Saturday, November 22, 2008

California Missions Tour: Mission San Antonio de Padua (Fort Hunter Liggett)

San Antonio de Padua
Founded July 14, 1771 (3rd mission)

Mission San Antonio is the most remote of the missions. It is located inside Fort Hunter Liggett, a military base. After driving approximately thirty miles through some desolate and beautiful country, I arrive at a checkpoint manned by two soldiers toting M-16s. I got a big pink pass and placed it on my dashboard. As I enter the base, there is a traffic sign warning me of tank crossings.

Mission San Antonio is worth the trip. It is well restored and not spoiled by nearby development. It has lots of cool period artifacts, including an wooden ox cart axle and wine barrels in a cellar.

CKY

No comments: