In the second half of this interview with Edie Littlefield Sundby (The Mission Walker), she explains why she extended the California Mission Trail beyond San Diego and retraced the original mission route from Loreto, Baja California, to the U.S. border in 2015, after her cancer returned and she was treated with radiation.

Guided by Harry Crosby’s maps and aided by (previous guest) Trudi Angell and local vaqueros, she walked nearly 1,000 GPS miles through roadless desert sierras with pack mules, scarce water, and minimal supplies, encountering both extraordinary hospitality on remote ranchos and increasing danger from narcos and drug routes in northern Baja.

Edie contrasts the wild Jesuit trail with the more accessible Franciscan route in California, reflects on gratitude, trust, and spiritual pilgrimage, discusses the missions’ enduring “spirit” even in ruins, and closes with thoughts on history’s complexity and the California Mission Trail as a pilgrimage people can complete in segments.

Purchase The Mission Walker

Chapters

00:00 Why Baja Matters
01:21 Transcendence Then Relapse
03:28 Discovering Loreto Origins
05:20 Planning With Trudy
06:41 Keeping It Quiet
07:59 Jesuit Trail Realities
09:54 Launching From Loreto
10:25 Vaqueros And Survival
13:23 Rancho Hospitality Story
16:11 Living History On Ranchos
18:07 Timing The Desert Walk
19:23 Loreto Mission And Spirit
21:07 Jesuit Trail Highlights
23:04 Narcos on the Trail
24:23 Vaquero Protection
26:31 Respect and Trust
28:08 Desert Hunger Lessons
29:11 Water Survival System
30:16 Cactus and Gear
32:14 Shrines and Gratitude
33:19 Finishing the Journey
36:33 Drug Roads Reality
37:59 History Beyond Myths
40:31 Trust Over Fear
41:44 California Camino Dream
42:44 Walking in Segments
43:52 Next Big Adventures
44:55 Books and Farewell
46:57 Support the Show

Send a Comment.

Support the show

Give a one-time donation

Learn more about the California Frontier Project:

• Website
• YouTube
• Instagram
• Facebook

Contact:
damian@californiafrontier.net

Today's guest is Edie Littlefield Sundby, author of the memoir The Mission Walker, about becoming the first person to walk the full Camino Real of both Californias while living with stage four cancer.

In Part 1, Edie recounts being initially denied treatment, finding aggressive care at Stanford, surviving extensive surgeries and chemotherapy, and using walking to purge toxicity and rebuild her body and spirit.

She also describes her first mission journey, walking from San Diego to Sonoma in 55 days by following mission bells and a hiker’s guide, as well as the hospitality of Franciscan missions.

Chapters:
00:00 California Mission Trail Intro
00:40 Meet Edie Littlefield Sun
02:40 Stage Four Cancer Turning Point
04:54 Walking as Medicine and Pilgrimage
08:13 Mission Bells and First Trail Walk
10:48 Chemo Walks and Healing Mindset
15:56 Follow the Bells Decision
18:14 Planning the 800 Mile Walk
21:18 Trail Logistics and One Lung
24:03 No Shortcuts Long Walk Lessons
27:04 Maps Over GPS Ground Truth
30:03 55 Days Mission to Mission
32:50 Mindfulness Outside the Head
34:56 Santa Susanna Pass Breakthrough
39:29 How the Trail Defines California

Send a Comment.

Support the show

Give a one-time donation

Learn more about the California Frontier Project:

• Website
• YouTube
• Instagram
• Facebook

Contact:
damian@californiafrontier.net

In 1769, Spain feared it was about to lose the Pacific coast. Russian traders were moving south from Alaska, British naval power was rising, and Spain had no permanent settlements north of Baja California. In response, imperial officials launched a land-and-sea operation known as the Sacred Expedition — a march that would found San Diego, search for the lost harbor of Monterey, and lead a small overland party to the first recorded European sighting of San Francisco Bay.

The Portolá Expedition (1769–1770) was the first Spanish overland exploration of coastal Alta California, organized to secure Spain’s claim against rival empires. Led by Gaspar de Portolá and supported by Fr. Junípero Serra and José de Gálvez, the expedition established San Diego, attempted to locate Monterey Bay, and instead made the first documented European discovery of San Francisco Bay. These journeys laid the foundation for Spain’s missions and presidios in California.

0:00 -- Introduction
0:32 — Why Spain Moved into Alta California (Manila Galleon & Empire Strategy)
3:10 — Russian Expansion Threatens Spanish California
6:30 — José de Gálvez’s Plan: Missions and Presidios in Alta California
9:40 — The 1769 Portolá Expedition Begins
13:10 — Founding San Diego: First Mission and Presidio
16:40 — Why the Expedition Missed Monterey
19:50 — The European “Discovery” of San Francisco Bay (1769)
22:40 — The Return South and Near Failure
24:30 — 1770: Founding Monterey and Securing Spanish California

References:

• Herbert Eugene Bolton, Fray Juan Crespi, Missionary Explorer on the Pacific Coast, 1769-1774
• Phil Brigandi and Eric Plunkett, The Portolá Expedition in Orange County
• Harry W. Crosby, Gateway to Alta California: The Expedition to San Diego, 1769
• Iris Engstrand and Donald Cutter, Quest for Empire: Spanish Settlement in the Southwest
• Iris Engstrand, “The Occupation of the Port of San Diego de Alcalá, 1769.”
• Robert Kirsch and William S. Murphy, West of the West. Witnesses to the California Experience, 1542-1906.
• Richard Pourade, The History of San Diego: Vol. II: The Explorers, 1492-1774.

Send a Comment.

Support the show

Give a one-time donation

Learn more about the California Frontier Project:

• Website
• YouTube
• Instagram
• Facebook

Contact:
damian@californiafrontier.net

In part two of this interview, Damian Bacich continues his conversation with David Kier, who shares stories from his travels to the Baja California missions and explains some of the legends people tell about “lost missions” and hidden treasures. David describes what the missions look like today—some are still standing and even used for church services, while others are in ruins because of weather and time. He also talks about other historians and writers who inspired his work and gives helpful advice for people who want to visit Baja California, including tips about safety, transportation, insurance, and travel documents. David encourages listeners to see Baja California as an important part of California’s history and to appreciate its culture, landscapes, and historic landmarks.

Send a Comment.

Support the show

Give a one-time donation

Learn more about the California Frontier Project:

• Website
• YouTube
• Instagram
• Facebook

Contact:
damian@californiafrontier.net

In this episode, host Damian Bacich talks with David Kier about his lifelong interest in Baja California and its missions.

Kier explains how family trips he took as a child sparked a passion that later led him to make maps, write guidebooks, and become an expert on mission history. He describes when and why the Jesuit, Franciscan, and Dominican missions were founded in Baja California between 1697 and 1849, clears up myths about “lost missions,” and explains how disease and Spanish colonization affected Native peoples.

The episode also looks at how the name “California” originally referred to Baja California before spreading north, how control of the region changed from Spain to Mexico, and why Kier believes it is important to study history carefully while staying open to new discoveries.

Send a Comment.

Support the show

Give a one-time donation

Learn more about the California Frontier Project:

• Website
• YouTube
• Instagram
• Facebook

Contact:
damian@californiafrontier.net

Today, I'm honored to speak with Craig S. Harwood, author of Bridget's Gambit, a captivating saga of family enterprise during the California Gold Rush. This really interesting book, coming out soon, tells a fascinating story of early California and its impact on American history. Craig shares insights about the gold mining and gold hunting in the region, his personal connection to the narrative, and what he discovered while writing this important piece of history.
We explore the life of Bridget Evoy, a remarkable figure in California's Gold Rush history.
The discussion highlights Bridget's leadership and resilience, as well as the challenges faced by women in a male-dominated society during the Victorian era. We also cover Bridget's role in the development of the city of Oakland during the Gold Rush era, her resilience in the face of personal tragedy, her family's legacy, and the impact of their Catholic faith. The conversation also highlights the challenges and triumphs of women during this period, the writing process behind documenting Bridget's story, and the misconceptions surrounding women's roles in the Gold Rush. Craig also shares insights from his research and the importance of storytelling in preserving history.

Pre-order Bridget's Gambit today

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to California History and Bridget's Gambit
03:00 The Author's Background and Connection to Bridget
05:51 Bridget Evoy's Early Life in Ireland
08:40 Bridget's Journey to America and Challenges Faced
11:41 The Gold Rush Catalyst and Family Decisions
14:41 The Overland Journey and Leadership in Crisis
18:54 Exploiting Opportunities During the Gold Rush
22:11 The Family's Strategic Business Moves
25:40 Navigating Dangers in a Male-Dominated Society
31:52 Facing Tragedy with Resilience
35:12 Legacy of Tenacity and Business Acumen
38:30 Faith and Philanthropy in the Family
42:08 Researching the Past: A Detective Story
42:37 The Writing Process: From Idea to Publication
43:33 Crafting a Compelling Narrative

Send a Comment.

Support the show

Give a one-time donation

Learn more about the California Frontier Project:

• Website
• YouTube
• Instagram
• Facebook

Contact:
damian@californiafrontier.net

In Part 2 of my interview with archaeologist Richard Carrico, our conversation delves into the significant archaeological findings at the Presidio, revealing insights into its history, architecture, and the lives of its inhabitants.

Richard comments on the culinary practices of the time, leisure activities, and the transition from the Presidio to Old Town San Diego. The discussion also covers crime and punishment within the Presidio, the legal rights of Native Americans, and the broader implications of these historical narratives for contemporary readers.

Purchase Richard's book: El Presidio de San Diego: Excavating Southern California's Lost City

00:00 Introduction to Richard Carrico and His Work
01:08 Excavation Discoveries and Archaeological Insights
07:33 Culinary Traditions at the Presidio
09:28 Authentic Culinary Traditions
12:09 Leisure and Games in Historical Context
15:43 The Evolution of Old Town
21:00 Crime and Punishment at the Presidio
32:53 Understanding the Reader's Perspective

Send a Comment.

Support the show

Give a one-time donation

Learn more about the California Frontier Project:

• Website
• YouTube
• Instagram
• Facebook

Contact:
damian@californiafrontier.net

In this conversation, I interview archaeologist Richard Carrico, an expert on the Presidio of San Diego, discussing its historical significance, the need for accessible literature on the subject, and the cultural heritage of the Kumeyaay people.

Carrico shares insights from his new book, El Presidio de San Diego: Excavating Southern California's Lost City. In it, Richard emphasizes the importance of the Presidio in California's history and the challenges it faces in terms of preservation and public awareness.

00:00 Introduction to Richard Carrico and His Work
02:08 The Significance of the Presidio of San Diego
04:29 The Need for a Comprehensive Book on the Presidio
06:59 The Current State of the Presidio Site
12:30 Historical Occupation of the Presidio
18:00 Demographics and Community at the Presidio
23:08 The Origin and Meaning of 'Presidio'
25:35 Excavation Discoveries and Archaeological Insights

Send a Comment.

Support the show

Give a one-time donation

Learn more about the California Frontier Project:

• Website
• YouTube
• Instagram
• Facebook

Contact:
damian@californiafrontier.net