House of Mexico celebrates with dance and music!

Dancers from Calpulli Mexihca perform at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion during House of Mexico celebration.
Dancers from Calpulli Mexihca perform at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion during weekend House of Mexico celebration.

This evening I enjoyed a walk through beautiful Balboa Park. As I approached the Spreckels Organ Pavilion, I heard the rhythmic beat of drums. I’d stumbled upon something wonderful and unexpected!

The House of Mexico, of Balboa Park’s House of Pacific Relations International Cottages, was having a celebration!

I lingered for a while and took a few photos…

Doll greets visitors at Friday evening House of Mexico event in Balboa Park.
Doll greets visitors at Friday evening House of Mexico event in Balboa Park.
The House of Mexico, of the House of Pacific Relations International Cottages, celebrated Mexican Independence Day and Balboa Park's Centennial with music and dance.
The House of Mexico, of the House of Pacific Relations International Cottages, celebrated Mexican Independence Day and Balboa Park’s Centennial with music and dance.
Performer from Danza Azteca Calpulli Mexihca in colorful Aztec costume.
Performer from Danza Azteca Calpulli Mexihca in a colorful Aztec costume.
Musicians from Mariachi Garibaldi of Southwestern College will take the stage in a few minutes.
Musicians from Mariachi Garibaldi of Southwestern College would take the stage in a few minutes.
Smiles during a celebration of Mexican culture and history in San Diego's Balboa Park.
Smiles during a celebration of Mexican culture and history in San Diego’s Balboa Park.

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Pacific Rim nations celebrated with beautiful art.

A portion of the elegant Pearl of the Pacific, by artist James T. Hubbell.
A portion of the elegant Pearl of the Pacific, by artist James T. Hubbell.

On the southwest end of Shelter Island you’ll discover some wonderful public art titled Pearl of the Pacific. Benches, a soaring sculpture, and a circle of colorful tiles arranged around a pearl-like bubbling fountain celebrate the diverse nations of the Pacific Rim. Local artist James Hubbell and a group of architectural students worked with artists from San Diego’s sister cities Vladivostok, Russia, Tijuana, Mexico and Yantai, China, to create this very cool sight. The central mosaic of tiles, pointing north, south, east and west like a fantastic compass, includes images that represent the sister cities. Pearl of the Pacific pays tribute to San Diego’s cultural and economic relations with peaceful neighbors united by the ocean.

I’ve already blogged about several of James Hubbell’s works of art around San Diego. You might enjoy seeing his Pacific Portal, Sea Passage and Pacific Spirit.

Gazing south past Pearl of the Pacific toward the channel that leads from San Diego Bay to the ocean.
Gazing south past Pearl of the Pacific toward the channel that leads from San Diego Bay to the ocean.
At the southwest end of Shelter Island, a circle of colorful tiles is arranged about a large pearl.
At the southwest end of Shelter Island, a circle of colorful tiles is arranged about a large pearl.
The central pearl is a fountain that bubbles with water. It wasn't running the day I took these photographs.
The central pearl is a fountain that bubbles with water. It wasn’t running the day I took these photographs.
Pearl of the Pacific Park plaque describes tile images and their meaning.
Pearl of the Pacific Park plaque describes tile images and their meaning.
North.
North. An inspirational American bird.
South.
South. The mythical Quetzalcoatl of Mexico.
West.
West. A Siberian tiger from Russia.
East. A dragon representing China.
East. A dragon representing China.
Plaque reads Tijuana, Mexico.
Plaque reads Tijuana, Mexico.
One column contains a pearl-like globe of shining blue tiles.
One column contains a pearl-like globe of shining blue tiles.
A soaring sculptural arch made of beautiful ironwork.
A soaring sculptural arch made of beautiful ironwork.
A bench in the small park-like area is topped with more colorful tiles.
A bench in the small park-like area is topped with more colorful tiles.
Another artistic bench. This is a good spot to watch sailboats and ships on the nearby water.
Another artistic bench. This is a good spot to watch sailboats and ships on the nearby water.
Bits of sea shells, broken pottery and cultural motifs in a curving concrete wall.
Bits of sea shells, broken pottery and cultural motifs in a curving concrete wall.
Pearl of the Pacific pays tribute to San Diego's ocean neighbors and sister cities.
Pearl of the Pacific pays tribute to San Diego’s ocean neighbors and sister cities.

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Balboa Park Activity Center’s The Circle and the Self.

The Earth and a crescent moon. One of 26 terrazzo inserts arranged in a circle in the entrance plaza of the Balboa Park Activity Center. Created in 1999 by artist Joyce Cutler-Shaw.
The Earth and a crescent moon. One of 26 terrazzo inserts arranged in a circle at entrance plaza of the Balboa Park Activity Center. Created in 1999 by artist Joyce Cutler-Shaw.

I recently enjoyed looking at some very cool public artwork. Located in front of the Balboa Park Activity Center, The Circle and the Self: A Picture Story by artist Joyce Cutler-Shaw is a series of images that tells a unique story about human activity and sport. Twenty six terrazzo inserts are arranged in a circle on the building’s south plaza, within a large tile map of the western United States, which was designed by another artist Raul Guerrero. I took a close-up photo of each terrazzo square and show them in sequence. That way you can easily follow the artist’s narrative, and the thought-provoking transformations.

The gymnasium-like Balboa Park Activity Center is where many San Diego residents go to participate in badminton, table tennis and volleyball. Similar artwork by the same artist can be found inside the building. Seventy two laser-cut metal plates depict the bodies of athletes engaged in sport, in many different, often imaginative environments.

Human figure poses beneath the slender blue moon. That moon will transform as the narrative moves counter-clockwise around the circle.
Human figure poses beneath the slender blue moon. That moon will transform as the narrative moves counter-clockwise around the circle.
Reaching up toward the ring-like moon. Striving toward hopes and dreams.
Reaching up toward the ring-like moon. Striving toward hopes and dreams.
After grabbing hold of the ring, and another, a gymnast swings through space.
After grabbing hold of the ring, and another, a gymnast swings through space.
This outdoor public art titled The Circle and the Self tells the story of human athletic pursuit and competitive sport. Each tile measures 16 by 16 inches square.
This outdoor public art titled The Circle and the Self tells the story of human athletic pursuit and competitive sport. Each tile measures 16 by 16 inches square.
Planet Earth seems to transform into a ball. Is it a tennis ball being served?
Planet Earth seems to transform into a ball. Is it a tennis ball being served?
Here's a planet-sized ball swooshing through a cosmic basketball net.
Here’s a planet-sized ball swooshing through a cosmic basketball net!
Perhaps that ball is a round blue moon orbiting the Earth.
Perhaps that ball is a round blue moon orbiting the Earth.
A player tosses the ball toward the net.
A player tosses the ball toward the net.
This fun artwork causes the curious viewer to actively walk around the large Activity Center patio. Now that's true kinetic art!
This fun artwork causes the curious viewer to actively walk around the large Activity Center patio. Now that’s true kinetic art!
A ball and net, half light, half shadow.
A ball and net, half light, half shadow.
A competitor leaps!
A competitor leaps!
Another figure aims to shoot the ball.
Another figure aims to shoot the ball.
Is this an Olympic athlete engaged in shot put competition?
Is this an Olympic athlete engaged in shot put competition?
Circles are a common image in sport. A sphere moves and bounces equally. The playing field is level.
The circle is a common image in sport. A sphere moves and bounces equally. The playing field is level.
Is that a flying ball and baseball player?
Is that a flying ball and baseball player?
Here comes the ever-changing blue ball!
Here comes the ever-changing blue ball!
Getting ready to catch the ball--or is it the Earth flying through space?
Getting ready to catch the ball–or is it the Earth moving through space?
Dynamic artwork shows human physical activity while moving along life's circle.
Dynamic artwork shows human physical activity while traveling along life’s circle.
Is this man playing handball?
Is this man playing handball?
A blue circle on a stick. What sport is this?
A blue ball on a stick. What sport is this?
Perhaps this ball is about to be served in table tennis.
Perhaps this ball is about to be served in table tennis.
The magical blue ball suddenly grows!
The magical blue ball suddenly grows!
The blue circle now seems to be a lake inside the contours of an ocean coast.
The blue circle now seems to be a lake inside the contours of an ocean coast.
As scale is altered and perspective changes, ocean and coastline become the planet Earth once more. Other blue circles are heavenly bodies throughout the universe.
As scale is altered and perspective changes, ocean and coastline become the planet Earth once more. Other blue circles are heavenly bodies throughout the universe.
Our big blue marble is third planet from the sun. It has its own small orbiting moon.
Our big blue marble is third planet from the sun. It has its own small orbiting moon.
The viewer of this art has returned to the beginning. We've come full circle.
The viewer of this art has returned to the beginning. We’ve come full circle.
The Circle and the Self by Joyce Cutler Shaw, 1999. City of San Diego Civic Art Collection. Commissioned for the citizens of San Diego.
The Circle and the Self by Joyce Cutler Shaw, 1999. City of San Diego Civic Art Collection. Commissioned for the citizens of San Diego.

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Living colors captured in Zoro Butterfly Garden.

A monarch butterfly has found some milkweed. I snapped this photo just in time.
A monarch butterfly has found some milkweed. I snapped this photo just in time.

Early this afternoon I managed to capture some elusive living colors. I caught them with my camera, during a leisurely visit to Balboa Park’s beautiful Zoro Butterfly Garden.

Created in 1915 for the Panama-California Exposition, the unique amphitheatre-like stone grotto features meandering paths tucked beneath some shady trees. An easy stroll down into the hollow reveals a lush garden full of flowers specifically planted to attract butterflies. That wasn’t always the case. In 1935, during the California Pacific International Exposition in Balboa Park, this partially hidden area was called the Zoro Garden Nudist Colony!

In this peaceful garden you’ll experience monarch, sulfur and swallowtail butterflies, fluttering quickly past your astonished eyes. Most of the time, my old camera finger reacted much too slowly! But I got a few pics!

An artistic bird bath in the garden depicts leaves, flowers and butterflies, naturally!
An artistic bird bath in the garden depicts leaves, flowers and butterflies, naturally!
A tiny insect takes a walk on a sweet sun-yellow carpet.
A tiny insect takes a walk on a sweet sun-yellow carpet.
Zoro Butterfly Garden contains rustic, ragged beauty along its stony walkways.
Zoro Butterfly Garden contains rustic, ragged beauty along its stony walkways.
This sneaky lizard would've been happy to capture a quick butterfly, too! I don't know if he had any luck.
This sneaky lizard would’ve been happy to capture a quick butterfly, too! I don’t know if he had any luck.
Cool close-up photo of red passion vine flower.
Cool close-up photo of red passion vine flower.
I'm not sure who this guy is. Is it a Mourning Cloak? Some kind of moth? If you know, leave a comment.
I’m not sure who this guy is. Is it a Mourning Cloak? Some kind of moth? If you know, leave a comment.
Sunlight reflects from a butterfly winging past some weathered public art in a section of the garden.
Sunlight reflects from a butterfly winging past some weathered public art in a section of the garden.
Painted mural in Balboa Park's Zoro Butterfly Garden shows Orange-barred Sulphur and Cassia.
Painted mural in Balboa Park’s Zoro Butterfly Garden shows an Orange-barred Sulphur and Cassia.
Another section of this informative artwork depicts Passionvine and a Gulf Fritillary.
Another section of this informative artwork depicts Passionvine and a Gulf Fritillary.
A third section shows that Monarch butterflies are attracted to Milkweed.
A third section shows that Monarch butterflies are attracted to Milkweed.
The underside of this Gulf fritillary almost looks like a torn, crumpled brown leaf.
The underside of this Gulf fritillary almost looks like a torn, crumpled brown leaf.
A swallowtail butterfly takes flight!
A swallowtail butterfly takes flight!
Looking upward from the lush hollow where butterflies thrive, toward blue sky and fluttering, living color.
Looking upward from the lush hollow where butterflies thrive, toward blue sky and fluttering, living color.
An Anise Swallowtail spreads its wings on a glorious day in San Diego's wonder-filled Balboa Park.
An Anise Swallowtail spreads its wings on a glorious day in San Diego’s wonder-filled Balboa Park.

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Photos of Fiestas Patrias in Old Town San Diego.

A small parade during 2015 Fiestas Patrias (September 16 is Mexico's Independence Day) in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.
A small parade during 2015 Fiestas Patrias (September 16 is Mexico’s Independence Day) in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.

Here are some photos of Fiestas Patrias in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. Mexico began their war for independence from Spain on September 16, 1810, and the occasion was celebrated today with music, food, games, an equestrian demonstration and traditional Mexican dance. I caught a bit of it!

San Diego’s fascinating history includes a Mexican period, which followed the early years of settlement and rule by Spain. Mexico and San Diego share a common border and a great deal of history. A blending of culture and friendly people adds to the richness of our city.

Fiestas Patrias in Old Town San Diego included many cool events flavored with Mexican culture and history.
Fiestas Patrias in Old Town San Diego included many cool events flavored with Mexican culture and history.
Young musicians from Chula Vista High School Mariachi band smile for the camera!
Young musicians from Chula Vista High School Mariachi band smile for the camera!
Many event participants carried photos and images of important Mexicans in history. This gentleman holds a tribute to activist Cesar Chavez.
Many event participants carried photos and images of important Mexicans in history. This gentleman holds a tribute to activist Cesar Chavez.
Many tables contained interesting info and exhibits. This one featured sketches from the Battle of San Pasqual and some cattle brands from historic Mission San Diego de Alcalá.
Tables contained interesting info and exhibits. This one featured sketches from the Battle of San Pasqual and some cattle brands from historic Mission San Diego de Alcalá.
Here are many colorful, often spicy ingredients used in Mexican cuisine. Yum!
Here are many colorful, often spicy ingredients used in Mexican cuisine. Yum!
A super nice lady demonstrates grinding corn with a stone metate, a common practice long ago.
A super nice lady demonstrates grinding corn with a stone metate, a common practice long ago.
Someone paints during the lively festival. Historic Old Town is a picturesque place that inspires artists, at any time!
Someone paints during the lively festival. Historic Old Town is a picturesque place that inspires artists, at any time!
The award-winning Chula Vista High School Mariachi performers warm up before going on stage.
The award-winning Chula Vista High School Mariachi performers warm up before going on stage.
Everyone is ready for some traditional Mexican music!
Everyone is ready for some traditional Mexican music!
These student musicians were incredibly talented. Voices and instruments conveyed stirring emotion. They all received big applause!
These student musicians were incredibly talented. Voices and instruments conveyed stirring emotion. They all received big applause!
Beautifully costumed riders of the female equestrian group Escaramuza Las Golondrinas warm up behind Seeley Stable Museum in Old Town San Diego.
Beautifully costumed riders of the female equestrian group Escaramuza Las Golondrinas warm up behind Seeley Stable Museum in Old Town San Diego.
One rider prepares her horse for a sidesaddle riding demonstration in the afternoon.
One rider prepares her horse for a sidesaddle riding demonstration in the afternoon.
This rider was nice enough to smile! It's a perfect, sunny day for a fiesta!
This rider was nice enough to smile! It’s a perfect, sunny day for a fiesta!
A smiling California State Park employee throws a rope over a tree branch, getting ready to hang a piñata. She's got an awesome job!
A smiling California State Park employee throws a rope over a tree branch, getting ready to hang a piñata. She’s got an awesome job!
Fiestas Patrias in Old Town celebrates a rich Mexican heritage and the unique, diverse history of San Diego.
Fiestas Patrias in Old Town celebrates a rich Mexican heritage and the unique, diverse history of San Diego.

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Listen to the Earth whisper at Fault Line Park!

Morning photo of the new Fault Line Park in San Diego's East Village. The Central Library's dome is visible in the background.
Morning photo of the new Fault Line Park in San Diego’s East Village. The Central Library’s dome is visible in the background.

An incredibly cool new public park opened in East Village a couple weeks ago. It’s called Fault Line Park, and is located south of Island Avenue between 14th and 15th Street. The park is situated directly above a shallow rupture of the Rose Canyon Fault System, which stretches through downtown San Diego.

In addition to a children’s playground and places to sit and walk, the 1.3 acre Fault Line Park contains a really unique feature. A public art installation, titled Fault Whisper, by artist Po Shu Wang of Living Lenses, allows visitors to monitor our active planet. Large, shining spheres stand on either side of the fault line.  At the west sphere, curious ears can listen to the Earth’s subterranean movements, which are recorded by a seismometer embedded below in the actual fault! They can also look through an eyepiece toward the opposite sphere, to see whether the Earth has shifted!

What brilliant, interesting artwork!

Even though I listened intently, I couldn’t hear the Earth whispering early this morning when I took these pics. Perhaps old Mother Earth was still sleeping!

This line marks where a part of the Rose Canyon Fault System has ruptured, just 14 feet below the surface. The fault line isn't considered dangerous.
This line marks where a part of the Rose Canyon Fault System has ruptured, just 14 feet below the surface. According to geologists, there’s no great earthquake danger here.
Photographer records cool reflections in one of the large stainless steel spheres in Fault Line Park.
Photographer records cool reflections in one of the large stainless steel spheres in Fault Line Park.
Plaque describes Fault Whisper public art, created by Po Shu Wang in 2014. Two spheres stand on either side of the fault line. From one you can listen to the Earth and monitor movement.
Plaque describes Fault Whisper public art, created by Po Shu Wang in 2014. Two spheres stand on either side of the fault line. From one you can listen to the Earth and monitor movement.
Here's the opening where you can press your ear to listen. There's a speaker just inside. The Earth's movements are translated into musical notes.
Here’s the opening where you can press your ear to listen. There’s a speaker just inside. The Earth’s movements are translated into musical notes.
Looking through the eyepiece at the opposing sphere. If the Pacific and North American tectonic plates have shifted since the art's installation, it isn't noticeable.
Looking through eyepiece at the opposing sphere. If the Pacific and North American tectonic plates have shifted since the art’s installation, it isn’t very noticeable.
Stella Public House restaurant in East Village is located right next to the cool new Fault Line Park.
Stella Public House restaurant in East Village is located right next to the cool new Fault Line Park.
If Stella Public House is as awesome as the super friendly employee I met, you'd better head over there at once!
If Stella Public House is as awesome as the super friendly employee I met, you’d better head over there at once!
View of Fault Line Park in East Village from outdoor patio shared by Stella Public House and Halcyon coffeehouse and cocktail lounge.
View of Fault Line Park in East Village from outdoor patio shared by Stella Public House and Halcyon coffeehouse and cocktail lounge.

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Beauty floats one fine day above San Diego.

Beauty floats one fine day above San Diego.
Beauty floats one fine day above San Diego.

Here’s one of many photographs that I took today of the sky.  More beautiful photos of amazing clouds have been posted at my new blog, A Small World Full of Beauty.

Introducing a small world full of beauty.

Rainbow Sorbet
There are beautiful things everywhere.

This world might be small, but it’s overflowing with beauty. I see it on every walk. Every day.

So I thought I’d start a new blog called A Small World Full of Beauty.  Click the link!

My new blog will concentrate on two of my favorite things–photography and writing. I hope that it will inspire you.

Come along! I’m about to go outside! What will I find?

Beautiful tall ships visit San Diego for Festival of Sail!

Masts of a few visiting tall ships during 2015 Festival of Sail, at the Maritime Museum of San Diego.
Masts of a few visiting tall ships during 2015 Festival of Sail, at the Maritime Museum of San Diego.

The 2015 Festival of Sail is underway! The cool event runs through Labor Day and takes place on the Embarcadero at the Maritime Museum of San Diego. This morning I got some photos!

The popular festival, which is held every year in late summer, features a large gathering of beautiful tall ships. A few belong to the museum; others are visiting San Diego for this very special occasion.

Last year I wrote several detailed blogs and covered many of the tall ships which I saw again today. So this year I figured I’d just mosey from ship to ship, taking random photos, not worrying too much about jotting down gobs of information. Here’s the result…

The brig Pilgrim, approximate replica of the historic ship Richard Henry Dana sailed in, is visiting San Diego again for the annual nautical festival.
The brig Pilgrim, approximate replica of the historic ship Richard Henry Dana sailed in, is visiting San Diego again for the annual tall ship festival.
Visitors enjoy touring the deck of the Pilgrim on Sunday morning. It's another sunny summer day on blue San Diego Bay!
Visitors enjoy touring the deck of the Pilgrim on Sunday morning. It’s another sunny summer day on blue San Diego Bay!
Ship's navigation light and galley. Signs on the Pilgrim describe life on the sea a couple centuries ago, when Two Years Before the Mast was written by Dana.
Ship’s navigation light and galley. Signs on the Pilgrim describe life on the sea a couple centuries ago, when Two Years Before the Mast was written by Dana.
Kayaks on the smooth water cruise past a collection of very cool tall ships.
Kayaks on the smooth water cruise past a collection of very cool tall ships.
Plaque on tall ship American Pride indicates that down below is the Captain's Quarters.
Plaque on tall ship American Pride indicates that down below is the Captain’s Quarters.
Close look at wooden steering wheel of the beautiful tall ship American Pride.
Close look at wooden steering wheel of the American Pride.
Volunteer crew members of American Pride assembled on deck as their fine ship visits San Diego.
Volunteer crew members of American Pride assembled on deck as their fine ship visits San Diego.
Lion's head decorates spar projecting from hull of topsail schooner Amazing Grace.
Lion’s head decorates spar projecting from hull of topsail schooner Amazing Grace.
Visitor at 2015 Festival of Sail in San Diego looks down into the cabin of Amazing Grace.
A visitor at 2015 Festival of Sail in San Diego looks down into the cabin of Amazing Grace.
A second floating dock and even more cool tall ships can be seen beyond Amazing Grace.
A second floating dock and even more cool tall ships can be seen beyond Amazing Grace.
Curious eyes peer below the deck of Bill of Rights, perhaps wondering what it would be like to live in very close quarters while at sea.
Curious eyes peer below deck of the Bill of Rights, perhaps wondering what it would be like to live in very close quarters while at sea.
Bill of Rights tall ship crew members were dressed in seafaring costumes. This pirate had a collection of pistols and a small cannon on display.
Bill of Rights tall ship crew members were dressed in seafaring garb. This pirate had a collection of pistols and a small cannon on display.
Star motif on a block used by a single rope in the complicated rigging. Masts of another nearby tall ship rise in the background.
Star motif on a block used by a single rope in some complicated rigging. Masts of another nearby tall ship rise in the background.
To step off the Bill of Rights one must walk the plank!
To step off the Bill of Rights one must walk the plank!
Stern of Bill of Rights seen from rear deck of the brigantine Irving Johnson.
Stern of Bill of Rights seen from rear deck of the brigantine Irving Johnson.
Photo of ship's cabin containing shelves of books, a globe and navigational charts.
Photo of ship’s cabin containing shelves of books, a globe and navigational charts.
Friendly crew member on the Exy Johnson was playing familiar seagoing tunes on an accordion.
Friendly crew member on the Exy Johnson was playing familiar seagoing tunes on a concertina.
It appears this ladder has seen a great deal of usage and weather.
It appears this ladder has seen a great deal of usage and weather.
Festival of Sail visitors check out many cool sights! I see someone climbing the Irving Johnson's shrouds!
Festival of Sail visitors check out many cool sights! I see someone climbing one of the Irving Johnson’s shrouds!
Watch out! This wild-eyed pirate has two wicked swords! Run for it!
Watch out! This wild-eyed pirate has two wicked swords! Run for it!
Looking at ships docked behind the Maritime Museum's historic Steam Ferry Berkeley. I see masts of the San Salvador, Californian and America.
Looking at more ships docked behind the Maritime Museum’s historic Steam Ferry Berkeley. I see masts of the San Salvador, Californian and America.
American flag in deep blue sky curls in the pleasant sea breeze.
American flag in deep blue sky curls in the pleasant sea breeze.
I saw various folks in period costumes. This lady had a nice smile!
I saw various folks in period costumes. This lady had a nice smile!
Another photo of the ships behind the Berkeley. The red star is on the museum's B-39 Soviet diesel submarine which operated during the Cold War.
Another photo of the ships behind the Berkeley. The red star is on the museum’s B-39 Soviet diesel submarine which operated during the Cold War.
A land battery took part during the festival's cannon battles. A beautiful tall ship heads across the bay.
A land battery took part during the festival’s cannon battles. A beautiful tall ship heads across the bay.
View of historic bark Star of India from deck of HMS Surprise.
View of historic bark Star of India from deck of HMS Surprise.
Someone checks out the high masts of HMS Surprise, the ship used in the filming of Master and Commander starring Russell Crowe.
Someone checks out the high masts of HMS Surprise, the ship used in the filming of Master and Commander starring Russell Crowe.
Written on the ship's bell is HMS Rose, the original name of the Surprise.
Written on the ship’s bell is HMS Rose, the original name of the Surprise.
Two members of the Royal Guard enjoy a drink and snack on San Diego's Embarcadero during the Festival of Sail. They must be shore leave.
Two members of the Royal Guard enjoy a drink and snack on San Diego’s Embarcadero during the Festival of Sail. They must be on shore leave.
White sails, wooden ships, blue sky and living visions of maritime history.
White sails, wooden ships, blue sky and living visions of a rich maritime history.
Kids on deck of Star of India watch a cannon battle on San Diego Bay.
Kids on deck of Star of India watch a cannon battle on San Diego Bay.

A special thank you to everyone following Cool San Diego Sights. You all are the greatest! I just wanted to say that.

Where will we go next? I don’t know! Life is an adventure!

Photos of amazing, incredible sand sculptures!

Many of the world's best sand artists are in San Diego for the 2015 U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge.
Many of the world’s best sand artists are in San Diego for the 2015 U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge.

Right now, the world’s most amazing sand sculptures are standing on the B Street Pier on San Diego’s Embarcadero. They were created by a select group of international sand masters for the 2015 U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge. These talented sculptors are world-class artists, as you can see from the following images. My photos were taken on Saturday morning shortly after the gate opened.  All of the competing artists were on the pier adding the final touches to their incredible artwork. The sculptures will be officially judged this afternoon.

The theme of the U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge this year is the Olympic Games. Many of the sand masterpieces had a classic, sculptural relief appearance. Every one was sensational.

The competitive event, which takes place downtown at the edge of our beautiful bay next to the Cruise Ship Terminal, continues through Labor Day weekend. If you can’t make it, enjoy these photos!

John Gowdy, Jersey Boy, now living in Italy, has been sand sculpting since 1990. He was winner of Sand Wars on the Travel Channel.
John Gowdy, Jersey Boy, now living in Italy, has been sand sculpting since 1990. He was winner of Sand Wars on the Travel Channel.
John Gowdy's Olympics-themed sculpture features Bruce Jenner, men's decathlon winner in 1976, and his transformation to female Caitlyn.
John Gowdy’s Olympics-themed sculpture features Bruce Jenner, men’s decathlon winner in 1976, and his transformation to female Caitlyn.
Bruce Jender. I am Cait...now.
Bruce Jender. I am Cait…now.
Unzipping a past gold-winning athlete. A new person emerges.
Unzipping a past gold-winning athlete. A new person emerges.
John Gowdy is interviewed by a video production crew at the 2015 U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge.
John Gowdy is interviewed by a video production crew at the 2015 U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge.
Sue McGrew, from Tacoma, Washington, is also accomplished in snow and ice sculpting.
Sue McGrew, from Tacoma, Washington, is also accomplished in snow and ice sculpting.
Sue McGrew's sand sculpture titled Father of the Game, a statue-like image of Zeus, Greek king of the gods of Mount Olympus.
Sue McGrew’s sand sculpture titled Father of the Game, a statue-like image of Zeus, king of the Greek gods on Mount Olympus.
Amazing artistic skill is required to sculpt sand so perfectly. These sand masters, like Olympians, are the best in the world!
Amazing artistic skill is required to sculpt sand so perfectly. These sand masters, like Olympic athletes, are the best in the world!
Zeus seems to be sitting at the edge of the B Street Pier in downtown San Diego! The Port Pavilion and the Broadway Pier are in the background.
Zeus seems to be sitting at the edge of the B Street Pier in downtown San Diego! The Port Pavilion and the Broadway Pier are in the background.
JOOheng Tan, of Singapore, won last year's competition! He has been called Vincent Sand Gogh!
JOOheng Tan, of Singapore, won last year’s competition! He has been called Vincent Sand Gogh!
JOOheng Tan's sculpture, Game Over, is a striking work of art that immediately caught and held my eye.
JOOheng Tan’s sculpture, Game Over, is a striking work of art that immediately caught and held my eye.
Just an amazing, breathtaking work of art. You don't see something like this everyday! In a few days it will be swept away.
Just an amazing, incredible work of art. You don’t see something like this everyday! In a few days it will be swept away.
The artists are still at work, getting their pieces ready to be judged this afternoon.
The artists are still at work, getting their pieces ready to be judged this afternoon.
Ilya Filimontsev, from Moscow, Russia, is competing here for the first time, and I predict he will win an award! I voted for him and saw others doing the same.
Ilya Filimontsev, from Moscow, Russia, is competing here for the first time, and I predict he will win an award! I voted for him and saw others doing the same.
Ilya Filimontsev's sculpture is titled Never Give Up!!! Wow! Now that's an impressive sand sculpture. And he wasn't finished!
Ilya Filimontsev’s sculpture is titled Never Give Up!!! Wow! Now that’s an impressive sand sculpture. And he wasn’t finished!
Carefully working beneath a wing and Olympic olive wreath on a sunny San Diego Labor Day weekend.
Carefully working beneath a wing and Olympic wreath on a sunny San Diego Labor Day weekend.
A masterpiece of sand is being created as the public watches and takes photographs.
A masterpiece of sand is being created as the public watches and takes photographs.
Fergus Mulvany is from Dublin, Ireland. He studied fine art and became a sand artist as a student by chance!
Fergus Mulvany is from Dublin, Ireland. He studied fine art and became a sand artist as a student by chance!
Fergus Mulvany is working on his creation called The Threshold of Momentum. It's a fantastic piece, one of my favorites.
Fergus Mulvany is working on his creation called The Threshold of Momentum. It’s a fantastic piece, one of my favorites.
Closer photo shows superb detail work of the kinetic sand sculpture.
Closer photo shows superb detail work of the kinetic sand sculpture.
Back side of The Threshold of Momentum is simple and stylish.
Back side of The Threshold of Momentum is simple and stylish.
The artists were all friendly and didn't seem to mind chatting with folks who were admiring their works in progress.
The artists were all friendly and didn’t seem to mind chatting with folks who were admiring their works in progress.
Dan Belcher, of St. Louis, Missouri, is 14 time world champion sand sculptor!
Dan Belcher, of St. Louis, Missouri, is 14 time world champion sand sculptor!
I can see why Dan Belcher has won so many world championships. The artistry of his piece, Citius, Altius, Fortius, is exceptional.
I can see why Dan Belcher has won so many world championships. The artistry of his piece, Citius, Altius, Fortius, is exceptional.
Citius, Altius, Fortius is Latin for Faster, Higher, Stronger. It's the Olympic Motto.
Citius, Altius, Fortius is Latin for Faster, Higher, Stronger. It’s the Olympic Motto.
Human figures shaped from sand have bold form and physical presence.
Human figures shaped from sand have bold form and physical presence.
Susanne Ruseler, from the Netherlands, studied biology and thereby learned to represent and beautify human beings and all creatures. She has won many contests.
Susanne Ruseler, from the Netherlands, studied biology and thereby learned to represent and beautify human beings and all creatures. She has won many contests.
Susanne Ruseler's sculpture is called Long Jump. An Olympic athlete leaps like a rabbit!
Susanne Ruseler’s sculpture is called Long Jump. An Olympic athlete leaps like a rabbit!
Flowing hair made of sand. Incredible.
Flowing hair made of sand. Incredible.
I saw lots of water hoses, buckets, shovels and carving tools being used on the large sand creations.
I saw lots of water hoses, buckets, shovels and carving tools being used on the large sand creations.
Morgan Rudluff is from Santa Cruz, California. She considers herself to be quite fortunate and rich in many ways. Sand sculpting has her heart.
Morgan Rudluff is from Santa Cruz, California. She considers herself to be quite fortunate and rich in many ways. Sand sculpting has her heart.
Morgan Rudluff's sand sculpture is Perseverance. It appears to be a tower of Greek columns and abstract human forms.
Morgan Rudluff’s sand sculpture is Perseverance. It appears to be a tower made of a Greek column and abstract human forms.
We're nearing the end of the B Street Pier, gazing out at blue San Diego Bay.
We’re nearing the end of the B Street Pier, gazing out at blue San Diego Bay.
Many hours of hard work and perseverance combined with imagination and skill produces a fine result.
Many hours of hard work and perseverance combined with imagination and skill produces a fine result.
The steady hand of a world-class sand artist.
The steady hand of a world-class sand artist.
Kirk Rademaker comes from Stinson Beach, California. His nickname is The Sand Guy. Fantastical mechanical machines are his trademark.
Kirk Rademaker comes from Stinson Beach, California. His nickname is The Sand Guy. Fantastical mechanical machines are his trademark.
Kirk Rademaker is creating a piece called Anchor Leg, which indeed resembles an anchor. How appropriate, because it's by the water!
Kirk Rademaker is creating a piece called Anchor Leg, which indeed resembles an anchor. How appropriate, because it’s by the water!
The skyline of downtown San Diego can be seen to the east. It's a warm day and promises big crowds.
The skyline of downtown San Diego can be seen to the east. It’s a warm day and promises big crowds.
This sand sculpture was quite fantastic and left much to the imagination
This sand sculpture was quite fantastic and left much to the imagination
Melineige Beauregard is from Quebec, Canada. Some believe sand sculpting is art, some believe it's a sport. She believes it's a spiritual experience.
Melineige Beauregard is from Quebec, Canada. Some believe sand sculpting is art, some believe it’s a sport. She believes it’s a spiritual experience.
Melineige Beauregard's artwork is called In The Zone. I believe it was the most original creation of all the entries. You'll see why.
Melineige Beauregard’s artwork is called In The Zone. I believe it was the most original creation of all the entries. You’ll see why.
An interesting face decorates one end of the complicated multi-part sand sculpture.
An interesting face decorates one end of the complicated multi-part sand sculpture.
The opposite end features a circle, like an eyepiece, through which visitors are meant to look.
The opposite end features a circle, like an eyepiece, through which visitors are meant to look.
And this is what we see! An Olympic runner ready to race at the starting blocks!
And this is what we see! An Olympic runner ready to race at the starting blocks!
Jorvis Kivits, of the Netherlands, believes that in art, beauty should shine through. He has recently begun sculpting marble.
Jorvis Kivits, of the Netherlands, believes that in art, beauty should shine through. He has recently begun sculpting marble.
Photo Finish is the name of Jorvis Kivits' curvy piece. It's an unusual, wonderful thing to behold!
Photo Finish is the name of Jorvis Kivits’ curvy piece. It’s an unusual, wonderful thing to behold!
Gazing through some world-class sand art across San Diego Bay toward North Island.
Gazing through some world-class sand art across San Diego Bay toward North Island.
Eleven amazing works of art on the B Street Pier. Plus there are other team sand sculptures getting started, and a few finished pieces by event sponsors. Lots of cool stuff!
Eleven amazing works of art on the B Street Pier. Plus there are other team sand sculptures getting started, and a few finished sculptures by event sponsors. Lots of cool stuff all over!
As of this moment, these are the finest sand sculptures in the whole wide world. In a few days...they vanish! Go see them now, if you can!
As of this moment, these are the finest sand sculptures in the whole wide world. In a few days…they vanish! Go see them now, if you can!

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