Life in the Open 



traveller of the last century, yet receiving it for obvious 

 reasons, perchance, at the neighbouring inn. 



The plan had not only an essence of romance and 

 novelty to commend it, but was within the possibilities, 

 the ecclesiastical chain being as follows, beginning at 

 Santa Barbara: 



Santa Barbara Mission, founded in 1786, by coach 

 to the Mission of San Buenaventura (i 783). From San 

 Buenaventura to Mission of San Fernando (1797), then 

 to the Mission of San Gabriel Archangel (i 771). From 

 San Gabriel to San Juan Capistrano (1776). From San 

 Juan to the trio of Missions of Pala, Rincon, and Pauma. 

 Pala to San Luis Rey de Francia (1798). San Luis 

 Rey to the Mission of San Diego de Acala (1769). 

 Not only could these Missions be reached in a single 

 day's journey, but inns or hotels were available. This 

 with the guaranty of fair roads, good weather, and 

 choice scenery made the trip one of more than pleasant 

 anticipation. 



The four-in-hand was not running on time ; there 

 were no relays to be met ; hence the attempt to make a 

 new Mission every night was not directly adhered to, 

 though the ecclesiastical route was followed literally as 

 outlined, with many an interesting side-trip to cafton, 

 seashore, and mountain range. Under such inspiration 

 a jolly party bowled toward the Santa Barbara Mission 

 one morning, and reined up under its ancient walls. 

 The " outfit " was a modernised California coach, the 

 plethoric boot packed with hampers of good things ; 



