Tag: bankers hill

Swirly, curly, windswept clouds above San Diego!

The sun rises behind trees on Cortez Hill, in downtown San Diego.
The sun rises behind trees atop Cortez Hill, the neighborhood where I live in downtown San Diego.

Yesterday morning, just after sunrise, the clouds high above San Diego were absolutely amazing. They were delicate and windswept, like angels’ wings and painted dreams. The clouds were so swirly and curly, it seemed the wind knew not which way to go.

I took these photos during a short walk from Cortez Hill to Bankers Hill.

Eucalyptus trees at southwest corner of Balboa Park, beneath glowing, fantastic morning clouds.
Eucalyptus trees at the southwest corner of Balboa Park, beneath glowing, fantastic morning clouds.
Mother Nature put on quite a sky show for those who thought to look upward!
Mother Nature put on quite a sky show for those who thought to look upward!
Swirly, curly, windswept clouds high in the blue San Diego sky, like a delicate dream.
Swirly, curly, windswept clouds high in the blue San Diego sky, like a delicate dream.
Morning clouds above Bankers Hill make for a truly cool sight in San Diego, the beautiful place I call home!
Morning clouds above Bankers Hill make for a truly cool sight in San Diego, the beautiful city I call home!

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Do you like these photos? I recently wrote an unusual, inspiring story that might touch you called One Strange, Shimmering Dream.  Click to read it!

A warm morning glow in San Diego.

Gazing east through trees into Balboa Park. The California Tower is a dark spike inside a golden sunrise.
Gazing east through dark trees into Balboa Park. The California Tower is a small spike inside a golden sunrise.

Early yesterday morning, the weather was so pleasant that I decided to walk to work. It’s about a four and a half mile journey. I started from downtown San Diego up Sixth Avenue along the west edge of Balboa Park, walked from Bankers Hill into Hillcrest, then finally descended Bachman Place into Mission Valley.

These photos capture the golden glow of a cloudless sunrise. Moving through the warm morning light was a modest adventure in a magical world.

Buildings along Sixth Avenue on Bankers Hill reflect breaking day one early January morning.
Buildings along Sixth Avenue on Bankers Hill reflect breaking day one early January morning.
A warm glow and reflection on the Redwood Bridge Club sign at the west edge of Balboa Park.
A warm glow and reflection on the Redwood Bridge Club sign at the west edge of Balboa Park.
A stately house at Sixth Avenue and Upas Street seems magical.
A stately house at Sixth Avenue and Upas Street seems magical.
Happy orange flowers poke through some bars along the sidewalk.
Happy orange flowers poke through some bars along the sidewalk.
The Tap House has a glowing light bulb on their business in Hillcrest.
The Tap House has a glowing light bulb on their business in Hillcrest.
The sky is gradually brightening above a shadowy Hillcrest alley.
The sky is gradually brightening above a shadowy Hillcrest alley.
A reddish splash in blue water. The fountain in front of Scripps Mercy Hospital.
A reddish splash in blue water. Morning photo of the fountain in front of Scripps Mercy Hospital.
Eucalyptus trees in warm winter morning light. Photo taken while walking down Bachman Place into Mission Valley.
Eucalyptus trees in warm winter morning light. Photo taken while walking down Bachman Place into Mission Valley.
Reflection in windows of the once-proud San Diego Union Tribune building in Mission Valley. The newspaper offices are moving to a smaller location downtown.
Reflection in windows of the once-proud San Diego Union Tribune building in Mission Valley. The newspaper offices are moving to a smaller location downtown.

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Crossing the cool Spruce Street Suspension Bridge.

Couple crosses Kate Sessions Canyon on a cool 375 foot long suspension bridge!
Couple crosses Kate Sessions Canyon on a very long suspension bridge!

If you love cool bridges, the Bankers Hill neighborhood just north of downtown San Diego is the place to go!

I blogged about the Quince Street Trestle and First Avenue Bridge a while back. But an even more awesome bridge (in my opinion) can be found on Spruce Street!

The classic Spruce Street Suspension Bridge is located just west of First Avenue and crosses narrow Kate Sessions Canyon. It’s an amazing, breathtaking 375 feet long! Steel cables support a gently swaying passage through and above treetops, and a walk along its length feels like a small, romantic adventure. The bridge was designed by Edwin Capps, the city engineer who was also responsible for plans to dredge San Diego Bay, and who would go on to be elected mayor. (It was Capps who hired the rainmaker Charley Hatfield, the central character in one of San Diego’s most legendary tales! Perhaps I’ll blog about it one day…)

Built in 1912, the purpose of the Spruce Street Suspension Bridge was to provide easy access for those who lived to the west to trolley lines on Fourth and Fifth Avenue.

The Spruce Street steel cable suspension footbridge, engineered by Edwin Capps, was erected in 1912.
The Spruce Street steel cable suspension footbridge, engineered by Edwin Capps, was erected in 1912.
Wouldn't you like to walk out on this bridge.
Wouldn’t you like to walk out on this bridge?
The swaying suspension bridge is a unique, historic structure just north of downtown San Diego.
The swaying suspension bridge is a unique, historic structure just north of downtown San Diego.
Lots of people love this hidden bridge. You feel like you're crossing through a wilderness of treetops!
Lots of people love this hidden bridge. You feel like you’re crossing through a wilderness of treetops!
Bicyclists enjoy a dirt trail 70 feet below.
Bicyclists enjoy a dirt trail 70 feet below.
Boy sits thoughtfully on the Spruce Street suspension bridge in Bankers Hill.
Boy sits thoughtfully on the Spruce Street Suspension Bridge in Bankers Hill.

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Balloons, wings, stars and the wisdom of Seuss.

Panda with star on belly is lifted by colorful balloons, and floats away into the blue sky.
Panda with star on belly is lifted by colorful balloons, and floats away into the blue sky.

No matter how different people might appear, we all live among the same bright stars.

Perhaps that’s a bit of wisdom inferred from a book by one of my favorite authors, Dr. Seuss.

That also seems to be the elevating message of this cool street art in Bankers Hill.

While words and art might eventually fade (as these photos prove), the stars buried within us do not.

These three transformer boxes in Bankers Hill are painted with unbounded imagination.
These three transformer boxes in Bankers Hill are painted with unbounded imagination.
Jazzy guy plays keyboard in a boat that soars above the surf and a star-bellied bird.
Jazzy guy plays keyboard in a boat that soars above the surf and a star-bellied bird.
Flowers in hair, on shoulders. A golden star joins the sun and sunflower in symbolic street art.
Flowers in hair, on shoulders. A golden star on a dress joins the sun and sunflower in symbolic street art.
Part of faded Dr. Seuss verse. That day, all the Sneetches forgot about stars and whether they had one, or not, upon thars.
Part of slowly fading Dr. Seuss verse: “That day, all the Sneetches forgot about stars and whether they had one, or not, upon thars.”
Winged angel dog in heaven plays a drum.
Winged angel dog in heaven plays a drum.
Silly green-headed alien frolics on red planet.
Happy, unique green alien frolics on red planet.
Musician in cool sunglasses plays guitar where he stands in the cosmos.
Musician plays his guitar where he stands in the cosmos.
A zany peek over Mars, under stars.
A zany peek over Mars, under stars.

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A flavor of Olive in the San Diego cocktail.

A tiny barn in a fun garden between the sidewalk and a local acupuncture and wellness center.
A tiny barn and rabbits in a narrow garden, located between the sidewalk and a local acupuncture and wellness center.

I recently walked through Bankers Hill, a historic neighborhood just north of downtown San Diego. During my small adventure I got a few interesting photos on and around Olive Street. Like the sights in any city, they form a mixture. Here’s a flavor of Olive in the San Diego cocktail!

Flower at the HERBIN Community Garden Project, among plots where many herbs are grown.
Flower at the HERBIN Community Garden Project, among plots where many herbs are grown.
Ms. Pacman, Space Invaders and other video game legends hang out on a porch railing.
Ms. Pacman, Space Invaders and other video game legends hang out on a porch railing.
The Amy Strong House, built in 1906 by an enterprising San Diego dressmaker, or couturier.
The Amy Strong House, built in 1906 on Olive Street by an enterprising San Diego dressmaker, or couturier.
Amy Strong lived here until 1912. The house is in the early 20th century Craftsman architectural style.
Amy Strong lived here until 1912. The house is in the early 20th century Craftsman architectural style.
A few unusual features foretold the highly eccentric Amy Strong Castle at Mt. Woodson, which she built years later.
A few unusual features anticipated the highly eccentric Amy Strong Castle at Mt. Woodson, which she built years later.
Future site of Olive Street Park. This small plot of land for years has been the object of contention, as some might have seen on KUSI News' Turko Report.
Future site of Olive Street Park. This small plot of land for years has been the object of contention, as you might have seen on KUSI News’ Turko Files.
Large medical office building on Fifth Avenue just north of Olive being demolished. I saw a doctor here many years ago!
Huge medical office building between Fifth and Sixth Avenue just north of Olive being demolished.
Cool art on wall of residential building at corner of Fourth and Olive.
Cool art hangs on residential building at corner of Fourth and Olive.

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It’s always sunny in Hillcrest!

I believe in rollerblading! More fun utility box art in a San Diego neighborhood.
I believe in rollerblading. More fun utility box art in a San Diego neighborhood.

At the corner of Fifth and Spruce is a convenience store. Stop here on a sunny day and you can do more than grab a bag of chips. You can enjoy two colorful examples of street art!

It's always sunny in Hillcrest! (Follow the arrow. This is in Bankers Hill.)
It’s always sunny in Hillcrest!

To be exact, this is Bankers Hill. Hillcrest begins at Upas Street, a couple blocks to the north. I suppose that’s why someone drew an arrow.

Harsh angular shadow eclipses pastoral mural painted on a parking lot wall.
Dark shadow can’t harm this joyful street mural painted on a parking lot wall.
Magical fairy, flowers and tree behind dumpster. A touch of charming creativity in the city.
Magical fairy, flowers and tree behind dumpster. A touch of charming creativity in the city.

UPDATE!

Years later, I noticed the tooth fairy had magically appeared! (I believe the building with the mural is home to a dentist.)

IMG_8742z

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Fun photos from today’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

Saint Patrick was seen in downtown San Diego banishing snakes and frowns.
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.
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.
Crowd gathers early before the big St. Patrick’s Day parade kicks off.
Lots of dogs were wearing the green this morning.
Lots of dogs were wearing the green this morning.
Fun green hats and stuff line the grass by the sidewalk.
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.
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.
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.
This cool old Ambulance and Patrol vehicle awaits start of parade.
The distinctive Shriners float doesn't look very Irish to me, except for a bit of green!
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.
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.
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.
Marching band instruments lie on the grass before start of the St. Paddy’s parade.
The Academy of Irish Dance gets their festive float ready.
The Academy of Irish Dance gets their elaborate float ready.
These super nice San Diego Roller Derby ladies posed for my camera!
These super nice San Diego Roller Derby ladies posed for my camera!
Motorcyclist in green heads down Sixth Avenue where the parade is staging.
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.
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.
Everybody was busy getting ready as the 10:30 morning start approached.
Serviceman helps affix some green to the front bumper of a car.
Serviceman helps affix some Irish green to the front bumper of a car.
The Young Marines were folding a large American flag as I walked down Sixth Avenue.
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.
A smiling Irish clown perfectly captures the spirit of this wonderful annual event.

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Walk under cool bridges on Maple Canyon Trail.

View of the Quince Street Trestle from a spot on Fourth Avenue.
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!
Small cabinet at end of footbridge contains books that people can freely borrow!
Walking across the very cool historic trestle on Bankers Hill.
Walking across the very cool historic trestle on Bankers Hill.
Looking down from the trestle at dogs and walker passing through the canyon below.
Looking down from trestle at dogs and walker passing through the canyon below.
This super cool condo is located near the Third Avenue trailhead.
This super cool condo is located near the Third Avenue trailhead.
Maple Canyon Open Space sign near trailhead on Bankers Hill.
Maple Canyon Open Space sign near trailhead on Bankers Hill.
Looking up at the wooden footbridge from the quiet footpath on a sunny day.
Looking up at the wooden footbridge from the quiet footpath on a sunny day.
Wooden beams compose the high trestle.
Wood beams compose the high trestle.
Grass and spring flowers line the Maple Canyon Trail.
Grass and spring flowers line the Maple Canyon Trail.
Some interesting houses can be seen up on the hillsides.
Some interesting houses can be seen up on the hillsides.
Here comes the First Avenue Bridge beyond a eucalyptus tree.
Here comes the First Avenue Bridge beyond a eucalyptus tree.
This elegant old steel bridge has very limited traffic.
This elegant old steel bridge has very limited motor traffic.

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Adventure is out there! It’s a breeze!

Adventure is out there! Just attach a bunch of balloons!
Adventure is out there! Just attach a bunch of balloons!

Okay, here’s a quick pic of some rather simple street art. I saw this colorfully painted utility box while walking up Bankers Hill a few days ago.

I love the symbolism in the image. A riot of small uplifting balloons whisking one’s home and carefully controlled life away on a carefree, restoring breeze was a theme that I really enjoyed in the Pixar movie Up!

Tomorrow I’m planning on a long walk. No telling where my legs will take me!

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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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