Travel Tips

<font color=blue>It is said that Father Junipero Serra rang a bell on the banks of San Luis Creek to call the local Chumash Indians. When they arrived he read to them from the bible and mass was then said.

The mission was then built by Father Serra and the Chumash, which then became the centre of the community life.</font>

<font color=blue>San Luis Creek once used to irrigate Mission orchards, flows through the downtown area alongside Higuera Street.

The Mission is situated on Monterey Street between Chorro and Broad Streets and has a museum with many Chumash and mission exhibits.

The mission church is much decorated coloured woodwork and high open beamed ceilings made from logs which were carried 40 miles from the Santa Lucia Mountains by the Chumash.

The mission is open daily from 9am to 5pm.

Mass and religous holidays are still celebrated in the church.

In front of the mission is Mission Plaza. It has shady areas and an amphitheatre which overlooks the creek.

There are also tours of the University conducted by the students. Telephone 756-2792 to organise a tour.

Mardi Gras is celebrated in February with a New Orleans stype parade,

Italian Street Painting is celebrated in April.

May is the time for Spanish heritage celebrations when there is dancing, music, food and craft stalls.

Mozarts work is celebrated during July and August.</font>

<font color=green size=+1>There are lots of places around the SLO area and I will be adding another travelogue shortly on the Morro Bay area</font>