Tag: balboa park

USS Bennington Memorial Oak Grove in Balboa Park.

A beautiful live oak grove in Balboa Park honors men who died tragically on the USS Bennington in 1905.
A beautiful live oak grove in Balboa Park honors men who died tragically on the USS Bennington in 1905.

Balboa Park is without a doubt one of America’s national treasures. Located just north of downtown San Diego, its 1,200 acres is the home of magnificent museums, gardens, architectural marvels, many recreational facilities and perhaps the world’s most famous zoo. The amazing urban park is so gigantic most visitors see only a small fraction of it. Some out-of-the-way corners of Balboa Park are enjoyed by locals who live nearby; other overlooked areas seem almost forgotten.

The USS Bennington Memorial Oak Grove is one such area. While many drive by it on any given day, as they travel along 26th Street just before it turns into Florida Drive, and a few joggers pass through the shady grove, I’d wager only a handful of San Diegans know of the oak grove’s existence or historical significance.

There are 66 live oak trees in this grove. They were planted to memorialize 66 men killed on the USS Bennington on the morning of July 21, 1905, when the gunboat’s boiler suddenly exploded and the ship nearly sank in San Diego’s harbor. No markers in the grove indicate the significance of the large gnarled oaks. (A 60 foot high granite obelisk stands at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in Point Loma, a memorial to those sailors who died on the USS Bennington. Most of the dead are buried there.)

The USS Bennington was a warship with a long and proud history. Commissioned in 1891, she was the ship that claimed Wake Island for the United States. After the boiler explosion in San Diego Bay, eleven men were awarded the Medal of Honor for extraordinary heroism.

Earlier this year, when I visited an exhibit in Balboa Park created by The Daughters of the American Revolution San Diego Chapter, I learned the local DAR would like to place plaques in the grove to memorialize the USS Bennington and the men who tragically died. If you, your business or organization would like information about the project, or to help, you might contact them from their page.  Should this project come to fruition, I’ll be very pleased to blog about it!

View of the Bennington Memorial Oak Grove from Golden Hill Park, located near the southeast corner of Balboa Park. The Balboa Park Golf Club and Naval Medical Center San Diego are also visible.
View of the Bennington Memorial Oak Grove from Golden Hill Park, located near Balboa Park’s southeast corner. Balboa Park’s public golf course and Naval Medical Center San Diego are also visible.
Wooden footbridge along 26th Street leads to a little-used trail through USS Bennington Memorial Oak Grove in Balboa Park.
Wooden footbridge along 26th Street leads to a little-used trail through USS Bennington Memorial Oak Grove in Balboa Park.
Sixty large old oak trees memorialize 60 sailers killed in 1905 when the USS Bennington's boiler exploded in San Diego's nearby harbor.
Beautiful old oak trees memorialize 66 sailors killed in 1905 when the USS Bennington’s boiler exploded in San Diego’s nearby harbor.
Looking up through the leaves of the live oak trees at blue sky and clouds.
Looking up through the leaves of the live oak trees at blue sky and clouds.
These trees, honoring fallen men, remind us of a sudden tragic moment in San Diego history.
These trees, honoring fallen men, remind us of a sudden tragic moment in San Diego’s military history.
A commercial airplane flies overhead as it crosses Balboa Park heading in toward Lindbergh Field.
A commercial airplane flies overhead as it crosses Balboa Park heading in toward Lindbergh Field.
A jogger enjoys the shady old trees on a warm day in early October.
A jogger enjoys the shady old trees on a warm day in early October.

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Super cool photos of San Diego’s first Maker Faire!

Amazing 28 foot tall Robot Resurrection stands in Balboa Park's Plaza de Panama during 2015 Maker Faire San Diego!
Amazing 28 foot tall Robot Resurrection stands in Balboa Park’s Plaza de Panama during 2015 Maker Faire San Diego!

Get ready to see some super cool stuff! Here are a bunch of photos I took at Maker Faire San Diego this morning.  The festival, which celebrates human creativity, with an emphasis on engineering and technology, is being held in Balboa Park all weekend long!

2015 Maker Faire in San Diego offers young and old a glimpse of what creators, dreamers and inventors are up to. Here we see some projects of San Diego City Robotics.
2015 Maker Faire in San Diego offers young and old a glimpse of what creators, dreamers and inventors are up to. Here we see some projects of San Diego City Robotics.
Checking out a 3D printer at the San Diego Public Library table at Maker Faire. The library is about to expand their Innovation Lab and will have nine 3D printers!
Checking out a 3D printer at the San Diego Public Library table at Maker Faire. The downtown library is about to expand their Innovation Lab and will have nine 3D printers!
Four of these funny cupcakes cars were cruising around Plaza de Panama and up and down El Prado.
Four of these funny cupcakes cars were cruising around Plaza de Panama and up and down El Prado.
This guy was showing how he employs magnets in very unique bicycle wheel hubs that he produces.
This guy was showing how he employs magnets in very unique bicycle wheel hubs that he produces.
Photo display shows how guitar building--including cutting, drilling, shaping, sanding and dipping--inspires STEM learning.
Photo display shows how guitar building–including cutting, drilling, shaping, sanding and dipping–inspires STEM learning.
Wow! Maker Faire is about to officially open and Robot Resurrection has begun to shoot flames from its fingers! Let's check it out!
Wow! Maker Faire is about to officially open and Robot Resurrection has begun to shoot flames from its fingers! Let’s check it out!
According to Shane Evans, maker of the giant robot, we humans have all become automatons in a highly controlled world.
According to Shane Evans, maker of the giant robot, we humans have all become automatons in a highly controlled world.
Robot Resurrection has been joined by the famous 17 foot tall mechanical walking Electric Giraffe!
Robot Resurrection has been joined by the famous 17 foot tall mechanical walking Electric Giraffe!
Local company Qualcomm had a large exhibit showcasing their electronic chips, some drones, and this little remote control race course which utilizes smart phones.
Local company Qualcomm had a large exhibit showcasing their electronic chips, some drones, and this little remote control race course which utilizes smart phones.
Another fun part of the Qualcomm exhibit at Maker Faire. Robots stack blocks, then cross a finish line.
Another fun part of the Qualcomm exhibit at Maker Faire. Robots stack blocks, then cross a finish line.
Down by the Balboa Park reflecting pool I discovered something really awesome. It's a Victorian-era whimsical flying machine!
Down by the Balboa Park reflecting pool I discovered something really awesome. It’s a Victorian-era whimsical flying machine!
This fantastic, imaginative creation is called the Strato Sculpin. It's a project of the Starburner Galactic Courier Service, a local steampunk group!
This fantastic, imaginative creation is called the Strato Sculpin. It’s a project of the Starburner Galactic Courier Service, a local steampunk group!
Here are some members of the cool group engaged in steampunk cosplay!
Here are some members of the cool group engaged in steampunk cosplay!
Smiling members of the Starburner Galactic Courier Service. They are the galaxy's only bonded courier service operating throughout time and space!
Smiling members of the Starburner Galactic Courier Service. They are the galaxy’s only bonded courier service operating throughout time and space!
This cool guy with the big wheeled penny-farthing bicycle is often seen around Balboa Park. He has appeared in other blog posts. I spoke briefly with him and he's really nice!
This cool guy with the big wheeled penny-farthing bicycle is often seen around Balboa Park. He has appeared in other blog posts. I spoke briefly with him and he’s really nice!
But his big wheel can't compare to this! Coming down El Prado, this awesome personal transportation doohickey looks like it arrived from another world!
But his big wheel can’t compare to this! Coming down El Prado, this awesome personal transportation doohickey looks like it arrived from another world!
And here comes another cool rolling steampunkish robot thingamajig. How cool is this. Human imagination on display at Maker Faire!
And here comes another cool rolling steampunkish robot thingamajig. How cool is this? Human imagination on display at Maker Faire!
Shortly after 10:30, San Diego Mayor Faulconer welcomed the attendees to the first annual Maker Faire.
Shortly after 10:30, San Diego Mayor Faulconer welcomed the attendees to the first annual Maker Faire.
I couldn't believe how much press was gathered for the event. If you live in San Diego, I'm sure you'll see it on the television news!
I couldn’t believe how much press was gathered for the event. If you live in San Diego, I’m sure you’ll see it on the television news!
Jorge Astiazaran, the Mayor of Tijuana, Mexico speaks about our two cities collaborating in various areas, including technology.
Jorge Astiazaran, the Mayor of Tijuana, Mexico speaks about our two cities collaborating in various areas, including technology.
After the brief ceremony and speeches, I headed down to the fountain by the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center. Lots more cool stuff was attracting a crowd.
After the brief ceremony and speeches, I headed to the fountain by the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center. Lots more cool stuff was attracting a crowd.
Back down El Prado, and now the Electric Giraffe is on the move! This creation has been featured on national media, and even was tickled by President Obama.
Back down El Prado, and now the Electric Giraffe is on the move! This creation has been featured on national media, and even was tickled by President Obama.
Not only do the neck and head move, but it talks! The head is equipped with webcam eyes and special touch-sensitive sensors.
Not only do the neck and head move, but it talks! The head is equipped with webcam eyes and special touch-sensitive sensors.
Russell the Electric Giraffe, also named Rave Raff, heads down El Prado in the heart of Balboa Park!
Russell the Electric Giraffe, also named Rave Raff, heads down El Prado in the heart of Balboa Park!
A costume zone near the Japanese Friendship Garden had stuff that looked like Star Wars steampunk! Chewbacca is wearing some goggles!
A costume zone near the Japanese Friendship Garden had stuff that looked like a combination of Star Wars and steampunk! Chewbacca is wearing some goggles!
The huge Battlepond near the San Diego Air and Space Museum had sea battles taking place! The Western Warship Combat Club makes radio-controlled model ships which engage in real combat!
The huge Battlepond near the San Diego Air and Space Museum had sea battles taking place! The Western Warship Combat Club makes radio-controlled model ships which engage in real combat!
National University's School of Engineering and Computing had a futuristic vehicle on display.
National University’s School of Engineering and Computing had a futuristic vehicle on display.
Some artists by the San Diego Automotive Museum were painting a Prius!
Some artists by the San Diego Automotive Museum were painting a nearby Prius!
Compressed air launched rockets high into the sky, to the delight of kids!
Compressed air launched rockets high into the sky, to the delight of kids!
Holy mackerel! Look at this thing! It's a gigantic robot spider, or something! Wow!
Holy mackerel! Look at this thing! It’s a gigantic robot spider, or something! Wow!
I didn't get the name of this amazing, jaw-dropping contraption, but a close examination shows that it actually walks on those spider-like legs!
I didn’t get the name of this amazing, jaw-dropping contraption, but a close examination shows that it actually walks on those spider-like legs!
Leonardo Da Vinci was the ultimate innovator. The world famous San Diego Air and Space Museum has a special exhibition about the legendary Renaissance inventor.
Leonardo Da Vinci was the ultimate innovator. The world famous San Diego Air and Space Museum has a special exhibition about the legendary Renaissance inventor.
These kids are playing human foosball by the Hall of Champions!
These kids are playing human foosball by the Hall of Champions!
The Drones and Outdoor Play zone had lots of material for young, imaginative creators to assemble.
The Drones and Outdoor Play zone had lots of material for young, imaginative creators to assemble.
A free spirit parked their car nearby. You are more than any mind can or could understand.
A free spirit parked their car nearby. You are more than any mind can or could understand.
A delightfully painted car topped with flower pots!
A delightfully painted car topped with flower pots!
San Diego's first ever Maker Faire is a huge success. There are so many cool things to see, your eyes will pop clean out of your head!
San Diego’s first ever Maker Faire is a huge success. There are so many cool things to see, your eyes will pop clean out of your head!

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Building a giant fire-breathing robot for Maker Faire!

Robot Resurrection is being assembled for the Maker Faire in Balboa Park this weekend!
Robot Resurrection is being assembled for Maker Faire, which takes place in Balboa Park this weekend!

A super gigantic fire-breathing robot is coming! You don’t believe me? I saw it today!

The amazing 28 foot tall mechanical man will be drawing a crowd in Balboa Park during the big Maker Faire event this weekend, but right now it’s lying in the Plaza de Panama being assembled!

Robot Resurrection, the name of the giant robot, is actually an articulating sculpture made from 95% airplane parts, piloted by a human operator in the metal torso. The cool creation is the brainchild of Shane Evans, who is based in Denver, Colorado. Robot Resurrection has thrilled kids and adults alike at Maker festivals all around the country!

Maker Faire kicks off Saturday at 10 am. At this epic celebration of technological and artistic innovation, all sorts of inventions and gizmos will be outside on display, including cupcake cars, a giant 12 foot electric giraffe, drones, and something called a Battlepond! Ten of Balboa Park’s museums will also participate, with related exhibits and cool events of their own! If you like this sort of stuff, you’d better go check it out! I’ll definitely be there!

Maker Faire San Diego will include many cool sights up and down El Prado, including the Imagining Zone!
Maker Faire San Diego will include many cool sights up and down El Prado, including the Imagining Zone!
Robot Resurrection will stand 28 feet tall when ready to go. It will move its arms about and shoot fire from its mouth and fingers.
Robot Resurrection will stand 28 feet tall when ready to go. It will move its arms about and shoot fire from its mouth and fingers.
Getting a giant robot ready to thrill thousands at Maker Faire.
Getting a giant robot ready to thrill thousands at Maker Faire San Diego in Balboa Park.
I was told this is one of Robot Resurrection's feet.
I was told this is one of Robot Resurrection’s feet.
And here's the futuristic-looking head. It kind of appears like a robot from an old sci-fi movie or the cover of a vintage science fiction magazine
And here’s the futuristic-looking head. It kind of appears like a robot from an old sci-fi movie or the cover of a vintage science fiction magazine
Flames will be shooting from the mouth of Robot Resurrection! I'll try to get photos!
Flames will be shooting from the mouth of Robot Resurrection! I’ll try to get photos!
Working inside the robot's torso on late Friday.
Working inside the robot’s torso on late Friday.
This complicated creation arose from an airplane junkyard and one man's fantastic, unfettered dreams.
This complicated creation arose from an airplane junkyard and one man’s fantastic, unfettered dreams.

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Orchids in Balboa Park’s amazing Botanical Building!

I believe all these beautiful images are of orchids! I apologize if I'm mistaken. Most photos were taken just inside the left door to the Botanical Building in Balboa Park.
I believe all these beautiful images are of orchids! I apologize if I’m mistaken. Most photos were taken just inside the left door to the Botanical Building in Balboa Park.

I believe all these photos are of orchids. Unfortunately, I’m not an expert when it comes to plants or flowers. Heck, I hardly even rank as an amateur. But I do recognize exquisite beauty. And you’ll find it just inside the left door of Balboa Park’s amazing Botanical Building!

I don’t know the types or names of these orchids. I looked for signs, but saw none. If you recognize anything, leave a comment!

Deep velvet beauty for everyone to enjoy.
Velvet beauty for everyone to enjoy.
So much to absorb in the amazing Botanical Building--one's eyes leap from bloom to bloom.
So much to absorb in the amazing Botanical Building–one’s eyes leap from bloom to bloom.
Nature's masterpieces are often small and fragile.
Nature’s masterpieces are often small and fragile.
Should you ever visit Balboa Park in San Diego, don't miss the Botanical Building. The enormous lath building stands behind the reflecting pool near El Prado.
Should you ever visit Balboa Park in San Diego, don’t miss the Botanical Building. The enormous lath building stands behind the reflecting pool near El Prado.
White angel-like flower seems to signal that the world is just fine.
White angel-like flower seems to signal that the world is just fine.
Many orchids in clay pots hanging from a wall trellis.
Many orchids in clay pots hanging from a wall trellis.
A long strand of gems.
A long strand of gems.
Everywhere you turn in the Botanical Building you'll discover lush plants and natural wonders.
Everywhere you turn in the Botanical Building you’ll discover lush plants and natural wonders.
A lady glides into heaven on Earth.
A lady glides into heaven on Earth.

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Images of Saint Junipero Serra in San Diego.

Molded plaster figure of newly canonized Saint Junipero Serra at top of the California Building’s facade in Balboa Park.
Molded plaster figure of Saint Junipero Serra at top of the California Building’s facade in Balboa Park.  The Museum of Man occupies this landmark building.  The ornate facade contains many sculpted historical figures and busts created by the Piccirilli brothers, famous marble carvers who immigrated from Italy in 1888.

Today, during Pope Francis’ historic first visit to the United States, Junipero Serra was canonized by the Roman Catholic Church. Father Serra was declared a saint by the Holy See at a ceremony conducted by Pope Francis at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.

Saint Junipero Serra played a large role in San Diego’s early history. The Franciscan friar established the first nine of 21 Roman Catholic Spanish missions in what today is California.  The very first of those nine, founded on July 16, 1769, was located in San Diego. The primary purpose of the missions was to convert the native peoples to Christianity; another purpose was to solidify a claim over this valuable corner of the New World for Spain.

The Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcalá is located in Mission Valley and remains to this day an active church. It’s popularity as a destination for tourists and the faithful will likely increase with the canonization of Serra.

Because of Saint Junipero Serra’s historical importance in San Diego, many images of him are found throughout our city. Some of the most prominent and well known representations can be seen in Balboa Park. The park’s Spanish Colonial Revival Style buildings created for the 1915 Panama-California Exposition include lavish ornamentation, with many illustrations of people and scenes important to San Diego history.

The following notable bits of art in Balboa Park depict Saint Junipero Serra during his time in San Diego.

Ornamental art on Balboa Park's Casa del Prado depicts Saint Junipero Serra holding a cross among Spanish soldiers and native peoples in what today is California.
Ornamental art on Balboa Park’s Casa del Prado shows Saint Junipero Serra holding a cross among Spanish soldiers and native peoples in what today is California.  In 1769, San Diego was part of Alta California in the Province of Las Californias in New Spain.
More artwork seen from Balboa Park's historic El Prado shows Franciscan friar on a horse near the Roman Catholic Mission San Diego de Alcalá, which was founded in 1769.
More artwork seen on Balboa Park’s historic El Prado shows Franciscan friar on a horse near the Mission San Diego de Alcalá, which was built near the San Diego River, several miles inland from San Diego Bay.
Junipero Serra Memorial, created 1914. Staff plaster original ornamentation from the Food Products Building, of the Panama-California Exposition. Now located in the Sculpture Court.
Junipero Serra Memorial, created in 1914. Staff plaster original ornamentation from the Food Products Building, of the Panama-California Exposition. This elegant work of art was preserved and is now located in the Casa del Prado’s Sculpture Court.

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Funny eyes, elephants and an owl at Spanish Village.

Ceramic eye atop parking lot post at north end of Balboa Park's art-filled Spanish Village. Various faces and fun eyeballs decorate several nearby posts.
Ceramic eye atop parking lot post at north end of Balboa Park’s art-filled Spanish Village. Various faces and fun eyeballs decorate nearby posts.

Spanish Village is where you’ll find artists at work in San Diego’s incredibly beautiful Balboa Park. On any given day, one can watch artists painting, shaping pottery, blowing glass, or just relaxing beside artwork for sale, out in the colorful courtyard or inside their charming studios. But before you walk into Spanish Village, there’s a good chance you’ll be greeted by funny eyes, two huge elephants, or a happy owl. And possibly even a spider!

What am I talking about? Take a look at these fun photos! (Can you find the spider?)

A peek through an arch into Spanish Village from the small north parking lot.
A peek through an arch into Spanish Village from the small north parking lot.
The colorful courtyard of Spanish Village contains abundant beauty, both natural and artistic.
The colorful courtyard of Spanish Village contains abundant beauty, both natural and artistic.
One of many small artist studios in this very cool corner of San Diego's Balboa Park.
One of many small artist studios in this very cool corner of San Diego’s Balboa Park.
Here come more photos of funny ceramic eyes and faces decorating those plain steel parking lot posts.
Here come more photos of funny ceramic eyes and faces decorating those plain steel parking lot posts.
This is my favorite face of the bunch. I believe I used it in another blog post.
This is my favorite face of the bunch. I believe I used it in another blog post.
A single artistic eyeball painted pink, yellow, purple and blue. The ceramic post-toppers have forms that are very organic.
A single artistic eyeball painted pink, yellow, purple and blue. The ceramic post-toppers have forms that are very organic.
Check out this crazy, creative face! At least, I think it's a face...
Check out this crazy, creative face! At least, I think it’s a face…
A wonderfully alien weird fantasy eye stares right at you!
A wonderfully alien, weird fantasy eye stares right back at you!
Two huge shrub elephants guard a path at the west edge of Spanish Village. Walk north and you'll arrive at the world famous San Diego Zoo!
Two huge shrub elephants guard a path at the west edge of Spanish Village. Walk north and you’ll arrive at the world famous San Diego Zoo!
And this owl with spread wings is keeping an eye on the main entrance to Spanish Village, which is to the south.
And this owl with spread wings is keeping an eye on the main entrance to Spanish Village, which is to the south.

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Fun pics of San Diego Iris Society’s rhizome sale!

These cool ladies knew all about irises and had lots of information on display during the rhizome sale in Balboa Park.
These cool ladies know all about irises.  They had lots of information on display during the rhizome sale in Balboa Park.

As you can see, I saw a lot of fun stuff today in Balboa Park. Included in the mix was the annual rhizome sale put on by the San Diego Iris Society. The folks I met were very friendly and eager to impart information about their fascinating, uniquely fulfilling hobby. After about ten minutes, I’d learned so much about irises my head almost popped!

The Iris Society has many members from around San Diego County, and features loads of fun events throughout the year. If you enjoy gardening, and irises in particular, check out their website! In May they’ll have their big flower exhibition in Balboa Park’s Casa del Prado, where spectacular blooms and arrangements will be on display for the general public. I recall walking through the free event in past years, and it’s spectacular!

Stick these guys in the ground and watch them grow! Irises are often called the poor man's orchid. They thrive in San Diego's climate.
Stick these guys in the ground and watch them grow! Irises are often called the poor man’s orchid. They thrive in San Diego’s climate.
There are many existing hybrids, with many new types being introduced each year. The San Diego Iris Society is an affiliate of the American Iris Society.
There are many existing hybrids, with many new types being introduced each year. The San Diego Iris Society is an affiliate of the American Iris Society.
This is a four year clump. One can separate root clumps to create multiple individual plants!
This is a four year clump. One can separate root clumps to create multiple individual plants!
Visitors to Balboa Park were checking out the annual iris sale and dreaming of beautiful garden flowers!
Visitors to Balboa Park were checking out the annual iris sale and dreaming of beautiful garden flowers!

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Foster homes needed for loving San Diego cats!

Nemo is our special needs cat. He has had left and right knee surgeries, and pins removed. He is in rehab. All Donations Appreciated! Thank you!
Nemo is our special needs cat. He has had left and right knee surgeries, and pins removed. He is in rehab. All Donations Appreciated! Thank you!

Do you love animals? Would you like to adopt a rescue cat in San Diego?

I met three nice ladies during my walk through Balboa Park, and they have a cool organization called Guardian Angels Animal Rescue. They work to save homeless cats and kittens in San Diego. The more fosters they have participating in their program, the more lives they can save. Please check out their website and perhaps you can lend a hand!

These super nice ladies are the Guardian Angels Animal Rescue, helping loving cats find new homes.
These super nice ladies are the Guardian Angels Animal Rescue, helping loving cats find new homes.
Nemo and his furry pal are enjoying another beautiful day in Balboa Park. There are many cool cats like this who'd appreciate a nice home!
Nemo and his furry pal are enjoying another beautiful day in San Diego. There are many friendly cats like this who’d appreciate your love!

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A pile of scary, ghostly horrors in a city park!

Creepy skulls await visitors near entrance to The Haunted Trail for the approaching Halloween season.
Creepy skulls await visitors near entrance to The Haunted Trail.  Many visitors will scream this coming Halloween season.

Is it nearly Autumn? That means Halloween is quickly approaching! And so are the usual nightmarish horrors!

I saw during a walk through Balboa Park’s west end that The Haunted Trail is under construction. Around Halloween, the annual outdoor “haunted house” scares even the bravest living residents of San Diego. Passing through the dark, ghostly trees at night might be scary enough, but imagine being surrounded by legions of hellish ghouls and flesh-eating zombies!

I conquered my own fear and poked my camera over a fence to record the coming terror…

The Haunted Trail is under construction on the west end of Balboa Park. Workers seem to be just getting started.
The Haunted Trail is under construction on the west end of Balboa Park. Workers seem to be just getting started.
Bloody decapitated heads on pikes will scare thrill-seekers in the dark of night!
Bloody decapitated heads on pikes will scare thrill-seekers in the dark of night!
Various dummies arranged on the leafy ground. Like the undead, they will soon rise!
Various dummies arranged on the leafy ground. Like the undead, they will soon rise!
What would Halloween be without a pumpkin head. And some ghouls, ghosts, specters and whatnot.
What would Halloween be without a pumpkin head? And some ghouls, ghosts, specters and miscellaneous whatnot.
That's one big pile of terribly mangled bodies. It almost looks like what happens during a fumble in football.
That’s one big pile of terribly mangled bodies. It almost looks like what happens during a fumble in football.
I thought one grim reaper was quite enough, thank you.
I thought one grim reaper was quite enough, thank you!
And to top it all off, a good old spooky demon with horns. October must be approaching!
And to top it all off, a good old spooky demon with horns. October must be approaching!

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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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