On Sunday the 30th June, we visited a couple of missions, which were set up by the Spanish Roman Catholic church in the 1700-1800s. The Mission San Luis Rey Francia, was quite large and had a museum, and we were able to go into the church, and it was very decorative. It felt like we were in Spain - the weather was excellent and all the architecture is Spanish. This mission was very good in its dealings with the American Indians - possibly related to the missionaries being of the Order of St Francis of Asissi (sp?).

Most of the buildings had been destroyed during the 19th century, and so what we saw were either new or heavily restored, but quite good restoration, and it was a great contrast to Legoland.

The second we visited, albeit for 20 minutes before it closed, was Mission San Antonio de Pala. It was very small in comparison, but in a much more rural environment.

We also saw our first nuclear power plant, and some incredible cities in the middle of nowhere with nearly identical houses stretching for miles.

We spent over 3 hours driving on the freeways. We have come to the following conclusion regarding the posted speed limit - it is a recommended minimum.

On Saturday morning, Rob had to travel 10-15 miles/hour faster (in a 65mile/hr zone) to keep up in the Car Pool lane - we got to Legoland fast, but it was a bit worrying. On the way home, the far right lane was sort of the 'speed limit' lane, and one added 5 miles per hr per lane as one moved to the left.

The flyover lanes were sometimes a little like a roller coaster - a single lane 3 or 4 tiers up in the air taking the car pool lane from one freeway to another.

The freeway system is truly amazing. We are yet to find out why the concrete surface is scored in the direction of travel. Asphalt is a much smoother surface and produces a lot less noise in the car.

We learnt a couple of lessons:

1. Maps, maps and more maps. We got about half way there and Jo (the navigator extraordinaire) announces we have run off the bottom of our freeway map, and we only had brief maps in Lonely Planet guides etc. Not good, especially as the AAA gives out maps for free.
2. The cheapest accommodation (or, what's actually available) doesn't mean it won't be good. $79/night included a nice room, "free" breakfast (buffet), microwave oven, helpful staff. It was cheaper than all the places we had listed (which were full, or asking more for Summer).
3. Take food 'emergency pack' i.e. something that is easy to prepare (hot water and or microwave oven) if one discovers that it is 8.30pm at night and fast food looks as bad as it tastes.