The March of Portola and the Discovery of the Bay of San Francisco

Set against the restless ambitions of European empires, this narrated chronicle follows the 1769 expedition that pushed north from the sleepy harbor of San Diego toward an uncharted expanse on the Pacific coast. Readers hear the march of Governor Portolá and his weary troops as they confront scurvy, unfamiliar terrain, and the looming mystery of a great inland sea. The account captures the awe and uncertainty felt when the explorers first caught sight of the sweeping bay that would later become San Francisco.

Drawing on the meticulous diaries of Father Crespi, Alférez Costansó, and other contemporaneous letters, the work blends translation and annotation to bring the period to life. Listeners gain insight into the leader’s steady judgment, the soldiers’ struggles, and the cautious hospitality of the native peoples they encountered. The narrative balances factual detail with a vivid sense of adventure, offering a compelling glimpse into the early chapter of California’s history.