Mountain men, a gunsmith and a blacksmith.

Two rugged mountain men, one with a fiddle, hang out behind Seeley Stable at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.
Two rugged mountain men, one with a fiddle, hang out behind Seeley Stable in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.

Here are some cool photos of what life was like back in the Old West. I snapped these last weekend behind Seeley Stable at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. Some mountain men, a gunsmith and blacksmith were showing visitors a few aspects of frontier life long ago.

Beyond this gate just off La Plaza de Las Armas is the yard behind Seeley Stable. Here you'll find outdoor exhibits, including old wagons and a blacksmith and woodshop.
Beyond this gate just off La Plaza de Las Armas is the yard behind Seeley Stable. Here you’ll find outdoor exhibits, including old wagons and a blacksmith and woodshop.
A gun smith who assembles his own old-fashioned rifles and firearms shows a visitor some examples in San DIego's historic Old Town.
A gunsmith who assembles his own old-fashioned rifles and firearms shows a visitor some examples in San Diego’s historic Old Town.
This antique flintlock pistol would have been used in past centuries for personal protection at close range.
This antique flintlock pistol would have been used in past centuries for personal protection at close range.
Another friendly mountain man had a table full of skins, knives and other objects associated with frontier life in the Old West.
A friendly mountain man had a table full of skins, knives and other objects associated with frontier life in the Old West.
A demonstration of how trappers in the Old West would set a beaver trap by a river and anchor it to a strong stick in the mud.
A demonstration of how trappers in the Old West would set a beaver trap by a river and anchor it to a strong stick in the mud.
This rusty tool with a long handle is a tyre shrinker. It was used for routine maintenance in the olden days--reducing the diameter of the iron tyres found on wooden wagon, cart and buggy wheels.
This rusty tool with a long handle is a tyre shrinker. It was used for routine maintenance in the olden days–reducing the diameter of the iron tyres found on wooden wagon, cart and buggy wheels.
Someone reads a sign near a tyre bender. This device was used to send long, flat bars of iron or steel into a smooth circle that would become an iron tyre.
Someone reads a sign near a tyre bender. This device was used to send long, flat bars of iron or steel into a smooth circle that would become an iron tyre.
An old covered wagon on display behind Seeley Stable. They were typically sturdy farm wagons with a canvas top. Covered wagons were used on trail drives and cross-country treks.
An old covered wagon on display behind Seeley Stable. They were typically sturdy farm wagons with a canvas top. Covered wagons were used on trail drives and cross-country treks.
Photo inside the well-equipped blacksmith exhibit. It's located behind Seeley Stable at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.
Photo inside the well-equipped blacksmith shop. It’s located behind Seeley Stable in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.
Some park visitors look into the small blacksmith building.
Some park visitors look into the small blacksmith building.
A blacksmith removes red hot iron from the fire. He was demonstrating how to make hinges today.
A blacksmith removes red hot iron from the fire. He was demonstrating how to make hinges today!

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

Do you like to read short pieces of thought-provoking fiction? Please click Short Stories by Richard.

Burgers, Bait and Beer now served at a pier!

Brand new artwork enlivens a favorite place on San Diego's Embarcadero.
Brand new artwork enlivens a familiar place on San Diego’s Embarcadero.

For over a year the small food concession at the foot of the Embarcadero Marina Park South Pier has been vacant. JJ’s Sunset Deli by the Bay shut down at the end of 2014. So I was surprised during my walk today to see another business has finally moved in! And I learned the new eatery with the same cool patio has been open for only four days!

Burgers, Bait and Beer looks like a great, relaxed place to kick back. The guys I met were very friendly. And the light salad I had was really good. I’m told their hamburgers are superb. So I guess I’ll have to try one next weekend!

Burgers, Bait and Beer can be found at the foot of the Embarcadero Marina Park South Pier, behind the convention center!
Burgers, Bait and Beer can be found at the foot of the Embarcadero Marina Park South Pier, behind the San Diego Convention Center!
A pair of standup paddleboarders have passed under the Embarcadero Marina Park South Pier, one of my favorite places to visit on San Diego Bay.
A pair of standup paddleboarders have passed under the Embarcadero Marina Park South Pier, one of my favorite places to visit on San Diego Bay.
This cool artistic heron is part of the decor at the new outdoor cafe, tackle and bait shop.
This cool artistic heron is part of the decor at the new outdoor cafe, tackle and bait shop.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk. Once in a while I happen upon an unexpected discovery!

You can enjoy more Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Sunny photos: Vacation Isle to Hospitality Point jetty.

Many canoes and kayaks were passing under the Ingraham Street Bridge between South Cove and Perez Cove, not far from SeaWorld.
Many canoes and kayaks were passing under the Ingraham Street Bridge between South Cove and Perez Cove, not far from SeaWorld.

My long walk yesterday around Mission Bay yielded lots of photos. I started at Vacation Isle, then headed slowly and somewhat aimlessly to the jetty at the end of Hospitality Point. It was a journey through a tranquil San Diego paradise, on a warm winter day.

My photos feature relatively few people. But I can assure you thousands of folks were out enjoying the sunshine. They were fishing, boating, picnicking, reading, walking, playing sports on the grass… Mission Bay is a really big place.

Radio control model sailboats cross the Model Boat Pond on Vacation Isle.
Radio control model sailboats cross the Model Boat Pond on Vacation Isle.
These fire pits just north of Dana Landing have wood stacked ready for Saturday night.
These fire pits just north of Dana Landing have wood stacked ready for Saturday night.
A casual seat on the dirt with great views.
A casual seat on the dirt with great views.
A heron on rocks, and reflections of boats at Dana Landing.
A heron on rocks, and reflections of boats at Dana Landing.
Gazing from the West Mission Bay Drive Bridge down descending stairs toward Sunset Point.
Gazing from the West Mission Bay Drive Bridge down descending stairs toward Sunset Point.
People return from an excursion out on the Pacific Ocean. The dock at Seaforth Sportfishing is always busy.
People return from an excursion out on the Pacific Ocean. The dock at Seaforth Sportfishing is always busy.
Visitors walk through Marina Village on Mission Bay.
Visitors walk through Marina Village on Mission Bay.
A map by Quivira Basin shows areas off the coast that are protected. Conserving California's Coastal Treasure.
A map by Quivira Basin shows areas off the coast that are protected. Conserving California’s Coastal Treasure.
Kicking back with a best friend on the blue water. In the distance you can see the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina.
Kicking back with a best friend among boats on the blue water. In the distance you can see the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina.
Colorful kayaks await at Aqua Adventures.
Colorful kayaks await at Aqua Adventures.
This tropical party shack seems long abandoned. It stands near the entrance to Mission Bay Marina.
This tropical party shack seems long abandoned. It stands near an entrance to Mission Bay Marina.
A dirt nature trail along the channel that connects the ocean and Mission Bay.
A dirt nature trail along the channel that connects the ocean and Mission Bay.
Rare and Remarkable. This area displays Coastal sand dune vegetation. The native Beach lotus is endangered.
Rare and Remarkable. This area displays Coastal sand dune vegetation. The native Beach lotus is endangered.
Walking along the jetty west of Hospitality Point. This narrow strip of land separates the San Diego River, to the left, from the man-made channel into Mission Bay. One can see a sliver of Ocean Beach, on the left, and Mission Beach, on the right.
Walking along the jetty west of Hospitality Point. This narrow strip of land separates the San Diego River, to the left, from the man-made channel into Mission Bay. One can see a sliver of Ocean Beach, on the left, and Mission Beach, on the right.
A fisherman on land, and two on the water. Across the Entrance Channel lies Mission Beach.
A fisherman on land, and two on the water. Across the Entrance Channel lies very popular South Mission Beach.
Bicycling along. Heading toward the end of the long jetty. It's a beautiful day. One can see forever.
Bicycling along. Heading toward the end of the long jetty. It’s a beautiful day. One can see forever.

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I wrote another short story! I penned it yesterday, during my walk along the bay.

It’s a bittersweet, philosophical, tiny piece of fiction. The sort of thing I like to write. There’s some sadness in the sunshine. The title is Light on the Restless and Small.

If you choose to read it, thank you!

Outrigger canoe racers launch into Mission Bay.

Outrigger canoes ready to be pushed out into the deeper water of San Diego's recreational paradise Mission Bay.
Outrigger canoes, ready to be pushed out into the deeper water of Mission Bay, San Diego’s recreational paradise.

Today I went for another relaxing walk around beautiful Mission Bay. I was fortunate enough to watch San Diego’s Kai Elua Outrigger Canoe Club launch four boats from the beach. They have opened up a few recent Saturday practice sessions for anybody who might be interested in learning the sport of outrigger canoe racing.

The good-sized group paddled out into Mission Bay this morning just after nine o’clock, near Vacation Isle’s North Cove Public Beach.

Here are a few fun pics. I’ve got more photos coming from today’s long walk!

Looking across a small part of Mission Bay, toward Fishermans Channel and the Ingraham Street bridge, which connects Vacation Island to Pacific Beach.
Looking across a small section of Mission Bay, toward the Ingraham Street bridge, which connects Vacation Isle to Pacific Beach.
Members and guests of San Diego's Kai Elua Outrigger Canoe Club carry an outrigger canoe across the beach toward the water of Mission Bay.
Members and guests of San Diego’s Kai Elua Outrigger Canoe Club carry a large boat across the beach toward the blue water of Mission Bay.
Vacationers watched from the public beach, and the nearby cottages of Paradise Point Resort, as the outrigger canoes were carried to the water.
Vacationers watched from the public beach and the nearby cottages of Paradise Point Resort, as the outrigger canoes were carried to the water.
Some folks enjoying standup paddleboarding on Mission Bay also viewed the fascinating launch.
Some people enjoying stand up paddleboarding on Mission Bay also viewed the fascinating launch.
The four outrigger canoes are soon manned and afloat. They head out for a day of racing practice.
The four outrigger canoes are soon manned and afloat. They head out for a day of racing practice.
Flip-flops left in the sand near two beached outrigger canoes.
Flip-flops left in the sand near two beached outrigger canoes.

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

Fun urban art: Walking up Fifth Avenue in Hillcrest.

People of many colors party. Keep going!
People of many colors party. Keep going!

You might enjoy a few photos!

I’ve spotted many colorful examples of urban art while walking up Fifth Avenue in Hillcrest. All of this fun artwork is located between Upas Street and Washington.

Art on the door of Nite Owl Tattoo San Diego, in Hillcrest.
Art on the door of Nite Owl Tattoo San Diego, in Hillcrest.
A painted blonde with cool sunglasses.
A painted blonde with cool sunglasses.
Exotic domes and arches painted on a boring old electrical transformer.
Exotic domes and arches painted on a boring old electrical transformer.
Some colorful street art at Fifth Avenue and Upas Street in Hillcrest.
Some colorful street art at Fifth Avenue and Upas Street in Hillcrest.
Utility box on a street corner is an unusual canvas for an inspired artist.
Utility box on a street corner is an unusual canvas for an inspired artist.
Human imagination turns a dull object into a cool sight!
Human imagination turns a dull object into a cool sight!
An eatery on Fifth Avenue in Hillcrest has a wall bursting with bold, silly images.
An eatery on Fifth Avenue in Hillcrest has a wall bursting with bold, silly images.
Babycakes surrounded by crazy faces, flowers and yummy treats.
Babycakes surrounded by crazy faces, flowers and yummy treats.
Colorful bike locking station invites bicyclists to ride up Fifth Avenue.
Colorful bike locking station invites bicyclists to ride up Fifth Avenue.
Weathered penguin on utility box has some chopsticks held in a flipper.
Weathered penguin on utility box has some chopsticks held in a flipper.
A happy, slowly vanishing image enlivens a walk up a Hillcrest sidewalk.
A happy, slowly vanishing image enlivens a walk up a Hillcrest sidewalk.

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This morning I published a powerful story titled The Drawing of Leaves on my blog Short Stories by Richard! It’s very brief, but moving. You might enjoy it!

Volunteers preserve history at Maritime Museum.

Volunteers at the Maritime Museum of San Diego haul a rope on the deck of Star of India to help raise a protective tarp above the historic ship.
Volunteers at the Maritime Museum of San Diego haul a rope on the deck of Star of India to help raise a protective tarp above the historic ship.

Sunday is volunteer work day at the Maritime Museum of San Diego. Anyone walking along the Embarcadero or visiting the museum can watch history being preserved by energetic volunteers. You can see them pulling ropes, painting masts, scraping, polishing, sweeping and just generally doing all those things necessary to maintain historic old ships.

The Maritime Museum of San Diego could always use new volunteers! No experience required! You mostly work out on the sparkling water, in the sunshine, with senses full of invigorating smells, sights and sounds. And know what? You become a part of history!

Large plastic canopies are being installed on the Star of India to protect her from rain during the upcoming deck restoration.
Large plastic canopies are being installed on the Star of India to protect her from rain during the upcoming deck restoration.
The Star of India's re-decking project is being supported in part by a National Maritime Heritage grant administered by the National Park Service, Department of the Interior.
The Star of India’s re-decking project is being supported in part by a National Maritime Heritage grant administered by the National Park Service, Department of the Interior.
Another volunteer works near the bow of the historic tall ship. Downtown San Diego's skyline provides a gleaming backdrop.
Another volunteer works near the bow of the historic tall ship. Downtown San Diego’s skyline provides a gleaming backdrop.
These guys are working above the forward house near the foremast.
These guys are working above the forward house near the foremast.
A mast of the HMS Surprise has been scraped and coated with primer. Now some paint will preserve this amazing tall ship used in the movie Master and Commander.
A mast of the HMS Surprise has been scraped and coated with primer. Now some paint will preserve this amazing tall ship used in the movie Master and Commander.
Another yard to be installed on the San Salvador by crane awaits on the Embarcadero. This heavy yard with sails furled will be supported by the replica Spanish galleon's foremast.
Another yard to be installed on the San Salvador by crane awaits on the Embarcadero. This heavy yard with sails furled will be supported by the replica Spanish galleon’s foremast.
Volunteering for the Maritime Museum of San Diego can be very satisfying. Are you free on Sundays.
Volunteering for the Maritime Museum of San Diego can be very satisfying. Are you free on Sundays?

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Art springs up near New Children’s Museum!

Art is filled with growing strawberry plants at The Garden Project!
Art is alive (with growing strawberry plants) at The Garden Project!

Whenever I mosey down the Martin Luther King Jr. Promenade, I spy something new.

This morning I noticed that some fun art has sprung up near the New Children’s Museum, in both The Garden Project and the playground. Someone created beautiful chalk artwork on the playground’s concrete wall, and strawberries have been planted art-fully in the public garden! It reminds me that spring is coming!

(I increased the contrast of my third photograph so the chalk artwork could be more easily seen.)

Kids created this fun strawberry art.
Kids created this fun strawberry art.
And young people created this chalk drawing on a playground wall. A heart encompasses the Earth and a puppy dog. Love is powerful.
And young people created this chalk drawing on a playground wall. A heart encompasses the Earth and a puppy dog. Love is powerful.

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

Do you like to read original, thought-provoking fiction? Please click Short Stories by Richard.

Dancing sails and reflected banners upon water.

Magic before your eyes. A wind-stretched red sail on sparkling San Diego Bay.
Magic before your eyes. A wind-stretched red sail on sparkling San Diego Bay.

Dancing sails and colorful banners reflected upon water are magic. Tilting, shining, billowing, flowing, taut, wind-driven, powerful, gentle, mysterious, magical.

Color painted on canvas is art. But dancing color upon water has strange profound depth. It’s the merging of wind and water; of light and substance. Swelling, vibrating. It has a heartbeat.

I heard no sound as a large sailboat approached.
I heard no sound as a large sailboat approached.
It's USA 11, the Stars and Stripes. This America’s Cup racing yacht competed in 1992. She can be chartered for sailing adventures.
It’s USA 11, the Stars and Stripes. This America’s Cup racing yacht competed in 1992. She can be chartered for sailing adventures.
The sail stretches a hundred feet into the blue sky. Dancing in sunshine, turning on the water.
The sail stretches a hundred feet into the blue sky. Dancing in sunshine, turning on the water.
Magic white sails on a blue bay. The city of San Diego is near, but far away.
Magic white sails on a blue bay. The city of San Diego is near, but far away.
Even small sails need care. They will work powerful magic, take you where you will.
Even small sails need care. They will work powerful magic, take you where you will.
Lone dark form upon gray water. A strange apparition.
Lone dark form upon gray water. A strange apparition.
Reflections of flags at stern of USS Midway dance upon still water.
Reflections of flags at stern of USS Midway dance upon still water.
Colorful banners moved by a wild wind. Like strange, silent dreams in the liquid blue.
Colorful banners moved by a wild wind. Like strange, silent dreams in the liquid blue.
Unending dreams.
Unending dreams.
Adjusting a magic sail as one boat moves forward in space.
Adjusting a magic sail as one boat moves forward in space.

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

Do you like to read original, thought-provoking fiction? Please click Short Stories by Richard.

Help high school students Build a Miracle!

Members of the Helping Hand Club of Mt. Carmel High School raise funds in Balboa Park for Build a Miracle.
Members of the Helping Hand Club at Mt. Carmel High School are raising funds for Build a Miracle.

Students belonging to Mt. Carmel High School’s very cool Helping Hand Club would like you to help Build a Miracle!

Today I came across a bake sale in Balboa Park. Two very generous MCHS students had a table full of brownies and other treats; they were raising donations for Build a Miracle, a charity that constructs and furnishes homes for needy families in Mexico. Between 1999 and 2014, Build a Miracle has built 185 homes and 3 community centers. They have touched literally thousands of lives, offering hope and a pathway to a brighter future.

Should you wander through Balboa Park and see smiling members of the Helping Hand Club, perhaps you could offer your own hand! Or check out the Build a Miracle website and see if you’d like to help!

Two awesome students are working to make the world a much better place.
Two awesome students are working to make our world a better place.
Donations welcome. Help us reach our goal to build and furnish a house in Mexico.
Donations welcome. Help us reach our goal to build and furnish a house in Mexico.

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

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People ride cool “live steam” trains in San Diego!

A "live steam" enthusiast watches folks ride a small train through Rohr Park, in San Diego's South Bay.
A “live steam” enthusiast watches families ride a small train through Rohr Park, in San Diego’s South Bay.

This is beyond cool!

The Chula Vista Live Steamers is a club in San Diego’s South Bay. Members build and operate their own small “live steam” trains that people can actually ride!

These friendly hobbyists utilize an elaborate network of miniature train tracks in a public park; the layout is called the Sweetwater and Rohr Park Railroad. During public run days, which take place in Bonita’s grassy Rohr Park one Saturday and Sunday of each month, anyone can watch or ride the small trains! Or if you’re inclined, join and become a member! If you have kids, visit their website, and you can schedule birthday parties!

Today I spotted one steam and one diesel locomotive (which is actually powered by gasoline). It’s winter, so things are bit slow. On Labor Day, I was told, a gigantic railroading extravaganza takes places, with many different trains running simultaneously! If you’re a kid (or a kid at heart), I can only imagine how utterly fantastic it would be!

Whether you’re a railfan, a model train enthusiast, a maker, a dreamer, or just like to see something really unique and fun, head down to join in the action and you’ll have a great time!

Should you walk down this path through Rohr Park in Bonita, you'll eventually come upon something really cool and amazing.
Should you walk down this path through Rohr Park in Bonita, you’ll eventually come upon something really cool and amazing.
Run days for The Chula Vista Live Steamers are usually the 2nd Saturday and Sunday of each month. On Labor Day there's a huge event with many trains operating.
Run days for The Chula Vista Live Steamers are usually the 2nd Saturday and Sunday of each month. On Labor Day there’s a huge event with many trains operating.
Adults love riding the trains just as much as kids. Hobbyists build and maintain the rail cars and working locomotives, and haul them to the park for some fun.
Adults love riding the trains just as much as kids. Hobbyists build and maintain the rail cars and working locomotives, and haul them to the park for some fun.
Thrilled kids ride behind a small diesel locomotive, which is actually powered by gasoline. The tracks looping through the park provide a fun, scenic ride.
Thrilled kids ride behind a small “diesel locomotive”, which is actually powered by gasoline. The tracks looping through the park provide a fun, scenic ride.
Here comes the same train. The Bonita Golf Course is in the distance, beyond the tracks.
Here comes the same train. The Bonita Golf Course is in the distance, beyond the tracks.
This working steam locomotive is a very cool sight. But it's so small that folks at a nearby picnic table seem to be giants.
This working steam locomotive is a very cool sight. But it’s so small that folks at a nearby picnic table seem to be giants.
This tiny train is part of the National City and Otay Railway!
This tiny train is part of the National City and Otay Railway!
A close-up photo of the live steam locomotive. In every detail, it seems a perfect reproduction of a full-size engine.
A close-up photo of the live steam locomotive. In every detail, it seems a perfect reproduction of a full-size engine.
Dedicated train hobbyists have gathered on the surprisingly large rail yard to watch the steam locomotive.
Dedicated train hobbyists have gathered on the surprisingly large rail yard to enjoy the steam locomotive.
This caboose in the rail yard seems to be occupied by the Creature from the Black Lagoon!
This caboose in the rail yard seems to be occupied by the Creature from the Black Lagoon!
A pair of tracks head for a good quarter mile along the edge of the Bonita Golf Course. You can see railroad crossings and a few small bridges!
A pair of tracks head for a good quarter mile along the edge of the Bonita Golf Course. You can see railroad crossings and a few small bridges!
Occasionally, trains will run down the length of the golf course to another loop.
Occasionally, trains will run down the side of the golf course to another loop.
An actual working railway turntable! This area is where steam locomotives are fired up and build up steam pressure before running. The turntable is very busy on Labor Day!
An actual working railway turntable! This area is where steam locomotives build up steam pressure before running. The turntable is very busy on Labor Day!
Checking out a super cool locomotive operated by a member of the Chula Vista Live Steamers!
Checking out a super cool locomotive operated by a member of the Chula Vista Live Steamers!

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Follow along on some unique adventures! You can enjoy future Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Do you like to read original, thought-provoking fiction? Please click Short Stories by Richard.