A Visit to San Juan Capistrano

The Original Mission Church - restoration is what pissed off the swallows   (faux arch to far right)

On our way from San Diego to LA, we stopped at Mission San Juan Capistrano.  Famous for the swallows for many years, before they screwed it up.
.
Yes, they totaled screwed the pooch.  It turns out the swallows build mud nests in tall buildings.  Back in the day, the mission was the tall building and this is where the swallows built their nests.
.
Well, when they decided to refurbish the Mission, they knocked down all the swallow nests, assuming they would come back.  Turns out, the swallows did not come back.  There are now many buildings taller than the mission and the swallows were not hesitant to find them.
.
So now the Mission has been redone and is beautiful, but swallow-less.  Now they are trying to lure the swallows back.  They are adding a few faux arches and building nests for the swallows there, and playing swallow songs.  Apparently swallows like breeding with other swallows.
.
We will see if it works.

Fountain with statue of Father Serra in background (now Saint Serra)

Meanwhile, the grounds are lovely and we went after rains after a long period of drought and everything was blooming.
.

"Father Serra's Chapel" - from 1776.  This is the only existing church where Father (Saint) Serra lead Mass

.

Me, by the bells.

Eddie by the statue 

The Mission Plaza area

.

Some now of the gardens themselves.

.

.

The Yuccas were in bloom

Succulents

California Golden Poppies!