Photo of the rustic Sikes Adobe Farmhouse on a sunny November day.
This morning I drove up to Escondido. One highlight of my day was walking around the historic Sikes Adobe Farmhouse, which is located near a popular trailhead of the San Dieguito River Park’s long, not-yet-complete Coast to Crest Trail.
The restored Sikes Adobe (originally built around 1870, and mostly destroyed in 2007 by the Witch Creek Fire) is a City of San Diego historic site. It contains a museum which is open every Sunday. Also on Sundays, the farmstead is where the North San Diego Certified Farmers Market is held.
As I walked around Sikes Adobe, I happened upon some interpretive signs which explain the history of the farmstead. I took photos if you’re interested. Click those sign images and they will expand for easy reading.
People had very different lives long ago in California. Fresh air, hard work, quiet hours, simple pleasures. And wild, untrod paths. I believe I would have loved that life.
The historic Sikes Adobe Farmhouse is located near a trailhead of the Coast to Crest Trail, just east of Lake Hodges.The trail past the farmstead is popular with hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians.A sign shows proposed improvements to the Sikes Adobe Historic Farmstead Park, including event space and a reconstructed barn.Scarecrows stand guard inside a community garden near the rustic farmhouse.Approaching the Sikes Adobe. One can tour the inside on Sundays, from 10:30 am to 3:30 pm.In this photo you can see the small creamery building and the base of the restored windmill.A simple adobe house, typical of the early American era, shortly after California had achieved statehood.View of the farmstead structures from the nearby trail.Zenas and Eliza Sikes, with six children, arrived in 1870 and began their wheat farm here between the communities of Escondido and Rancho Bernardo.A small vegetable garden near the restored windmill and creamery.Old rusty farm equipment in a corner of the farmstead.Between 1860 and 1893, wheat was California’s first bonanza crop. The creamery at Sikes Farm was built in the 1880s as their farm diversified and became more generalized.A small town called Bernardo used to be located a couple miles southeast of the Sikes Adobe. The construction of the Lake Hodges Dam spelled the end for that town.Looking from the nearby trail past prickly pears at the farmhouse.Some horses have arrived at the trailhead’s dirt parking lot.Sikes Adobe depends on your support. Become a docent or volunteer!The Sikes Adobe Farmhouse rises behind a row of green grape vines.
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Someone walks briskly to work in downtown San Diego.
Morning in downtown San Diego. Another day has begun. More hustle and bustle. More things to do.
But something feels different . . .
It’s Friday!
Working on the sidewalk early Friday morning. Always more to do.Tearing out the interior of the old Gaslamp 15 movie theater.The antique clock on the John D. Spreckels Building seems optimistic. Almost four o’clock on Friday would be good right now.Someone is wide awake and bright-eyed behind this shop window.Don’t interrupt my breakfast! One of the many cats at the William Heath Davis House in the Gaslamp.Smile! It’s Friday!A hearty laugh over breakfast.Friday morning mowing at Petco’s Park at the Park.To a best friend on a morning walk, which day it is doesn’t matter.Carrying the bicycle up many steps, heading toward the bayfront. It should be a fine day for a ride along the water.Waiting for a Friday morning Coaster at Santa Fe Depot. One last weekday commute.Daydreaming while heading to work on the trolley. Almost the weekend.
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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!
Sculpted face of a crew member of the U.S.S. San Diego, representing all United States sailors who served their country during World War II.
Yesterday evening, after dark, I walked along the Embarcadero. When I arrived at the Greatest Generation Walk, I paused to gaze at the various illuminated memorials and monuments. I was struck at how light reflected from the bronze figures of military heroes, highlighting their expressive faces.
I took many photos of those faces. I kept my flash off. Some of the faces were insufficiently lit for my camera, but the photographs you see here, of mostly ordinary people courageously serving our country–primarily in World War II–came out quite well. I sharpened the images a bit, but that’s all.
The first photo was taken at the U.S.S. San Diego (CL-53) Memorial, created by artists Eugene Daub and Louis Quaintance.
The next seven photographs were taken at the National Salute to Bob Hope and the Military, created by artists Eugene Daub and Steven Whyte.
The next three photographs were taken at the Homecoming sculpture, created by artist Stanley Bleifeld.
The final two photographs were taken at the Aircraft Carrier Memorial, which was created by artists T.J. Dixon and James Nelson.
Bob Hope as he appeared in the 1940s, entertaining the troops on a USO tour.A World War II Marine Corps Sergeant depicted as a patient from the 44th Field Hospital.A World War II naval aviator.A Korean War sailor.World War II Navy Machinist Mate John Ibe, who survived the loss of the USS St. Lo during the Battle of Leyte Gulf.Korean War Private from the 45th Infantry Division.A World War II fighter pilot. One of the Tuskegee Airmen.A sailor embraces his wife upon his return from a deployment far from home.A supportive wife hugs her sailor husband.Love endures.A sailor who serves aboard an aircraft carrier.A naval aviator who flies from an aircraft carrier.
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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 share and enjoy!
Marvin the Martian salutes as a space rocket rises.
I believe this cool Marvin the Martian Space Clones mural was painted during San Diego Comic-Con, but I noticed it for the first time yesterday as I walked through Little Italy. It’s painted on the front of the Blick Art Materials store on India Street.
The early morning sun was casting a tree’s dark shadow onto the mural. The effect is interesting–almost psychedelic.
Bugs Bunny watch out! Marvin has his lethal ray gun ready to zap, and he’s a tad bit smarter than Yosemite Sam!
Marvin the Martian, lurking in a mural, awaits two unsuspecting humans who are walking down a Little Italy sidewalk.Marvin the Martian was created to resemble the Roman god of war Mars. Bugs Bunny, watch out! That’s no Elmer Fudd!Marvin the Martian is ready to conquer planet Earth. But somehow I don’t think he’ll succeed.
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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 couple of tiny smiling scarecrows occupy flower planters on India Street in Little Italy.
It must be autumn in San Diego! Because this morning I was greeted by all sorts of pumpkins and friendly scarecrows as I walked up India Street in Little Italy! Thanksgiving is almost here!
As I walked up India Street I encountered many scarecrows and pumpkins. It must be autumn–almost Thanksgiving!Three pumpkins and three friendly scarecrows on bales of hay at the base of the famous Little Italy landmark sign.Elegant pumpkins in a Little Italy shop window.A welcoming orange pumpkin in another shop window.That scarecrow in the middle looks like a sneaky crow in disguise!Walk up India Street in Little Italy and you’re reminded that it’s autumn in San Diego!
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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!
Aseltine School’s 2017 Holiday Food Drive takes place Wednesday, December 6, 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm, at Uptown Tavern in Hillcrest.
If you’re in San Diego, please consider participating in the Aseltine School’s 4th Annual Holiday Food Drive. It will be taking place on Wednesday, December 6, 2017, from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm at the Uptown Tavern in Hillcrest, which is located at 1236 University Avenue.
Bring non-perishable food items such as peanut butter, canned chicken and tuna, cereal, canned fruit and vegetables, soup and pasta. The food you bring will support students and families in need.
Aseltine School is a supportive, positive place where K-12 students are helped to overcome a variety of difficulties. Their innovative program transforms young lives. Learn more at Aseltine’s website.
Your generosity will be greeted with lots of big smiles!
As I walked with my camera I tried to capture small scenes of real life. Some scenes evoked a sense of sadness, waiting, uncertainty; others contained glimmers of hope or subtle humor. In downtown San Diego thousands of lives mingle.
Mysteries around every corner.
Countless untold stories.
You might recognize that plaque.
Its exact origin was once was a mystery. But the plaque’s fascinating story was revealed here.
The Jessop’s clock fascinates many eyes.
After 125 years, Jessop’s jewelry store is closing. A chapter in San Diego’s history ends.
But the clock’s hands will will continue to mark time.
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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!
This afternoon I went on a long, chilly walk along San Diego Bay. The sky was mostly gray. I regretted not wearing a light jacket. But I pressed on.
You never know when the sun might burst through.
The winter ice rink is being set up in front of the Hilton San Diego Bayfront. Anticipating warm holiday cheer.Few people are out walking under the gray clouds. But two can always hold hands.Pigeons swoop in long searching circles, before settling somewhere far away.The sun is up there. Somewhere.This person moving forward refuses to retreat.Time takes a toll. The Marriott Marina is slowly being refurbished. Pushing forward, looking ahead.A worker defies gravity near the Marriott Marquis.Surfing Santa is awaiting a perfect wave–it should arrive in Seaport Village before too long.Who is that lifting his hat? It’s Mitchell, the cool didgeridoo guy! I was reminded by Mitchell that Earth’s sun is a G-type main-sequence star. I had forgotten. Nuclear fusion is pretty warm!A smile like a ray of sunshine.
(And here I must make an apology.
While I sat on a rail speaking to Mitchell about life, the cosmos, and whatever, two smiling ladies came on by pushing a cart full of Noosa yogurt samples. Mitchell earned his sample by summoning deep magic with his didgeridoo. For my sample, I promised to post a photo of the smiling ladies on my blog–right here–where there is no photo.
Sorry. My camera beeped as if a photo were taken. But alas. My battery went dead and it turns out I don’t have that smiling photo.
I will say, however, that my Noosa yogurt was super creamy, yummy, and scrumdiddlyumptious. I really liked the bits of chocolate. I’m a sucker for chocolate.
There. Now will you forgive me?
Thank you ladies for helping to lift my spirits–it fits this theme perfectly!)
A distant kiteboarder, harnessing the wind, rises above San Diego Bay.Who cares about the weather? One can always make bubbles.Even during a gloomy spell, life can be very good! Just smile!
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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!
Follow this path of many colors and you will enter a magical place!
This morning during my walk I stumbled upon inexplicable wonder. A rainbow had mysteriously fallen to the ground. The shattered rainbow formed a twisting path.
I followed that path of many colors to a magical place.
Spanish Village Art Center in Balboa Park is a place of many wonders. Today there were exhibitors from the San Diego Mineral and Gem Society outside selling their beautiful lapidary work.I learned the yellow in this labyrinth was recently painted. Now the once elusive design really stands out. You’ll find it in front of Studio 13. Many curious kids (and some adults) like to journey down this curving path!If this is a Road to Nowhere, I’ll follow it happily!Cool bits of art in front of funky Studio 13 in Spanish Village. The artist with whom I spoke was super nice. She once painted hopscotch patterns from different cultures around the world on the nearby patio.Today there was also a big San Diego Potters’ Guild sale on Spanish Village’s main patio. My eyes were overwhelmed with so much to see. The potential for beauty is infinite.Should you find yourself in Balboa Park, do not hesitate to follow this magical path of many colors! It was painted only a couple weeks ago by an artist who works in Studio 10!
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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!
I’ve recently written three short stories that touch upon human creativity and freedom. And the unending struggle . . . and the infinite mystery . . . and slow, bitter anguish . . . and sudden inspiration . . . and that joy a creator experiences when they’ve assembled a thing that seems powerful and true. In other words, that wonderful but turbulent journey undertaken by every passionate artist.
These three new works of fiction can be found on my writing blog Short Stories by Richard. How it has grown! Please enjoy the following links:
A Secret Junkyard is an odd, funny story that concerns black despair and creative rebirth.
A Long, Deep Drink suggests that satisfaction can be found by turning to gaze in a different direction.
Cool San Diego Sights! 