Category: Uncategorized

San Diego’s unknown tiny corner of heaven.

This hidden gem is the perfect spot for a picnic or quiet relaxation.
This hidden gem is the perfect spot for a picnic or quiet relaxation.

This morning I headed out to enjoy a special event in Balboa Park: the Japanese Friendship Garden’s Cherry Blossom Festival. Unfortunately, lots and lots of people were in line at the front entrance, and my feet didn’t want to stop. So I kept moseying along, pointing my nose toward the park’s Gymnasium, where I believed the big annual Rummage Sale was being held. This massive fundraiser is put on every year by the Thursday Club, and attracts thousands of eager bargain-seekers. Well, what do you know? The only thing going on in the Gymnasium was a basketball game. Strike Two. Okay, I thought to myself, I’ll just keep on going and have a leisurely walk…

Thursday Club Rummage Sale banner on Park Boulevard.
Thursday Club Rummage Sale banner on Park Boulevard.

Wham! Suddenly in front of my eyeballs loomed a gigantic banner–the Rummage Sale was being held this year across Park Boulevard, in Balboa Park’s Activity Center, a building I’d never visited. In fact, I’ve seldom walked about the park’s Inspiration Point area, except to visit the Veteran’s Museum. My restless feet were once again redirected…

People descend stairs of Balboa Park Administrative Building.
People descend stairs of Balboa Park Administration Building.

The handsome Spanish Colonial Revival style Balboa Park Administration Building (which originally was headquarters for San Diego’s Naval Hospital, built in the early 1920s) lured me forward into uncharted territory.   Several people leaving the Rummage Sale were heading down the stairs.  So up the stairs I went, around the quiet building and…WOW!

Gazebo with colored tile roof near entrance to hidden park.
Gazebo with colored tile roof near entrance to hidden park.

I’d stumbled upon a corner of heaven.

Balboa Park Administration Building Courtyard's benches are empty.
Balboa Park Administrative Courtyard’s benches are empty.

After a bit of research, I learned this beautiful and seldom-visited area is called the Balboa Park Administrative Courtyard. One website calls it a San Diego hidden gem, and I must concur. The place was stunningly beautiful–and completely empty. Nobody was present. Not a soul. On this warm Saturday, the rest of Balboa Park was crowded with people.

Fountain in the Balboa Park Administrative Building Courtyard was once part of San Diego's United States Naval Hospital.
Fountain in the Balboa Park Administrative Courtyard was once part of San Diego’s United States Naval Hospital.

The park-like courtyard and three nearby buildings–the old Navy chapel (now the Veteran’s Museum), the administration building, and an old medical library and auditorium building–used to be part of a sprawling Navy Hospital campus. Today the modern hospital is located just east of the courtyard, down in Florida Canyon. You can see a small part of it in the first photo. Naval Medical Center San Diego (NMCSD) is also known as Bob Wilson Naval Hospital or Balboa Hospital.

Palm trees line courtyard behind Balboa Park's Administrative Building.
Palms line the tranquil courtyard behind Balboa Park’s Administration Building.
Another view of Balboa Park's seldom-visited paradise.
Another view of Balboa Park’s seldom-visited paradise.

I’m glad I randomly walked in a new direction! Adventures and discoveries await in unexpected places!

Trees, green grass, blue sky and a small corner of heaven.
Trees, flowers, walkways, blue sky and a small corner of heaven.

I revisited this beautiful place in late 2014…

Plane approaching Lindbergh Field flies above Balboa Park Administration Building.
Plane approaching Lindbergh Field flies above Balboa Park Administration Building.
A pleasant stroll past bird of paradise flowers.
A pleasant stroll through an arbor past bird of paradise flowers.
Fountain is near center of a large, quiet grassy space.
This fountain is near the center of a large, quiet grassy space.  A second, slightly smaller fountain can be found to the north.
Some people rest on a bench in the sunny courtyard.
Some people rest on a bench in the sunny courtyard.

Two more pics from September 2015.  Still as beautiful and peaceful as ever!

Have a picnic.
Have a picnic.
Read (or write) a book.
Read (or write) a book.

…

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More photos of truly amazing sky and clouds.

Scale-like clouds above Mission Valley.
Scale-like clouds above Mission Valley.

I snapped these photographs late Monday, a few minutes after five o’clock. I was walking in Mission Valley, near the intersection of Friars and Frazee. The sky was absolutely incredible!

Clouds and reflections on two office buildings.
Clouds and reflections on two office buildings.
Sky and clouds on a grid of windows.
Sky and clouds on a grid of windows.
Clouds reflected on several angled planes.
Clouds reflected on several angled planes.
Lines of radiant, gilded clouds.
Lines of radiant, gilded clouds.
Looking upward at endlessly changing beauty.
Looking upward at endlessly changing beauty.
Gauzy clouds above a silver building.
Gauzy clouds above a silver building.
Straight washboard clouds seem unworldly.
Straight washboard clouds seem unworldly.

Three utility boxes on Bankers Hill.

Happiness is the art of making a bouquet of those flowers within reach.
Happiness is the art of making a bouquet of those flowers within reach.

Here are three colorful utility boxes along Laurel Street on Bankers Hill. I really like the message on the first one.

Exotic face on a utility box on Bankers Hill.
Exotic face on a utility box on Bankers Hill.
Koi and pond flowers adorn a colorful utility box.
Koi and pond flowers adorn a colorful utility box.

Murals from San Diego’s famous Chicano Park.

Barrio yes, junkyards no.
Barrio yes, junkyards no.

Here’s one last group of cool pics from Chicano Park. These photographs begin near the center of the park, then we move west under the Coronado Bay Bridge.

The junkyards referred to in the above photo used to be numerous in this area.

Mural makes political statement about immigration.
Mural makes political statement about immigration.
Zapata quote in a high nook.
Zapata quote in a high nook.
Chicano Park mural shows immigrants working in fields.
Chicano Park mural shows immigrants working in fields.
Elaborate Aztec figure painted on concrete pillar.
Elaborate Aztec figure painted on concrete pillar.
Various colorful images on a wall in Barrio Logan.
Various colorful images on a wall in Barrio Logan.
Broom leans up against mural of students in school.
Broom leans up against mural of students in school.
Virgin Mary and shrine at foot of Chicano Park mural.
Virgin Mary and shrine at foot of Chicano Park mural.
Murals under lanes leading to Coronado Bay Bridge.
Murals under lanes leading to Coronado Bay Bridge.
Central dance pavilion in Chicano Park.
Central dance pavilion in Chicano Park.
Ceiling of dance pavilion shows natives from Tenochtitlán.
Ceiling of dance pavilion shows natives from Tenochtitlán.
Female figure on beautiful ceiling of dance pavilion.
Female figure on beautiful ceiling of dance pavilion.
A series of murals on pillars supporting traffic lanes.
A series of murals on pillars supporting traffic lanes.
Bronze statue of the Mexican revolutionary soldier Emilio Zapata.
Bronze statue of the Mexican revolutionary soldier Emilio Zapata.
Poem in Chicano Park voices Mexican American pride.
Spanish poem in Chicano Park about dancing and life.
A variety of creative and amusing images.
A variety of creative and amusing images.
Aztec warrior and shield stand guard in San Diego.
Aztec warrior and shield stand guard in San Diego.
People walking through Chicano Park.
People walking through Chicano Park.
All The Way To The Bay refers to 1980 Chicano Park campaign.
All The Way To The Bay refers to 1980 Chicano Park campaign.
Diverse people on a very detailed mural.
Diverse people on a very detailed mural.
Faces tell many stories in Chicano Park.
Faces tell many stories in Chicano Park.
Cool green masked figure.
Cool green masked figure.
Brilliantly painted park structure near playground.
Brilliantly painted park structure near playground.
Wide view under Coronado Bay Bridge reveals murals and sculptures.
Wide view under Coronado Bay Bridge reveals murals and sculptures.
Environmental message on Barrio Logan mural.
Environmental message on Barrio Logan mural.
Mural protests toxic waste from nearby NASSCO shipyard.
Mural protests toxic waste from nearby shipyards.
Historical figures come alive in Chicano Park.
Historical figures come alive in Chicano Park.
Artwork provides a strong warning.
Artwork provides a strong warning.
Dynamic shapes, figures and bright colors.
Dynamic shapes, figures and bright colors.
Bold face shows strength.
Bold face shows strength.
Second beautiful female face.
Second beautiful female face.
Third female face is an excellent piece of art.
Third female face is an excellent piece of art.
Fourth female face on Chicano Park pillar.
Fourth female face on Chicano Park pillar.
More amazing artwork in the famous San Diego park.
More amazing artwork in the famous San Diego park.
Aztec warriors come alive in Chicano Park.
Aztec warriors come alive in Chicano Park.
Abstract plant-like painting appears symbolic.
Abstract plant-like painting appears symbolic.
Mattress of homeless person leans up against painted utility box.
Mattress of homeless person leans up against painted utility box.
More colorful artwork.
More colorful artwork.
I Bend Like Desert Flowers Do.
I Bend Like Desert Flowers Do.
Please do not throw litter in the fountain.
Please do not throw litter in the fountain.
Fantastic metal sculpture in tiled fountain.
Fantastic metal sculpture in tiled fountain.
Kid plays among pillars under Coronado Bay Bridge.
Kid plays behind neglected art under Coronado Bay Bridge.
Painted bases of pillars supporting the bridge.
Painted bases of pillars supporting the bridge.
Two vibrant abstract faces.
Two vibrant abstract faces.
Many who are homeless camp out in Chicano Park.
Many who are homeless camp out in Chicano Park.
A world of murals can be found in Chicano Park.
A world of murals can be found in Chicano Park.

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Joy and creativity thrive in Spanish Village.

Main entrance to Balboa Park's Spanish Village.
Main entrance to Balboa Park’s Spanish Village.

One of the most popular attractions in San Diego’s Balboa Park is Spanish Village. Here are a few pics of the colorful courtyard and the quaint studios of local artists that surround it…

Studio 29 in Balboa Park's Spanish Village.
Studio 29 in Balboa Park’s Spanish Village.
Peering at artwork in a studio window.
Peering at artwork in a studio window.
Lots of art can be bought from local San Diego artists.
Lots of art can be bought from local San Diego artists.
Live demonstrations by artists can be enjoyed by the public.
Live demonstrations by artists can be enjoyed by the public.
Artist at work outside one studio in Balboa Park's Spanish Village.
Artist at work outside one studio in Balboa Park’s Spanish Village.
Sculpture of dancers in central courtyard.
Sculpture of dancers in central courtyard.
Dogs from one artist's point of view.
Dogs from one artist’s point of view.
Couple explores folksy studios of Spanish Village.
Couple explores folksy studios of Spanish Village.
Art Glass Guild's room of shining color.
Art Glass Guild’s room of shining color.
People converge to see glassblowing in progress.
People converge to see glassblowing in progress.
Workshop inside San Diego Mineral and Gem Society building.
Workshop inside San Diego Mineral and Gem Society building.

The San Diego Mineral and Gem Society has a building in Spanish Village which showcases amazing rock and mineral collections. The lapidary workshop can only be glimpsed when one inside door is open.

Joyful works of art can be found everywhere.
Joyful works of art can be found everywhere.
Funny face greets those exiting toward San Diego Zoo.
Funny face greets those exiting toward San Diego Zoo.

Colorful chalk wisdom on a Little Italy sidewalk.

Is it right, true, needed--then say it!
Is it right? Is it true? Is it needed? Then say it!

A couple days ago I spotted these colorful words of wisdom on a Little Italy sidewalk.

A big rainstorm is coming. The chalk will be washed away.

Be aware. Love you.
Be aware. Love you.
Kiss a friend.
Kiss a friend.
Chalk flowers on sidewalk.
Chalk flowers on the sidewalk.
You are perfect.
You are perfect.

Beautiful clouds in the San Diego sky!

Clouds and changing light provide endless beauty.
Clouds and changing light provide endless beauty.

The clouds above San Diego yesterday afternoon were amazingly beautiful. Here are some pics!

Boats in tuna harbor between splashes of light.
Boats in tuna harbor between splashes of light.
Tall trees reach up into the San Diego sky.
Tall trees reach up into the San Diego sky.
Late afternoon clouds above trees by the bay.
Late afternoon clouds above trees by the bay.
Sailboat passes fishing pier as sun falls toward horizon.
Sailboat passes fishing pier as sun falls toward horizon.
Golden afternoon light flows across the gentle water.
Golden afternoon light flows across the gentle water.
Silvergate ferry heads out under stunning clouds.
Silvergate ferry heads out under stunning clouds.
Windblown clouds radiate above San Diego Convention Center.
Windblown clouds radiate above San Diego Convention Center.
A big yacht seems ready to head toward the light.
A big yacht seems ready to head toward the light.
Clouds above metal trees in front of Hilton hotel.
Clouds above metal trees in front of Hilton hotel.
Bridge over Harbor Drive shines silver as folks ascend.
Bridge over Harbor Drive shines silver as folks ascend.
Imperial Transit Station clock tower and Padres banner under clouds.
Imperial Transit Station clock tower and Padres banner under clouds.
Looking straight up alongside the new Central Library.
Looking straight up alongside the new Central Library.
East Village buildings frame dramatic afternoon clouds.
East Village buildings frame dramatic afternoon clouds.
Light reflects from windows in San Diego's East Village.
Light reflects from windows in San Diego’s East Village.
Amazing sky above a shining downtown building.
Amazing sky above a shining downtown building.

Joshua Randle, a great musician in San Diego.

Joshua Randle and friend play music on San Diego's embarcadero.
Joshua Randle and friend play music on San Diego’s embarcadero.

I was surprised during my walk today to hear some exceptionally good music from two young performers near Seaport Village. Joshua Randle and his friend were playing extremely polished music with outstanding vocals and providing great, energetic entertainment for everyone passing by. I have no doubt that these guys will become superstars!

Please check out Joshua’s website!

Joshua Randle is a talented up-and-coming singer and musician.
Joshua Randle is a talented up-and-coming singer and musician.
A beautiful day and some great positive, stirring music.
A beautiful San Diego day and some great positive, stirring music.

Cool modified images of cacti in Balboa Park.

People take a walk through Balboa Park cactus garden.
People take a walk through Balboa Park’s amazing Desert Garden.

My walk through Balboa Park last weekend ended at the Desert Garden, located east of the Natural History Museum just across Park Boulevard. I was able to get some cool cacti pics before my camera’s batteries finally fizzled.

Here are some photos that I modified using good old GIMP.  It’s fun to goof around randomly and produce different effects!

While I recognized many different types of cactus, I sadly don’t know many names. Sorry about that.

Fuzzy cactus with red thingamajigs attached.
Fuzzy cactus with red thingamajigs attached.
I played with the brightness and contrast.
I played with the brightness and contrast.
Slightly altered pic of jagged cactus in Balboa Park.
Slightly altered pic of cool jagged cactus in Balboa Park.
I fiddled with contrast, darkness and color saturation.
I fiddled with contrast, darkness and color saturation.
Sunlight amplified on green cactus in Balboa Park.
Sunlight amplified on a green cactus in Balboa Park’s Desert Garden.
Barrel cactus photo with super high contrast applied.
Barrel cactus photo with super high contrast applied.

Here are even more modified cacti photos from late 2014!

Contrast increased on photo of a spiky cactus.
Contrast increased on photo of a spiky cactus.
Some fat barrel cacti in a large desert-like garden in Balboa Park.
Some fat barrel cacti in a large desert-like garden in Balboa Park.
A cool image I created by goofing around with various settings.
A cool image I created by goofing around with various settings.
This huge tangled cactus visible from Park Boulevard is the craziest thing I ever saw!
This huge tangled cactus visible from Park Boulevard is the craziest thing I ever saw!
Now I'm radically altering some pics.
Now I’m radically altering some pics.
Cool silhouette in Balboa Park's cactus garden.
Cool silhouette in a popular Balboa Park cactus garden.
I completely changed these colors just for fun!
I completely changed these colors just for fun!

Dogs have their day at 2014 Bark in Balboa Park.

Dogs and humans head toward Bark in Balboa Park.
Dogs and humans head toward the 2014 Bark in Balboa Park.

The Eighth Annual Bark in Balboa Park was a triumphant success this afternoon. Hundreds of furry, tail-wagging best friends got to join in the festivities, and nearly all become instantly famous. How does an ordinary, easy-going, everyday dog get 15 seconds of fame? You’re about to find out!

A few early arrivals at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion.
A few early arrivals at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion.
Friendly pooch near Spreckels Organ Society donation box.
Friendly pooch near Spreckels Organ Society donation box.
Some furry attendees await the free dog-themed organ concert.
Some furry attendees await the free dog-themed organ concert.
San Diego Humane Society has volunteers at the event.
San Diego Humane Society has volunteers at the event.
Lovable dogs await adoption at Bark in the Park.
Lovable dogs await adoption at Bark in the Park.
Great dane takes a nap while a huge crowd gathers.
Great Dane takes a nap while a huge crowd gathers.
People and pooches enjoy the organ concert from the colonnade.
People and pooches enjoy the organ concert from the colonnade.
A baby stroller makes a prime seat for the big event.
A baby stroller makes a prime seat for the big event.
Activity is non-stop even during the fun concert.
Activity is non-stop even during the fun concert.
The unconditional love that dogs give.
The unconditional love that dogs give.
Spreckels Organ Society photographer hard at work.
Spreckels Organ Society photographer hard at work.
The eighth annual parade of dogs in front of the organ begins!
The eighth annual parade of dogs in front of the organ begins!
Dr. Carol Williams plays a march as pooches pass by.
Dr. Carol Williams plays a rousing Sousa march as pooches pass by.
This funny beagle was a real crowd pleaser.
This funny beagle was a real crowd pleaser.
A dainty dog in pink enjoys fame on the big stage.
A dainty dog in pink enjoys momentary fame on the big stage.