Getting ready for 2017 U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge!

Putting sand into wooden forms, preparing to make sand sculptures that will welcome visitors to the Broadway Pier!
Putting sand into wooden forms, preparing to make sand sculptures that will welcome visitors to the Broadway Pier!

Look what I spotted during my walk along the Embarcadero after work today! Preparations are underway for the big 2017 U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge which takes place this coming Labor Day Weekend!

As you can see, sand is being put into large wooden forms at the base of the Broadway Pier. I learned from a friendly guy scooping sand that the competing sculptures will actually be created inside the Broadway Pier’s Port Pavilion! (In past years they were outside, along the south edge of the nearby B Street Pier.)

I also see that this year, outside on the Broadway Pier, there will be all sorts of food, cool “dimensional art” and live music, much like the past events.

Finally, I learned that the three sand sculptures just getting started today will welcome visitors to the Broadway Pier. One sculpture will depict the USS Midway and Star of India. Another has something to do with LEGOs. A third will promote MTS, San Diego’s public transit system.

I’m getting excited! The best sand artists in the world will be here next weekend! I’m going! It will be cool to see their masterpieces!

The U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge is coming to San Diego's Broadway Pier during Labor Day Weekend!
The U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge is coming to San Diego’s Broadway Pier during Labor Day Weekend!
Meanwhile, this afternoon during my walk, I saw some folks enjoying the pier, watching two harbor cruise ships coming in from the bay.
Meanwhile, this afternoon during my walk, I saw some folks enjoying the pier, watching two harbor cruise ships coming in from the bay.
This friendly guy told me there will be three sand sculptures here at the base of the pier. The competing sand sculptures will actually be created inside the Port Pavilion this year!
This friendly guy told me there will be three sand sculptures here at the base of the pier. The competing sand sculptures will actually be created inside the Port Pavilion this year!
Quarry sand mixed with water will be compacted, and then carved into some cool sculptures during the coming week!
Quarry sand mixed with water will be compacted, and then carved here into three cool sculptures during the coming week! Stay tuned!

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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!

Beautiful bougainvillea in Mission Valley.

I took these four photographs of bougainvillea several days ago while walking near the Hazard Center trolley station in Mission Valley. The sun had broken through the morning clouds and was shining on clusters of beautiful red bracts and white flowers. Upon examining these images, I noticed I’d captured some tiny insects!

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Ships, water, light and magic.

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I finally got my act together. Late this afternoon I renewed my annual membership in the Maritime Museum of San Diego.

Why?

Perhaps it’s that deep feeling of living inside history.

Perhaps it’s the light-splashed ships.

Perhaps it’s the water like molten silver and its dancing, inexpressible magic.

Perhaps it’s the sea, and my longing for a far horizon.

I can’t think of the right words.

So I’ll let my small camera speak its own language. I took these photos before sunset.

UPDATE! I substituted one of this post’s original photos with a new one taken a week later. Can you guess which one? The sky is a bit different, but it’s still the same time of day–perhaps an hour or less before sunset.

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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!

How to get support from fellow Veterans in San Diego.

I discovered a program in San Diego that provides advice and support for Veterans. It’s a confidential peer-to-peer program, where Veteran volunteers mentor other Veterans. The program is called “Vet to Vet” for that reason.

I found out about this program while walking randomly around Balboa Park. A notice was pinned to a bulletin board and I took a photo. According to the information, the meetings of Vet to Vet are confidential and no appointment is needed. It’s a safe place to be for a couple hours a week. All the info you need is right here–click the photo and it will enlarge:

Click this photo and it will expand for easy reading. You'll find information on meeting places and some phone numbers.
Click this photo and it will expand in size for easy reading. You’ll find important information on meeting places and a few phone numbers.

If you’re a Vet who’d like to volunteer, or if you’re a Vet who’d like a little support or someone to talk to, or you’re just curious and want to learn more, give that phone number on the flyer a call! And if you know a Veteran in San Diego who might appreciate a helping hand from someone who has walked in their shoes, why not pass along the info?

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Cool new mural in East Village crushes it!

Crushing It. A cool new mural just completed in San Diego's East Village at the corner of Park Boulevard and J Street.
Crushing It. A cool new mural just completed in San Diego’s East Village at the corner of Park Boulevard and J Street.

Last week I noticed a new mural was being painted on a building wall in East Village. I glimpsed the preliminary outlines as I passed by on the trolley, which was heading along Park Boulevard just south of the Market Street station.

Well, today I observed that this very cool mural has been completed! You can find it at the intersection of Park Boulevard and J Street. Apparently titled Crushing It, this colorful spray paint art was created by Carly Ealey and Christopher Konecki of Cohort Collective, a group of local artists who have awesome urban artwork all over San Diego!

It appears to me the local artists Carly Ealey and Christopher Konecki of Cohort Collective have crushed it!
It appears to me the local artists Carly Ealey and Christopher Konecki of Cohort Collective have crushed it!
Lots of old wrecked cars are piled up behind Rant's Demolition neon sign!
Lots of old wrecked cars are piled up behind that Rant’s Demolition neon sign!
A beautiful female face has materialized on a building wall in downtown San Diego!
A beautiful female face has materialized on a building wall in downtown 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!

A perfect summer Sunday in Balboa Park.

Musicians entertain Balboa Park visitors at the House of Hungary's festive lawn program.
Musicians entertain Balboa Park visitors at the House of Hungary’s festive lawn program.

Another perfect summer Sunday. I found myself once again in Balboa Park. This afternoon, there was no better place in the world.

Please enjoy some photos…

A warm summer afternoon. A man and his dog rest beneath a dinosaur near the San Diego Natural History Museum.
It’s a warm summer afternoon. A man and his dog rest beneath a dinosaur near the San Diego Natural History Museum.
Sunshine on the south side of the San Diego Natural History Museum in Balboa Park.
Sunshine on the south side of the San Diego Natural History Museum in Balboa Park.
San Diego Civic Youth Ballet had a Fairy Tale Village set up today in the Casa del Prado's outer courtyard.
San Diego Civic Youth Ballet had a Fairy Tale Village set up today in the Casa del Prado’s outer courtyard.
The laps of two Western characters await people with tired feet in Spanish Village Art Center.
The laps of two Western characters await people with tired feet in Spanish Village Art Center.
Beautiful Spanish Colonial Revival architecture at the west end of the Casa de Balboa, photographed from El Prado.
Beautiful Spanish Colonial Revival architecture at the west end of the Casa de Balboa, photographed from El Prado.
People walk past ornate arches connecting the Casa de Balboa and the House of Hospitality.
People walk past ornate arches connecting the Casa de Balboa and the House of Hospitality.
Looking through one of those arches at cool greenery between the two historic buildings.
Looking through one of those arches at cool greenery between the two historic buildings.
Folks walk down toward the Casa del Rey Moro Garden.
Folks walk down toward the Casa del Rey Moro Garden.
A beautiful view few visitors see. Part of the rear of the House of Hospitality and nearby Casa de Balboa.
A beautiful view few visitors see. Part of the rear of the House of Hospitality and nearby Casa de Balboa.
Flowers beside outdoor dining at The Prado at Balboa Park.
Flowers beside outdoor dining at The Prado at Balboa Park.
A tranquil and shady place to sit on a summer day in the Japanese Friendship Garden. I worked for a while on a short story here.
A tranquil and shady place to sit in the Japanese Friendship Garden. I worked for a while on a short story here.
The Sunday afternoon lawn program today at the International Cottages was put on by the House of Hungary.
The Sunday afternoon lawn program today at the International Cottages was put on by the House of Hungary.
Hungarian sausage and crepes were being prepared at one end of the lawn!
Hungarian sausage and crepes were being prepared at one end of the lawn!
I confess I had a tasty sausage with lots of mustard on a delectable roll of bread. But those crepes do look good.
I confess I had a tasty sausage with lots of mustard on a delectable roll of bread. But those crepes do look good. I’ll try one next year.
Ladies play cards on the grass at the House of Pacific Relations International Cottages.
Ladies play cards on the grass at the House of Pacific Relations International Cottages.
Folks sit under the Spreckels Organ Pavilion colonnade and listen to a free Sunday performance. Four finalists are auditioning to become San Diego's new Civic Organist.
Folks sit under the Spreckels Organ Pavilion colonnade and listen to the free Sunday performance. Four finalists are auditioning to become San Diego’s new Civic Organist.
Looking beyond the fountain in front of the Spreckels Organ Pavilion.
Looking beyond the fountain in front of the Spreckels Organ Pavilion.
Riding a bike through Balboa Park on a perfect summer Sunday.
Riding a bike through Balboa Park on a perfect summer Sunday afternoon.
A banner by door to the Balboa Park Visitors Center. Enjoy every little bit of summer.
A banner by door to the Balboa Park Visitors Center. Enjoy every little bit of summer.

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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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Photos outside beautiful new downtown courthouse.

Gazing up from Union Street at the unique new Superior Court building in downtown San Diego.
Gazing up from Union Street at the unique new Superior Court building in downtown San Diego.

Yesterday I walked past our beautiful new downtown courthouse. The opening of the high tech half billion dollar San Diego Central Courthouse has faced several delays, but the very unique exterior has already added more character to San Diego’s gleaming skyline.

Here are some photos. The rooftop canopy is rather unusual, as you can see. The crystal-like lattice of geometric reflections and shadows that it produces delights the eye.

The new San Diego Central Courthouse is nearly completed. It stands north across the C Street trolley tracks from the Hall of Justice.
The new San Diego Central Courthouse is nearly completed. It stands north across the C Street trolley tracks from the Hall of Justice. A pedestrian bridge connects both buildings.
Flags in a pleasant breeze. The new courthouse, most expensive in California, has faced various construction delays.
Flags in a pleasant breeze. The new courthouse, most expensive in California, has faced various construction delays.
This Superior Courthouse of California is across Union Street from the old courthouse, which will be torn down.
This new Superior Court of California building is across Union Street from the old, less-functional courthouse, which will be torn down.
Fascinating reflections and shadows on glass windows beneath a projecting rooftop canopy.
Fascinating reflections and shadows on glass windows beneath a projecting rooftop canopy.

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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!

Luxury buildings under construction on Ash Street.

A new building is rising at the corner of Ash Street and Kettner Boulevard.
A new building is rising at the corner of Ash Street and Kettner Boulevard.

Many new buildings are rising in downtown San Diego.

Yesterday I walked east from the Embarcadero along Ash Street and took photos of three projects: the Savina luxury condo building, the LUMA luxury apartment building, and a new, elegant Carté Hotel.

Savina is a 36-story high-rise building containing luxury condos, coming to downtown San Diego.
Savina is a 36-story high-rise building containing luxury condos, coming to downtown San Diego.
Photo of Savina construction from intersection of Ash and Kettner.
Photo of Savina construction from intersection of Ash and Kettner.
As I walked east up Ash I noticed some bicyclists looking around. Up ahead to the left is more construction.
As I walked east up Ash I noticed some bicyclists looking around. Up ahead to the left is more construction.
I'm heading up the sidewalk and getting closer.
I’m heading up the sidewalk and getting closer.
A concrete mixer truck turns the corner at Ash Street and Columbia Street. Under construction is LUMA, an apartment building opening in Fall 2018 according to their website.
A concrete mixer truck turns the corner at Ash Street and Columbia Street. Under construction is LUMA, an apartment building opening in Fall 2018 according to their website.
What LUMA will look like when completed.
What LUMA will look like when completed.
Construction worker atop the rising luxury apartment building.
Construction worker atop the rising luxury apartment building.
A third construction site is visible as I walk east on Ash.
A third construction site is visible as I walk east on Ash.
A prestigious new 240-room Carté Hotel is coming to 401 W. Ash in Little Italy in Fall 2018.
A prestigious new 240-room Carté Hotel is coming to 401 W. Ash in Little Italy in Fall 2018.
This downtown construction is still in the early stages!
The Carté Hotel downtown construction is still in the early stages!

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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 interesting photos around San Diego!

Quick peek at the SoCal Etsy Guild Market!

The SoCal Etsy Guild Market took place today in Horton Plaza Park.
The SoCal Etsy Guild Market took place today in Horton Plaza Park.

My walk downtown today took me through Horton Plaza Park, where I came upon a very cool event.

The SoCal Etsy Guild Market had drawn a nice crowd of curious shoppers! Lots of handmade, original goodies were for sale by all sorts of crafts makers and artists…

I took a few photos as I wandered through…

Lots of cool crafts and artwork was for sale!
Lots of cool crafts and artwork was for sale!
Shoppers wore big smiles.
Shoppers wore big smiles.
Izzy's Sounds is on Etsy. He makes one-of-a-kind bluetooth speakers out of vintage radios and other interesting objects.
Izzy’s Sounds is on Etsy. He makes one-of-a-kind bluetooth speakers out of vintage radios and other interesting objects.
An artist advises us to live in the sunshine, swim in the sea, drink the wild air. Sounds wise to me!
An artist advises us to live in the sunshine, swim in the sea, drink the wild air. Sounds wise to me!
It appears a good crowd turned out for SoCal Etsy Guild Market in downtown San Diego!
It appears a good crowd turned out for SoCal Etsy Guild Market in downtown 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!

Huge catch of fish arrives in San Diego!

Fresh opah is prepared on the fishing vessel Pacific Horizon docked at the Tuna Harbor Dockside Market!
Fresh opah is prepared on the fishing vessel Pacific Horizon docked at the Tuna Harbor Dockside Market.

Look what I happened upon during my walk this morning! The fishing vessel Pacific Horizon was unloading a huge catch of opah and bigeye tuna at the Tuna Harbor Dockside Market!

I lingered to watch some of the fascinating 2017 Opahthon action!

Opahthon 2017 was held this morning on San Diego's Embarcadero at the Tuna Harbor Dockside Market!
Opahthon 2017 was held this morning on San Diego’s Embarcadero at the Tuna Harbor Dockside Market.
A crowd had gathered around the Pacific Horizon to watch a bustle of activity.
A crowd had gathered around the Pacific Horizon to watch a bustle of activity.
Guys were cleaning fish caught 800-1200 miles off San Diego in the Pacific Ocean--halfway to Hawaii! The Pacific Horizon is back after one month of fishing.
Guys were cleaning fish caught 800-1200 miles off San Diego in the Pacific Ocean–halfway to Hawaii! The Pacific Horizon is back after one month of fishing.
A curious dog on deck watches the action!
A curious dog on deck watches the action!
The guys are now filleting bigeye tuna, which were caught along with the opah. More bigeye tuna are being hoisted onto the pier!
The guys are now filleting bigeye tuna, which were caught along with the opah. More bigeye tuna are being hoisted onto the pier!
Some of the whole fish are put into large coolers.
Some of the whole fish are put into large coolers.
Working hard to prepare your tasty seafood meal!
Working hard to prepare your tasty seafood meal!
The cutting table was frequently hosed off.
The cutting table was frequently hosed off.
Lots of ice was shoveled into the coolers.
Lots of ice was shoveled into the coolers.
Today the Pacific Horizon brought an amazing haul of fish to San Diego!
Today the Pacific Horizon brought an amazing haul of fish to San Diego!
More bigeye tuna! These might be going to a restaurant near you!
More bigeye tuna! These might be going to a restaurant near you!

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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!