On a weekday morning, construction workers remove debris from the interior of the now vacant Gaslamp 15 movie theater.
Here comes a batch of lively photos that I took downtown this morning. I have the week off from work, so I’m trying to take full advantage of it.
On this typical workday, I simply walked down from Cortez Hill and enjoyed some of the ordinary bustle downtown that I don’t always have time to appreciate. Among other things, I noticed the clean up is still going on from last night’s Mardi Gras celebrations. Life goes on…
Workers on scaffolding renovate the exterior of a building on Sixth Avenue.Meals are being delivered by the San Diego Unified School District’s Food and Nutrition Services to Kipp Adelante Preparatory Academy.Priests from St. Paul’s Cathedral provide Ashes To Go and a quick blessing to believers passing by on B Street on this Ash Wednesday.A window washer at work at City Pizzeria.Sidewalk sign proclaims that your future is waiting upstairs!I saw this art in a shop window as I walked by so I had to post it, of course!A row of motorcycles, and a worker taking a break near Horton Plaza.Torn sign at a Broadway bus station informs riders about yesterday’s Mardi Gras detours.This cool guy holding a parking sign outside the Bristol Hotel was nice to smile for a pic.A construction worker crosses Broadway while a homeless man looks into a trashcan.Here comes a guy riding a cool bicycle that appears to be designed for deliveries. Perhaps he’s a courier. A few bike couriers still make deliveries downtown.One guy crosses the street while carrying plans; another escorts dogs with a coffee in hand.People board an MTS bus near the Fifth Avenue trolley station.A walker runs his cane through some spilled leftover ice on a Gaslamp sidewalk.A firetruck turns a corner in the Gaslamp, and reflections of nearby buildings appear in the windows.A worker with Clean and Safe’s downtown program mops the sidewalk while a businessman walks by.An Old Town Trolley Tours vehicle loaded with tourists waits for a homeless man with a packed shopping cart to clear an intersection.People work on laptop computers outside a coffee shop.Birds fly in a blue downtown San Diego sky.Someone unlocks the security gate in front of a small downtown shop. It’s morning, so time to open.I wait for a pollo asado burrito inside The Taco Stand and gaze out the window at B Street.A street musician near the C Street trolley tracks.Finally, I spotted these people as I headed back up Cortez Hill. They were crossing the street with some shining balloons. I guess it must be an anniversary!
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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!
Hikers descend from the summit of Cowles Mountain, which rises above San Diego’s San Carlos neighborhood.
Please enjoy the following photos. They are from a hike that I took yesterday to the summit of Cowles Mountain in Mission Trails Regional Park. Cowles Mountain, elevation 1,593 feet, is the highest peak in the city of San Diego. Because it’s located near so many urban residents, hundreds of hikers can be found on its trails on any given day.
Yesterday, around noon, I started from the trailhead at the Cowles Staging Area on Golfcrest Drive, and I slowly climbed the zigzagging trail to the summit. It’s a fairly steep ascent–one gains 950 feet in just 1.5 miles. Furthermore, yesterday the footing was more difficult than usual. A small stream was flowing down much of the muddy trail, due to the recent rain.
But the climb was definitely worth the effort!
The higher I ascended, the more fantastic the views became. At the top I could survey nearly all of San Diego and much of the surrounding region. From mountains to ocean, Mexico to North County and beyond–the spectacular views stretched in every direction!
Someone sits on the stone wall at the Cowles Staging Area. This is one of the most popular hiking trails in San Diego, and can be very crowded on weekends.A bench at the staging area had this small plaque. We walked, we talked and we became friends. Thank you little Tommy Sablan.Sign at the trailhead explains Cowles Mountain was named after a prominent San Diego ranching pioneer. His two ranches in the El Cajon valley were so successful he was named Raisin King of the US.Map shows trails to the summit of Cowles Mountain in Mission Trails Regional Park, which is the largest municipal park in the state of California.Sign near the trailhead. On a busy trail, etiquette should be observed to preserve the natural beauty and enhance the experience of other hikers.Starting up the 1.5 mile trail. The footing is stony in many places. This day it was also muddy due to recent rain.Pausing for a moment to look back down at the staging area.Another hiker, starting up toward the summit, appears to be prepared. A nearly 1000 foot climb is entailed. One should wear sturdy shoes and bring water. There is no shade.Looking westward as we ascend into a beautiful San Diego sky.Looking to the south, one can see the Mission Trails Golf Course and Lake Murray.A group hikes up the trail.The top of Cowles Mountain is on the left. First we will climb up that rise on the right.Rescues are often made on this trail due to its popularity. Many urban hikers aren’t prepared for this fairly strenuous trek. I spotted a few emergency markers which are used to locate people in distress.Up, up we go! The climb is relentless, with only a few short level stretches.As we climb higher on this clear day, it’s possible to see farther into the distance. I can barely detect downtown San Diego at the horizon.Many hikers had dogs, who enjoyed the hike, too. The scrubby vegetation and exposed boulders are common in the mountains and hills around San Diego.A better look at shining Lake Murray, a popular fishing destination.Rounding a corner, we can now see to the southeast. The nearer cone-like peak is Mt. Helix in La Mesa.As we continue toward the summit, the Barker Way Trail leads off to the east.Looking again to the southwest, toward downtown San Diego, very faint in the far distance.A zoomed photo. Downtown skyscrapers rise beside San Diego Bay. The Point Loma peninsula can be seen, as well.The trail zigzags among interesting rocky outcrops near the summit.A far view from high above San Diego. Looking to the southeast, I see prominent San Miguel Mountain. My hike earlier in the day (see the previous blog post) was a bit north of that mountain in East County.Once we cross this rocky expanse, we will be at the summit of Cowles Mountain, highest point in the city of San Diego!Plaque at the summit. Cowles Mountain is the dominant feature of Mission Trails Regional Park. It was named to honor George A. Cowles, a pioneer leader of San Diego County in the 1870’s.Sign shows sights from the south to the west, including distant Tijuana, Los Coronados Islands (which I could just barely see), the Silver Strand, Point Loma, Mission Bay and Mount Soledad.A second sign shows mountains from the north to southeast, including Mt. Woodson, distant San Jacinto, Palomar Mountain, Cuyamaca Peak, the Laguna Mountains, Otay Mountain and San Miguel Mountain.To the north, antennas rise from Cowles Mountain into the sky. I could see the Pacific Ocean coastline stretching into the distance in the northwest.Looking north beyond the antenna station. Highway 52 below descends from Mission Trails Pass east into Santee.Gazing northeast toward Santee and Lakeside and nearby mountains. At the very center is El Cajon Mountain.Gazing to the west one can see Mount Soledad, and distant office buildings in University City (also called the Golden Triangle) and Sorrento Valley. The ocean is a thin blue line.Sitting high in the sky, taking in some amazing views.
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There was no need to alter this photo in the slightest way. Nature’s colors appeared astonishingly rich this morning in the sunlit mountains and hills east of San Diego.
My 9:00 hike this morning turned out to be shorter than expected. That’s because I was the only one to show up for a scheduled nature hike in a beautiful section of the San Diego National Wildlife Refuge. Following directions, I parked a few minutes early at the Par 4 trailhead in Jamul, near the Cottonwood Golf Course. I kept checking my watch, hoping the US Fish & Wildlife Service ranger would arrive. I was looking forward to identifying the spring wildflowers and flowering plants along the trail. But it wasn’t to be. I suppose the event was cancelled due to yesterday’s rain.
I didn’t walk far because I didn’t want to adversely impact the still wet trail. Near the trailhead the footing was packed and firm, and my shoes barely made an impression, but perhaps a quarter mile into my hike there was just too much mud to continue.
As you can see, the hills of San Diego are bright green! This winter has been very rainy. During the summer the green in these photos will vanish as the native grasses, sagebrush and scrubby chaparral dry out in the relentless Southern California sun.
During my short hike, I did capture a few photos of tiny flowers and a bird! I’m sorry to report that I can’t properly identify them. Perhaps you can!
Sign at the Par 4 trailhead includes information for hikers and those on horseback. The trail follows the Sweetwater River in Jamul.The San Diego National Wildlife Refuge Complex includes four areas designed to protect wildlife in Southern California. (Click image to enlarge.)There are various wildlife refuges in San Diego County’s undeveloped areas. This map shows where several managed by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service are located. The Par 4 trailhead is near the top of the bigger green blob.A damp trail leads west over a green landscape. Many birds were seen flying across this open space. The morning’s short hike was made pleasurable by a fresh cool breeze and warm sunlight.Beautiful tiny yellow flowers and lingering raindrops on green leaves. What this plant is, I don’t know. Leave a comment if you do!I spotted this little bird perched on a twig near the hiking trail.I tried to identify this small bird using my California Birds pocket guide, but I couldn’t decide. If you know, leave a comment!I’m no expert, but I did find these tiny jewel-like lavender flowers to be beautiful.Dramatic white clouds in a blue sky. Natural beauty in San Diego’s East County the day after a big storm.
After this very small hike, I drove along Highway 94 to Campo, winding my way through bright green rocky mountains. Then I headed back toward San Diego via Buckman Springs and Pine Valley, without any particular notion of where to stop. Then it occurred to me: Why not hike Cowles Mountain today? So I did, as you’ll see in the next blog post!
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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!
It’s raining today. And I’m off from work. So I’ve been sitting at my computer wrestling with words.
I believe I’ve now finished another short story. At least, it seems complete. This story concerns youth, magic, innocence, dreams, the passage of years and what might happen in life. If you’d like to read it, click the following link: Final Real Magic is the title of the story.
During my walk through Balboa Park, I spotted this House of Chamorros banner in front of the Hall of Nations, so I had to investigate!
I was inspired today during my walk through Balboa Park. The House of Chamorros was showcasing the culture of the Mariana Islands, including Guam, at the House of Pacific Relations International Cottages. Interesting artifacts were on display in the Hall of Nations, and food and entertainment filled the room for the public to enjoy.
Why were these friendly people in the Hall of Nations? Because the House of Chamorros doesn’t have a cottage–not yet!
I learned that efforts are underway to build a House of Chamorros cottage in Balboa Park. A building of their own would greatly enhance their mission to educate and share the Chamorro culture with the residents of San Diego County–and the millions of tourists who visit Balboa Park.
That sounds like a worthy endeavor to me! One that requires vision, dedication and . . . money. To learn more, and perhaps join their cause or make a donation, please visit the House of Chamorros website.
Musicians filled the room with beautiful Mariana Islands melodies while food beckoned from the nearby table.Just a few of the artifacts and crafts on display today.
I also learned the House of Chamorros is having a cool lawn program next weekend at the International Cottages. The event is called the First Annual Hafa Adai Cultural Arts Festival. It will include music, dance, crafts and food that represent the culture of the Mariana Islands. (In case you’re curious, I’ve learned “hafa adai” means “hello” in the Chamorro language!)
The festival will take place March 5 from 11am to 5pm. It sounds to me like it will be a lot of fun!
The House of Chamorros presents the Hafa Adai Cultural Arts Festival 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!
If victory is your destination, make excellence your governing value and perform the work necessary to become great. Wisdom on a plaque outside Olympic archery training range in Chula Vista.
It’s not often you get to visit where Olympic athletes train!
Today, my favorite part of the Celebration of Champions event at the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center was checking out where Olympic archers hone their skills. There was more to see than the immense indoor and outdoor archery ranges. My eyes and mind were captivated by a large museum-like display of the history of archery at the Olympic Games.
Please enjoy the following photos. To learn more, read the captions!
A special public event is held at the Easton Foundations Archery Center of Excellence, part of the U.S. Olympic Training Center, which is now called the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center.Kids see what Olympic-level archery is like during the Celebration of Champions event.Outdoor archery targets in a row. Some of the world’s greatest athletes take aim at these!Words inside the archery building at the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center. To be disciplined athletes of great character; challenging ourselves to achieve excellence in the pursuit of glory.Photos on the wall inside the front door show Olympic archers together and in competition.Bows await inside the immense indoor archery range at the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center.Participants and spectators against the back wall of the indoor archery range.Youth learning archery skills check arrow positions on targets after a period of shooting.An Easton arrow flying through the air lit the Olympic flame at the 1992 Summer Games.A display case shows artifacts relating to the history of organized archery and Easton bows and arrows.Along a corridor running the length of the Archery Center of Excellence are museum-like displays concerning archery during past Olympic Games. (Click image to enlarge.)The first modern Olympic Games took place in Athens, Greece in 1896. Archery was featured in some of the early years.Photo of FITA President Mrs. Inger K. Frith who helped archery to become reestablished as an Olympic sport by the International Olympic Committee.Early year displays include a 1904 program for the Louisiana Purchase Exposition and an early version of archery competition where the bird target sat atop a 31 meter pole.As one proceeds down the hallway, time moves forward. In 1972 John Williams became archery’s first male gold medalist and Doreen Wilbur won the first gold for women’s archery.Walk down this hallway and you might rub shoulders with Olympic athletes!The 1972 Olympic Games in Montreal, Canada saw the United States set new archery records.In 1984, at the Los Angeles games, New Zealand’s Neroli Fairhall was the first paraplegic athlete to compete in Olympic archery.The 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta based the competition on head-to-head single elimination, a change that proved very popular.In 1996 American and crowd favorite Justin Huish became first male to win individual and team gold.In 2000 South Korea’s women dominated archery at the Sydney Summer Olympic Games.More fascinating Olympic Games history on display at the indoor archery range at the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center.In 2004 the Olympic Games returned to its birthplace: Athens, Greece. The archers competed in the marble Panathinaiko Stadium which is about 2300 years old!Beijing, China hosted the 2008 Olympic Games where many records were broken.And perhaps, one day, these young people will break world archery records!
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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!
Kids get a chance to practice archery at an outdoor range where Olympians train! A special activity during the Celebration of Champions event at the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center!
For 23 years the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista has been utilized by hundreds of Team USA athletes. It has now transfered ownership from the United States Olympic Committee to the City of Chula Vista. Although the large 155-acre facility is now called the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center, it remains one of the most important U.S. Olympic and Paralympic training sites. And now non-Olympic athletes, including people who live in the community, will have a chance to develop their sporting skills here, too!
Today, a fun Celebration of Champions event was held to showcase this state-of-the-art facility to the public, and to honor local achievers. I’d never visited the place, so of course I had to go check it out!
And I took some photos! As usual, read the captions!
The colorful driveway into the 155-acre Elite Athlete Training Center complex includes graphics depicting many different Olympic sports.The state-of-the-art facilities at the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center are located in the Eastlake community.Folks enter the Copley Visitor Center courtyard to enjoy a special celebration. The 23 year old Olympic Training Center today officially becomes the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center!While the adults checked out event tents, kids were playing with soccer balls on the nearby grass. Perhaps some of these youth will one day be Olympic medal winners!People sign up for a special tour of the elite athlete training complex, which includes grass fields, an indoor and outdoor archery range, a BMX track, and more. Future plans include a gymnasium and pool.One of two cool bronze sculptures near the main door to the Visitor Center. This male Olympic athlete appears to be a wrestler.The other bronze sculpture appears to be a female Olympic swimmer or diver.A large Olympic flame is blazing in the circular courtyard in front of the Visitor Center. Many outdoor booths were set up by various community organizations for the special event.Perhaps a future athlete will wear this baby clothing. Team USA had lots of cool stuff for sale.Several plaques are arranged around the courtyard. This one lists all the host cities of the Olympic Games–both Summer and Winter.Sign describes in detail how host cities are chosen for the Olympic and Paralympic Games. (Click image to enlarge.)The history of the Paralympic movement is described on this sign. Sport for athletes with an impairment has existed for more than 100 years.People slowly converge on an outdoor stage where a ceremony will celebrate the transfer of ownership of this training complex from the United States Olympic Committee to the City of Chula Vista.I spotted this plaque while heading over to join the audience.Ernest W. Hahn, 1919-1992. Visionary developer and philanthropist whose tireless efforts to fund and build the ARCO Training Center will inspire athletes from across America to pursue their Olympic dreams.While I had a chance, I should have headed over to take pics of the kids trying out the super awesome Olympic-level BMX track. You can see them with their bikes in the distance.Everyone prepares for the big ceremony, which will also honor local champions! Those are the champions assembled to the right!Chula Vista mayor Mary Salas kicks off speeches by gathered dignitaries.Nearby on the grass, these kids were more interested in sports. Talk is cheap–action is what matters!Representative from the United States Olympic Committee in Colorado Springs speaks a few words. This training center in San Diego is used by a very large number of Team USA Olympians.To symbolize the transfer of the complex to the city of Chula Vista, a Paralympic track and field athlete who has won numerous medals carries a torch onto the stage!These walkers in the audience were recognized as champions during the ceremony!Many champions from San Diego’s South Bay head up onto the stage to be honored and given a medal by the mayor. Some excel in sports; others are teachers, coaches, community leaders, law enforcement officers, artists…About halfway through the ceremony, I sneaked off to check out the Visitor Center while few people were inside.Huge graphics greet visitors inside the front door. The Chula Vista Olympic Training Center is dedicated to the development of America’s future elite athletes.Today’s training center has sport venues and facilities for archery, beach volleyball, BMX, canoe and kayak, cycling, field hockey, rowing, rugby, soccer, tennis, plus track and field!Several displays inside the Visitor Center include a video of great Olympic athletic performances.A cool exhibit devoted to David Wagner, who plays Wheelchair Tennis. He is a champion at his sport!After the ceremony I walked around. I regret now that I didn’t sign up to take a tour. Here’s the BMX track. Looks like a bumpy ride!Here’s one of the grass fields. It appears to be used for rugby, field hockey or soccer.I was drawn toward the archery range, which was so cool I’m going to blog about it next! Here’s some outdoor action during the event.Walking toward the archery complex, I saw this inspirational quote concerning the Olympic Path by Conrad Hilton. Life’s journey is worthwhile. Choose a meaningful path.Kids try their hand at archery at the Celebration of Champions event at the Elite Athlete Training Center in Chula Vista!
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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 fun photos for you to share and enjoy!
Cool map made of colorful words shows different neighborhoods, lakes, beaches and parks in San Diego.
I was walking through the Horton Plaza shopping mall this morning when I spotted this awesome map of San Diego decorating one side of a vendor’s cart. It shows our city’s neighborhoods using their colorful names! It’s so cool I had to take a picture!
I’m not sure whether this graphic is available for purchase, however. The vendor hadn’t opened yet. If I recall, they were on the ground level not far from the Jessop’s Clock.
Ready to board the small Pilot boat, one of many historic vessels at the Maritime Museum of San Diego. We’re going to enjoy a short harbor cruise!
A couple months ago I went on a short tour of San Diego Bay on the Pilot, a historic vessel owned by the Maritime Museum of San Diego. When you buy a ticket for the museum, you can pay a little extra and enjoy a fun look at San Diego’s harbor in the open air aboard the Pilot. I recommend it!
Come with me and get a small taste of what you’ll experience. Obviously, these few photographs are no substitute for the ocean breeze, sunshine and sparkling blue water.
A plaque indicates the 1914 Pilot Boat has 82 years of service and has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places. For decades it helped thousands of ships safely enter and exit San Diego Bay.Captain of the Pilot is getting ready to pull away from the floating museum.Here we go out onto San Diego Bay! I see Californian, the official tall ship of the state of California, to our left.It’s a pleasant day out on the water. We head initially in the direction of Shelter Island and Point Loma.We’ve turned southward and pass the ships of the Maritime Museum. Part of San Diego’s skyline is visible in this photo.There are two big cruise ships in port today. Some of these ships are larger than downtown buildings!Out toward Point Loma many sailboats are participating in a regatta.We’re continuing south and now I see the second cruise ship by the Port Pavilion.We’ve passed the USS Midway. Just enjoying the blue water and sunshine.Yay! We get to slow down to photograph sea lions sleeping on a harbor buoy.Beautiful sailboats were tilting in the breeze and many passed so close we could hear the canvas flapping.Looking south as we approach the Coronado Bay Bridge. Way off in the distance I see Mexico. Nearer, to the right, is a part of Coronado–the Naval Amphibious Base where Navy Seals train.Under the bridge we go, while looking east at two Navy ships.Shortly after passing under the bridge, we turn around and head back north near the shipyards. I see BAE Systems Ship Repair’s huge dry dock. These two friendly passengers were visiting San Diego.Back north of the Coronado Bay Bridge, now passing the 10th Avenue Marine Terminal.A magical look west toward sails, clouds and the descending sun.Here comes a speedy sailboat behind us!The handsome Manchester Grand Hyatt buildings. One can observe San Diego from two large windows on the 40th floor. They are in the tower on the right. This Hyatt is the tallest waterfront hotel on the West Coast.Our tour guide points toward Seaport Village. I see the silvery Marriott Marquis to the right.I love the G Street Pier and the fishing vessels that dock by it. Just beyond is Tuna Harbor. Sometimes I post photos of lobster traps and other cool stuff piled on this working pier.This harbor tour is going fast! We’re already passing under the immense bow of the USS Midway aircraft carrier museum.Some guys watch us from the end of Navy Pier near the USS Midway Museum.We’ve returned to the Maritime Museum of San Diego. There’s the beautiful Star of India, oldest active sailing ship in the world, one of our city’s prized gems.And here’s HMS Surprise. If this replica Royal Navy frigate looks familiar, you might have seen Russell Crowe walking her decks in the great movie Master and Commander.It’s the distinctive County Administration Building.About to tie up near the museum’s restored Swift Boat. I went on a ride aboard the Swift Boat some time ago. We went further south in the bay on that tour and got a good look at many active Navy ships.While I linger at the museum and check out lots of cool nautical stuff, the Pilot takes off on another fun tour. Should you visit San Diego, I recommend buying a ticket!
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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 fun photos for you to share and enjoy!
A blazing orange and yellow sunset behind palm trees on San Diego’s Embarcadero.
I saw magic this evening. The spell was cast as the sun neared the horizon. I lingered a few moments near Pacific Highway downtown, spellbound.
Golden light on the rippling sculptural facade of the Marriott building at Lane Field. The cool public art conceals hotel parking levels. It’s titled California Rain and was created by artist David Franklin.The sunset’s orange flames have become glowing embers in the dark windows of several downtown skyscrapers.Reflected sunset in many different glass windows behind the Santa Fe Depot.Dome of the Santa Fe Depot seems enveloped by magical panels of molten color.
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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!
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