Thursday, February 7, 2008

A walk of Remembrance.




When I first arrived to Mission San Juan Capistrano that early morning, the wind was chilly but the sun was still shining bright. It was a pleasant day to be out and about enjoying the day. I had never been to Mission San Juan Capistrano before so I was excited about starting my adventure. After my visit, I realized that I was really missing out on the natural beauty and scenery surrounding Mission San Juan and the Yanaguana trail. Mission San Juan Capistrano is so serene and has a peaceful atmosphere surrounding it. The chapel is beautiful & the large cross surrounded by cactus in the middle of the field is a magnificent display. The Virgin Mary statue outside the chapel was decorated by fresh and vibrant flowers.
As we made our way to the Yanaguana Trail, I took a second to really try to capture the essence of the place and what it meant for those who once lived and survive
in Mission San Juan. The Yanaguana Trail is about 1/3 of a mile and it is part of the San Antonio River. The word “Yanaguna” was giving by the Coahuiltecan people and it translates to refreshing waters. The trail was an important form of survival to both the Indians and the Spaniards. It was a constant supply of water for them and it was essential to their survival.

As we began our little journey along the Yanaguana trail, I felt tranquility and serenity all over. The wind was cool and fresh. We were the only ones walking the trail and that was helpful in giving us more time to admire the beauty of the Yanaguana trail. We devoted our entire attention to the Yanaguana trail and to the wonders it possess. The river flowed strong and the current made a low crushing sound. The birds were singing their natural tune but were scarcely seen with all the branches that adorned the Yanaguana trail. The branches made a crackling noise and flowed along with the movement of the wind. The trees stood strong and firm as they once had when life in the missions existed.

The Yanaguana Trail is surrounded by trees, plants, and flowers that were alive when the Indians and the Spaniards lived in the Mission San Juan. Several animals once
roamed along the trail but are not seen anymore. The only animals that might be visible include birds, snakes, fish and insects.

The Yanaguana trail had a feeling of gentleness that made me wonder about the people that lived at the Mission San Juan and about what a normal day in their life consisted of. The trees along the Yanaguana trail were covered in cold, white branches that were in much need of the spring season. Everywhere you turned, branches claimed the Yanaguana trail. I would like to revisit the Yanaguana trail in the spring time to see the flowers in full bloom and the colored leaves decorate the trees along the Yanaguana trial. I am sure it would be a sight to admire.

Mission San Juan Capistrano is a pleasant place to enjoy the scenery and to learn about the history of our town. It provides a look into the past of our ancestors and how they lived. It provides one with a sense of pride and empathy toward the people that lived and build the Missions.

The Yanaguana trail is a place where one can enjoy a walk through time. It supplies one with the beauty of nature. It is a place where one can learn and admire the way of survival for the people that inhibited Mission San Juan Capistrano.

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