Mission San Juan- San Antonio TX

 In San Antonio they have a mission trail where you get to see the missions that where built in the 1700 by the Franciscan priest.  They were spaced about a days walk apart along the San Antonio River. Each one was different and unique.  The first one we saw was Mision San Jose.  Then we went on to Mission San Juan.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mission_San_Juan_Capistrano_%28Texas%29

Mission San Juan, San Antonio TX

Because they are of such historical significance in the area they have been taken over by the National Parks.

When you go in they have these plaques so you can see how the compound was laid out when it was an active settlement.

As we where walking around to the church portion we could help but see this cross. 

This one was not near as in good shape as the fisrt one we went to - Mission San Jose. I thought it was inserting to see the flowers taking over this section.

You can tell they have been working on restoring the church to its original magnificence.
Here's the side view of the church and you can see the walls were not built up like they were at San Jose's. 

Those bells were very striking.  At one point the sky was blue behind them and they really stood out.  I wished I had taken the picture when I could have.  

The bells of Mission San Juan

This is an active church ans as such they keep it in good shape.

Here's how it looks from the left side of the area.  This mission did not have near the stuff to see as San Jose did and we were done touring the area pretty quickly. 

Mission San Juan, San Antonio TX

I did enjoy seeing the walls and the way they were made with native rocks. 

Another view of the cross.  I could help but notice the symbolism of it being surrounded by cactus.

Cross in a bed of cactus, @Mission San Juan

Then we went on to Mission Espada