San Miguel

Miles From SLO: 36

Time in Munites:36

Average MPH: 60

San Miguel is changing rapidly as urbam sprawl from Paso Robles approaches. Odd because in the 1880s San Miguel was the "center" of the area and was lobbying to become the county Seat of a new county between San Luis Obispo and Monterey. It was a thriving community when Camp Roberts was alive, especially WWII and Korea.

There are three main attractions for photographers - the town itself, the Mission, and the Rios-Caledonia Adobe.

The town itself is classic case of "Freeway Bypass" with many buldings from the '40s and '50s when it was a thriviing community in no small part supported by Camp roberts. We don't have much time!

Mission San Miguel

The Mission WAS the most original and best preserved of the 22. The interior decorations from the early 1800s are the original Indian paintings on the interior walls still in good condition &endash; sadly the building is closed, while arguments rage over the restoration plans and financing.

Rios Caledonia Adobe

South of the Mission, just before returning to the freeway, on the left, is the entrance to the Rios Caledonia Adobe. It may or may not be open, but DO walk around it and through the area. The original highway is still intact and will give you an idea of what it was like in the '20s to drive from L.A. to San Francisco.