Love Your Wetlands Day took place in Pacific Beach at north Mission Bay’s small Kendall-Frost Marsh.
Late this morning I headed up to Pacific Beach to experience Love Your Wetlands Day. The annual event provides a once-a-year opportunity for the public to visit the protected Kendall-Frost Marsh, which lies in the north part of Mission Bay.
I was really impressed by the efforts underway by the San Diego Audubon Society and the UC Natural Reserve System to restore this wetland, and by all the people who showed up for the event. Hopefully my blog will help raise awareness about this very important project.
I definitely learned a lot! Please read the photo captions . . .
The Kendall-Frost Marsh is being restored into a healthy wetland by the San Diego Audubon Society and the UC Natural Reserve System with the help of volunteers.The slough is a prime location for birdlife. Many different birds can be spotted in this protected wildlife refuge, which is usually off-limits to the public.Photos of bird sightings on the surrounding fence.I arrived a bit early to the event, and watched from the nearby street as last-minute preparations took place.A sign welcomes visitors to Love Your Wetlands Day. Lots of activities included bird watching, a water quality testing demo, and a marsh clean-up.People sign in to the event. A few lucky attendees won raffle prizes!The San Diego Audubon Society had a table at the special outdoor event.Information at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Coastal Program exhibit shows the marsh boundaries and restoration efforts.This super cool volunteer at a fun kids activity table gave me the thumbs up!A nearby area where native vegetation is being carefully restored.These plants will eventually be transplanted into the marsh.A look across the marsh southward, toward the greater part of Mission Bay, a large urban recreational park in San Diego.As the event gets underway, many energetic people arrive.Fun nature mural on side of the Kendall-Frost Reserve Trailer in Pacific Beach!Many photos around the exterior of the trailer show insects, flowers, birds and other wildlife that make the marsh their home.A row of waterproof boots awaits volunteers.Putting on some boots before heading out into the muddy, mucky marsh!Tools that are used to remove trash from the environmentally sensitive marshland.A fun art project for kids involved creatively decorating stones!Speaker describes how the ReWild project of the San Diego Audubon Society is working to restore important wetlands in the northeast corner of Mission Bay.A chart at one table shows types of pollutants found on the beaches of San Diego.Water quality tests include monitoring pH, temperature, oxygen content and turbidity.Folks are heading every which way, learning about the marsh and setting about to help restore it!Walking over to collect a water sample. The Kendall-Frost Mission Bay Marsh Reserve habitats include coastal sage scrub, south coastal salt marsh, tidal channels, salt flats and mudflats.Water from a storm drain is collected by volunteers for testing.After putting on boots and grabbing buckets, a gang of volunteers is out in the marsh seeing it up close and removing unwanted debris.Netting is laid down by more volunteers to help prevent erosion during rain. A big storm is coming tomorrow!Love Your Wetlands Day was a great opportunity for the public to help preserve and enhance the Kendall-Frost Marsh!
Lots of music was being played during today’s Mormon Battalion Commemoration event in Old Town San Diego.
I love history. So I was thrilled to stumble upon a special event today in Old Town San Diego!
The Mormon Battalion Commemoration is an annual celebration that recalls a part of San Diego’s diverse, often surprising history. The battalion was formed in 1846. Composed of members of the Latter Day Saints and led by regular U.S. Army officers, over 500 men and several dozen women and children set out from Council Bluffs, Iowa and endured an almost 2,000 mile march to San Diego. Their presence in San Diego and several other locations in Southern California helped to support the eventual cession of much of the American Southwest from Mexico to the United States. Many members of the Mormon Battalion went on to play leading roles in the settlement of the West.
Of course, history–like life itself–is a complex thing that can be told and interpreted from many differing viewpoints. Happy reenactments don’t tell the entire story. But among so many costumes and demonstrations, one can start to imagine what life appeared like in San Diego over a century and a half ago.
I ambled around Old Town’s central plaza, spoke to some very friendly folks and took a few photos.
When I saw this rider on horseback as I entered Old Town this afternoon, I knew something special was going on!The public was welcome to this celebration of the Mormon Battalion. It included a parade, which I unfortunately missed.I saw kids in covered wagons, folks on horseback, and just a big whirl of activity all around Old Town today!We are commemorating the end of one of the longest military marches in U.S. Military History. Five hundred soldiers known as the Mormon Battalion marched from Council Bluffs, Iowa to San Diego, CA. In addition…there were 35 women and 45 children.Various exhibits recreated aspects of camp life, and life in San Diego during the mid-19th century.Treats on a stick. Lots of families were present for the very popular history-based event.One tent explained the hardships of women settling the West, and what life was like as a laundress.Lots of folks were about Old Town San Diego State Historic Park in period costume. Many people participating in the event were themselves Mormons.More unique and colorful costumes worn to help reenact a fascinating period of local history.Traditional folklorico dancing on a stage in Old Town. A strong Mexican heritage is a vibrant part of San Diego history.During the festivities, a large crowd enjoyed music, dance, food and all sorts of interesting sights.Contestants in a Dutch Oven Bake Off prepare their tasty concoctions for the judges.Young people were shown how clay bricks were made in the early days of San Diego.I was told this fabric would be used in the making of dolls.These ladies on horseback and in a fancy miniature donkey-driven cart were being photographed right and left. Wearing elegant frilly dresses and holding parasols, they delighted everybody!One booth in Old Town’s central plaza had a quilt-making demonstration, where kids could learn about the craft.Of course, there were many historical exhibits that told the Mormon Battalion’s story and described their contributions to San Diego’s early life and culture.The Liberty Stand explained how Mormons believe in the vision of America’s founding fathers, and their belief in values delineated by the U.S. Constitution.Another demonstration had folks grinding nuts and seeds, a skill adapted from Native American Kumeyaay who lived in this region long before Europeans.A guitar and a banjo create upbeat frontier-style music.This nice lady at an information stand gave the thumbs up for my camera!I wandered behind Seeley Stable because I noticed their famous blacksmith demonstration was open today!This lady was hammering glowing red hot iron while kids watched.A miniature donkey pulls an elegant cart!
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Illuminating the Sea: The Marine Paintings of James E. Buttersworth, 1817-1894. This very special exhibit can be seen at the Maritime Museum of San Diego!
Do you love breathtaking works of fine art? Are you fascinated by 19th century history? Do you like to feast your eyes on beautiful tall ships, sailing yachts and ocean scenery? There’s a special exhibit in San Diego that you positively must see!
I was surprised to discover that the Maritime Museum of San Diego, located downtown on the Embarcadero, is featuring a fantastic exhibit of marine art masterpieces by the famous painter James Edward Buttersworth. Buttersworth is considered to be one of the most important painters of the nineteenth century. His portraits of tall ships, racing yachts, steamships and other vessels from that era are beautiful works of genius, resplendent with light, energy and grace. About 600 of his classic paintings exist today, and the Maritime Museum has 24 amazing examples on display!
The exhibition is titled “Illuminating the Sea: The Marine Paintings of James E. Buttersworth, 1817-1894.” The collected paintings, on loan from Mystic Seaport until May 31, 2016, are so dynamic, detailed and glowing with beauty, they’ll make a permanent impression in your mind. His images of sky and sea are realistic and alive. Colors are rich and subtle; stormy waters seem to spray off a painted canvas; white sails shine. Several paintings depict yachts racing together, engaged in historic competitions that include the America’s Cup, an event that became important in San Diego’s more recent past.
Another interesting aspect of the exhibition is the inclusion of a modern Buttersworth forgery by Ken Perenyi. Visitors to the museum can become a detective, and do their best to uncover the cleverly made fake!
Go enjoy this exhibit of rare, fantastic paintings, then prepare to spend a good hour or two exploring the many historic ships owned by the Maritime Museum of San Diego. You’ll find yourself within a magical world. A world that gently floats upon shining water, alive with history, adventure, beauty and wonder!
Among the classic maritime paintings of world-famous artist James E. Butterworth is a forgery. Visitors to the museum are challenged to spot it!Truly stunning works of art on display inside the steam ferryboat Berkeley, hub of the Maritime Museum of San Diego.Illuminating the Sea, James E. Butterworth, oil on canvas. Magic, schooner of New York Yacht Club, winner of the America’s Cup in 1870. Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons.In addition to this world-class art, the Maritime Museum of San Diego contains a vast collection of nautical objects. It is a must-see destination for those interested in our city’s rich history.
Here are a couple bonus photographs! I took them this morning during a short walk before heading to work!
Museum volunteers gather around a ship’s yard. It would soon be lifted by crane onto the nearly-completed Spanish galleon replica San Salvador.Tall ships San Salvador and Californian docked behind the Berkeley. Just a few of the fascinating ships you can visit at the Maritime Museum of San Diego.
People walk along narrow outdoor deck of Anthony’s Fishette, a popular casual dining spot for half a century in downtown San Diego.
Their 50 year lease is almost up. Anthony’s Fish Grotto on San Diego’s Embarcadero will soon be no more. They are to be replaced in 2017 by the Brigantine seafood restaurant. A golden era that produced many wonderful, irreplaceable memories is coming to a close.
I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve lingered in ecstasy at Anthony’s outdoor Fishette, which is adjacent to the more formal indoor restaurant. Except when I was a child, I’ve never eaten in the restaurant. But outside, on the deck, inhaling the ocean breeze, listening to the cries of circling seagulls, squinting into the sun and feeling its warmth on my face–I’ve devoured acres of tasty french fries and oceans of fish.
Millions of people around the planet have golden memories of the place. This is my small photographic tribute to Anthony’s outdoor Fishette. I stopped by for a delicious grilled tuna melt sandwich late yesterday afternoon.
Over the years, many of the people who have worked at Anthony’s Fishette gave me a friendly smile or hello. To them, I say thank you.
You have until January 31, 2017 to enjoy this true San Diego tradition and treasure, and to say thank you.
Front of Anthony’s Fish Grotto as seen from Harbor Drive. In early 2017, this iconic San Diego restaurant will be demolished.Smiles are typical at Anthony’s Fishette. So is sunny outdoor pleasure and yummy seafood.A photo through glass of the small boat dock and blue San Diego Bay as a glowing sunset nears.A reflection in window of Anthony’s Fish Grotto of the setting sun. A golden era is coming to a close on San Diego’s waterfront.Possibly the best outdoor seating in all of San Diego. Just above the lapping water, with a sweeping, wonderful view.Passing by Anthony’s Fishette one fine January day. I’ve walked past perhaps a thousand times.Countless millions of fond memories have been made here.
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Walking from the Embarcadero east down Broadway just moments after sunset.
I got off work early today. So I enjoyed some magical time on the Embarcadero.
Moments after the sun set, thinking of home, I walked from the Broadway Pier east a short distance into the heart of downtown. My lifted eyes were fascinated by the changing light.
High buildings in downtown San Diego change color with every passing minute as my feet and twilight steadily progress.People walking a couple blocks east of the Broadway Pier cross railroad tracks in softening light.The lights inside two tall office buildings in downtown San Diego begin to make interesting patterns.Looking upward across Broadway as I near the America Plaza trolley station, where I’ll catch a short ride toward home. It soon will be night.
Funny faces peer from the wall of a local business on West Washington Street in Mission Hills.
Here come some fun photos of urban art in Mission Hills. Was it two weeks ago or three, when I walked this way camera in hand, on my way to the Serra Museum? How time flies . . .
Most of this warm, good-humored art was observed along West Washington Street, which is the main east-west artery in Mission Hills. You might notice that birds are a big theme in the neighborhood. The north-south streets are named after different birds and are arranged in alphabetical order.
Hey! I hope my blog adds a little joy to your life. I know I’m enjoying myself! Thanks to all of you who follow Cool San Diego Sights, and who have generously shared it with others. I’m positive more fun awaits! –Richard
I noticed that our fine feathered friends are often featured in Mission Hills urban art. Perhaps because north-south streets are named after birds, in alphabetical order.Another side of a creatively decorated utility box.A third fun side! A human and two happy birds add good humor to the sidewalk!Wonderful metal bird sculptures can be seen in the median on West Washington Street.Shiny, silvery birds take to the air, among palm trees in Mission Hills.Another large bird sculpture seems ready to lift off into the sunshine!Some fun public art by a parking garage. A nice place to sit for a spell.More street art in Mission Hills, a neighborhood north of downtown San Diego, west of Hillcrest and east of Old Town.Large painted flowers add color to an otherwise ordinary intersection.A bold, artistic sign entices people to grab a cup of coffee nearby.One restaurant, The Patio on Goldfinch, has unique outdoor tables. Your food is placed upon historical maps of San Diego!Greenery painted on an old brick wall seems to blend with lush trees along the sidewalk.I spotted a cool doorstep by the sidewalk. It seems a resident’s dog and a cat have their own special place!
A special House of China lawn program at Balboa Park’s International Cottages celebrates the Chinese Lunar New Year with food, music and dance.
Today I headed to Balboa Park hoping to catch part of the House of China’s lawn program at the International Cottages. The cultural event celebrates the Chinese Lunar New Year, which occurs on February 8. It’s the Year of the Monkey!
I wasn’t the only one who thought of attending! An unusually big crowd turned out for the colorful festivities.
Here come a few cool pics!
Several fascinating displays were at the Chinese New Year event in Balboa Park. This gentleman wrote people’s names using Mandarin characters.Lots of authentic Chinese food was being gobbled up, including these Green Onion Pancakes!Many Balboa Park visitors were heading into the House of China cottage today.Fine exhibits inside the House of China include this interesting carp made of animal horn.Kids look into a display case containing many porcelain dolls.A colorful collection of beautiful porcelain dolls inside the House of China in San Diego’s always wonderful Balboa Park!
A fairy puppet and smiling puppeteer pose for my camera in San Diego’s wonder-filled Balboa Park.
I made a magical discovery today during my walk through wonder-filled Balboa Park!
This nice lady was passing by the House of Hospitality with a large fairy puppet, testing it for reactions from kids! I learned her daughter, Julie Otto, creator of Julie’s Puppet Creations, is going to have experimental, larger-than-life puppets featured at the Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theater!
The production is called Whispers of the Forest, and it will be showing at the theater for a two week span, beginning the week before Earth Day. Fun marionettes will be featured, in addition to a 9-foot-tall talking tree, and it sounded to me as if it’s going to be great!
San Diego’s Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theater in Balboa Park has showtimes at 11, 1 and 2:30, Wednesday through Sunday.The Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theater is a place of magic and fun for kids and warmhearted adults alike!
A bronze hero stands guard on the sand in Ocean Beach. The long OB pier stretches out into the Pacific Ocean in the background of this photo.
Not far from Ocean Beach’s main lifeguard station, a hero stands day and night with unblinking eyes focused on the nearby water. This noble hero is made of bronze.
The bronze lifeguard statue, created by artist Richard Arnold, was installed in 2013. It commemorates the creation of the San Diego Lifeguard Service after 13 people tragically drowned in dangerous rip currents off Ocean Beach in 1918.
The sculpture represents a typical lifeguard, with head up scanning the Pacific Ocean surf. It’s a very fine addition to a very cool beach neighborhood.
Colorado sculptor Richard Arnold, who grew up in OB, at one time was a junior lifeguard.
The muscular bronze lifeguard statue holds a rescue tube and a pair of swim finsColorado artist Richard Arnold created this bronze sculpture. It memorializes 13 tragic drownings in 1918, and the subsequent creation of San Diego’s lifeguard service.Beachgoer with two boogie boards passes between the bronze sculpture and the main Ocean Beach lifeguard station.A couple of surfer dudes carrying surfboards approach the memorial plaque, a few feet from the lifeguard tribute statue.Today, lifeguards in San Diego rescue between 4000 and 6000 people every year. They are real-life heroes.
Flags, palm trees and early morning fog on Cortez Hill in San Diego.
My walk early this morning was a real treat. Magical, mysterious fog had crept during the night into the very heart of downtown San Diego, where I live. High skyscrapers disappeared into the gray. Please enjoy a few photos…
The historic El Cortez Hotel building seems to vanish into the gray morning fog.Many seagulls were enjoying the fog, and were circling over the city streets everywhere I walked.Skyscrapers aren’t scraping so much this morning. They are being softly engulfed by the elements!Looking up into the unusually thick fog past a San Diego Symphony banner downtown.An Orange Line trolley heads down a quiet C Street.Cranes and construction next to several high towers, in a San Diego fog.The magical, mysterious fog made the forms of buildings appear like abstract shapes emerging from some other world.Looking down Kettner Boulevard past Santa Fe Depot and America Plaza into the distant fog.An unusual fog made downtown San Diego appear very atmospheric and mysterious this morning. I loved walking through it!
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