Governor Portola may have marched past Monterey Bay in 1769 with his weary group of men which were more skeleton than meat...but we found it and the mission at first stop! HAH! (Let's hear it for Google Map.) The mission originally was located in Monterey Bay but was eventually moved to Carmel where there was better farming land. Father Serra, Father Crespi and Father Lausen -- the Big Three are all entombed here in the sanctuary beside the alter in the adobe church. The Indian group, the Romes (sp?) were absorbed by the Ohlones. 2010-07-23

Gently! We don't want to sink.

As we begin our exploration I decided it would be best to name our little ship. Should it be something majestic like the Benjaminia Galleon? Or is that too lofty...too Spanish...too Catholic for this Protestant? Maybe, I should rather name our rig something more in keeping with a ship that would sail along with Sir Francis Drake's Golden Hind in 1577. How about something that matches my red hair? The Red Rover? How about it readers? Any suggestions?

LOADING PART 2

Now I had to fill up the RV tank then we drove to Monterey and it was night and dad said it was good. Fueling up in 2010 is easier than in 1602 when Vizcaino described Monterey Bay in glowing terms. He was the last Spanish Explorer, captain of the San Tomas. Twenty five of his thirty four men died before the ship reached port...I hope we have better odds of making it home alive!

Loading up before heading out

we left our house and stopped at Chiles and I ordered a double cheese burger with mustard pickles lettuce bacon. IT WAS HUGE! I don't think I have to worry about scurvy on this trip folks!



I was hungry and I ATE IT WHOLE!