Mission Inn Hotel in Riverside

When I approached a new city, I usually had a specific address entered into the GPS so I wouldn't waste time and gas wandering around. Upon arriving in Riverside, I had no specific destination. I was not to meet my childhood friend, Evon, until the next morning for breakfast, and even though she insisted I stay with her, I was strongly pulled to stay in a hotel. I had no idea where her work was located, which was where we would meet the next day. My GPS lead me to the downtown area. I drove around taking it all in and soon drove past a beautiful building. I felt compelled to get out and explore.

As I walked up, I discovered it was a hotel; the Mission Inn Hotel. The grounds were stunning, especially late at night and lit up. I parked and went in to see if it might be within my budget, knowing it wasn't. To my pure joy, they offered me a deal that was cheaper than the Holiday Inn I had stayed in earlier this week. What a gift! I took the room, dropped off my bags, and set out on a three hour adventure exploring every nook and cranny of the hotel.

It is the most stunning building I have ever seen and the authentic beauty, history, and architecture took my breath for most of those three hours. Every window, door, gate, hallway, and corner is a stunning visual delight rich in historical charm - and the history dates back to 1876. It is not a fictional theme hotel that can be found in cities across the country. This is the real deal and it is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. And by coincidence, Evon's work was merely a block from where I stayed, and the Mission Inn Hotel is where she intended to take me for breakfast. I hope she can forgive me for not staying with her.

Evon

Next time you're anywhere near Riverside, you must stay at the Mission Inn Hotel: http://www.missioninn.com/hotel-history.htm

http://www.missioninn.com/

Temecula

Thank you Brian for showing me around Temecula. Brian not only showed me around, but he did it in style. In a convertible sports car with the top down, we drove around the vineyards as the sun was setting. It was gorgeous! We then went out to dinner and toured the downtown area. Temecula's downtown area is full of quaint old-west themed buildings complete with sidewalks made of railroad ties. I couldn't help but wish my mom and dad were there with me. They would love this little area.

http://www.cityoftemecula.org/temecula/Visitors/

Day 4: Dana Point and nearby beaches

Jim Monroe and I never met while attending the same high school. Having planned our reunions, I knew his name and knew his pictures, but never had a class with him. When he learned I would be taking this trip, he emailed me and we began a month-long conversation about the purpose of my trip and what I hoped to accomplish while traveling.  I was blessed to have met Jim. What a great man! Every second of the day was filled with deep, philosophical conversations, and shared stories of our life journies. He took me to his favorite places to share his love of nature, and we sat on the beach and talked for hours. Sharing dinner on the pier was another blessing, as was the drive back to Temecula. This is a great man and I was glad to have met him. My time with him will never be forgotten. (click on photos to enlarge)

My new friend and beach guide - Jim Monroe

Day 3: Balboa Park- San Diego

Thank you to my brand new friend Mary Lynn Orem for being my guide and taking me to such a beautiful and relaxing location. What a glorious day filled with great conversation, tasty food, and numerous visual treats!!

 

http://www.balboapark.org/

Day 2: From Church to Prison in Yuma

My Yuma guides and great friends Mary Sue Kuban Crye and Ronda Wood.

After church and a delicious lunch at Texas Roadhouse, we went to the Yuma Territorial Prison.

On July 1876, the first seven inmates entered the prison and were locked into cells they had to build themselves. A total of 3,069 prisoners, including 39 women and numerous children, lived within the walls during the prison's 33 years of operation. Punishments for prisoners who broke regulations included the 'ball and chain," the dark cell, and the hot cell which was an open, stand-alone cell without walls or a ceiling in which the prisoner stood in the sun and heat of Yuma.