MEXICO: A 300 Year Old Mission Tucked in the Baja Peninsula Mountains

At one time there were 17 missions in Baja California. 

About an hour west of Loreto by car is the St Javier Mission. 

It was founded by the Jesuits of the Roman Catholic church in 1699. 

The missionary's objective was to convert the local Cochimi to Christianity. 

MEXICO: Walking the Beach at Loreto Bay

It is so peaceful walking the beach.

You never know what treasure you'll find. 

MEXICO: Loreto in the Baja California Peninsula

Loreto is a small town in western Mexico. 

It is on the east side of the Baja California Peninsula. 

It was founded on October 25th, 1697 by Jesuit Missionaries when they discovered a steady stream of fresh water in the area. 

In the town centre is the Mission de Nuestra Senora de Loreto, a 17th century church. 

MEXICO: Sunrise in Loreta Bay on the Baja Peninsula

I am not really an early riser. 

Which is probably an understatement. (I suppose John would be the best judge of that.)

Generally I prefer to start the day after the sun rises.

But I will also say, when I do not push the snooze button on an early alarm and I get out of bed to see the sun rise, I do really enjoy it. 

CANADA: Early Morning Sunrise over Victoria

We had a very early departure from Victoria. 

Our flight out gave us a beautiful morning sunrise to send us off to our next stop.

CANADA: Canadians are Hardy Souls

A Polar Bear Plunge is a rite of passage for some hardy Canadians.

In Victoria, on Vancouver Island, the tradition is to take a plunge on New Year's Day in one of the many beaches in Victoria.

Some people consider it an invigorating start to the new year.