Cee’s Which Way Photo Challenge

Cee’s Which Way Photo Challenge (Cee’s Photography)

For as long as I can remember, this statue has been standing above Highway 280 in Hillsdale, CA.  I didn’t know who he was until I was an adult.  I did not go to school in the United States until 6th grade, so I missed California history which included the founding of several Missions by those spreading the Catholic word.  This statue depicts Franciscan Friar Junipero Serra.  Some call him the “Founder of California”.

Last year, I decided to finally pay a visit to the statue located at one of the rest stops along the highway.  It was a little bit of a hike to get to him, but not bad.  His view is beautiful from up there.  He himself though is a little weird as you’ll see if you click on the link.  In reading about the statue, the most interesting thing I found was the mystery of what he’s pointing at.  So far  the speculations are he’s pointing down the mission trail or at future conquests.  I remember thinking as a kid that he was pointing at the cars on the highway in judgement though what he was judging us for I never really knew.

If you ever find yourself rolling down Highway 280, stop and visit.  It’s a newly remodeled rest stop and sitting up by his statue looking out at the view is a nice place to eat a snack.