Once we finished our hike, we toured the mission itself. The mission and grounds are a beautiful site.
A mission is far more than just a church. It is a whole community.
Many buildings have been restored but others are just foundations.
There is a fairly extensive museum inside the outbuildings.
The mayordomo handled the day to day operation of the secular part of the mission.
There were several different types of looms on display.
A forge was an essential part of the daily activity of the mission. They have to be self-sufficient.
Aan overview of the mission buildings.
Where there were missions, there were also soldiers for protection.
Every soldier had the same armor and a prescribed list of armaments. The helmet seemed lighter than expected but the chainmail was heavy.
There were many missions and they moved fairly often.
The life of the locals changed significantly when a mission came to the area. They had very little choice in the changes to their lifestyle.
This room had the last original walls of the mission.
This is the inside of the mission church.
Meanwhile back at the campsite.........
Fun day!
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