agnes Valley). It is noted for its Danish-style architecture, Danish cuisine and the 20 tasting rooms from the nearby wineries.  And there it is, the two reasons we’re heading 20 minutes up the hill – lunch and wine.

The main landmark is the windmill, although the Pea Soup Anderson’s windmill in Buellton is way bigger, this one is prominent enough to keep us oriented as we wonder the shops.


As we wander the streets with the kids checking out the specialty shops, I'm looking over menus.  They went back to sleep and had a light breakfast.  But I've been up since 3:30, after the launch I put the blog together.  The walk is nice, the air fresh and the menus appetizing.


The Danish are known for baked goods and there is no shortage of bakeries to select from. 


We selected Mortensen’s, where we each selected 2 items, then cut each into quarters to share.  The unanimous favorite was the Danish Waffle


The Danish Waffle is a light pastry shaped like a hotdog bun filled with raspberry jam and butter cream then totally sugar coated – what’s not to like? 

The Danish also pride themselves on their chocolates. 


Fran and I are suckers for a really good pecan turtle.  This one was a distant second, the best are found at Pumpkinland Chocolate Company on Highway 99 near Red Bluff.  So far I've encountered no competition for them.


I did mention there are a ‘few’ tasting rooms in the village.  Since we have no plans to hit them all we will be selective and visit the one that’s closest!

Well maybe not the Wandering Dog it seems to have an identity crisis…  And a micro-brew in Solvang – oh how did they get a permit? 


Kami and I split a tasting of red wines.  And had to revisit their 2014 Pinot Noir (pee-no-more) was indeed worth taking back as our dinner selection.


No trip to Solvang is complete without an Aebleskiver!  These little balls of Danish pancakes are served with raspberry jam and dusted with powdered sugar.  The ice cream is optional  …. or is it?


Sunday morning it was time for the kids to head home.  We went down to the beach for a parting picture.  Aj was in a band competition in Coronado this weekend and not able here.  Her band won GOLD!  Congrats Aj!  And well done supporting the band and your friends!



I went back up on Monday to have another Danish Waffle!  and didn’t share



I was also there for gas and propane and to visit the missions. Well, as long as I was here  ….  2 wineries is getting to be my limit, without someone to share the tasting.   Lucas and Lewellen offer some pretty decent estate wines.  Estate wine is from a single vineyard of the winery, hence can vary year to year.


Mosby Winery is fun, even whimsical and offers some pretty good wine.  They do not have a high-rent tasting room in Solvang.  The result is a more intimate tasting room at the vineyard, with good wine for a lower price.


I did not take a picture of the RV parking lot, but coming toward Solvang from Buellton it will be on the left on the far side of town.  If you pass the mission you just missed it!, but the mission also has a large level lot.  Both are FREE!

Next I’ll blog the missions, which is really why I was back up the hill Monday … not just for the wine … or was the wine an excuse to visit the missions  ???