El Camino Real

Mimi wanted to reenact Father Junipero Serra's  walk along the old historic route between the missions.  She is wearing a Raquel Allegra top--the closest thing she could find in my closet resembling a brown Franciscan robe.   She is walking over Highway 101 on the pedestrian bridge near the Las Positas exit in Santa Barbara.

The historic pathway laid out by the priests to connect the missions, pueblos and presidios  is now a series of massive highways running the length of California.  El Camino Real began in Loreto, Baja California and ended at Mission San Rafael in Alta California.  The missions were built about 30 miles apart so the priests could reach them in one day by walking (a long walk!).  The footpath eventually widened to accommodate horses and ox carts.

The route is now marked by bell posts.  These bells are made by the California Bell Company.  You can actually purchase one of these cast iron beauties for your home.  Now that's a souvenir!

 I love this frayed cocoon-shaped top--a trademark of Raquel Allegra's unique styling.  She was born in Berkeley, California and created quite a stir at Barney's in Beverly Hills when she started deconstructing t-shirts.  Her brand is becoming increasingly upscale with the use of luxurious textiles.  I bought this piece at Diani's in Santa Barbara--a lovely boutique where you can find not only Allegra's designs, but pieces by Isabel Marant, Rag & Bone, Gryphon and Diane von Furstenberg.   (And thankfully, Mimi decided the pedestrian bridge was far enough.)