They know you're from the midwest when...

Mission Basilica San Buenaventura

We were a little backwards on our visit to the National Park Visitor's Center, located on the mainland in Ventura Harbor. On the previous day the visitor's center was closed before and after our ferry ride to Santa Cruz Island. 

Channel Islands Visitor Center

The Island Scrub Jay is only found on Santa Cruz Island and we didn't see him.

The spotted skunk is another animal only found there.

And finally the Island Fox also only found there. Pat got a quick glimpse of one Monday.

Bones of the pygmy mammoth were accidently found on Santa Cruz Island in 1994. Buried for 13,000 years it is the most complete fossil of the species.

Views of the Channel Islands from the observation tower.

The harbor below. 

Founded in 1782 in Ventura, Mission Basilica San Buenaventura was the 9th and last  mission consecrated by Father Junipero Serra. It was intended to be the third but it experienced delays. The first church burned down in 1791 and the second church wasn't completed until 1809. Today all that remains of the original mission is the church and the gardens. 

Father Junipero Serra

The first settling tank to provide mission water. 

Wednesday we took time for some chores, sealant work on the outside of the RV, cleaned air conditioner filters, replenished supplies, etc.

They know you're from the Midwest not just when you're watching your cart go down the cart belt, but your filming it AND not for the first time! I think it's neat, Pat just says I'm easily entertained. I was very lucky that I didn't fall at the end of the escalator though.

Where are the Piepers now? Ventura, CA