Author: Richard Schulte

Downtown San Diego has been my home for many years. My online activities reflect my love for writing, blogging, walking and photography.

An amazing Peruvian tall ship visits San Diego!

The Peruvian Navy training ship BAP Unión is presently docked at San Diego’s Broadway Pier. I walked out onto the pier late today to check out the enormous, four-masted tall ship!

The 3-year-old BAP Unión is a 378 foot steel-hulled barque, with a crew that includes many Peruvian naval cadets. As young sailors learn about duty aboard an amazing sailing ship, the BAP Unión serves as a fine ambassador for the nation of Peru wherever it goes. The handsome bronze figurehead, which includes symbols from the Inca culture, was created by Peruvian sculptor Pilar Martinez Woodman.

Today the tall ship begins her very first tour of the West Coast, following earlier stops at San Juan, Miami, Mayport, Norfolk and Boston. The BAP Unión will be docked at San Diego’s Embarcadero through this weekend, and visitors can enjoy tours aboard the vessel with an admission ticket to the Maritime Museum of San Diego!

As I walked out on Broadway Pier, I took some cool photos!

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of photos for you to enjoy!

150 Favorite cool photos of Comic-Con cosplay!

Adam Warlock
Adam Warlock

I’ve covered San Diego Comic-Con for many years. Cool San Diego Sights now includes hundreds of cosplay photos that were taken around the Convention Center and Gaslamp Quarter.

While we impatiently wait three months for 2019 Comic-Con, I thought I’d share 150 of my favorite photographs. These include some of the weirdest, funniest, most jaw-dropping examples of cosplay that my roving camera has happily recorded.

Enjoy!

Adora Belle Dearheart and Moist von Lipwig
Adora Belle Dearheart and Moist von Lipwig
Ahmanet of The Mummy
Ahmanet of The Mummy
Alice and Mad Hatter
Alice and Mad Hatter
Ant-Man and the Wasp
Ant-Man and the Wasp
Aquaman
Aquaman
Aquaman
Aquaman
Aquaman, Mera and cosplay friends
Aquaman, Mera and cosplay friends
Assassin's Creed
Assassin’s Creed
Azog and a Nazgûl
Azog and a Nazgûl
Azrael Batman
Azrael Batman
Batman and Bane
Batman and Bane
Batman looking grim
Batman looking grim
Batman, Robin and supervillains ready for the beach
Batman, Robin and evil supervillains ready for a pool party
Baymax
Baymax
Black Mage encircled by Supergirl and friends
Black Mage encircled by Supergirl and dancing friends
Black Widow and Ant-Man
Black Widow and Ant-Man
Black Widow, Captain America and friend
Black Widow, Captain America and smiling friend
Bombshell Batwoman
Bombshell Batwoman
Bumblebee and barbarian friend boarding a trolley in San Diego
Bumblebee and barbarian friend boarding a trolley in San Diego
Cable
Cable
Captain America
Captain America strikes a pose
Catwoman and Jane Doe of Blindspot
Catwoman and Jane Doe of Blindspot
Cloud Strife
Cloud Strife
Cobra Commander
Cobra Commander
Coneheads
Coneheads
Cyclops
Cyclops
Cylon from Battlestar Galactica
Cylon Centurion from Battlestar Galactica
Dark Angel Olivia
Dark Angel Olivia
Darth Maul
Darth Maul
Darth Vader in cool sunglasses
Darth Vader in cool sunglasses
Dayman
Dayman
Deadpool takes many forms, including a hot dog
Deadpool takes many forms, including a hot dog
Deathstroke and Batgirl
Deathstroke and Batgirl
Disco Darth Vader
Disco Darth Vader
Doc Brown
Doc Brown
Dragon Slayer Ornstein
Dragon Slayer Ornstein
Dragon Ball Z
Dragon Ball Z
Electro
Electro
Elemental Hero Avian
Elemental Hero Avian
Fast food superheroes
Fast food superheroes
Ferengi from Star Trek
Ferengi from Star Trek
Fire Archangel Velajuel
Fire Archangel Velajuel
Frog Glenn with Batman and two Robins
Frog Glenn with Batman and two Robins
Frozone
Frozone
Game of Thrones
Game of Thrones
Game of Thrones
Game of Thrones
Gamora
Gamora
Garden gnomes
Garden gnomes
Ghostbusters
Ghostbusters
Goku
Goku
Green Arrow
Green Arrow
Guardians of the Galaxy
Guardians of the Galaxy
Gumby and Pokey
Gumby and Pokey
Gurren Lagann
Gurren Lagann
Harley Quinn and Deathstroke
Harley Quinn and Deathstroke
Harley Quinn
Harley Quinn
Haru of The Cat Returns
Haru of The Cat Returns
Hawkman and Hawkgirl
Hawkman and Hawkgirl
Henchman 21
Henchman 21
Hermione Granger, Daredevil and American Maid
Hermione Granger, Daredevil and American Maid
Homestuck
Homestuck
Immortan Joe
Immortan Joe
Jawa from Star Wars
Jawa from Star Wars
Jay Garrick version of Flash
Jay Garrick version of Flash
Judge Dredd and Judge Death
Judge Dredd and Judge Death
Kevin Flynn from Tron
Kevin Flynn from Tron
Kevin from Up
Kevin from Up
Klingons
Klingons
Krieg the Psycho
Krieg the Psycho
Kuato from Total Recall
Kuato from Total Recall
Lady Sif
Lady Sif
LEGO Cyborg
LEGO Cyborg
Liliana Vess
Liliana Vess
Little Mermaid
Little Mermaid
Loki and Thor
Loki and Thor
Loki
Loki
Lord Hater
Lord Hater
Lovecraftian steampunk Cthulhu-like character
Lovecraftian steampunk Cthulhu-like character
Mad Hatters
Mad Hatters
Mad Max duo
Mad Max duo
Mad Max trio
Mad Max trio
Madame Vastra
Madame Vastra
Madder Red of Bedlam
Madder Red of Bedlam
Madoka Magica
Madoka Magica
Mercy and Reaper of Overwatch
Mercy and Reaper of Overwatch
Ming the Merciless
Ming the Merciless
MOBA Legends
MOBA Legends
Mouth of Sauron
Mouth of Sauron
Mystery Science Theater 3000
Mystery Science Theater 3000
Nightmare Before Christmas
Nightmare Before Christmas
Obi-Wan Kenobi
Obi-Wan Kenobi
Opera Bugs Bunny
Opera Bugs Bunny
Orange Vader and friends
Orange Vader and friends
Pac-Man
Pac-Man
Pepsiman
Pepsiman
Pikachu
Pikachu
Poison Ivy
Poison Ivy
Post-apocalyptic Super Mario Bros.
Post-apocalyptic Super Mario Bros.
Professor McGonagall and Dumbledore
Professor McGonagall and Dumbledore
Quidditch players for the Montrose Magpies
Quidditch players for the Montrose Magpies
R2-D2
R2-D2
Riddler
Riddler
Robin
Robin
Rocksteady and Bebop
Rocksteady and Bebop
Salsa Picante
Salsa Picante
Samurai Jack
Samurai Jack
Sans from Undertale
Sans from Undertale
Satsuki Kiryuin
Satsuki Kiryuin
Scarecrow
Scarecrow
Sharknado victims
Sharknado victims
She-Hulk and Raven
She-Hulk and Raven
She-Ra has arrived to save the day. Her friend looks like a messed-up Phoenix, but I'm not sure.
She-Ra has arrived to save the day. Her friend looks like a messed-up Phoenix, but I’m not sure…
Sheriff Deputy Rick Grimes
Sheriff Deputy Rick Grimes
Silk
Silk
Silver Surfer
Silver Surfer
Silverware
Silverware
Snow White
Snow White
Society For Creative Anachronism
Society For Creative Anachronism
Some sort of astronaut
Some sort of astronaut
Sora from Kingdom Hearts
Sora from Kingdom Hearts
Speed Racer and Mario characters
Speed Racer and Mario characters
Spiderman and Venom
Spiderman and Venom
Spiderman driving a pedicab outside San Diego Comic-Con
Spiderman driving a pedicab outside San Diego Comic-Con
Spock
Spock
Star Trek Barbee
Star Trek Barbee
Star Wars
Star Wars
Star-Lord and Thor
Star-Lord and Thor
Steampunk Ghostbuster with proton pack
Steampunk Ghostbuster with proton pack
Steampunk lady
Steampunk lady
Steampunk version of Batman
Steampunk version of Batman
Steven Universe
Steven Universe
Storm
Storm
Super Shredder
Super Shredder
TARDIS
TARDIS
The Addams Family
The Addams Family
The Venture Bros.
The Venture Bros.
The Witcher character
The Witcher character
Thor
Thor
Transformer in the Gaslamp
Transformer in the Gaslamp
Tweedledum and Tweedledee
Tweedledum and Tweedledee
Undead running amok inside the San Diego Convention Center
Undead zombie running amok inside the San Diego Convention Center
Unknown
Unknown
Venom
Venom
WALL-E and Cruella de Vil
WALL-E and Cruella de Vil
Warlock from Destiny
Warlock from Destiny
Wolverine
Wolverine
Wonder Woman and a Golden Age enemy
Wonder Woman and a Golden Age enemy
Wonder Woman and Maleficent
Wonder Woman and Maleficent
Wonder Woman and Superman
Wonder Woman and Superman

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of photos for you to enjoy!

Swords of Chivalry knights battle in Balboa Park!

In my opinion, the most exciting part of the House of England’s lawn program in Balboa Park yesterday was the historical sword fighting. A local group called Swords of Chivalry provided a fine demonstration of realistic combat between armored knights during the Middle Ages.

According to their website, the Swords of Chivalry Program is one of only 16 schools in the world that have been selected to the Chivalric Fighting Arts Association. The program is led by “San Diego’s own Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) expert and medieval history guru, Scott Farrell.”

As knights and their squires performed heroic feats upon the green grass of the International Cottages, I and everyone watching were drawn back in time to the fantastic Age of Chivalry.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of photos for you to enjoy!

English knights, cute Corgis, Harry Potter and more!

Knights in shining armor mock battle in Balboa Park during the House of England lawn program!
Knights in armor engage in mock battle during the House of England’s lawn program.

The House of England in Balboa Park hosted a really great lawn program today!

As I lingered on the grass at the center of the International Cottages, I saw historical costumes, several mock knight battles, a Beatles tribute band, and even a parade of Welsh Corgis! I also stepped into the House of England’s cottage to check out a bunch of cultural displays!

These photos show what I experienced…

The wonderful House of England lawn program drew a good crowd to the International Cottages in Balboa Park.
The annual House of England lawn program drew a good crowd to the International Cottages in Balboa Park.
A member of the group Swords of Chivalry removes her steel helmet after some mock medieval combat.
A member of the group Swords of Chivalry removes her steel helmet after some mock medieval combat.
Other members of Swords of Chivalry have donned historical armor during the lawn program.
Other members of Swords of Chivalry have donned historical armor during the House of England’s lawn program.
Kids had fun learning about the Age of Chivalry, a time long ago that seems like pure fantasy in our modern age.
Kids had fun learning about the Age of Chivalry, a time long ago that now seems like pure fantasy.
Ron, Hermione and Harry welcome visitors to the House of England's cottage. Join us for a cup of tea.
Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger and Harry Potter welcome visitors to the House of England’s cottage. Join us for a cup of tea.
The House of England's cottage is jam packed with all sorts of interesting photos, artwork and cultural displays.
The House of England’s small cottage is full of interesting photos, artwork and cultural displays.
One wall features the Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom. A nearby poster traces The Royal Lineage.
One wall features the Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom. A nearby poster traces The Royal Lineage.
A Briton's Creed, Big Ben,Winston Churchill and more!
A Briton’s Creed, Big Ben,Winston Churchill and more!
I soon spotted a bunch of Harry Potter stuff. It's the Sorting Hat from Hogwarts!
I soon spotted a bunch of Harry Potter stuff. It’s the Sorting Hat from Hogwarts!
One chart shows how the name Luna has become increasingly popular due to the Harry Potter books and films.
One chart shows how the name Luna has become increasingly popular due to the Harry Potter books and films.
It's all of the Doctors from the Doctor Who series!
It’s all of the Doctors from the popular Doctor Who series!
A large display in the cottage is devoted to the British royal family, and Princess Diana in particular.
A large display in the cottage is devoted to the British royal family, and Princess Diana in particular.
An article about keeping Diana's legacy alive by eliminating landmines around the world.
An article about striving to keep Diana’s legacy alive by eliminating landmines around the world. (Click image to enlarge for easy reading.)
Look at all the fun, unique teapots!
Look at all the fun, unique teapots!
Back outside, the House of England had a food tent up. Delectable treats for sale included Hagrid's Dragon Eggs!
Back outside, the House of England had a food tent up. Delectable treats for sale included Hagrid’s Dragon Eggs!
All sorts of tents on the lawn. Many contained displays concerning English culture and history.
All sorts of tents along the grass. Many contained information about English culture and history.
Some attending the cool event wore historical costumes.
Some attending the cool event wore historical costumes.
A parade featuring dozens of cute Corgis caught everyone's attention.
A parade featuring dozens of cute Corgis caught everyone’s attention.
Some guys rode penny-farthings to Balboa Park's fun House of England lawn program.
Some guys rode penny-farthings to Balboa Park’s wonderful House of England event.
Four gentlemen and their high wheels.
Four gentlemen and their high wheels.
This elegant lady had a table that concerned the show Victoria on PBS.
This elegant lady had a table that concerned the show Victoria on PBS.
Images from 19th century England.
Images from 19th century England.
Claudia Previn Stasny, daughter of André Previn, sings The Star Spangled Banner and God Save the Queen to begin the main program of entertainment.
Claudia Previn Stasny, daughter of André Previn, sang The Star Spangled Banner and God Save the Queen to begin the program of afternoon entertainment.
A happy group of Welsh Corgis hangs out by the stage.
A happy group of Welsh Corgis hangs out by the stage.
The Baja Bugs, a great Beatles tribute band, rocks the House of England's lawn program.
The Baja Bugs, a great Beatles tribute band, rocks the House of England’s lawn program.
I think I see Ringo at the drums!
I think I see Ringo at the drums!
Knights entertain an outdoor audience at the House of England's lawn program in Balboa Park.
Battling knights entertain an outdoor audience at the House of England’s lawn program in Balboa Park!

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of photos for you to enjoy!

Earth Day at Old Town’s Native Plant Garden.

Many volunteers improve the Native Plant Garden near the McCoy House Museum in Old Town San Diego.
Many volunteers improve the Native Plant Garden near the McCoy House Museum in Old Town San Diego.

I was pleased to stumble upon an Earth Day event today as I walked into Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. A variety of organizations had gathered along the path leading to the McCoy House Museum, and many volunteers were working in the nearby Native Plant Garden.

What did I see?

Sign welcomes visitors to Old Town San Diego State Historic Park's weekend Earth Day Open House!
Sign welcomes visitors to Old Town San Diego State Historic Park’s cool Earth Day Open House!
Volunteers work with a State Park Ranger in Old Town's native garden for Earth Day. The Old Town Transit Center is visible in the background.
Volunteers work with a State Park Ranger in Old Town’s native garden for Earth Day. The Old Town Transit Center is visible in the background.
A row of tents near the McCoy House Museum welcomes curious visitors during the Earth Day Open House event.
A row of tents near the McCoy House Museum welcomes curious visitors during the Earth Day Open House event.
These guys represent Green Love, an environmental organization of the Associated Students at San Diego State University.
These guys represent Green Love, an environmental organization of the Associated Students at San Diego State University.
Green Love's endeavors include campus outreach, environmental justice, sustainable transportation, and even a community garden.
Green Love’s endeavors include campus outreach, environmental justice, sustainable transportation, and even a community garden.
Friendly ladies of the Old Town Basketry Guild demonstrate their craft.
Friendly ladies of the Old Town Basketry Guild demonstrate their ancient craft.
Sheet details how to become a member of the Old Town San Diego State Historic Park Basketry Guild.
Sheet details how to become a member of the Old Town San Diego State Historic Park Basketry Guild.
Participants in Old Town's Earth Day hang out by the McCoy House, which today serves as a museum of San Diego's early history.
Participants in Old Town’s Earth Day hang out by the McCoy House, which today serves as a museum of San Diego’s early history.
At this table, the California State Parks Foundation celebrates Earth Day!
At this table, the California State Parks Foundation celebrates Earth Day!
This sheet shows upcoming volunteer opportunities in California State Parks!
This sheet shows upcoming volunteer opportunities in several regional California State Parks!
An expert showed me examples of native San Diego flowers, like the California golden poppy, our state's official flower.
A knowledgeable expert showed me examples of native San Diego flowers, including the richly golden California poppy, our state’s official flower.
Flyer provides info concerning the California Native Plant Society's San Diego Garden Tour 2019.
Flyer provides info concerning the California Native Plant Society’s San Diego Garden Tour 2019.
I declined to plant a seed today, but I did get some smiles.
I declined to plant a seed today, but I did get some smiles.
Guys with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife answered questions at their table. I believe that's a coyote.
Guys with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife answered questions at their table. I believe that’s a coyote.
Hard-working volunteers could be seen all around the Native Plant Garden.
Hard-working volunteers could be seen all around the Native Plant Garden.
These generous Target employee volunteers were repairing the fence around the McCoy House. Thank you!
These generous Target employee volunteers were repairing the fence around the McCoy House. Thank you!
Caring for our planet during a cool Earth Day event.
Caring for our planet during a cool Earth Day event.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of photos for you to enjoy!

Fun times at the Wheelchair OTL Tournament!

Lots of athletes were out in the sunshine today playing Over-the-Line!

OTL is a unique, baseball-like beach game, created in the 1950s by the Old Mission Beach Athletic Club. This signature San Diego sport was being played by teams competing at OMBAC’s 41st Annual Wheelchair Over-the-Line Tournament.

Food was abundant, a rock band was playing live music, and scores were being kept as screaming line drives were batted into the outfield. The field of play was the parking lot of the old Toys “R” Us store on West Morena Boulevard.

To learn more about OMBAC’s Adaptive sports activities, and how anyone can become involved, visit their website here!

Very cool!

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Washington Street Skatepark’s 20th Anniversary!

Today is the 20th Anniversary of San Diego’s very cool Washington Street Skatepark! Lots of local skateboarders converged for the “20 Year Birthday Bash” and helped raise funds to maintain this public skate park.

I learned that money raised goes to making repairs, paying for insurance and the nearby porta-potty. If you want to help out and make a donation, visit the Washington Street Skatepark website by clicking here! (You can also learn about the history of this awesome place and the dedicated volunteers who built it.)

Some friendly guys manning tables along the sidewalk smiled for my camera, then I headed up the ramp and into the park to check out some of today’s action!

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of photos for you to enjoy!

A photographic adventure by the water.

I enjoyed a small photographic adventure yesterday evening.

Walking along the Embarcadero, camera in hand, I gazed out toward San Diego Bay and the descending sun. Occasionally I paused to frame long shadows, glowing clouds, silhouettes and bright reflections on the water.

These photographs represent a segment of my walk from Broadway Pier to the Greatest Generation Walk, just south of the USS Midway.

The exaggerated contrasts in these photos were produced by my camera’s automatic mode. When I shoot into the sun, many of the resulting images can appear very dramatic. And darkly mysterious!

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Say yes to new adventures!

Say yes to new adventures!
Say yes to new adventures!

Every single step we take leads to new adventures.

Forward!

Slowly rising sunlight and a downtown walk.

Sunlight gradually streamed into downtown early this morning. Like clear water, light rose in the long channels of glass and steel.

I wandered for a few minutes around Broadway, near Pacific Highway and Harbor Drive.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!