Just another fine day in San Diego.

Street performer balances a ball at Navy Pier.
Street performer balances a ball at Navy Pier.

Almost any day in San Diego is a fine day. A fine day to open eyes and experience life.

When I walk about, I often take photos of everything and anything. Photography helps one to see the surrounding world: a fascinating world in constant motion.

Here are some photos that I’ve taken on different walks around San Diego. Every walk is a fine walk. There is so much to see.

Saturday morning on the pier near the Tuna Harbor Dockside Market.
Saturday morning on the pier near the Tuna Harbor Dockside Market.
A bicyclist with a daring spirit at the Harbor Drive pedestrian bridge.
A bicyclist with a daring spirit at the Harbor Drive pedestrian bridge.
A standup paddleboarder off Coronado, sailboats and the San Diego skyline in the background.
A standup paddleboarder off Coronado, with sailboats and the San Diego skyline in the background.
Bagpipes and a smile outside Petco Park.
Bagpipes and a smile outside Petco Park.
Early morning produce is ready to deliver in East Village.
Early morning produce is ready to deliver in East Village.
A boy and a kite at Embarcadero Marina Park North.
A boy and a kite at Embarcadero Marina Park North.
Someone seeks attention in Seaport Village.
Someone seeks attention in Seaport Village.
Pigeons on Broadway.
Pigeons on Broadway.
A smiling face.
A smiling face.
Rolling down the Gaslamp.
Rolling down the Gaslamp.
A big wheel in Balboa Park.
A big wheel in Balboa Park.
A handstand on a bench. Another sunny day in San Diego.
A handstand on a bench. Just another fine day in San Diego.
A scene of ordinary city life near the Fifth Avenue trolley station.
A scene of ordinary city life near the Fifth Avenue trolley station.
Entertainer with horse head at the Little Italy Farmers' Market.
Entertainer wears a horse head at the Little Italy Farmers’ Market.
A slow Sunday in downtown San Diego.
A slow Sunday in downtown San Diego.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

San Diego says goodbye to popular Civic Organist.

Dr. Carol Williams, San Diego Civic Organist for 15 years, in the middle of her final Sunday afternoon performance at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park.
Dr. Carol Williams, San Diego Civic Organist for 15 years, in the middle of her final Sunday afternoon performance at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park.

Thank you Dr. Carol Williams.

Thank you for 15 years of inspiration, dedication, and–most of all–unparalleled music. Thank you for making the Spreckels Organ come so alive. Thank you for your quirky good humor and your wonderful showmanship. Thank you for being such a great part of San Diego’s history, for being one of a long string of distinguished musicians, Civic Organists who first made the Spreckels Organ’s powerful lungs sing in 1915. Thank you for helping culture in Balboa Park to thrive. Thank you for bringing in some of the finest organists in the world for our  absolutely incredible Summer Organ Festivals. Thanks for being a part of many Sunday afternoons, at two o’clock, when I could simply close my eyes and feel the music move through me. Just music. Each living note. Thank you!

In the years ahead, may you produce many fantastic compositions for the king of instruments!

A large crowd turned out to enjoy the music produced by Carol and the Spreckels Organ one last Sunday.
A large crowd turned out to enjoy the music produced by Carol and the Spreckels Organ one last Sunday afternoon.
Dr. Carol Williams wows the crowd with another amazing performance. She is one of the world's finest concert organists. And her dog Dietrich up on stage seems quite proud!
Dr. Carol Williams wows the crowd with another amazing performance. She is one of the world’s finest concert organists. And her dog Dietrich up on stage seems quite proud!
A special day in Balboa Park as San Diego's first woman Civic Organist plays the king of instruments one last Sunday.
A special day in Balboa Park as our nation’s first woman Civic Organist plays the king of instruments one last Sunday.
The Spreckels Organ Pavilion was filled with people who have enjoyed Carol's concerts for many years.
The Spreckels Organ Pavilion was filled with people who have enjoyed Carol’s concerts for many years.
Carol and pal Dietrich between pieces. KUSI videotaped the historic occasion.
Carol and pal Dietrich between pieces. KUSI television videotaped the historic occasion.
Dr. Carol Williams, a premiere concert organist, plays the Spreckels Organ, the largest outdoor pipe organ in the world.
Dr. Carol Williams, a premiere concert organist, plays the Spreckels Organ, the largest outdoor pipe organ in the world.
An artist at work.
An artist at work.
The beginning of a standing ovation, just as Carol asks everyone to stand for the National Anthem.
The beginning of a standing ovation, just as Carol asks everyone to stand for the National Anthem.
Dr. Carol Williams greets organ lovers in the gift shop after her final Sunday concert in Balboa Park. She has long been a San Diego treasure, and now becomes a part of our city's history.
Dr. Carol Williams greets organ lovers in the gift shop after her final Sunday concert in Balboa Park. She has long been a San Diego treasure, and now becomes a part of our city’s history.
An organ student thanks Dr. Carol Williams. She worked hard to educate youth, to encourage aspiring musicians, and to build the Spreckels Organ Society into a powerful presence in the music world.
An organ student thanks Dr. Carol Williams. She worked hard to educate youth, to encourage aspiring musicians, and to build the Spreckels Organ Society into a powerful presence in the music world.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Do you love Balboa Park? Follow my special blog which I call Beautiful Balboa Park!

Expressive faces painted in Chicano Park.

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This morning I walked through Chicano Park. It had been a while since I last wandered among the park’s many famous murals. My camera was searching for no one thing in particular. But I couldn’t stop admiring the many expressive faces that have been artfully painted: faces from our Hispanic community that contain a whole range of emotions, including pride, hope and resolve. The expressive faces reflect humanity and inner beauty.

I’ve blogged about this amazing collection of outdoor murals (the largest in the country) on several occasions, providing a little more information. Today, I simply present a few photos of painted human expression.

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This blog now features thousands of photos around San Diego!  Are you curious?  There’s lots of cool stuff to check out!

Here’s the Cool San Diego Sights main page, where you can read the most current blog posts.  If you’re using a small mobile device, click those three parallel lines up at the top–that opens up my website’s sidebar, where you’ll see the most popular posts, a search box, and more!

Fun photos of Trolley Dances at Fault Line Park!

A fun performance at Fault Line Park in San Diego's East Village during 2016 Trolley Dances!
An imaginative performance at Fault Line Park in San Diego’s East Village during the 2016 Trolley Dances!

Check out these fun photos! They show the energy audiences will experience when they venture downtown to watch the Trolley Dances this year!

The Trolley Dances is all about contemporary dance in surprising public places. This year the Trolley Dances, a collaboration between the San Diego Dance Theater and our Metropolitan Transit System, begins with a performance in Barrio Logan. Mobile audiences, following guides, then make their way by trolley and foot to a variety of unusual downtown locations, where dancers appear like magic and perform. The unique experience lasts about two and a half hours and comes to a conclusion at the relatively new Fault Line Park in East Village. That’s where I snapped a few pics of the final two dances.

I’ll try not to give away too much. Let your imagination go to town–or better yet, buy a ticket. The 2016 Trolley Dances takes places this weekend and next!

A mobile audience arrives at San Diego's Fault Line Park. The park will be the setting of two energetic dances.
A mobile audience arrives at San Diego’s Fault Line Park. The park will be the setting of two energetic dances.
The audience takes a seat. Is something behind that wall?
The audience takes a seat. Is something behind that wall?
Yes, indeed! These dancers seem to have paddled in to shore!
Yes, indeed! These suddenly rising dancers seem to have paddled in to shore!
Perhaps it is an invasion!
Perhaps it’s an invasion!
Dancing on boulders at Fault Line Park! Flight of the Valkyries plays!
Dancing on boulders at Fault Line Park! Flight of the Valkyries plays!
An imaginative work of modern dance at the 2016 Trolley Dances in San Diego.
A unique work of modern dance at the 2016 Trolley Dances in San Diego.
The dancers approach the audience as if rowing a Viking longship...
The dancers approach the audience as if rowing a Viking longship . . .
They have conquered!
They have conquered!
Meanwhile, out on the nearby grass, not far from some folks practicing football, I spot a circle of baseball players...
Meanwhile, out on the nearby grass, not far from some people practicing football skills, I spot a circle of baseball players . . .
These baseball players are also dancers!
These baseball players also happen to be dancers!
Just like professional baseball players, each dancer is introduced by name to the Trolley Dances audience.
Just like professional baseball players, each performer is introduced by name to the Trolley Dances audience.
And a wonderful dance commences...
And a joyful dance commences . . .
Just a lot of fun.
Just a lot of fun.
Dancers rest for a few minutes and await the next mobile audience to arrive at Fault Line Park during the 2016 Trolley Dances.
Dancers rest for a few minutes. They await the next mobile audience that will arrive at Fault Line Park during the 2016 Trolley Dances.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

If you’d like to read a few short stories I’ve written, please visit Short Stories by Richard.

One voice in support of saving the Starlight Bowl.

You can help save Balboa Park's beloved Starlight Bowl!
You can help save Balboa Park’s beloved Starlight Bowl!

I’m no expert on this matter. Take whatever I say with a grain of salt. I’m just an ordinary guy who has lived in San Diego for a good chunk of my life.

I would like to raise my voice in support of saving the Starlight Bowl in Balboa Park. I’m not affiliated with Save Starlight. They have no clue who I am. But I’m attached to their cause. A chain of fond memories is my bond.

Years ago I enjoyed watching a variety of theatrical productions with my family in this beloved outdoor amphitheater. Some of those productions I experienced as a child and young adult, and they made a lasting impression. They helped me to develop my particular love for the written (and spoken) word, and for the great outdoors. My small world expanded as I sat beneath a universe of twinkling stars and absorbed great plays–those undying expressions of human longing, emotion and imagination. And it was simply exciting–like going to an outdoor concert!

I’m sure thousands–if not millions–of people have similar memories of the Starlight Bowl: memories of fine drama and pleasure under those twinkling stars, of laughs, tears and smiles, out in the fresh San Diego air, a short walk from the many other wonderful institutions in Balboa Park.

The Starlight Bowl has languished far too long. What a shame. When I walk past it during my strolls around Balboa Park, I can’t help but envision it once again filled with humanity, playing a unique role in our ever-growing city. Save Starlight is working to bring the large, functional amphitheater back to life. According to an email I received, they are now working with the city, and they intend to fill the Starlight Bowl with concerts, musicals, dance recitals, circus acts, magic shows, multicultural festivals, graduations, and much more. A few more ideas have also popped into my head: corporate events, lectures, a meeting place for large community organizations . . .

Many of my blog’s followers either live in or have a personal attachment to San Diego. Would you like to help with this effort? You know, social media sites like Facebook can have a surprisingly big impact if people post and share information and opinions. So why not make your support known? Or perhaps just tell your friends about what’s going on.

Save Starlight is making a presentation to the City of San Diego within a week, and a handwritten letter of support would be extremely powerful. Ideas for a letter might include your personal connection with Starlight, practical reasons why you would like to see the Starlight Bowl reopened, or even how you would like to become involved. Perhaps you’d like to volunteer, donate, use the venue for staging an event, have your product carried in the concessions, etc. If you plan to write, do it soon!

Letters should be sent to:

Stephen Stopper, President
Save Starlight, Inc.
9590 Chesapeake Drive
San Diego, CA 92123

The Starlight Bowl might once again be filled with humanity and magic. Your voice is important.
After languishing for many years, the Starlight Bowl might once again be filled with humanity and life. You can help make it happen.  Your voice is important.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Roald Dahl celebrated in San Diego’s Balboa Park!

Families are entertained by a story box rendition of The Magic Finger during the Roald Dahl celebration in Balboa Park.
Families are entertained by a story box rendition of The Magic Finger during the Roald Dahl celebration in Balboa Park.

Author Roald Dahl was celebrated today in Balboa Park! Who is Roald Dahl? He was the amazing writer who gave the world Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, James and the Giant Peach, The BFG, Fantastic Mr. Fox, Matilda, The Witches . . . and many other extraordinary stories that have been enjoyed by millions of children and adults.

Roald Dahl, who would have been a hundred years old this year, is being honored around the world in September, and Balboa Park had its own very special celebration today. The good people of Write Out Loud put the whole thing together. You might have seen my posts about various other events Write Out Loud has organized, including TwainFest in Old Town and the Moby Dick Reading Marathon on the tall ship Star of India.

I took a few photos while wandering about Balboa Park, but the most colorful ones show the story box reading of The Magic Finger on the patio outside the House of England. By the way, the story box is a form of street theatre in Japan, where it is known as Kamishibai.

Celebrating 100 years of the beloved storyteller Roald Dahl. Many readings, screenings and activities could be found around Balboa Park during this special day.
Celebrating 100 years of the beloved storyteller Roald Dahl. Many readings, screenings and activities could be found around Balboa Park during this special day.
People converge on the House of England in Balboa Park to listen to a story box telling of Dahl's fun story The Magic Finger.
People converge on the House of England in Balboa Park to listen to a story box telling of Dahl’s fun story The Magic Finger.
A good number of people, young and old, gather minutes before the reading begins. A small crowd stood off to one side.
A good number of people, young and old, gather minutes before the reading begins. A small crowd stood off to one side.
Inside the House of England, a special display provides details about Roald Dahl's life, writing and philosophy.
Inside the House of England, a special display provides details about Roald Dahl’s life, his writing and philosophy.
...Go throw your TV set away, and in its place you can install, a lovely bookcase on the wall. Roald Dahl
. . . Go throw your TV set away, and in its place you can install, a lovely bookcase on the wall. Roald Dahl
...If you have good thoughts it will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely. Roald Dahl
. . . If you have good thoughts it will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely. Roald Dahl
While I stood waiting outside the House of England among Balboa Park's International Cottages, I snapped this photo of a beautiful rose.
While I stood waiting outside the House of England among Balboa Park’s International Cottages, I snapped this photo of a beautiful rose.
Okay! The story is now underway! The young heroine has a magic finger which is activated when she sees red.
Okay! The story is now underway! The young heroine has a magic finger which is activated when she sees red.
Uh, oh! She's about to use her magic finger on a foul, nasty teacher!
Uh, oh! She’s about to use her magic finger on that foul, nasty teacher!  The teacher grows fur and a tail!
A joyful story box rendition of a clever, inventive Roald Dahl work of short fiction for children.
A joyful story box rendition of a clever, inventive Roald Dahl work of short fiction for children.
Those who don't believe in magic will never find it. Roald Dahl
Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it. Roald Dahl

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

I like to write short fiction, too! To read a few of my stories, please visit my other blog Short Stories by Richard.

Courage, wishes and hope on Bankers Hill.

Courage is not the absence of fear, but the ability to conquer it.
Courage is not the absence of fear, but the ability to conquer it.

Walk up Fifth Avenue in Bankers Hill and you’re likely to see some inspiring chalk art. Words of wisdom prompt those passing by to think about courage, wishes and hope. Here are some photos.

Two of the life affirming messages adorn a community library box located next to the front entrance of a safe haven for the homeless. A brave lion roars nearby. Uptown Safe Haven features transitional housing, supportive services, and hope. It is the project of Episcopal Community Services. The chalk art speaks of their mission.

If you’d like to learn more, or if you’d like to consider volunteering through this program to serve those in need, please click here.

Never stop making wishes. Life affirming chalk art in San Diego's Bankers Hill community.
Never stop making wishes. Life affirming chalk art in San Diego’s Bankers Hill neighborhood.
The only thing stronger than fear is hope.
The only thing stronger than fear is hope.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Are you a blogger? Do you want to make the world a better place? You might want to join Bloggers Lifting Others Generously.

A wonderful Chinese Moon Festival in Balboa Park!

A beautiful dance on the Spreckels Organ Pavilion stage in Balboa Park during the 2016 Moon Festival.
A beautiful dance on the Spreckels Organ Pavilion stage in Balboa Park during the 2016 Moon Festival.

A truly wonderful Chinese Moon Festival is being held this evening in Balboa Park! I took photos before the sun set that provide a sense of how fantastic and entertaining this annual event is.

The Moon Festival is co-sponsored by the House of China in Balboa Park and the Confucius Institute at San Diego State University. Every year, the festival seems to grow and grow!

A very large crowd turned out this year for the Chinese Moon Festival in Balboa Park. The benches in the Spreckels Organ Pavilion were packed.
A very large crowd turned out this year for the Chinese Moon Festival in Balboa Park. The benches in the Spreckels Organ Pavilion were packed.
Table provides info about the Confucius Institute at San Diego State University. They co-sponsored the Moon Festival, along with the House of China in Balboa Park.
Table provides info about the Confucius Institute at San Diego State University. They co-sponsored the Moon Festival, along with the House of China in Balboa Park.
The San Diego Chinese Historical Society and Museum was having a book sale!
The San Diego Chinese Historical Society and Museum was having a book sale!
Huge Chinese Crepes were being prepared near the entertainment.
Huge Chinese Crepes were being prepared near the entertainment.
A half moon hangs above the ornate colonnade of the Spreckels Organ Pavilion. Very appropriate!
A half moon hangs above the ornate colonnade of the Spreckels Organ Pavilion. Very appropriate!
The Moon Festival would provide lots of colorful entertainment into the evening. I took photos while the sun was still up.
The Moon Festival would provide lots of colorful entertainment into the evening. I took photos while the sun was still up.
Thunder drums!
Thunder drums!
Followed by youthful Chinese acrobats!
Followed by youthful Chinese acrobats!
These energetic acrobats were amazingly talented. They performed feats that seemed impossible.
These energetic acrobats were wonderfully talented. They performed feats that seemed impossible.
A fluid, colorful dance that mimics the motions of an exotic fish. Everyone in the audience seemed mesmerized.
A fluid, colorful dance that mimics the motions of an exotic fish. Everyone in the audience seemed mesmerized.
A truly fantastic Chinese dance in San Diego's Balboa Park during the 2016 Moon Festival!
A truly wonderful Chinese dance in San Diego’s Balboa Park during the 2016 Moon Festival!

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Photos from 2016 Fleet Week in San Diego.

Kid checks out a military robot at the STEM fair on the Broadway Pier during San Diego's 2016 Fleet Week.
Kid checks out a military robot at the STEM fair on the Broadway Pier during San Diego’s 2016 Fleet Week.

2016 Fleet Week is a big deal in San Diego. Our city is the home port of much of the United States Navy’s Pacific Fleet. Today, Saturday, I walked down to the Embarcadero to see a little of what is going on during the event this year. I visited the Broadway Pier and the military STEM fair, then headed over to the USS Midway Museum. The flight deck of the USS Midway was by far the best vantage point to watch today’s Sea and Air Parade, which I learned has returned to San Diego after an eight years’ absence.

As usual, many events are being held during Fleet Week in San Diego. On the Broadway Pier and the B Street Pier, exhibits demonstrate various technologies utilized by the military.
As usual, many events are being held during Fleet Week in San Diego. On the Broadway Pier and the B Street Pier, exhibits demonstrate various technologies utilized by the military.
Visitors at 2016 Fleet Week on the Broadway Pier peer inside an LAV-25A2 Light Armored Vehicle.
Visitors at 2016 Fleet Week on the Broadway Pier peer inside an LAV-25A2 Light Armored Vehicle.
A water filtration system that uses reverse osmosis in the field, often far from reliable water sources, on display for curious STEM fair visitors.
A water filtration system that uses reverse osmosis in the field, often far from reliable water sources, on display for curious STEM fair visitors.
This enormous gun on San Diego's Embarcadero during 2016 Fleet Week is an M777A2 155MM Howitzer.
This enormous gun on San Diego’s Embarcadero during 2016 Fleet Week is an M777A2 155MM Howitzer.
And this is an M327 120MM Rifled Towed Mortar.
And this is an M327 120MM Rifled Towed Mortar.
Inside the Port Pavilion, an extensive exhibit demonstrates medical facilities that would be set up near an area of combat. This is a surgical tent.
Inside the Port Pavilion, an extensive exhibit demonstrates medical facilities that would be set up near an area of combat. This is a surgical tent.
This is a dental chair! Even the toughest warriors occasionally need to have cavities filled.
This is a dental chair! Even the toughest warriors occasionally need to have cavities filled.
Out on the boardwalk near the USS Midway, cool cars are on display for 2016 Fleet Week in San Diego.
Out on the boardwalk near the USS Midway, cool cars are on display for 2016 Fleet Week in San Diego.
One of many cars that visitors to the Embarcadero can check out. They are on display to promote the speed festival at North Island next weekend. Races are held on the Navy air base's huge runway!
One of many cars that visitors to the Embarcadero can check out. They are on display to promote the speed festival at North Island next weekend. Races are held every year during Fleet Week on the Navy air base’s huge runway!
This car, I was told, would participate in the Fleet Week Coronado Speed Festival. The public can watch auto races next weekend at Naval Air Station North Island, across the bay.
This car, I was told, would actually race in the Fleet Week Coronado Speed Festival. The public can watch auto races next weekend at Naval Air Station North Island, situated across San Diego Bay.
People buy tickets to board the USS Midway Museum. The aircraft carrier turned 71 years old today. It has become one of San Diego's top attractions.
People buy tickets to board the USS Midway Museum. The aircraft carrier turned 71 years old today. It has become one of San Diego’s top attractions.
Inside the hangar deck of the USS Midway during 2016 Fleet Week. The aircraft carrier has been voted best museum ship in the United States.
Inside the hangar deck of the USS Midway during 2016 Fleet Week. The aircraft carrier has been voted best museum ship in the United States.
The USS Midway aircraft carrier celebrated its 71st anniversary today. She was commissioned just as World War II came to an end.
The USS Midway aircraft carrier celebrated its 71st anniversary today. She was commissioned just as World War II came to an end.
A cake to celebrate 71 years of history on the USS Midway!
A cake to celebrate 71 years of history on the USS Midway!
Up on the Midway's flight deck, people head toward viewpoints overlooking San Diego Bay. Fleet Week's Sea and Air Parade is about to begin!
Up on the Midway’s flight deck, people head toward viewpoints overlooking San Diego Bay. Fleet Week’s Sea and Air Parade is about to begin!
At the rail of the USS Midway. There are beautiful views in every direction. Any day is a great day to visit.
At the rail of the USS Midway. There are beautiful views in every direction. Any day is a great day to visit.
Navy officers and VIPs listen to some short speeches just before the Sea and Air Parade begins.
Navy officers and VIPs listen to some short speeches just before the Sea and Air Parade begins.
USS Midway Museum volunteer salutes the American flag while the Star Spangled Banner is sung.
USS Midway Museum volunteer salutes the American flag while the Star Spangled Banner is sung.
Here comes the flagship of 2016 Fleet Week in San Diego, the USS America. She is only the fourth American warship to ever be given the special name.
Here comes USS America, the flagship of 2016 Fleet Week in San Diego. She is only the fourth American warship to ever be given the very special name.
Sailors in white line the deck of USS America as she passes through San Diego Bay during Fleet Week's Sea and Air Parade.
Sailors in white line the deck of USS America as she passes through San Diego Bay during Fleet Week’s Sea and Air Parade.
Next comes the USS Champion, an Avenger class ship that can seek out and destroy mines.
Next comes the USS Champion, an Avenger class ship that can seek out and destroy mines.
According to my Fleet Week program, I believe this is an ACTUV, or Anti-Submarine Continuous Trail Unmanned Vehicle. In the background, at North Island, I see the aircraft carrier Theodore Roosevelt.
According to my Fleet Week program book, I believe this is an ACTUV, or Anti-Submarine Continuous Trail Unmanned Vehicle.  Correct me if I’m wrong!
People watch the Sea and Air Parade from launch ramps at the bow of the USS Midway.
People watch the Sea and Air Parade from launch ramps at the bow of the USS Midway.
Folks gathered on Navy Pier wave to tourists and others crossing the bay on the Coronado Ferry.
Folks gathered on Navy Pier wave to tourists and others crossing the bay on the Coronado Ferry.
The Coast Guard's USCGC Sherman endurance cutter is given a bit of assist by a tug boat as it comes into dock during the Sea and Air Parade.
The Coast Guard’s USCGC Sherman endurance cutter is given an assist by a tug boat as it comes into dock during the Sea and Air Parade.
Lots of people watch the action on San Diego Bay from the end of the Broadway Pier. USS Kidd is in the background, hosting public tours from the B Street Pier.
Lots of people watch the action on San Diego Bay from the end of the Broadway Pier. USS Kidd is in the background, hosting public tours from the B Street Pier.
A pair of jets pass overhead during the 2016 San Diego Fleet Week Sea and Air Parade.
A pair of jets pass overhead during the 2016 San Diego Fleet Week Sea and Air Parade.
People on the flight deck of USS Midway take in sunshine and military pageantry during Fleet Week in San Diego.
People on the flight deck of USS Midway take in sunshine and military pageantry during 2016 Fleet Week in San Diego.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

The most amazing sand sculptures in the world!

The end of San Diego's B Street Pier is lined with amazing sand sculptures created by world masters for the 2016 U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge.
The end of San Diego’s B Street Pier is lined with amazing sand sculptures created by world masters for the 2016 U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge.

At this moment, the most amazing sand sculptures in the entire world are on display in San Diego on the B Street Pier. They were created by genuine world sand masters–many have won world championships–for the 2016 U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge’s World Masters Solo Competition. The artists have come in for this big competition from countries all around the planet!

You doubt these are the most fantastic sand sculptures in the world at this very moment? Take a look at some photos! All of these sculptures will be destroyed right after the special event ends.  The day after Labor Day, these truly amazing works of art become history!

Rockin' Bobbin, by Kirk Rademaker, world sand master from Stinson Beach, California.
Rockin’ Bobbin, by Kirk Rademaker, world sand master from Stinson Beach, California.
The Rockin' Bobbin, which resembles a machine with many parts, is a wonderful example of complex sand art.
The Rockin’ Bobbin, which resembles a machine with many parts, is a wonderful example of complex sand art.
I Want To Fly, by world sand master Katsuhiko Chaen from Japan.
I Want To Fly, by world sand master Katsuhiko Chaen from Japan.
A large winged foot carved of sand appears ready to take flight.
A large winged foot carved of sand appears ready to take flight.
Armadillo Lizard, by world sand master Susanne Ruseler of the Netherlands.
Armadillo Lizard, by world sand master Susanne Ruseler of the Netherlands.
The friendly world-class sand sculptor Susanne Ruseler poses for photos by her fantastic artwork.
The friendly world-class sand sculptor Susanne Ruseler poses for photos by her fantastic artwork.
Alpha Waves, by world sand master Fergus Mulvany of Dublin, Ireland. This sculpture won second place at the 2016 U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge.
Alpha Waves, by world sand master Fergus Mulvany of Dublin, Ireland. This sculpture won second place at the 2016 U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge.
Alpha Waves photographed from a different angle. The layered sand art is truly amazing.
Alpha Waves photographed from a different angle. The layered sand art is truly amazing.
And another photo from behind.
And another photo from behind.
Yell, by world sand master Benjamin Probanza of Mexico City.
Yell, by world sand master Benjamin Probanza of Mexico City.
An angry face yells at a graceful woman made of sand.
An angry, melting face yells at a graceful woman made of sand.
Another photo of the astonishing sand sculpture Yell.
Another photo of the astonishing sand sculpture Yell.
My Inner Self Revealed, by world sand master Melineige Beauregard of Montreal, Canada.
My Inner Self Revealed, by world sand master Melineige Beauregard of Montreal, Canada.
Peering through the amazing layered sand sculpture reveals a human form.
Peering through the amazing layered sand sculpture reveals a human form.
The tender, small inner self is revealed.
The tender, small inner self is revealed.
The Man Who Wasn't There, by world sand master Rusty Croft of Carmel, California.
The Man Who Wasn’t There, by world sand master Rusty Croft of Carmel, California.
This abstract work of sand art makes the viewer think about its potential meaning.
This abstract work of sand art makes the viewer think about its potential meaning.
A photo of the rear of this surreal sand sculpture reveals an open door.
A photo of the rear of this surreal sand sculpture reveals an open door.
Yesterday upon the stair I met a man who wasn't there he wasn't there again today Oh how I wish he'd go away...
Yesterday upon the stair I met a man who wasn’t there he wasn’t there again today Oh how I wish he’d go away…
What Is The Real Face, by world sand master Agnese Rudzite-Kirillova of Latvia.
What Is The Real Face, by world sand master Agnese Rudzite-Kirillova of Latvia.
Is this the real face, or a mask worn in public?
Is this the real face, or a mask worn in public?
What is the real face? Where is it?
What is the real face? Where is it?
Nostalgia, by world sand master Ilya Filimontsev of Moscow, Russia. This incredible sculpture won first place at the 2016 U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge!
Nostalgia, by world sand master Ilya Filimontsev of Moscow, Russia. This incredible sculpture won first place at the 2016 U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge!
Proof that sand sculptures can sometimes be classified as fine art.
Proof that sand sculptures can sometimes be classified as fine art.
Side view of the stunning, award-winning sand sculpture on San Diego's B Street Pier.
Side view of the stunning, award-winning sand sculpture on San Diego’s B Street Pier.
Surrender To Diversity, by world sand master Michela Ciappini of Italy.
Surrender To Diversity, by world sand master Michela Ciappini of Italy.
An unusual sand sculpture features a rabbit perched upon an upside-down alligator!
An unusual sand sculpture features a rabbit perched upon an upside-down alligator!
Out Of Reach, by world sand master Thomas Koet of Melbourne, Florida.
Out Of Reach, by world sand master Thomas Koet of Melbourne, Florida.
Many hands reach for a very beautiful woman, but she is out of reach.
Many hands reach for a very beautiful woman, but she is out of reach.
The most amazing sand sculptures in the world can be found in sunny San Diego. Until Labor Day weekend ends!
The most amazing sand sculptures in the world can be found in sunny San Diego. That is–until this Labor Day weekend ends!

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