The Casa del Rey Moro garden is a small gem in Balboa Park.
In the 1920s, prominent San Diego architect Richard Requa visited Europe. During his extensive tour, he carefully observed a Moorish king’s garden in Ronda, Spain. A book that he later authored stated: “In my travels about the world, I had found three gardens of outstanding interest and beauty… The finest of these is in a small town in southern Spain called Ronda. Viewing it for the first time, there came instantly to mind the spontaneous exclamation, ‘I hope to die before I see anything more lovely.'”
Inspired by what he’d seen, Requa designed the Casa del Rey Moro garden (House of the Moorish King) for the 1935 California Pacific International Exposition in San Diego’s Balboa Park. In 1997 the garden and adjacent House of Hospitality were rededicated after a major renovation. The garden, today a popular wedding spot, includes a replica of the wishing well in the Guadalajara Museum of Gardens.
Balboa Park is an enormous place full of competing attractions. It’s strange how I always feel compelled to walk through the Casa del Rey Moro garden!
View from a House of Hospitality balcony of The Prado restaurant’s outdoor seating near the garden.A wishing well frames two elegant, classic fountains.Beautiful elements are reproduced from a Moorish garden in Ronda, Spain.A close up photo of one picturesque fountain.Visitors read about the interesting history of the Casa del Rey Moro garden.“In my travels about the world, I have found three gardens of outstanding interest and beauty…”One can see why this venue is extremely popular for weddings.
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Tinted morning sky above Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial.
Early this morning, just as the sun was beginning to rise, I arrived at the top of a mountain. It had been a long while since I visited the Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial.
Located in La Jolla, north of downtown San Diego, Mount Soledad is a place of stunning views and great natural beauty. And a place filled with memory and feeling. Thousands are honored here for unselfishly serving their country.
Plaques on six concentric walls each remember an American hero, some who are living, many who’ve passed away into history. At the center rises a tall white memorial cross, erected in 1954 to honor Korean War veterans. The subject of controversy over many years, the cross will soon stand protected on private land. The National Defense Authorization Act for 2015 contains a provision that will convey the cross to the Mount Soledad Veterans Memorial Association.
Like a mosaic, eternally shining black granite plaques cover the low, curving walls; they tell the diverse stories of uniformed members of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard, plus those who served in the Merchant Marine during World War II. The walls will ultimately hold 3,200 names.
If you have a loved one who is serving, or who has served, you can purchase a plaque. Here is the memorial’s website.
Sun rising on eastern horizon illuminates top of concentric walls of the memorial.The cross is a landmark that can be seen for many miles in every direction. The flagpole is bare at this early hour.Early morning visitors to Mount Soledad take photos of the 29 foot high cross.Looking south over part of La Jolla toward Mission Bay and Point Loma. Downtown San Diego is visible on the far left.Beautiful yellow flowers, grass and benches are found about this mountaintop monument to all veterans.Gazing over curved walls containing memorial plaques toward the Pacific Ocean in morning light.Friendly gentleman keeping the Mt. Soledad Park clean is grateful to work up here surrounded by so much beauty.Photograph of the historic, controversial cross taken from its base.Plaque states the Mt. Soledad Veterans Memorial Cross was dedicated in 1954 as a tribute to those who’ve served in all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces.Veteran volunteer prepares to proudly raise the American flag.The Stars and Stripes is carefully attached, ready to be lifted into the wide, blue sky.The volunteer momentarily lowered the flag to half-mast, to honor the fallen. He then raised it to the top and showed his respect.Plaque at base of flagpole.The friendly volunteer was happy to show me around the memorial.Names of donors on special bricks.Pointing out notable names and heroic exploits that shine on the walls.Photo plaques honor both living and deceased members of United States uniformed services.These memorialized vets served honorably in eras and conflicts throughout our nation’s history.Jeffrey Scott Taylor of U.S. Navy killed in action in Afghanistan in 2005.Plaque on Mt. Soledad honors and remembers prisoners of war, and those missing in action.Herman Henry Hanneken, Brigadier General of U.S. Marine Corps, served in many wars long ago.Famed band director Glenn Miller was a great morale builder during World War II.General “Black Jack” Pershing fought victoriously, from the late 19th century through World War I.Rear Admiral Thomas William McNamara has a plaque on Mount Soledad.U.S. Army Corporal Alfred W. Stewart helped liberate the Philippine Islands during WWII.Pharmacist’s Mate Third Class Howard Manuel Gonzalez of the U.S. Navy is honored.Harry Herman Heimple was a highly decorated U.S. Air Force Colonel during the Vietnam War and Desert Storm.San Diego local hero Jerry Coleman, a baseball legend who served with great patriotism in two wars.Audie Murphy, one of the most decorated American combat soldiers of World War II.General and President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s plaque is added to a host of other plaques representing those who served with equal honor.Commander in Chief Harry S. Truman began his military career during World War I.Jack Kramer served in the U.S. Coast Guard during the Second World War. He helped create modern professional tennis.The four Nicosia brothers fought in different military branches in several theaters of war.Famed Army General George S. Patton is remembered for his storied service to our country.Legendary movie actor James Stewart was promoted to Brigadier General after 27 years of military service.Pappy Boyington was a scrappy fighter pilot ace of the U.S. Marines during World War II.Dedicated to Jewish Chaplains who perished while in service to their country.Sir Winston Churchill, who defended Britain from the Nazis, was made an honorary American citizen.Patrol Bombing Squadron Eighteen. To men like them we owe our freedom.The brave, meritorious Tuskegee Airmen of the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II.Michael A. Monsoor, a Navy Seal and Medal of Honor recipient who sacrificed his own life to save his comrades in Iraq.I’m shown an often updated book that lists the positions of every plaque by name.The volunteer at the memorial dutifully rings eight bells.The Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial is a place of moving stories, and many heroes.
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Someone displays a cool-looking drone and describes its operation.
While drones might not be delivering pizzas anytime soon, they do make for an interesting hobby. I could clearly see that when I wandered into a cool event by sheer chance. International Drone Day was celebrated today at the Silent Electric Flyers of San Diego field near Mission Bay.
I was walking along the San Diego River Trail when I glimpsed something strange flying about behind a line of trees. Whatever it was didn’t behave like a bird. I had to go investigate!
What I discovered was a large gathering of electric drone hobbyists. They were flying their unique propeller aircraft, checking out different equipment, and enjoying hot dogs out in the San Diego sunshine!
In the event you pass by one day, the small field is located on the north side of Sea World Drive, just east of SeaWorld. I had visited once before, the day I blogged about birdwatching along the river estuary. On that day RC model aircraft were circling in the sky. I’ve added one pic from that visit, as you’ll see.
International Drone Day in San Diego brought out a bunch of serious hobbyists.A quad hovers above the special flying area on a breezy day near Mission Bay.People checked out drones of every size and description.A smaller drone displayed on a table.This larger drone was designed to be aerodynamic.Drone builders and enthusiasts were in heaven in San Diego today.It looks like high-tech drones have replaced humans already!This field is used by Silent Electric Flyers of San Diego, and their radio-controlled aircraft.Guy sets his drone down in preparation for a demonstration.A crowd watches the action. My camera barely captured one distant craft in flight.Other days, electric-powered RC model airplanes take off and glide from this field.I took this photo on a prior occasion. That radio-controlled plane is huge!Drone on the ground makes for a cool, futuristic pic.Club members prepare their drones for the High Noon “All Up”!
At noon, all the drones took to the air at once! Unfortunately, my pics of the spectacle came out pretty lousy. So use your mind’s eye! According to the announcer, 32 drones hovered above the field at one time. The San Diego team’s High Noon “All Up” took place simultaneously with 150 other teams celebrating International Drone Day around the world.
What will I discover next? It seems that anything is possible!
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Youth helps paint a public mural along the San Diego River Estuary.
This morning, after I checked out the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, I headed out to the San Diego River Estuary and enjoyed a long, leisurely walk. I’d read that kids would be painting a cool mural next to the river, directly south of SeaWorld and east of the Sports Arena Boulevard/West Mission Bay Drive bridge.
When I arrived, the mural was nearly completed. The project was hosted by The San Diego River Park Foundation. Young artists also had an opportunity to do a little birdwatching!
Bicyclists heading down Old Sea World Drive spy a line of colorful artwork.The San Diego River Park Foundation is working to preserve the life-filled estuary.Lots of paint cans contain the colors of wildlife and river scenery.San Diego River Park Foundation banner is positioned near mural painted by kids.Most of the painting was completed when I walked by in the late morning.Adults were putting some finishing touches on the cool public art.A project of River Kids Discovery Days on March 14, 2015.Two great egrets in San Diego River Estuary not far from the mural project!San Diego Park Rangers were also painting. This panel depicts a snowy egret.Mural artists put their names on sign beside the San Diego River Trail.Lots of kids turned out to add life and color to a fence bordering nature’s beauty.
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Saint Patrick was seen in downtown San Diego banishing snakes and frowns.
A long, warm, wonderful walk today filled my trusty old camera with lots of photos! First up: some fun images from San Diego’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade!
Last year I took pics up and down Sixth Avenue (just west of Balboa Park) where the parade was staged, and this morning I did exactly the same thing. Predictably, cool sights were everywhere my eyes turned!
This smiling gentleman is dressed in the uniform of the Knights of Columbus.Crowd gathers early before the big St. Patrick’s Day parade kicks off.Lots of dogs were wearing the green this morning.Green hats and fun festive stuff on the grass by the sidewalk.Shriner mini cars are always a popular part of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade.These clowns are relaxing in the shade as a sunny San Diego day heats up.This cool old Ambulance and Patrol vehicle awaits start of parade.The distinctive Shriners float doesn’t look Irish to me, except for a bit of green!The Best-Rate Repair Company float is making its first appearance this year.This guy in a traditional kilt will be playing the bagpipes for everyone to enjoy.Marching band instruments lie on the grass before start of the St. Paddy’s parade.The Academy of Irish Dance gets their elaborate float ready.These super nice San Diego Roller Derby ladies posed for my camera!Motorcyclist in green heads down Sixth Avenue where the parade is staging.These cool old-fashioned penny-farthing bicycles will take part in the parade.Everybody was busy getting ready as the 10:30 morning start approached.Serviceman helps affix some Irish green to the front bumper of a car.The Young Marines were carefully folding a large American flag as I walked down Sixth Avenue.A smiling Irish clown perfectly captures the spirit of this wonderful annual event.
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View of the Quince Street Trestle from a spot on Fourth Avenue.
Many nature hikes can be enjoyed in Balboa Park. But there’s another beautiful, quiet hike through date palms and eucalyptus trees and bright spring flowers that anyone can enjoy just a few blocks north of downtown San Diego.
The Maple Canyon Trail stretches from a trailhead near Quince Street and Third Avenue on Bankers Hill to a second trailhead at Maple Street and Dove Street in Middletown. It often seems that the only people who use the trail are dog walkers and joggers who live nearby. Those who haven’t hiked this easy trail are missing out on a unique experience. The Maple Canyon Trail passes under two cool historic bridges!
The Quince Street Trestle is a visually interesting wooden footbridge that was built in 1905. Back then streetcars ran up Fourth Avenue, and the trestle allowed pedestrians to cross the steep canyon from the west. A quarter century ago the bridge, weakened by termites and rot, was closed and almost demolished. Local residents took up the cause of saving the bridge, which was finally declared a historic site.
The Maple Canyon Trail also passes beneath the impressive First Avenue Bridge. The arched steel bridge was built in 1931 and was originally known as the Peoples Bridge. Its astonishing height above the trail is a reminder of San Diego’s unique geology. Southern California’s coastal region is crisscrossed in many places by deep, narrow canyons, which often serve as undeveloped habitat for native species of plant and animal life.
Small cabinet at end of footbridge contains books that people can freely borrow!Walking across the very cool historic trestle on Bankers Hill.Looking down from trestle at dogs and walker passing through the canyon below.This super cool condo is located near the Third Avenue trailhead.Maple Canyon Open Space sign near trailhead on Bankers Hill.Looking up at the wooden footbridge from the quiet footpath on a sunny day.Wood beams compose the high trestle.Grass and spring flowers line the Maple Canyon Trail.Some interesting houses can be seen up on the hillsides.Here comes the First Avenue Bridge beyond a eucalyptus tree.This elegant old steel bridge has very limited motor traffic.
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Two seagulls carry bits of something while navigating the Children’s Park fountain.
You might enjoy these fun photos.
Occasionally I walk past the Children’s Park fountain in the early morning, on my way to catch a downtown trolley for work. Even though the fountain is usually off (because of our long drought), birds like to hang out in the fountain’s man-made pond. It’s a sanctuary in the city where birds can easily scavenge human food.
The Martin Luther King Jr. Promenade, which runs parallel to Harbor Drive, passes right over the pond, and when I pause on the path camera in hand, I’m usually rewarded.
These shots were taken shortly after sunrise…
The Children’s Park was the city of San Diego’s gift to kids in 1995.The gently sprinkling fountain was off this morning, and birds were enjoying the early sun.There are many places for birds to perch at the center of the man-made pond.A gull floats over to see if I have food. I’m standing on the Martin Luther King Jr. Promenade, where it passes as a walkway over the blue water.These three ducks are just cruising around the Children’s Park fountain.Off to the side of the fountain, pigeons congregate on the San Diego trolley’s electrical wires.Pigeons swirl in broad circles directly overhead.A graceful seagull patrols the park as day breaks.Photo near the fountain of sunrise and a bird with outstretched wings.
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Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of San Diego’s Santa Fe train depot!
I was walking around today when I noticed a large banner hanging above the entrance of downtown’s Santa Fe Depot. This year the historic train station and San Diego landmark turns one hundred years old!
A friendly gentleman inside the waiting room at the information booth gave me a flyer about a special event tomorrow. The public is invited to attend a celebration of the historic depot’s centennial! The festivities take place between 11 am and 1 pm. The address of the Santa Fe Depot Union Station is 1050 Kettner Boulevard, just north of Broadway in downtown San Diego. I will be working, so I’ll probably miss it.
In the past I’d thought about posting cool old photos of the depot, but now seems the appropriate time! Check out the following photographs that I found on Wikimedia Commons.
First, a little background on the depot, with a few details taken from an informative handout…
A fine example of the classic Spanish Mission-Colonial Revival style of architecture, including Moorish influences, the Santa Fe Depot is on the National Register of Historic Places. Today it lies at the southern terminus of the nation’s second-busiest Amtrak rail corridor. In addition to the Pacific Surfliner trains, it also serves as an important station for Coaster commuter trains and the San Diego Trolley.
Built by the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway, it opened on March 7, 1915. It replaced the California Southern Railway’s smaller 1887 Victorian depot. The beautiful new depot was designed to welcome rail travelers visiting the 1915 Panama-California International Exposition, which was staged in expansive Balboa Park, just northeast of downtown. You can see dozens of fantastic photos of Balboa Park from a century ago here.
The huge Santa Fe Depot waiting room is 170 feet long and 55 feet wide. The varnished oak benches are lit by 16 bronze and glass chandeliers. You can see pics of today’s interior here.
Old photo on today’s information booth shows large waiting room as it was once configured, with ticket counters, checkroom and shops in wooden structures on the west side.Historical photograph of Santa Fe Depot’s steel construction, dated August 17, 1914.Santa Fe Railroad Station under construction beside the old 1887 Victorian depot, which stood on the other side of the tracks. Photo dated September 3, 1914.Photo of the Victorian depot tower being demolished in 1915. A locomotive pulled the old tower over to great public fanfare.Color postcard circa 1920 features inviting image of San Diego Union Depot.The handsome Santa Fe Depot as it appears today, with modern high-rise buildings nearby.
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Check out this fun street art! A humorous image was recently painted on a shop window in San Diego. The truth has been revealed!
The San Diego Padres will subdue their baseball enemies this year by using powerful Jedi powers. I might even go to the dark side and root for Darth Vader if that’s what it takes to win a World Series.
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Derek McAlister prepares to open his amazing act with some fire juggling at Seaport Village beside the Marriott Marina.
Rubber chickens were flying this afternoon. There seemed to be a whole flock of them at the Seaport Village Spring Busker Festival! The event continues into this evening, and then more acts follow tomorrow. If you’re in San Diego, check it out!
My favorite performer was Murrugun the Mystic. This is why.
All of the buskers were fantastic! Many of these pics were taken from a bit of a distance, but they provide a taste of the fun…
Derek McAlister climbs a 20-foot Chinese pole and performs fantastic aerial acrobatics at the Spring Busker Festival.Street performers had exciting shows all day at two plazas in Seaport Village. Tomorrow, too!Alex Clark, with training from Cirque Du Soleil, balances atop ladder while juggling knives.Girl throws rubber chicken up to plunger-headed, unicycle-riding “Groovy” Guy Collins, who has starred on the Travel Channel.The Frisbee Show featured juggler and comedian Greg Frisbee.Boy volunteer balances two spinning balls atop two rubber chickens!CREW is a San Diego-based percussion group that creates super cool music with everyday objects.Unusual instruments produce fun beats as busker festival visitors sit in sunshine by San Diego Bay.Some important tools of the busker trade.The Checkerboard Guy David Aiken had everyone laughing with his funny antics!
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Cool San Diego Sights! 