Star of India, HMS Surprise, and Cuauhtémoc, all together in one photographic shot…
All three historic ships, docked in a row on San Diego’s North Embarcadero by the Maritime Museum of San Diego. What a rare chance for my camera!
Star of India, world’s oldest active ship; HMS Surprise, star of classic film Master and Commander; and Cuauhtémoc, tall ship used to train sailors in the Mexican Navy…
I took these photos from the poop deck of Star of India.
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The Mexican tall ship Cuauhtémoc arrived in San Diego this morning. It has docked on the North Embarcadero not far from the Maritime Museum of San Diego!
The beautiful ship is used as a training vessel for the Mexican Navy. When I walked by, sailors were busy preparing the tall ship for visitors all this weekend.
The public will be able to freely step aboard Cuauhtémoc tomorrow until October 4, between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m.
I toured the amazing tall ship back in 2014 and 2024. See the photos I took here and here!
Here’s what I saw today…
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Two local artists were setting up a new exhibition called Shadows and Petals today. I saw them at work hanging selected pieces in Gallery 21 of Balboa Park’s Spanish Village Art Center.
Both Katarina Keane (@collagebykat) and Kimberly Brunetto (@brunettokim) were very nice, answering a few questions and allowing me to take photographs. They work in collage and mixed media. All of their pieces on display are for sale.
Kimberly describes her mixed media work as abstract expressionism. To me, her pieces convey subtle emotion. Shifts in form and color on certain canvases are like movement through time, through life. Contrasts on canvases can tug at curious eyes and suggest deeper things–an inner life.
She has written: “For me, a shadow is an unrealized part of ourselves that calls to us with longing . . . The petals represent what happens when we finally listen…”
Katarina told me her colorful works have a narrative quality. I noticed many of her collages include written words, almost like poetry. The images and words seem to tell a visual story about a life or a life experience.
Many of her pieces show flowers and vessels. They suggest an inner beauty, or potential beauty, that we all possess.
That’s the way I saw it.
Why don’t you swing by Spanish Village in Balboa Park and experience all this beautiful, subtle art for yourself?
Shadows and Petals will be exhibited in Gallery 21 through October 5, 2026.
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Another perfect sunny day in Encinitas. The beautiful views from Swami’s Park overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Swami’s Surf Beach brought out my camera.
It was the middle of the day mid-week in late summer. I didn’t see too many surfers out at the world-famous point break.
Look at the gorgeous blue and green colors of the water!
No, I didn’t walk down to the beach this time.
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These two shipping containers in Encinitas were painted years ago. For a long time, visitors to Charlie’s Electric Bikes could observe them in the parking lot, behind a bunch of bicycles. That eBike business no longer exists–the building is now home to Charlie’s Electric Studio. The two old containers remain.
The artwork was painted by Encinitas artist Kevin Anderson. Yes, you’ve possibly seen his work all around coastal San Diego North County. Find many of his very beautiful murals by clicking here.
During my recent walk in downtown Encinitas, I crossed the Charlie’s Electric Studio parking lot from South Coast Highway 101 to take these photographs.
You can see how the art has faded over the years, especially on the second shipping container I photographed, which was the first to be painted.
This next shipping container was the first to be painted. It’s the most faded:
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Día de Muertos is coming up at the start of November. Many in San Diego are getting ready.
Fiesta de Reyes in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park has already set up their many different, very colorful Catrinas. But one in particular is pretty spectacular!
This large Catrina has been erected at the Fiesta de Reyes stage. I saw her today during a walk around Old Town.
She seems to stand in an arbor made of marigolds, with giant red roses on either side…
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The good news: Bill of Rights remains based in Chula Vista, thanks to the advocacy of many. The schooner will continue to train Sea Scouts and Boy Scouts and serve as an educational platform. Hooray!
However, I could see how the wooden ship still needs help with its redecking. I also learned the ship is due for its periodic haul out for hull inspection and maintenance. Of course, all of this takes money.
Interested in lending a hand?
Click this webpage to learn various ways you can keep this unique and important tall ship going strong!
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A beautiful Dia de Los Muertos altar (ofrenda) was created today for the large display case outside the Mingei International Museum in Balboa Park.
This particular altar, containing marigolds and other traditional spiritual symbols, is dedicated to beloved athletes who’ve passed away, including Tony Gwynn and Junior Seau.
The altar was created by members of the Sherman Heights Community Center, whose own displays at the community center will open to the public on October 15th.
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