Cool pics of fun times at San Diego County Fair.

Colorful whirling Wave Swinger in the Fun Zone !
Colorful whirling Wave Swinger in the Fun Zone !

The 2014 San Diego County Fair at the Del Mar Fairgrounds is bigger, crazier and more exciting than ever. If you want to enjoy a really fun time, go check it out! But expect huge crowds!

The theme this year is the Fab Fair, a commemoration of the fifty year anniversary of the Beatles coming to America. Prepare to relive the 60’s in ways you’d never imagine!

On a lark I rode the Coaster from downtown up to Del Mar for the big Opening Day. I didn’t have any sort of plan; I just walked about the fairgrounds randomly the way I often do. But I did discover and photograph lots of cool stuff!

Would you like to see some pics? Let’s start at the West Gate and begin our walk through the enormous Fun Zone…

Make a pool shot and win a stuffed one-eyed Minion!
Make a pool shot and win a stuffed one-eyed Minion!
Persuasive carny almost convinces me to throw ring at duck.
Persuasive carny almost convinces me to throw a ring at a duck.
Gazing up at ride in San Diego County Fair's Fun Zone.
Gazing up at ride in San Diego County Fair’s Fun Zone.
The wacky Fun House lures fair-goers and one photo-taker.
The wacky Fun House lures fair-goers and one curious photo-taker.
Now we're near the Del Mar Fairgrounds Grandstand.
Now we’re near the historic Del Mar Fairgrounds Grandstand.
Ms. Senior Nevada performs on the Plaza Stage.
Ms. Senior Nevada performs on the Plaza Stage.
Lots of crafts at the Design in Wood exhibition.
Lots of crafts at the Design in Wood exhibition.

Now we’ve headed inside a building adjacent to the Del Mar Racetrack’s big Grandstand. There is also a dazzling Gems, Minerals and Jewelry exhibition which is well worth checking out.

Master woodworker demonstrates planing skills.
Master woodworker demonstrates planing skills.
Student Showcase contains art by high school students.
Student Showcase contains art by high school students.

Many of the fair’s exhibits were in the large Grandstand building. Displays of art, food, clothing, collectibles, and everything imaginable filled several floors.  It all had been entered by creative San Diegans, with the hope of winning a blue ribbon.

Home and Hobby exhibition includes many Beatles collectibles.
Home and Hobby exhibition includes many Beatles collectibles.
Big crowd outside enjoys fair beneath the Skyway.
Big crowd outside enjoys fair beneath the Skyway.
Demonstrating a fancy vegetable peeler in Bing Crosby Hall.
Demonstrating a fancy vegetable peeler inside Bing Crosby Hall.

The huge Bing Crosby hall is where all sorts of odd gadgets and unique products are touted by eager salespeople!

Psychedelic VW Beetle at the outside Garden Show.
Psychedelic VW Beetle at the outside Garden Show.

The outdoor and indoor Garden Show is one of my favorite parts of the annual fair. There were many beautiful and creative landscape exhibits.

Cool little keyhole garden can be grown anywhere.
Cool little keyhole garden can be grown anywhere.
Fab Four include Paul, John, George and Ringo.
Fab Four include Paul, John, George and Ringo.
Fun, whimsical display at the popular Garden Show.
Fun, whimsical display at the popular Garden Show.
Lots of hippie-themed stuff to buy everywhere.
Lots of hippie-themed stuff to buy everywhere.
Here are the good old Footsie Wootsie machines!
Here are the good old Footsie Wootsie machines!

I remember these crazy machines at the fair when I was a kid, and that was many years ago!

Just inside the fair's O'Brien Gate main entrance.
Just inside the San Diego County Fair’s O’Brien Gate main entrance.
Man walks into the Fab Fair Experience.
Man walks into the Fab Fair Experience.
People pose to recreate old Beatles album cover.
People pose to recreate old Beatles album cover.
Lots of displays remember the British Invasion of the 60's.
Lots of displays remember the British Invasion of the 60’s.
Sign above the Livestock Barn.
Sign above the Livestock Barn.

Now let’s go check out some livestock. It’s the county fair, after all!

Judge scores llama in a ring near livestock barn.
Judge scores llama in a ring near livestock barn.
Young lady looks worried as she prepares to show her goat.
Young lady looks worried as she prepares to show her goat.
Sheep were being sheered in a smaller nearby barn.
Sheep were being sheered in a smaller nearby barn.
I missed the Swifty Swine pig racing event!
I missed the Swifty Swine pig racing event!
Rescue personnel perform demonstration in Del Mar Arena.
Rescue personnel perform demonstration in Del Mar Arena.
Back outside we discover a giant Florida gator.
Back outside we discover a giant Florida gator.
Wall of the Wyland Center has a cool whale mural.
Wall of the Wyland Center has a cool whale mural.

That whale and the underwater scene around it were painted by famed marine-life artist Wyland at the 2006 San Diego County Fair.

Cool photo of extremely popular 2014 San Diego County Fair.
Cool photo of extremely popular 2014 San Diego County Fair.
The giant Ferris wheel turns in the summer sky.
The giant Ferris wheel turns in the summer sky.

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Hiking Torrey Pines State Reserve’s Beach Trail.

Hiking to the beach from trailhead in Torrey Pines State Reserve.
Hiking to the beach from a trailhead in Torrey Pines State Reserve.

Today is National Trails Day, so it seems the perfect time to blog about one hike I took recently at Torrey Pines State Reserve! The hike was down the Beach Trail, which is one of the most popular hikes in this beautiful place. The coming photos demonstrate why!

The 3/4 mile downhill Beach Trail begins at the edge of a small parking lot near the Torrey Pines State Reserve’s historic lodge, which serves as the visitor center. On this spring day, many small flowers were blooming along the trail, and lots of hikers were enjoying the sunshine as well. Should you ever go hiking here, make sure you wear good shoes because it can be a bit steep in places and the sand often makes slippery footing.

Hikers take beautiful trail through coastal chaparral.
Hikers take beautiful trail through coastal chaparral.
People enjoy vistas from atop sandstone formation.
People enjoy vistas from atop sandstone formation.
Endangered Torrey pine seen beyond fork in the trail.
Endangered Torrey pine can be seen beyond fork in the trail.

You can observe many more examples of the endangered Torrey pine tree in the north part of the reserve. See my post about the Guy Fleming Trail!

The blue Pacific Ocean comes into view!
The blue Pacific Ocean comes into view!
Typical scenery along trails of Torrey Pines State Reserve.
Typical rugged scenery along trails of Torrey Pines State Reserve.
The Beach Trail is often covered in fine sand.
The Beach Trail is often covered in fine sand.
Now we're getting really close to our destination!
Now we’re getting really close to our destination!

It gets much steeper as one approaches the ocean. You can see La Jolla way off in the hazy distance.

Erosion of layered sandstone creates unusual, fluid forms.
Erosion of layered sandstone creates unusual, fluid forms.
Flat Rock can be seen on Torrey Pines State Beach.
Flat Rock can be seen below on Torrey Pines State Beach.
Steps head steeply down from cliffs.
Steps head steeply down from cliffs.
Hikers arrive at the beach!
Hikers arrive at the beach!

The transition from the reserve to the beach seems very sudden as you hike down from the cliffs. Suddenly you hear the surf and see many sea birds. It’s an amazing experience!

Down on the sand.
Down on the sand.
People walk north along Torrey Pines State Beach.
People walk north along Torrey Pines State Beach.

A walk north along the beach about a mile or so brings one back to the main Torrey Pines State Reserve parking lot by the Pacific Coast Highway. If you’d like to enjoy a relatively easy nature hike, I’d highly recommend this one! (Going uphill is more difficult!)

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USS San Diego Memorial and a famous ship.

USS San Diego Memorial on the Greatest Generation Walk.
USS San Diego Memorial on the Greatest Generation Walk.

I remember walking along the Embarcadero eleven years ago (how time flies!) and just stumbling upon an amazing ceremony. The USS San Diego Memorial was being dedicated. I stood quietly in back of the gathering and watched as notable Navy and local political leaders gave speeches to honor those who served on the USS San Diego, the second most decorated military ship of World War II. One of the speakers was none other than Jerry Coleman, a hero of that war and much beloved sports broadcaster. The large memorial today is a fixture on San Diego’s waterfront, located just south of the USS Midway Museum on the Greatest Generation Walk.

The USS San Diego was a light cruiser that received 18 battle stars during World War II, more than any other ship except the famous aircraft carrier Enterprise. The ship engaged with the enemy on 34 different occasions, in battles throughout the Pacific, and never lost a single sailor during combat. It the first U.S. warship to enter Tokyo Bay at the close of the war.

Monumental art remembers a famous World War II ship.
Monumental art remembers a famous World War II ship.
The names of those who served on USS San Diego.
The names of those who served on USS San Diego.
Terrazzo map shows movements of the ship during the war.
Terrazzo map shows movements of the ship during the war.
The light cruiser is depicted in action beneath aerial fight.
The light cruiser is depicted in action beneath an aerial fight.

The fantastic artwork was created by Eugene Daub and Louis Quaintance.

Sculpture of a crew member of USS San Diego.
Sculpture of a crew member of the USS San Diego.

The inscription behind the sailor sculpture reads:

Hundreds of thousands of sailors went to sea and fought in World War II, perhaps the most singular unifying event in the history of the United States. These young Americans set aside their individual hopes and aspirations, left families, home and jobs in a collective sacrifice to defend their country and their common ideals. The men of the USS San Diego (CL-53) remembered here are emblematic of all who fought for victory in this epic struggle.

Golden light before sunset highlights written remembrance.
Golden light before sunset highlights written remembrance.

Here are two more bonus pics I took on a later date!

Close look at artwork of naval engagement on USS San Diego Memorial.
Close look at artwork of naval engagement on USS San Diego Memorial.
People stand on detailed map of where USS San Diego fought during World War II.
People stand on detailed map of where USS San Diego fought during World War II.

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Duality in Coming Together mosaic sculpture.

Coming Together sculpture near Petco Park and convention center.
Coming Together sculpture near convention center and Petco Park.

A very prominent example of public art in San Diego is the large sculpture that stands at the southeast end of the convention center,  just across Harbor Drive from Petco Park. The colorful ceramic and mirror mosaic face, called Coming Together, was created by internationally famous artist Niki de Saint Phalle. Two more of her whimsical artistic works can be seen in front of the Mingei Museum in Balboa Park.

Niki has explained that Coming Together represents the essential duality in human beings. The two sides of the composite face have several notable differences.  One side is black and white, the other has a range of bright colors.  One side is jagged and angular, the other is smooth and curved.  One half of the face has long hair, the other half doesn’t.

The striking image that is created, she has explained, is a Western interpretation of yin and yang.  The duality includes joy and darkness, and the masculine and the feminine.

Created in 2001, Coming Together has definitely become a well known landmark in downtown San Diego!

Public art created by Niki de St. Phalle.
Public art created by Niki de Saint Phalle.
Closer look at light shining from mosaic sculpture.
Closer look at light shining from mosaic sculpture.
Ceramic and mirror artwork reflects nearby Hilton.
Ceramic and mirror artwork reflects nearby Hilton.
Coming Together sculpture stands along Harbor Drive.
Coming Together sculpture stands along Harbor Drive.

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Views of the cool San Diego Convention Center.

View of plaza on southeast end of convention center.
View of plaza on southeast end of convention center.

I recently took a stroll around the San Diego Convention Center and took a number of cool pics. I know, I know…millions of photos have been taken of the place already. Well, anyway, here come a few more…

Interesting arches at San Diego Convention Center.
Interesting arches at San Diego Convention Center.
Looking up at glass awning above main entrance.
Looking up at glass awning above main entrance.
People descend stairs from uppermost level.
People descend stairs from building’s uppermost level.
Cool round glass elevator at top of incline.
Cool round glass elevator at top of incline.
Looking down a wide expanse of outside steps.
Looking down a patterned expanse of outside steps.
Steps on the bay side lead to Marriott Marina.
Steps on the bay side lead up from Marriott Marina.
Convention center from Embarcadero Marina Park South.
Convention center seen from Embarcadero Marina Park South.
A glass elevator nestled among trees.
A glass elevator nestled among trees.
Gazing from an upper level toward Hilton hotel.
Gazing from an upper level toward big Hilton hotel.
Sign on scenic terrace shows Star of India.
Sign on scenic terrace shows San Diego’s own Star of India.
Looking over San Diego Convention Center's sails.
Looking over San Diego Convention Center’s rooftop sails.
People enjoy amazing view of San Diego Bay.
People enjoy amazing view of San Diego Bay and Coronado.

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Exciting start to San Diego Rock ‘n Roll Marathon!

People arrive at dawn to participate in Rock 'n Roll Marathon.
People arrive at dawn to participate in Rock ‘n Roll Marathon.

I woke up very early this morning to check out the start of today’s big San Diego Rock ‘n Roll Marathon. I’d never been to the event in past years, so the magnitude of the race really floored me. The west part of Balboa Park and many blocks of Sixth Avenue were packed with super energetic humanity!

Here are a bunch of pics!

Dozens of UPS trucks served as the gear check.
Dozens of UPS trucks served as the gear check.
Marathon runners warm up in west Balboa Park.
Marathon runners warm up in west Balboa Park.
San Diego Rock 'n Roll Marathon corrals fill up.
San Diego Rock ‘n Roll Marathon corrals begin to fill up.
Just minutes before the big marathon starts!
Just minutes before the big San Diego marathon starts!
Thousands are ready to race at Rock 'n Roll Marathon.
Thousands are ready to race at the Rock ‘n Roll Marathon.
Athletes With disabilities are first to begin the race!
Athletes with disabilities are first to begin the race!
They're off from the start line!
They’re off from the start line!
Full marathon runners get ready to begin big race.
Full marathon runners get ready to begin their race for glory.
Lots of photographers record the race action.
Lots of photographers record the colorful action.
San Diego Rock 'n Roll full marathoners go!
San Diego Rock ‘n Roll full marathoners go!
Runners start up Sixth Avenue with great excitement.
Runners start up Sixth Avenue with great excitement.
Photos were being taken all over the place.
Photos were being taken all over the place.
Racers pass announcer stand and American flag.
Racers pass announcer stand, San Diego mayor and American flag.
Runners wave at Cameron of Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
Runners wave at Cameron of Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
KUSI reporter Kerri Lane looks bored.
KUSI television reporter Kerri Lane between live shots.

And now I’m hungry for breakfast!  Walking back toward home, I snap a couple more photos!

Half marathoners gather into the corrals for their race.
Half marathoners gather into the corrals for their race.
Late arrivers walk up Sixth Avenue from downtown.
Late arrivers walk up Sixth Avenue from downtown.

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Horrible monsters seen in downtown San Diego.

Funny monster faces on utility box by Pokez.
Funny monster faces on a utility box by Pokez.

Yikes! Horrible monsters are on the loose in downtown San Diego, just outside the Pokez eatery! Stay clear! You’ve been warned!

Creature with four eyeballs and crooked teeth.
Creature with four eyeballs and crooked teeth.
Cool purple monsters often have green drool.
Cool purple monsters often have green drool.
Looks scarier than that Alien creature.
Looks scarier than that Alien creature.
Crazy street art on a downtown utility box.
Crazy street art on a downtown utility box.
Pink monster with messed up green eyes.
Pink monster with messed up green eyes.

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Flowers remember somebody’s best buddy.

Flowers remember somebody's best buddy.
Flowers remember somebody’s best buddy.

I snapped this pic today after work, while walking to a trolley station in Mission Valley. The simple memorial was by a busy sidewalk. It’s a sidewalk traveled by many homeless people. I’m almost certain Dago Dog was the best buddy of a homeless person. No more words are necessary.

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Beautiful garden of Balboa Park’s Marston House.

Flowers and bench by historic Marston House.
Flowers and bench by historic Marston House.

The historic Marston House is nestled among some trees in the seldom-visited northwest corner of Balboa Park. The house museum and its beautiful gardens are truly one of San Diego’s hidden gems.

I strolled about the grounds recently and took a few photos. Roaming about the gardens is free; to take a guided tour of the house’s interior one must pay a small entrance fee.

The house, in the Arts and Crafts architectural style, was built in 1905 by George W. Marston, a wealthy philanthropist who owned a prominent department store. He was also founder of the San Diego Historical Society, and was instrumental in preserving the site of the original San Diego Presidio.

The Marston House was designed by the internationally famous architects William Sterling Hebbard and Irving Gill. Its five acres of lawns and formal gardens have become a very popular wedding location.

Marston House Museum and Gardens in a corner of Balboa Park.
Marston House Museum and Gardens in a corner of Balboa Park.
Arts and Crafts style house was built in 1905.
Arts and Crafts style house was built in 1905.
This beautiful garden is a popular wedding location.
This beautiful garden is a popular wedding location.
Looking from hedge pathway toward Marston House.
Looking from hedge pathway toward Marston House.
Small fountain at end of garden.
Small fountain at end of garden.
Outdoor archway and oven are part of the delightful scenery.
Outdoor archway and oven are part of the delightful scenery.
A pic of the lath greenhouse interior.
A pic of the lath greenhouse interior.
The Marston House is a San Diego hidden gem.
The Marston House is a San Diego hidden gem.

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Big mural at St. Vincent de Paul Village.

Big mural at St. Vincent de Paul Village.
Big mural at St. Vincent de Paul Village.

Perhaps you’ve attended a Padres game at Petco Park, gazed eastward along Imperial Avenue and seen a huge, gigantic mural on a building several blocks away. I’ve got the pics!

The amazing work of art, one of the largest glass mosaic murals in the world, adorns the Villa Harvey Mandel affordable housing building, a part of St. Vincent de Paul Village. The mural measures 43 x 72 feet and was created by the artist Italo Botti.

St. Vincent de Paul Village, located in East Village, offers assistance to the homeless population of San Diego. It has been run for decades by the one and only Father Joe Carroll, known and well-loved by many appreciative San Diegans.

Closer look at gigantic mural on Imperial Avenue.
Closer look at gigantic mural on Imperial Avenue.
Beautiful mural is loaded with life and color!
Beautiful mural is loaded with life and color!

Here’s a portion of a nearby plaque…

Volunteers and donors help neighbors.
Volunteers and donors help neighbors.

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