I often drive down Miramar Road past the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum. When I do, I usually turn my head to see if any people are outside investigating the dozens of unique military aircraft that are on display. Few people seem to visit.
The Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum, located at MCAS Miramar, is open free to the general public. It features all sorts of airplanes and helicopters that have been used by the United State Marine Corps over the decades.
When I first visited the museum last year, I was floored by the extent of its collection. While many of the aircraft might not be restored to pristine condition, they each represent a fascinating era in U. S. military history. Visitors to the museum can also see other equipment that has been used by the Marines, including tanks and artillery pieces.
Most impressively, the museum owns the actual helicopter that was last to leave Saigon at the end of the Vietnam War. That Sea Knight helicopter’s call sign was Lady Ace 09. If you’d like to see photographs of Lady Ace 09, and learn a bit more about that moment in history, click here.
The following photos depict just a fraction of what you’ll discover at the museum.
The Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum seems to be a little known gem in San Diego. Those who are interested in 20th century history, aviation or the United States Marine Corps should definitely swing on by!
The Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum, open free to the public, is located at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar.Inside the museum, a variety of exhibits detail different aircraft that have been used by the United States Marine Corps.Dozens of historical Marine aircraft can be viewed outdoors at the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum in San Diego.Beechcraft T-34B Mentor.General Motors FM-2 Wildcat.Northrup F-5E Tiger II.Grumman F9F-2 Panther.Hawker-Siddeley AV-8A(C) Harrier.Bell AH-1J SeaCobra.Sikorsky HUS-1 (UH-34D) Seahorse.Bell 214ST.McDonnell Douglas A-4M Skyhawk II.Visitors to the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum learn about the history of one airplane in a very large and fascinating collection.
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A beautiful sculpture in the Balboa Park Club building. Four Cornerstones of American Democracy,1935, by artist Frederick Schweigardt.
Today I took my usual Sunday walk through Balboa Park. On a whim I ventured into the Balboa Park Club to see if many people were folk dancing, and I paused inside the grand foyer to once again admire the room’s monumental mural and central sculpture.
The latter is called Four Cornerstones of American Democracy. It was created by Frederick Schweigardt in 1935 for the California Pacific International Exposition. Each graceful figure represents one of four ideals.
While I’ve walked past this sculpture many times, today I was really struck by the simplicity of the four bowed faces. They convey both beauty and strength.
If you want to see more of the grand foyer, and learn a bit about its history, I blogged about it a couple years ago here.
School.Home.Church.Community.
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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!
LAIKA LIVE San Diego is coming to 2018 Comic-Con . . . bigger and better than last year!
In my previous blog post, I discovered Laika is returning to San Diego Comic-Con. This morning I walked down to check things out again and learned that Laika’s presence in the Gaslamp this year will be substantially larger and more interesting!
The Laika Experience in 2017 was so amazingly successful, with lines that were so long, they’ve decided to enlarge the space and include even more stuff. I learned that for LAIKA LIVE San Diego this year, there will be life-size movie sets that the public can enter, including Coraline’s bedroom! (I went on the tour since I wrote this. Turns out I misinterpreted what I heard. It’s a life-size replica of Coraline’s Other World Living Room. Still very cool!)
UPDATE!
Here’s some great info I received from Laika!
Oscar®-winning animation studio LAIKA, creators of Coraline, ParaNorman, The Boxtrolls and Kubo and the Two Strings, returns to the heart of San Diego’s historic Gaslamp Quarter with an all new, bigger-than-ever LAIKA LIVE exhibit from Friday, July 13 – Sunday, July 22, 2018 coinciding with the city’s PRIDE and Comic-Con festivities. With a new location (350 Fifth Avenue) providing three times the space as last year’s fantastically successful LAIKA installation, the free and all new exhibit will feature a huge cache of props, puppets, and sets from LAIKA’s critically acclaimed and award-winning films. Highlights include fan art, technology demonstrations, drawings for a pair of coveted Coraline Dunks from Nike, social media activations, LAIKA merchandise offered for sale (including brand new items and limited edition Coraline items), multiple giveaways, and more. LAIKA President & CEO Travis Knight will lead a Facebook Live tour of the exhibit and do an autograph signing with a soon-to-be-announced special guest on Saturday, July 21.
Curators will explain the magical process of LAIKA’s filmmaking as guests peek behind the curtain at one of the most imaginative film studios in the world. LAIKA’s roster of costume characters (appearing both at the exhibit and throughout the Gaslamp Quarter) will pose for photos and for the first time ever will include Coraline and Other Mother, in a nod to the iconic film’s 10th anniversary (release date was February 9, 2009). In addition, fans will meet the costume character Mr. Link and see a set and Mr. Link puppet from LAIKA’s latest film Missing Link (set for release April 19, 2019).
Saturday, July 21 (with soon-to-be announced special guest)
11am: LAIKA President & CEO Travis Knight (director of Kubo and the Two Strings) will take Facebook Live guests on a tour of the exhibit. (Details tba)
12:30 to 2:00pm: Autograph signing session with Travis Knight. Autographs of merchandise (available at the store at LAIKA LIVE) will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, time permitting.
WHAT TO SEE at LAIKA LIVE:
● Sets, puppets, props and technology demonstrations from all four LAIKA films as well as our hero puppet and a set from the studio’s upcoming Missing Link.
● LAIKA merchandise available for purchase.
● Daily drawing for one pair of collectible Coraline Dunks from Nike.
● Photo ops with LAIKA costume characters, including:
◦ Coraline and Other Mother from Coraline
◦ Norman and Zombie Judge from ParaNorman
◦ Boxtrolls Fish and Sparky from The Boxtrolls
◦ Kubo, Monkey and Beetle from Kubo and the Two Strings
◦ Mister Link from Missing Link
Coraline graphic at entrance to the LAIKA LIVE San Diego offsite at 2018 San Diego Comic-Con.
Laika is returning to Comic-Con! As I walked through the Gaslamp Quarter this evening, I noticed their offsite venue for 2018 is under construction, in the old Dick’s Last Resort patio, where the Syfy Geek Love Chapel was located last year.
I loved the Laika Experience last year. Lots of cool stop-motion puppets, models and sets from their great animated movies were on display, open free to the general public. If you want to see what they had on display during Comic-Con last year, check out the related links at the bottom of this blog post.
I’m not sure right now exactly what LAIKA LIVE San Diego will be, but when I did some searching I noticed that Kubo and the Two Strings will be showing at the UltraStar Theater in Hazard Center during Comic-Con. I also know they are working on a new movie Missing Link which will debut in 2019.
LAIKA LIVE San Diego is coming to the Gaslamp Quarter for 2018 Comic-Con!The Boxtrolls.ParaNorman.Kubo and the Two Strings.
UPDATE!
Here’s some great info I received from Laika!
Oscar®-winning animation studio LAIKA, creators of Coraline, ParaNorman, The Boxtrolls and Kubo and the Two Strings, returns to the heart of San Diego’s historic Gaslamp Quarter with an all new, bigger-than-ever LAIKA LIVE exhibit from Friday, July 13 – Sunday, July 22, 2018 coinciding with the city’s PRIDE and Comic-Con festivities. With a new location (350 Fifth Avenue) providing three times the space as last year’s fantastically successful LAIKA installation, the free and all new exhibit will feature a huge cache of props, puppets, and sets from LAIKA’s critically acclaimed and award-winning films. Highlights include fan art, technology demonstrations, drawings for a pair of coveted Coraline Dunks from Nike, social media activations, LAIKA merchandise offered for sale (including brand new items and limited edition Coraline items), multiple giveaways, and more. LAIKA President & CEO Travis Knight will lead a Facebook Live tour of the exhibit and do an autograph signing with a soon-to-be-announced special guest on Saturday, July 21.
Curators will explain the magical process of LAIKA’s filmmaking as guests peek behind the curtain at one of the most imaginative film studios in the world. LAIKA’s roster of costume characters (appearing both at the exhibit and throughout the Gaslamp Quarter) will pose for photos and for the first time ever will include Coraline and Other Mother, in a nod to the iconic film’s 10th anniversary (release date was February 9, 2009). In addition, fans will meet the costume character Mr. Link and see a set and Mr. Link puppet from LAIKA’s latest film Missing Link (set for release April 19, 2019).
Saturday, July 21 (with soon-to-be announced special guest)
11am: LAIKA President & CEO Travis Knight (director of Kubo and the Two Strings) will take Facebook Live guests on a tour of the exhibit. (Details tba)
12:30 to 2:00pm: Autograph signing session with Travis Knight. Autographs of merchandise (available at the store at LAIKA LIVE) will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, time permitting.
WHAT TO SEE at LAIKA LIVE:
● Sets, puppets, props and technology demonstrations from all four LAIKA films as well as our hero puppet and a set from the studio’s upcoming Missing Link.
● LAIKA merchandise available for purchase.
● Daily drawing for one pair of collectible Coraline Dunks from Nike.
● Photo ops with LAIKA costume characters, including:
◦ Coraline and Other Mother from Coraline
◦ Norman and Zombie Judge from ParaNorman
◦ Boxtrolls Fish and Sparky from The Boxtrolls
◦ Kubo, Monkey and Beetle from Kubo and the Two Strings
◦ Mister Link from Missing Link
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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!
Amazon will be promoting their new Jack Ryan web television series in a big way during 2018 San Diego Comic-Con, and their cool offsite The Jack Ryan Experience is now under construction.
You’ll find it in that big parking lot off First Avenue, north of Harbor Drive, where Blade Runner 2049 was located last year.
UPDATE!
I took those first two photos this morning–Friday. This evening after work I swung on by again and noticed that red steps are now in place that climb up to a zip line.
UPDATE!
I took more photos on Sunday afternoon. Some graphics are going up, plus what appears to be a large United States military helicopter in the middle of the parking lot. I’m told visitors to The Jack Ryan Experience will find themselves immersed in a Middle Eastern setting. It will be interesting to see what develops!
UPDATE!
I’ve taken a bunch more photos! You can see how the construction has progressed by checking out one of my later San Diego Comic-Con blog posts, by clicking here.
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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!
According to a sign in a window, the retail space at 635 Fifth Avenue is available as a temporary space for San Diego Comic-Con.
Two weeks to go and counting!
I’ve spotted a few more signs that San Diego Comic-Con is on the way!
I suspect most of the building wraps, banners, and offsite venue construction will begin materializing sometime next week.
I’ll keep watching for new stuff!
Pacific San Diego Magazine’s latest issue has hit the streets. It includes an article about Aquaman appearing at 2018 Comic-ConOmnia nightclub has its lineup ready for Comic-Con weekend.An advertisement for the upcoming movie Skyscraper has been conveniently slapped on a construction site near the center of the Gaslamp Quarter.Chef Santiago of the Donut Bar has his cool Deadpool Ferrari parked on B Street.A couple of posters promoting Castle Rock have appeared in the Gaslamp, including a coveted spot near the Tin Fish.The City of San Diego has placed signage out indicating street closures for a very special event: 2018 Comic-Con!
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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!
Marilyn Monroe of Some Like It Hot, filmed at the Hotel del Coronado, in colorful new street art. Art Outside the Box features decorated utility boxes around Coronado.
As I walked around Coronado before the big Fourth of July parade, I noticed all sorts of cool public artwork I’d never seen before.
Most notably, a whole bunch of utility boxes have recently been jazzed up with images that represent the life and history of Coronado. The project, called Art Outside the Box, is sponsored by The City of Coronado Cultural Arts Commission and Caltrans. I photographed two of the eight boxes. I suppose I’ll swing by the other six some other day.
I also saw a couple of cool public restroom trailers that the City of Coronado uses during special events. I’m not sure how many of these exist, but I do recall seeing one years ago during a walk near the Hotel Del and Coronado Shores. It didn’t occur to me to photograph that one back then!
The two trailers I spied today at either end of Spreckels Park celebrate Coronado’s railroad history and the fun Tent City carousel, which today makes its home in Balboa Park.
Finally, I got some photos of a public piano that had been set up in Rotary Plaza. A plaque on it suggests that people passing by Sit a Spell and Play a Tune! It’s covered with images of Coronado landmarks.
Very cool!
Forgive me for being ignorant and not identifying this face. UPDATE! Sharon left a comment indicating this is Jim Morrison. He lived in San Diego as a child and his parents lived in Coronado.And I can’t identify this person either! UPDATE! Sharon identified this as Bela Lugosi! He performed in San Diego, but I can find no Coronado connection…Art Outside the Box celebrates Coronado’s zip code 92118.Surf breaks on a utility box. Coronado is not a true island, even if it’s almost entirely surrounded by water.Unusual public restroom trailers used during city events each celebrate a different aspect of Coronado history.Sign describes the history of Coronado’s railroads. John D. Spreckels built a line that went up the Silver Strand, bringing passengers to the Hotel del Coronado and Tent City.Graphic on restroom trailer shows the faces peering from a streetcar that ran along Orange Avenue to the original ferry landing.All aboard!Another restroom trailer features images from Coronado’s historic carousel at Tent City.The old Tent City carousel moved away from Coronado in 1922. Today it offers rides to young and old alike in Balboa Park!The carousel was built in 1910 by Herschell Spillman Co. in North Tonawanda, New York.Sign describes the golden age of carousels and the history of one beloved merry-go-round that lives on in San Diego.Another photo of the trailer.If these images seem familiar, you might have seen them in Balboa Park, where the historic carousel provides rides today!A cool public piano had been placed in Rotary Plaza during Coronado’s Fourth of July Celebration.Sit a Spell and Play a Tune!The public piano is decorated with memorable landmarks found around Coronado.A look at the top of the piano.One more side of the Popcorn utility box. Orville Redenbacher was a famous resident of Coronado!
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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!
Flags move forward down Orange Avenue during the 2018 Fourth of July Parade in Coronado.
This morning I headed to Coronado to enjoy another Fourth of July parade.
This is the third year I’ve photographed the epic event. I had considered going elsewhere this year, but Independence Day in Coronado is special, and their patriotic parade is arguably the very best in the entire country, so I couldn’t resist experiencing it all again one more time!
I arrived early to Coronado and walked about for a bit, then found a spot on the parade route just before it started down Orange Avenue.
Here are some colorful photos…
People slowly gather in Coronado for a patriotic Fourth of July Celebration.A guy waits on the sidewalk for the big morning parade with his flag ready.Red, white and blue bunting could be seen on shops and buildings throughout Coronado.Kid heads down Orange Avenue on a small bicycle decorated for Independence Day.Many homes had patriotic banners and decorations. Most residents in Coronado support our country and its core principle of human liberty.A smiling Uncle Sam at someone’s front gate.These tie-dye Coronado shirts in front of a shop are red, white and blue.People relax and look at artwork for sale in Spreckels Park. An afternoon concert in the park features patriotic music.Patriotic wreath and bouquet in front of the Coronado Police headquarters honor and remember Senior Volunteer Patrol volunteers who recently passed away.Portraits of hometown heroes.People head down Orange Avenue to get in their spots as the parade is about to begin.Hats are removed and hands placed over hearts as thousands sing the National Anthem.Can you see it yet? The parade? Here it comes!Members of San Diego County law enforcement from Escondido ride down the parade route on horseback.The distinguished Grand Marshall this year was Vice Admiral Brown.Several heroic Pearl Harbor survivors received great applause from the crowd.The Fourth of July Parade in Coronado goes on and on with too many participants to mention!A patriotic pooch.Here comes Marine Corps Band San Diego.Military based in San Diego march by on Independence Day.Wounded Warriors get a big Welcome Home!A gigantic American flag carried by many hands.Smiles from many who are happy to live in the Land of the Free.Here comes the Castle Park High School Trojan Brigade! They came up from Chula Vista.As you might imagine, lots of cool cars were in the parade.A driver touches hands with the crowd as kids wave.I think I see Maverick of Top Gun in that cockpit! No, it’s actually a young Tom Cruise look-alike who sometimes poses for photos by the USS Midway Museum. I spoke to him once and he’s a super friendly cool guy.The USS Midway Museum is always an important participant in San Diego’s patriotic events.During patriotic holidays, the Rotary Club of Coronado lines Orange Avenue’s grassy median with American flags.Look! Here comes Honest Abe!I was getting hungry and hoped this lady might accidentally flip a pancake my way.Guys in wheelchairs shoot hoops behind the Rotary float.Another hero is celebrated. He represents The Distinguished Flying Cross Society.There were lots of parade participants on horseback.Another American veteran is saluted. I saw many members of The Greatest Generation being thanked for their service long ago.More pageantry, another marching band.Members of the United States Navy march past.A flag held high greets passing musicians.A beauty queen, seeing my camera, smiles and waves!People watch the big parade from a building on Orange Avenue.Flags everywhere.
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The sunshine was strong. I settled on a bench facing a margin of white beach and let my mind wander.
I and many others were sitting, relaxing, playing, speaking, thinking, soaking in one more summer at the edge of an ocean. A canvas of wide blue unrolled into the distance. Tiny glints of light beckoned from very far away.
My eyes were drawn irresistibly to a mystery beyond the horizon.
As our eyes rise to peer beyond life’s ebb and flow, we drift to strange places beyond our reach.
My photographs have been altered slightly. You might recognize Point Loma, Mexico and the small, rocky Coronado Islands that jut from the ocean a bit southwest of Tijuana.
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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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