Santa Maria Sun / Art

Daytripper: La Purisima Mission

BY HENRY HOUSTON

Bird’s eye view Hikers can glimpse La Purisima Mission in Lompoc from the surrounding hills. PHOTO BY HENRY HOUSTON

But where to go? If I could, I would buy my own Fortress of Solitude—but since I have the monetary assets of a housecat, I have to settle for doing some research. When I asked to write a Daytripper, I pledged to find a trip that was short, inexpensive, and fun.

My first thought was to call William Shatner, since he’s a Priceline negotiator. Alas, he was out spreading democracy to Klingons. (The CIA has tons of operations of which the American public is unaware.)

Mission inhabitants A collection of animals grazes in pens outside the mission to give it a more authentic air. PHOTO BY HENRY HOUSTON

The thought of sixth grade reminded me of all the field trips we took back then, when the school district was a mastermind of frugal daytripping. And that’s when it hit me: La Purisima Mission in Lompoc is only 30 miles away.

What would La Purisima do for the work-weary soul? A short hike to the hill behind the mission reveals a scene very close to the one the Spanish saw when they completed it in 1787.  But if beautiful scenery were all I was after, I would have stayed home and read Thoreau. Spanish settlers taught the Chumash Native Americans to embrace Catholicism and “invited” them to stay. So the mission’s exterior leans toward a Native American presence.

Secluded path Visitors of to the mission can also explore its many freestanding buildings, including a dormitory for young Native American girls, a tannery, and more. PHOTO BY HENRY HOUSTON

 La Purisima Mission is more than just a great place for a self-guided tour. Special events are held there regularly, including Mission Life Days, coming up next on March 20. On these special days, docents dress in 19th-century costumes and bring the past to life with smoking guns, homemade candles, and corn being ground with mortar and pestle. It’s so genuine, you’ll be checking your smart phone to be sure it’s the 21st century. Don’t believe me? Ask any fourth grader.

Intern Henry Houston is made of sugar cubes. Send comments to Arts Editor Shelly Cone at scone@santamariasun.com.