Took the train to the year 1794

[RacerX]

So here's what I did Sunday:

I found out (from a blog of all places) that the local commuter train service (Metrolink) was doing a "free train day" - you can ride the train for free as long as you board from a certain station.

http://www.trainweb.org/carl/Metrolink/

I could go north (Union Station, Los Angeles) or points south (San Juan Capistrano, Oceanside)
but since I slept in, I took the 2:09 south.

I decided to visit historic San Juan Cap

http://www.sanjuancapistrano.org/about_int.asp?ID=160

Here's the old train depot

[St.James]

They had paved roads and metal street signs in 1794?

[Newc]

Land of the whispering bushes

[RacerX]

I walked down the main drag, Camino Capistrano, checked out the local bar where a band was just finishing a set. I cruised in to use the tiny restroom.

Then back out and walked past the Mission. I could look over the wall and see the old Stone church ruins



Following approximately the walking tour (middle of http://www.sanjuancapistrano.org/about_int.asp?ID=160 )
I also checked out some old adobe buildings, many dating back to the 1800s. Some of them were now fancy restaurants. Poking my nose in them, I noted many were pretty much empty.

[RacerX]

I still had a couple hours, so I walked back to the depot area and crossed the tracks over to the Los Rios district. This claims to be one of the oldest residential neighborhoods in California:

http://www.letsgoseeit.com/index/county/ora/sjc/loc03/los_rios.htm

Good pics at that link. This area is a combination of adobe and "board & batten" houses along narrow streets with no curbs. I walked into the first shop by the tracks (it was an antique place / museum - you can barely see it in the first pic)), the floors were really squeaky and it was pretty cool, like walking back in time.

There was a walking tour getting ready at the Tea House Restaurant (most were in costume), a lady was telling old ghost tales of the area, so I kinda eavesdropped on her!

I also spent some time in a jail cell! (3rd pic) They use that during the annual parade festivities, they have people dressed up as cowboys who "arrest" you if you're not wearing an old "Western" costume

http://www.swallowsparade.com/hoosgow.html

[atomic charvel guy]

did they have deoderant back in 1794? I have a feeling it smelled back then. let's take the train back to last friday instead.

[RacerX]

I continued my walk around Los Rios and at the Olivares adobe (5th pic down http://www.letsgoseeit.com/index/cou...3/los_rios.htm

I noticed a sign for a petting zoo. I remember this "farm" was in the news because it had recently been sold and the new owners were having trouble with the city. Apparently they're doing OK now, the Gonzalez family bought the Olivares property and the zoo/farm with it and have kept it going. They have an extensive website, this page goes into the history of the area http://www.zoomars.com/Contents_Inde...icLocation.htm

As I walked up historic River Street past the O'Neill Museum, 3 friendly dogs ran around on the other side of a fence (pit bull, border collie and shepherd mix). One of them learned a neat trick, he flipped a ball over the fence for me to throw it back for him. Many families (with kids in costume) were milling around and coming out of the petting zoo. One dad was carrying his kid and they were both dressed as ladybugs I talked with him briefly and had a laugh about that. I checked out a couple ostriches (they are HUGE!) and some ponies but I didn't go in to the backyard. I sat down on a log to read the newspaper and this huge tabby cat walked up. It was really friendly and hung around me. People were walking by and asking if it was mine

By now it was getting dark so I walked back to the train depot. There was a huge crowd of people all waiting for the same train, which was early. The Metrolinks have 3 levels and this was the first time I rode them so I sat on the top level. The seats were comfortable if a bit small. I started travelling back to the present day....Back in Anaheim (the depot is in Angel Stadium parking lot) and in my car, I flipped on the radio and they were playing the whole album "Diary Of A Madman"

Hope you enjoyed my little trip report!

[Newc]

So, see anything interesting? :ROTF:

[horns666]

Wow, I would really get into seeing those places of old..I love that stuff!!

That's looks awesome Ron, would be fun to hang out together doin' that!!

I would hate to visit a toilet such as Vegas..now this..this I can truly appreciate!!

SWEET!!

[RacerX]

did they have deoderant back in 1794? I have a feeling it smelled back then. let's take the train back to last friday instead.

Dunno Tommy! I'll have to look that up!

Wow, I would really get into seeing those places of old..I love that stuff!!

That's looks awesome Ron, would be fun to hang out together doin' that!!

Yeah, man, I know you like old architecture


Well I couldn't figure out how to paste it in here, but there's a picture of the giant cat on page 17 of the local paper:

http://www.thecapistranodispatch.com/archives/Dispatch%207-28-05.pdf

Pretty sure that's the same one!

[dg]

Looks like it might be one of those Maine 'Coon cats. Those things are huge! He probably went back & told his buddies, "Man, you shoulda seen the size of this dude I hung out with today!"

[fett]

What's with the "Wrong Way" sign. Is it for the birds?

[yabba]

cool pics! hmm I was thinking about taking the train downtown on sunday but I didn't realize it was free!

[AzPilot]

Thats great, I love sightseeing, especially historic sites. I have been there but many years ago.

[VitaminG]

nice trip report, Ron. That'd have to be worth a B+, at least

Love checking out those little historic spots. It's interesting to me how similar some of those locations look to places I've visited over here.