A winter’s day full of magical light.

You might enjoy these photos.

Before and after work, walking to trolley stations, I sought warmth in my light jacket against the cold winter wind.

Shivering, I looked up toward the sky.

Scudding clouds above were ignited by the sun. Their fire, like mirror magic, blazed to my right and then to my left.

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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!

Something new at the zoo will be roaring in soon!

Something at the zoo will be roaring in soon...and what it might be is a complete mystery!
Something new at the zoo will be roaring in soon…and what it might be is a complete mystery!

Something new will be “roaring in soon” at the entrance to the world-famous San Diego Zoo! A tall fence surrounds a construction site, and tantalizing banners invite visitors to ponder the mystery.

I asked three zoo guys standing near the fence what exactly will be roaring in, and they said it was a secret. I did manage to find out that whatever it might be will be debuting in mid-March.

So what do you think it will be? Cool new artwork? Perhaps some sort of sculpture? Animatronic lions?

I’ve read that the Jessop’s Clock, which has stood for many years in Horton Plaza, might find a new home at the zoo, but plans to move it hit a snag years ago because of the clock’s status as an historical object. Moving the clock would entail digging a really deep hole for the winding mechanism–12 feet deep to be exact. Now that I think about it, this location would be ideal for the historic street clock.

That is the only logical guess I can come up with!

These San Diego Zoo guys were mum about what's being built inside the fence in front of the zoo's entrance. They did say whatever it is will debut in mid-March.
These San Diego Zoo guys were mum about what’s being built inside the fence in front of the zoo’s entrance. They did say whatever it is will debut in mid-March.
Something new is coming at the entrance to the San Diego Zoo. Your guess is as good as mine!
Something new is coming at the entrance to the San Diego Zoo. And your guess is as good as mine!

UPDATE!

After learning a bit more, I’m now pretty sure it’s not the Jessop’s Clock, but some sort of new art installation. We shall see during the unveiling!

ANOTHER UPDATE!

Looking at a couple mysterious photos on the San Diego Zoo’s Twitter timeline, I’m now pretty sure a gigantic sculpture of a lion will be placed here!  It began with a roar! I’ll take photos when I see it!

FINAL UPDATE!!!

I caught the artwork’s debut! It’s a gigantic sculpture of Rex the Lion!

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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!

A walk along the Cesar Chavez Park pier.

A couple walks toward the end of the Cesar Chavez Park public pier.
A couple walks toward the end of the Cesar Chavez Park public pier.

Yesterday I watched the Fern Street Cirus perform at Cesar Chavez Park. I arrived at the grassy park early, so I enjoyed a walk along the nearby public pier.

The modest Cesar Chavez Park pier is popular with fishermen and those who just want to venture out a short distance over the tranquil water. The Coronado Bay Bridge arches almost overhead. Docked immediately to the south are the interesting vessels and barges of Pacific Tugboat Service. Looking to the north, one can watch ships loading and unloading at the busy Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal.

I lingered at the pier’s end for a couple of minutes. San Diego Bay and downtown’s glassy buildings were shining just like magic!

A huge barge and crane are nearby, and so is the Coronado Bay Bridge.
A huge barge and crane are nearby, and so is the Coronado Bay Bridge.
Red and green benches along the pier are decorated with fun pictographic designs.
Red and green benches along the pier are decorated with fun pictographic designs.
Someone else is taking a break, gazing out at the beautiful bay.
Someone else is taking a break, gazing out at the beautiful bay.
Approaching the end of the pier. This area can be reserved for special events. Someone was having a birthday party here later.
Approaching the end of the pier. This area can be reserved for special events. Someone was having a birthday party here later.
There are expansive views from Cesar Chavez Park pier. Across the bay lies Coronado Island.
There are expansive views from Cesar Chavez Park pier. Across the bay lies Coronado Island.
Gazing back toward the Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal.
Gazing back toward the Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal.
All sorts of working boats are nearby.
All sorts of working boats are nearby.
A few idle tugboats of the Pacific Tugboat Service.
A few idle tugboats of the Pacific Tugboat Service.

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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!

A crazy handstand at the edge of a rooftop!

A daring man does a one-armed handstand at the edge of a high roof!
A daring man does a one-armed handstand on the edge of a high roof!

I had to do a double take during my walk through Coronado yesterday. A man was doing a crazy one-armed handstand up on the Community Center’s rooftop!

After my initial surprise, I realized the man was actually an eye-catching sculpture. Handstand was created by artist Daniel Stern in 2010 and installed atop the building in 2012.

Does the name Daniel Stern ring a bell? The sculptor is also a prolific, well known actor! He’s probably best known for his role as one of the thieves in Home Alone!

I love it!

A surprising sculpture on top of the City of Coronado Community Center turns heads!
A surprising sculpture on top of the City of Coronado Community Center turns heads!
Handstand, 2010, a sculpture by artist Daniel Stern, became part of the City of Coronado Public Art Collection in 2012.
Handstand, 2010, a sculpture by artist Daniel Stern, became part of the City of Coronado Public Art Collection in 2012.
A crazy handstand at the edge of a Coronado rooftop!
A crazy handstand at the edge of a Coronado rooftop!

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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!

Fern Street Circus at Cesar Chavez Park!

A juggler belonging to the Fern Street Circus practices his balancing skills before a special performance.
A juggler belonging to the Fern Street Circus practices his balancing skills before a special performance.

My walk today included a short visit to the Carnival in the Park event hosted by the Port of San Diego. Lots of families came down to Cesar Chavez Park in Barrio Logan to enjoy a free performance by San Diego’s much-loved Fern Street Circus!

I arrived a few minutes early, stayed for a bit, got a yummy free hot dog and enjoyed watching several performers. I didn’t hang around to see the main act, but I bet it was terrific! As I departed, a whole bunch of people were still arriving!

This fun, kid-friendly event was put together by the Port of San Diego’s Tidelands Activation Program. The program celebrates all sorts of cool artwork around San Diego Bay and encourages creativity in the South Bay and other bayside communities.

Here are a few photos!

Cesar Chavez Park in Barrio Logan was the venue today for a fun show by the Fern Street Circus, hosted by the Port of San Diego.
Cesar Chavez Park in Barrio Logan was the venue today for a show by the Fern Street Circus, hosted by the Port of San Diego.
Friendly people from the Port of San Diego's Public Art Program look on as the crowd slowly grows at Cesar Chavez Park.
Friendly people from the Port of San Diego’s Public Art Program look on as the crowd slowly grows at Cesar Chavez Park.
This smiling lady was handing out Kinetic Sand to youth at the event. Young artists can mold it to express their creativity.
This smiling lady was handing out free jars of Kinetic Sand to youth at the event. Young artists can easily mold it to express their creativity.
Members of the Fern Street Circus ready props on the main stage as the kid-friendly community event gets underway.
Members of the Fern Street Circus ready props on the main stage as the kid-friendly community event gets underway.
An aerial silk performer takes to the air above the grassy park.
An aerial silk performer takes to the air above the grassy park.
A smile in the San Diego sky!
A smile in the San Diego sky!
The circus juggler and some kids play with colorful hula hoops.
The circus juggler and some kids play with colorful hula hoops.
A small circus school at the event showed people how to walk a tightrope!
A small circus school at the event showed people how to walk a tightrope!
Lots of smiles and fun were enjoyed today at Cesar Chavez Park, courtesy of the Port of San Diego and the Fern Street Circus!
Lots of smiles and fun were enjoyed today at Cesar Chavez Park, courtesy of the Port of San Diego and the Fern Street Circus!

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There’s an author in San Diego by the name of Jack Tyler. He has published all sorts of steampunk fiction and offers great advice about how to write effectively. If this interests you, please follow his blog by clicking here!

You might recall Jack has written an exciting tale of adventure that takes place in San Diego’s historic Gaslamp Quarter. To learn more about his novel Stingaree, click here!

A story about creativity, truth and deception.

A patient spider waits for flies.
A patient spider waits for flies.

My short story The Taste of Flies has been bothering me. It hasn’t seemed right.

Even after publishing it on Short Stories by Richard, I’ve rewritten many of the words over and over and over again.

I think–possibly–that I now have the thing right. The unusual tale is about creativity, truth and deception. And impulsion. And indecision. It seems to be about a great many difficult things.

You can read the very short story here.

Help restore the 1898 steam ferry Berkeley!

Banner along entrance gangway explains the Historic National Landmark 1898 Steam Ferry Berkeley Preservation Project.
Banner along entrance gangway explains the Historic National Landmark 1898 Steam Ferry Berkeley Preservation Project.

The Maritime Museum of San Diego’s historic 1898 steam ferry Berkeley is undergoing much-needed restoration. The wooden superstructure, exposed for many years to direct sunlight and weather, is in need of repair, as you can see from a couple of my photographs. The south side of the ship, which receives the most sunlight, is in especially poor condition. Work has already begun there.

The museum has received funding for the restoration in the form of a $200,000 grant from the National Maritime Heritage Grant Program. This prestigious grant will match every dollar contributed by the public. Funds are being used to create a watertight, weatherproof, much more durable structure that will last for another generation.

Every contribution you make will be effectively doubled by the matching grant. To make your 100% tax-deductible donation, and learn much more, please visit this page.

To see more photos of this truly amazing vessel and learn about its special place in history, you might want to visit this past blog post. Berkeley was not only the first screw propeller driven steam ferry on the West Coast, but it assisted in the evacuation of a burning San Francisco after the devastating earthquake of 1906. Make sure to scroll down to the bottom of that blog post and read the extensive comment by the former museum librarian, who provides more fascinating information concerning the Berkeley!

The beautiful Berkeley is hub of the Maritime Museum of San Diego. The vessel houses many exhibits, and hosts special events and education programs.
The beautiful Berkeley is hub of the Maritime Museum of San Diego. The vessel houses many exhibits, and hosts special events and education programs.
Damage from the sun, salt, wind and weather is visible in this photo taken shortly before restoration began.
Damage from sun, salt, wind and weather is visible in this photo taken shortly before restoration began.
Guests to the museum are asked to be part of preserving local history. Contributions can be made online. Every dollar will be matched by a Maritime Heritage Grant.
Guests to the museum are asked to be part of preserving local history. Contributions can be made online. Every dollar will be matched by a Maritime Heritage Grant.
Scaffolding along a section of the steam ferryboat Berkeley's south-facing side. Restoration has begun.
Scaffolding along a section of the steam ferryboat Berkeley’s south-facing side. Restoration has begun.

UPDATE!

Look at the great progress made by early 2019!

IMG_0081z

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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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A mixture of morning light and life.

Flagship's ferry ship Cabrillo arrives at the Embarcadero. Emerald light on the bay is reflected from the Port Pavilion on Broadway Pier.
Flagship’s ferry ship Cabrillo arrives at the Embarcadero. Emerald light shines from the Port Pavilion on Broadway Pier.

Another early morning walk downtown by San Diego Bay. We are experiencing a mild Santa Ana. So the air is dry. After a chilly night, the rising sun is bright and warm.

I encountered few people by the water, mostly joggers. I swung my camera toward anything that caught my eye. Here’s a mixture of morning light and life…

Man walks across a crane that is being used to demolish the old Anthony's Fish Grotto.
Man walks across a barge’s horizontal crane. The demolition of the old Anthony’s Fish Grotto is now underway.
Gazing east down Broadway in San Diego very early one morning.
Gazing east along Broadway in downtown San Diego early one morning.
Gleaming light on several downtown skyscrapers, including Pacific Gate and Emerald Plaza.
Gleaming morning light on several downtown skyscrapers, including Pacific Gate and Emerald Plaza.
Riding a bike along a path near the USS Midway.
Riding a bike along a path near the USS Midway.
A fisherman takes a stroll along a dock in Tuna Harbor.
A fisherman takes a stroll along a floating dock in Tuna Harbor.
Someone is about to stand up from a bench near the water at Ruocco Park.
Someone is about to stand up from a bench in Ruocco Park.
Patterns created by the shining windows of the Embassy Suites, the Park Place Condominiums and bare branches.
Patterns created by the shining windows of the Embassy Suites, the adjacent Park Place Condominiums and bare branches.
Birds take flight a short while after sunrise.
Two birds take flight after sunrise.

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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!

LimeBike smart bicycles arrive in San Diego!

Rows of bright new LimeBike smart bicycles have appeared in downtown San Diego.
Bright new LimeBike smart bicycles have suddenly appeared in downtown San Diego!

Look what I discovered as I walked down Cedar Street to the Little Italy trolley station this morning. A bunch of identical lime green bicycles were waiting in a row on the sidewalk!

Upon closer inspection, I saw these bikes can be rented simply by unlocking them with a smartphone. And riders pay only one dollar per half hour! Very affordable!

LimeBike has just announced the introduction of their smart pedal bikes into downtown San Diego. That must explain why I’ve never them before.

In the future, I’ve learned they intend to introduce a fleet of Lime-E electric assist bikes and Lime-S scooters. Sounds like a great idea to me!

The 1st ride of a LimeBike is free! They cost is only one dollar per half hour!
The 1st ride of a LimeBike is free! Renting one of these smart bikes costs only $1 per half hour.
Instructions on a LimeBike show how to scan the QR code to unlock the bicycle.
Instructions on a LimeBike show how to scan the QR code to unlock the bicycle.
I found more LimeBikes parked on the sidewalk near some colorful public art at the Little Italy trolley station!
I found more LimeBikes parked on the sidewalk at the Little Italy trolley station!

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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!

A beach walk to La Jolla Shores tide pools.

Beachgoers have left some flip-flops and shoes at the west end of Avenida de la Playa. Sand feels good under bare toes.
Beachgoers have left some flip-flops and shoes at the west end of Avenida de la Playa. Sand feels good under bare toes.

Here’s a series of photos from my walk down the beach at La Jolla Shores. I began at the west end of Avenida de la Playa and headed south along the sand to the tide pools.

Come along and let’s enjoy another beautiful day!

Looking north along the beach at La Jolla Shores on a winter Saturday. I see part of the famous Scripps Institution of Oceanography up on the hillside.
Looking north along the beach at La Jolla Shores on a winter Saturday. I see part of the famous Scripps Institution of Oceanography up on the hillside.
A group of kayakers receives instruction before heading out onto the Pacific Ocean.
A group of kayakers receives instruction before heading out onto the Pacific Ocean.
People enter the Pacific Ocean with colorful kayaks and paddles.
People enter the Pacific Ocean with colorful kayaks and paddles.
Running along the beach at La Jolla Shores. To the north one can see Ellen Browning Scripps Memorial Pier, and beyond the high sandstone cliffs of Black's Beach.
Running along the beach at La Jolla Shores. To the north one can see Ellen Browning Scripps Memorial Pier, and beyond the high sandstone cliffs of Black’s Beach.
A friendly San Diego lifeguard driving past waves hello!
A friendly San Diego lifeguard driving past waves hello!
A man carries his kayak across the sand toward the water. It's an overcast winter day, but very pleasant.
A man carries his kayak across the sand toward the water. It’s an overcast winter day, but very pleasant.
Two people walking south along the smooth beach. La Jolla Cove can be seen across La Jolla Bay.
Two people walking south along the smooth beach. La Jolla Cove can be seen across La Jolla Bay.
Now we are walking south along the shore past the sprawling La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club resort.
Now we are walking south along the shore past the sprawling La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club resort. Some people are sitting under umbrellas enjoying the weekend.
The Marine Room is on the left. At high tide, crashing waves come right up to the windows of this elegant restaurant with a stunning ocean view.
I see The Marine Room on the left. At high tide, crashing waves come right up to the windows of this elegant restaurant with a stunning ocean view.
A palatial, almost 16,000-square-foot estate overlooking the beach in La Jolla, called Villa Pelagia. Locals call it the Sand Castle Mansion. The property built in 1929 once looked quite different.
A palatial, almost 16,000-square-foot estate named Villa Pelagia overlooks the beach in La Jolla. Locals call it the Sand Castle Mansion. The property, built in 1929, once looked quite different.
Now we are approaching some tide pools at the south end of the La Jolla Shores beach.
Now we are approaching some tide pools at the south end of the La Jolla Shores beach.
People (and a gull) carefully walk among slippery rocks searching for tiny sea creatures.
People (and a gull) carefully walk among slippery rocks searching for tiny sea creatures.

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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!