Old San Blas - Fort and Church

Friday a.m.
Just wanted to post a picture of our guest for lunch Wednesday. Hopefully George enjoyed his Italian meal.

And a pic of the palapa finished – it should be good for another couple of years.

Just about finished

Thursday we had to go into San Blas to go to the panaderia to get some fresh bread and while there we stopped at the Social Club again for breakfast/lunch. I had bacon, hash browns, eggs and toast – The Driver had a cheeseburger and fries
After eating we figured we’d try to find the way up to the ruins of the old fort and church. Well it wasn’t too hard as there were signs pointing the way – once we saw them. Up a steep cobblestone hill and we were on the grounds. Ten Pesos admittance per person.The view of San Blas from up there was spectacular.

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The fort’s ruins had to be rebuilt after Keena a category 5 hurricane hit the area in 2002. A view of the rebuilt exterior

Outside in the back – the cannon is not real – made of concrete but gives the idea of what they were using to sink the attacking galleons out at sea.

The interior

Part of the original stone work can still be seen, especially in the corners.

Looking down towards San Blas – lots of palm trees.

This is all that is left of one of the real cannons

In December of 1529 a contingent of 267 Spanish soldiers invaded this area. At that time there were about 60 homes here with about 200 Indians living in them. The Spanish took over and eventually built the fort and settlement. This area was one of the major sea ports at that time. And because of the wood available in the area it was a ship building port also.
In 1768 the Spanish established a naval station here – it is still in operation. From there they sent expeditions as far north as Washington state.
Fray Juinpero Serra left from here in 1768 to establish the California Missions. So it was quite an important little town. Now it has about 20,000 residents in the area. The tropical foliage, estuaries and lagoons are popular with the tourists – us included.

From the fort we went down the hill a little to look at the church. It has not been restored. It was built in 1781 Looking up at the top of the front of the church – trees growing out of it.

Bell Tower

A carving of a man that is up near the top.

Looking in towards the altar. The ceiling is gone but the arch supports remain.

Another look at a couple of the arches.

A niche with lots of stone carving on it.

Looking towards the front of the church from the altar wall

Just one of the old pillars with some decoration carved in it.

These ruins were across the street from the church – Might have been a house?

A pretty flowering tree that we saw as we were headed back towards the highway.

Almost to the RV park we noticed a sign about a Crocodile Farm – of course I had to go.
Up into the hills by way of a dusty rocky road. Finally found it. 20 Pesos to get in. The Driver gave the lady 50 Pesos and she handed me the change which I just put in my pocket. Later I would discover I only got 20 Pesos change Humm 50 – 20 = 20 – new math.
We got to park right at the door to the farm cause we are old folks. Everyone else had to walk down and up a lots of stairs. It has its advantages.
He was just sleeping in the sun

A closer look at another guy/girl

And a real close look.

Wouldn’t want to meet those teeth when he was hungry. Speaking of hungry – they eat two pounds of fish once a week and one chicken a month. The handler told us they have a very slow digestive system. So maybe if you meet one in the wilds he won’t be hungry. Nice to know.
Then back to the RV to watch the activity on the beach. Fixed steak and potatoes for dinner. Was good.