San Francisco Javier Mission, Loreto
Today we embarked on a journey within a journey. Shifting from sea to land, we headed for the Sierra de la Giganta Mountains, just west of Loreto, to trace the long established pilgrimage route to the mission San Francisco Javier. Established in 1699 by Jesuit missionaries seeking more fertile ground this “holy land” offered a much needed reprieve from the brackish waters found around Loreto. Nestled in a desert oasis, more than 1,300 ft. above the sea, its location and success has been dependent on the spring-fed waters that have nourished its crops, animals and inhabitants for over 300 years.
Thirty-two kilometers of cactus-lined arroyo and steep, mountain switchbacks stand between Loreto and the mission, every inch of which pays tribute to those who have made this harsh, rugged journey by foot. During our somewhat more expedient pilgrimage to San Javier, we were surrounded by what appeared to be desert totems- Turkey Vultures perched high atop the surrounding cacti, wings outstretched, posing as Baja sentinels as they drew in the sun’s early rays. Coyotes and Road-Runners also showed signs of life but possibly the most impressive life form of all was the roughly 300 year old olive tree which lives behind the mission. Planted along with other hardy crops when the missionaries arrived this tree has grown and twisted into a truly beautiful giant that has produced (your guess here!) olives in its lifetime.
After lunch and a windy, ninety minutes back to sea level, we paid our respects to the only mission older than San Francisco Javier, that being Loreto’s San Bruno, and the birthplace of Baja’s Jesuit influence. While our group may not have left such a lasting impact on this region, I know my first visit to a desert oasis will leave an impact on me.
Today we embarked on a journey within a journey. Shifting from sea to land, we headed for the Sierra de la Giganta Mountains, just west of Loreto, to trace the long established pilgrimage route to the mission San Francisco Javier. Established in 1699 by Jesuit missionaries seeking more fertile ground this “holy land” offered a much needed reprieve from the brackish waters found around Loreto. Nestled in a desert oasis, more than 1,300 ft. above the sea, its location and success has been dependent on the spring-fed waters that have nourished its crops, animals and inhabitants for over 300 years.
Thirty-two kilometers of cactus-lined arroyo and steep, mountain switchbacks stand between Loreto and the mission, every inch of which pays tribute to those who have made this harsh, rugged journey by foot. During our somewhat more expedient pilgrimage to San Javier, we were surrounded by what appeared to be desert totems- Turkey Vultures perched high atop the surrounding cacti, wings outstretched, posing as Baja sentinels as they drew in the sun’s early rays. Coyotes and Road-Runners also showed signs of life but possibly the most impressive life form of all was the roughly 300 year old olive tree which lives behind the mission. Planted along with other hardy crops when the missionaries arrived this tree has grown and twisted into a truly beautiful giant that has produced (your guess here!) olives in its lifetime.
After lunch and a windy, ninety minutes back to sea level, we paid our respects to the only mission older than San Francisco Javier, that being Loreto’s San Bruno, and the birthplace of Baja’s Jesuit influence. While our group may not have left such a lasting impact on this region, I know my first visit to a desert oasis will leave an impact on me.
