I was going to post these beautiful photographs on one of my other blogs, A Small World Full of Beauty, but decided to feature them here! As I walked to the trolley station after work, the ominous, complex, wind-sculpted gray clouds above Mission Valley were so unusual and eye-catching that I had to pull out my camera. A few drops of sporadic rain couldn’t bow my head. There was so much beauty above in every direction!
Here are some photos.
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Playing catch with a dog on the small beach at Spanish Landing Park. A sailboat moves through Harbor Island’s West Basin, heading out to San Diego Bay.
A wide path for walkers and bicyclists runs from San Diego’s Embarcadero to Spanish Landing. While the portion between the Coast Guard station and Harbor Island Drive isn’t terribly scenic (it’s located right next to Harbor Drive and a lot of airport traffic), the section that meanders through Spanish Landing Park provides a peaceful, pleasant stroll. And a chance to learn a bit about San Diego’s history!
Today I took a long walk up the sunny path. Here are some photos. I pulled out my camera near Lindbergh Field and kept snapping pics all the way to the west end of Spanish Landing Park. (And beyond, as you’ll see in coming blog posts!)
As usual, please refer to the captions. You might note that Spanish Landing received its name because the 1769 expedition by Spanish explorer Gaspar de Portolá anchored in San Diego Bay near this place. The bay was much different back then–in modern times it has been extensively dredged and expanded. Indeed, Harbor Island, which you see in some photos, was originally a sandbank! Harbor Island today is composed of dredge spoils.
A long path along Harbor Drive runs from the Embarcadero in downtown San Diego to Spanish Landing. Bicyclists head up the path on a sunny weekend.This mural can be spotted across Harbor Drive as one approaches Lindbergh Field. Painted on the commuter terminal by Jari “Werc” Alvarez, it spells SAN, the code for San Diego International Airport.The path, near the edge of San Diego Bay, is part of the California Coastal Trail. It’s ideal for walking or biking from downtown to Spanish Landing Park, and beyond.A photo with my camera lifted toward the sky on a fine Saturday in mid-October.A quick photo of Cancer Survivors Park, on the east end of Spanish Landing Park. I’ve blogged about this special place a couple of times.Kayak heads across the water toward boats docked at a Harbor Island marina. Hotels on Harbor Island are resting on soil dredged up from the bay.I remember hearing the Callaway Carillon bell tower near the center of Spanish Landing Park when I was a child. I believe it no longer works. I hope I’m wrong.Plaque near base of the electronic bell tower. The Callaway Carillon is presented to the Port of San Diego by Thearle Music Company Associates . . . 1973Walkers pause on the path through Spanish Landing to read a California Historical Landmark plaque near the water.Spanish Landing. Near this point, sea and land parties of the Portola-Serra Expedition met. Two ships, the San Antonio and San Carlos, anchored on May 4-5, 1769.A bit further up the path is a playground and a popular spot for parties and celebrations on the nearby grass.Bronze artwork near the path through Spanish Landing honors those who lost their lives, during the sea journey by Gaspar de Portolá up the coast, two and a half centuries ago.Dedicated to the heroic Spaniards who gave their lives and were buried near this site in 1769-70, after accompanying Gaspar de Portolá, the first Governor of California, in the exploration of California from San Diego to San Francisco.Many benches along Spanish Landing Park provide views of the peaceful water and nearby Harbor Island.Bicyclists near the west end of Spanish Landing Park. By crossing the North Harbor Drive Bridge, one can enter Point Loma.The North Harbor Drive Bridge was dedicated in June 1980.Paddleboarders float down the boat channel, between North Harbor Drive Bridge and the adjacent Nimitz Bridge, which is now used by pedestrians. The grass in the distance is part of the Liberty Station Esplanade.People rest on a bench at the west end of Spanish Landing Park, gazing out at a beautiful scene.Sailboats, paddleboards and boats of every type out on blue San Diego Bay. The Pacific Ocean lies just beyond the peninsula of Point Loma, in the distance.
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A beautiful face comes alive on a Little Italy street. Amazing chalk art will be a central attraction at the annual Festa celebration in San Diego.
Tomorrow Festa will be enjoyed by thousands of people in Little Italy. One of the annual festival’s biggest attraction is the amazing chalk art, which is also known as Gesso Italiano. Today the chalk artists began creating their masterpieces. Their unusual canvas is two blocks of asphalt along Beech Street.
I walked this afternoon from Cortez Hill down to Little Italy, to see how far the artwork has progressed. Most of the artists had already made a good start.
I looked with wonder at many colorful chalk art faces that have gradually come to life. The artists, when drawing a human form, often begin with the face. So many beautiful faces were gazing up from the asphalt.
Festa begins tomorrow, Sunday, at 10 o’clock. Thousands will enjoy the finished chalk masterpieces. I will definitely be there!
Chalk artists line two blocks of Beech Street. It’s a very special October weekend in downtown San Diego’s Little Italy neighborhood.This chalk artist uses a grid to form his emerging creation.Another face mysteriously materializes on the street. Many different colors of chalk can be used to create subtle effects.Elaborate chalk artwork, also known as Gesso Italiano, is being created the day before 2016 Festa begins in Little Italy.Chalk can be used to produce truly sensational images.Another chalk artist at work creating a bold face in the middle of the street.Many classical images borrowed from Italy’s rich history and culture will appear tomorrow on Beech Street for 2016 Festa.Chalk and asphalt. Passion and skill. A human face is born.Eyes peer up from the street, patiently regarding a skilled chalk artist.A colorful chalk angel almost ready to take flight in Little Italy.A beautiful face beneath a halo.Flying purple hair, and a glowing face in the sunlight.These eyes have been infused with life. Chalk artists have converged to create beautiful art in Little Italy for 2016 Festa!
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Wheelchairs are welcome on the beautiful Jas Arnold Trail For All People in Black Mountain Open Space Park.
A hiking trail that welcomes wheelchairs recently opened in San Diego’s North County. It’s called the Jas Arnold Trail For All People, and it’s located in the Black Mountain Open Space Park.
This morning I walked the short loop for the first time.
What a wonderful place. Peaceful, a bit meandering, easily accessible, with pleasant views into the sunlit distance, fresh air, the scent of sage, the sound of birds–it’s a fine place that one can explore at a easy pace and just relax–a place to feel energized, spiritually whole and free.
Here are some photographs. To read the signs, click the images and they will enlarge. This morning I spotted a shy rabbit, a curious scrub jay and a cheerful young mockingbird. And a bunch of small flitting birds that I couldn’t identify.
The Trail For All People is a 1076 feet long, nearly level loop. The elevation runs between 777 and 792 feet. The five foot wide hiking trail’s decomposed granite surface is very easily navigated on wheels or by foot. Those in a wheelchair who love nature and the outdoors should definitely check it out!
To reach the Trail For All People’s trailhead, drive up Carmel Valley Road and watch for the Black Mountain Open Space Park sign that mentions Miner’s Ridge Loop. You’ll spot it just south of the Valle Del Sur Court traffic light. Turn in to the narrow entrance and head up a slightly rough and winding paved road for about a half mile until you reach the trailhead parking lot. Once parked, it’s easy to spot the Trail For All People. (You might also see trailheads for the Miner’s Ridge Loop and Lilac Canyon Trail.)
On warm days, make sure to bring water! Enjoy!
To find the trailhead for the Trail For All People, turn off of Carmel Valley Road at this sign, just south of the traffic light at Valle Del Sur Court.Early morning walker with dog on the Miner’s Ridge Loop Trail, across a parking lot from the Trail For All People.The Jas Arnold Trail For All People is an ADA Accessible loop composed of wheelchair-friendly decomposed granite. Four small shelters provide shade for those enjoying the views.Native plants along the trail include Black Sage, Coastal Prickly Pear, California Sagebrush, Laurel Sumac, Chamise, Lemonadeberry and Flat-top Buckwheat.Animals one might spot along the trail include rattlesnakes, Red-tailed Hawks, California Quail, Greater Roadrunners, Desert Cottontails, Bobcats and Coyotes.Here I’m hiking down the easy Jas Arnold Trail For All People on Black Mountain early one Saturday morning. The sun had just risen and very few people were about.One of the benches and shelters along the Trail For All People. Views to the north include mountains and nearby 4S Ranch.Looking southeast toward the chaparral-covered slopes of Black Mountain in north San Diego County.A topographical map shows the position of the Trail For All People in relation to its surroundings.The Jas Arnold Trail For All People was built on a small plateau in the Black Mountain Ranch Open Space Park.Another sign along the trail provides detailed information about some of the wildlife one might see.Another section of the relatively level Trail For All People. The easy loop is ideal for the mobility challenged and families with very small children. On warm days, bring water!One of many fascinating signs along the trail. The smell of sage adds a pleasant element to one’s invigorating journey through fresh open air.A pleasant view from the Jas Arnold Trail For All People on Black Mountain.The natural beauty, open spaces and sunlight make one feel happy and alive.
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Tall ship Californian fires a cannon toward the Maritime Museum of San Diego during the 2016 Festival of Sail!
I took a fair number of photos at the 2016 Festival of Sail today. The celebration of tall ships, which takes place at the Maritime Museum of San Diego during Labor Day weekend, is just as wonderful as ever. I suppose I’m biased. I’ve always loved tales of the sea and stories of rugged souls who have embarked on journeys of discovery.
The Festival of Sail this year includes 19 ships. Many have arrived for this event from locations up and down the West Coast.
I blogged about the annual Festival of Sail the last couple of years, so this time I won’t provide heaps of information. Just a sense of what it’s like to wander among the beautiful and amazing ships, and to watch them out sailing on San Diego Bay. Remember–this awesome event continues through Labor Day!
The 2016 Festival of Sail includes dueling tall ships out on San Diego Bay. Here we see Californian and Bill of Rights maneuvering to fire some broadsides.Out on the Big Bay and along the Embarcadero, many beautiful sailing ships are part of this year’s annual Festival of Sail in San Diego.Mister Mac, that notorious pirate, has descended on San Diego with two rascally accomplices to wreak havoc.The tall ship Spirit of Dana Point is a replica of a 1770s privateer used during the American Revolution. It is based at the Ocean Institute up the coast in Dana Point, California.Figurehead of the Spirit of Dana Point is a Native American female.The graceful brigantines Exy Johnson and Irving Johnson have returned for this year’s Festival of Sail. They are based at the Los Angeles Maritime Institute.Volunteer crewmember aboard the Exy Johnson tells a visitor about the complex workings of an amazing tall ship with many sails.Visitors to the 2016 Festival of Sail in San Diego learned about maritime history and experienced a little of what life might have been like sailing across the broad ocean on a tall ship long ago.These Royal Marines belong to the HMS Surprise, docked just behind them. They’re enjoying a bit of grog. Don’t tell the captain!Visitor standing on the newly rebuilt poop deck of the Star of India rings the historic ship’s bell. The wheel has been removed for refurbishment. The nearby binnacle and wooden benches will also be made like new!The Tiama and Cloudia were docked side by side not far from the Maritime Museum of San Diego during the 2016 Festival of Sail.The Cloudia is an old wooden Norwegian top-sail ketch recently restored in San Diego. I believe it is available for local sailing trips.There is so much to look at and explore! What’s down below the deck?Docked behind the Maritime Museum’s steam ferry Berkeley, the galleon replica San Salvador made its public debut during the 2016 Festival of Sail.Visitors line up to have a chance to go aboard San Salvador for the very first time.Looking up at masts, a crow’s nest, and a flag of the Spanish Empire while waiting to board the San Salvador. This ship is an approximate replica of what Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo sailed in when he discovered San Diego Bay in 1542.A park ranger from Cabrillo National Monument, across the bay on Point Loma, talks to visitors about the history of the actual San Salvador and the difficulties of sailing long ago.Once aboard the replica San Salvador, we were permitted to explore the main deck and enclosed areas at either end. It’s hard to believe, but during the journey of exploration in 1542, over 100 men occupied a similarly tiny deck!Ropes and a bombard tucked away inside the forward part of the galleon San Salvador.Exhibits on the San Salvador replica galleon include a crude narrow dining table and armor used by Spanish conquistadors.Out at the end of the Maritime Museum of San Diego’s dock, three cannons are prepared to be fired!Boom!Californian sails in toward its docking place near the San Salvador. More cannon battles out on San Diego Bay will take place all Labor Day weekend!
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These beautiful quilts are on public display at Threads of the Past, in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.
I recently visited Threads of the Past, a living history exhibition in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. Not only did I see a number of beautiful quilts, but I learned about spinning and weaving. I was even able to watch a skilled artisan work an old-fashioned loom!
Here are some fascinating photos that I took inside Threads of the Past. I know very little about weaving and needlework, so I’m afraid I can’t provide much commentary. I do know that I really enjoyed looking at all the colors and patterns. I also learned a bit about San Diego’s past from the friendly members of Old Town’s Historic Quilt Guild and Fiber Arts Guilds. They’re keeping history alive! With great skill, they have produced beautiful textile artwork that visitors to Old Town can appreciate with their own eyes!
Threads of the Past is located near San Diego’s first courthouse. You can find it among the many other museums and historical attractions in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.
Should you visit San Diego’s Old Town, look for this sign outside the Threads of the Past living history activity center.Shelves full of colorful fabric woven with geometric patterns.Two quilts on one wall greet visitors as they enter Threads of the Past. On the left is a modern version of the 1850s Juana Machado Quilt.According to family lore, this applique quilt was made by Juana Machado in the 1850s. Juana was born in 1814 to a soldier of the San Diego Presidio and his wife.Threads of the Past contains several small looms and a variety of educational displays.Some colorful fabric circles arranged on a table.As you can see, this Inkle Loom is quite narrow. It’s used to make woven bands for belts and straps.A rather simple wood Colonial Loom on display in Threads of the Past.One display explains shearing sheep for wool, then carding, combing, and spinning wool.Several hand carders. Carding is gently spreading washed and dried wool in preparation for future processing, like spinning.All sorts of very colorful threads!A living demonstration of an old-fashioned hand loom at Threads of the Past, in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.
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Gifted artist with a great laugh creates a beautiful dragonfly using ink. Demonstrations were part of this weekend’s free art show inside the Casa del Prado in Balboa Park.
I was wandering all over Balboa Park today when I saw a sign on El Prado. A free art show was being held inside the Casa del Prado!
What I discovered was pretty cool. Lots of really fine art, created by members of the Art Club of San Diego. Every year they have an exhibit in Balboa Park, and I was told taking photos was just fine. So here the photos are–and I hope many people enjoy them! Please note the name of the artist if you happen to be taken by a particular piece.
The Art Club of San Diego showcased the work of their artists in Balboa Park. Types of art included Sumi-e (Japanese ink wash painting), Ceramic and unusual, highly creative Art Forms.Many great pieces were out on view for anyone to enjoy. I was told taking photographs was fine. So here are some cool works of art! I’ve done my best to note the artists.I love this bear and the wild hills beyond! Artist Keiko Kitano.Some unusual but beautiful sculptures were part of this unique, once-a-year show.Beautiful artwork, everywhere I turned!I love this traditional bamboo. The artist is Joe Cross.Another fine work of art using ink and brush. Artist Louise Rendich.A colorful bird! Uh, oh. I didn’t get the artist. Sorry!I wasn’t the only one who was really enjoying these. You might want to watch for notices of the show next year.Mother monkey and offspring in a tender embrace. Fantastic. The artist is Kayo Beach.This one really caught my attention! The artist is Kayo Beach.One table had superb ceramic works arrayed upon it, all produced by Kazu Takahashi.According to a nearby sign, this Nihonga Japanese Style painting uses gansai Japanese colors on gold screen or dosa treated rice paper, or on silk.More beauty found in amazing Balboa Park. The Art Club of San Diego has some fine artists! Here we see the work of Kazue Knowlton.
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Founder of the San Diego Chinese Historical Museum, Dr. Alexander Chuang, prepares one of two stone lions for their unveiling ceremony.
This morning a ceremony was held in front of the San Diego Chinese Historical Museum. Two large stone lions were unveiled at the intersection of J Street and Third Avenue. That’s in the very heart of downtown’s Asian Pacific Historic District.
I missed the unveiling, because I had a long-reserved ticket for another nearby event which took place at the exact same time. But I did get photos of the two amazing sculptures being prepared!
The founder of the Chinese Historical Museum, Dr. Alexander Chuang, had the two beautiful lions made in China then brought to the City of San Diego. It was a generous gift and a wonderful addition to our diverse city. I was told Dr. Chuang spent 7 or 8 years on this project. The lions are carved from stone taken from Mount Tai, which is said to be the holiest mountain in China. Now I have yet another reason to look forward to walks through this fascinating part of downtown San Diego!
I briefly spoke to Dr. Alexander Chuang while he prepared the statues, and to other members of the museum. They were so very gracious! One day I’ll venture into the museum–it’s on my list of things to do. When I do, I’ll definitely share the experience.
Plaque describes pair of large stone lions made of granite from Mount Tai, considered the holiest mountain in China. They will be a landmark of the Asian Pacific Historic District of San Diego.Final preparations are made about an hour before the unveiling. I got a sneak peek just by walking around with my camera!Members of the San Diego Chinese Historical Museum drape one of the two stone lions. I got my early photos just in time!On the opposite side of Third Avenue, the second lion stands guard. Another very cool sight has been added to the city of San Diego!
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Beautiful ceramic mosaic artwork at Fletcher Cove Park in Solana Beach. The orange Garibaldi. By artist Betsy Schulz.
During my walk last weekend I headed from the Solana Beach Coaster station west a couple of blocks to Fletcher Cove Park. It was my intention to walk north along the ocean, then back east to Pacific Coast Highway. What I discovered as I neared the beach was incredibly cool.
The ceramic sea-themed mosaics you see in my photos were created by artist Betsy Schulz. I’ve documented another installation of her public art near the Santa Fe Depot. To see that, click here.
From the bluff at Overlook Park there’s a good view of Fletcher Cove and the blue Pacific Ocean. There are also four tables with more cool tile artwork by Betsy Schulz. The beautiful mosaics below in Fletcher Cove Park are found along the walkway that leads down to the beach.
Picnic tables along a path leading up through Overlook Park in Solana Beach feature more beautiful, sea-themed tile mosaics.A spiny lobster embedded in a picnic table at Overlook Park.Two beautiful fish are part of some sea-themed art in Solana Beach, created by artist Betsy Schulz.A crab is featured in this colorful mosaic of small ceramic tiles.Sculpture of a seagull near entrance to Fletcher Cove Park. According to one article I read, the sculpture was created in the 1940s, and the artist doesn’t seem to be known.Fletcher Cove Park, dedicated this day, June 16, 2007.An octopus on a low wall embraces citizens and businesses in Solana Beach who are part of this coastal community.Wonderful tile artwork includes shells, stones and a school of small silvery fish.Barred Surfperch.More ceramic fish along the public walkway that heads down through Fletcher Cove Park to the small beach.Red Octopus.A work of art depicting a few of nature’s wonders and human creativity.This oval seat is right next to the beach. We know a mermaid who lives here in the sea…And here is the mermaid. The stunning mosaic artwork has been worn by sand, wind and time.In a tide pool one might discover a Brittle Star.Upon the rocky ocean bottom, one might find Green Abalone.Brown Tube Snail and California Spiny Lobster.Shore birds one might see nearby include the Whimbrel and Marbled Godwit.Thousands of shells, waves rush to our shore, Search high and low tides, you’re bound to find more.White Amiantis.Many small sea creatures appear in amazing tile artwork in Solana Beach’s Fletcher Cove Park.This lifelike Cabezon seems to be looking directly at you!
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Peer into the rippling water. You’ll be astonished at what you see.
Do you often think about life?
If you’d like to read a short story that I published on my Short Stories By Richard blog about time and memory, light and reflection–in other words about life–then click here.
Cool San Diego Sights! 