Tag: beautiful

San Diego and Yokohama: friendship, a girl and a bell.

A simple but meaningful pavilion stands at the west end of Shelter Island. It holds the Bell of Friendship.
A simple but meaningful pavilion stands at the west end of Shelter Island. It holds the Bell of Friendship.

At the west end of Shelter Island, which lies near the entrance to San Diego Bay, you’ll find a testament to the enduring friendship that has been established between two sister cities. San Diego and Yokohama are located on opposite sides of the wide Pacific Ocean, yet these two beautiful cities are closely connected.

In 1958 a large bronze traditional Japanese bell was dedicated on Shelter Island with great ceremony.  It’s located in a prominent spot; ships from countries throughout the world pass it every day. The bell, created by Masahiko Katori, one of Japan’s living National Treasures, was presented during a Centennial Celebration which marked a hundred years of formal relations between the United States and Japan. The bell hangs in a pavilion surrounded by a narrow moat of water and a space of green grass.

The Bell of Friendship, which is six feet high and almost two and half tons, is seldom rung; but on New Year’s Eve the ram strikes the heavy bronze, resonating deeply–many say spiritually–welcoming a hopeful future.

The Japanese Friendship Bell was presented by the City of Yokohama to the people of San Diego in 1958 as a symbol of eternal friendship.
The Japanese Friendship Bell was presented by the City of Yokohama to the people of San Diego in 1958 as a symbol of eternal friendship.
This magnificent bell was cast by the artist Masahiko Katori who has been designated as a living National Treasure by the government of Japan.
This magnificent bell was cast by the artist Masahiko Katori who has been designated as a Living National Treasure by the government of Japan.
The Japanese Friendship Bell is one of several landmarks that can be seen along the length of San Diego's park-like Shelter Island.
The Japanese Friendship Bell is one of several landmarks that can be seen along the length of Shoreline Park on Shelter Island.

At the front of the simple pavilion stands a three foot tall sculpture of a young girl. “The Girl in Red Shoes” by Japanese artist Munehiro Komeno debuted in 2010 and represents the friendship between the ports of San Diego and Yokohama. The sculpture portrays Kimi, a Japanese orphan who was adopted by a loving American couple in the 1920s. The girl was later diagnosed with tuberculosis and couldn’t leave Japan. The touching story has been told many times, and has become a symbol of the goodwill that exists between our two nations. Kimi holds a rose and carnation. The rose symbolizes Yokohama; the carnation is San Diego.

The Girl in Red Shoes by Munehiro Komeno. June 2, 2009. Kimi represents close friendship between the United States and Japan.
The Girl in Red Shoes by Munehiro Komeno. June 2, 2009. Kimi represents close friendship between the United States and Japan.
Biking past a unique and beautiful sight on a glorious summer day.
Biking past a unique and beautiful sight on a glorious summer day.

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Natural beauty at amazing Japanese Friendship Garden.

Visitors stroll through endless natural beauty at the Japanese Friendship Garden in Balboa Park.
Visitors stroll through endless natural beauty at the Japanese Friendship Garden in Balboa Park.

Please enjoy the following photographs. They were taken today at the Japanese Friendship Garden in San Diego’s wonderful Balboa Park. As you can plainly see, natural beauty is abundant in this amazing garden. I hope you have a chance to visit.

Gleaming droplets of water descend from a hollow bamboo kakei into the tranquil, cleansing tsukubai basin.
Gleaming droplets of water descend from a hollow bamboo kakei into the tranquil, cleansing tsukubai basin.
Even age and imperfections in this fallen leaf are beautiful beyond description.
Even age and imperfections in this fallen leaf are beautiful beyond description.
A rocky island, seemingly, in the karesansui dry stone garden, with carefully raked gravel encouraging meditation.
A rocky island, seemingly, in the Karesansui Dry Stone Garden, with carefully raked gravel inviting meditation.
Looking upward into the sunlit leafy canopy near the koi pond.
Looking upward into the sunlit leafy canopy near the koi pond.
The day's light makes striking patterns of living green.
The day’s light makes striking patterns of living green.
Flaming red bougainvillea blooms catch the eye of a young person walking through the Japanese Friendship Garden in San Diego.
Bright red bougainvillea bracts catch the eye of a young person walking through the Japanese Friendship Garden in San Diego.
Bougainvillea flowers are beautiful sights in the bonsai garden.
Bougainvillea red is an especially beautiful sight in the bonsai garden.
A yellow day-lily which is growing near the Charles C. Dail Memorial Gate.
A yellow day-lily which is growing near the Charles C. Dail Memorial Gate.
Bamboo leaves flutter in a gentle San Diego breeze.
Bamboo leaves flutter in the gentle San Diego breeze.
This small sculpture of a child is a mystery. One of the groundskeepers told me that. It might be a young Buddha, or an infant who tragically died. No one seems to know its history.
This small sculpture is a mystery according to one of the groundskeepers. It was placed in the garden by someone unseen.  The sculpture might be a young Buddha. It might have been placed here by someone who lost a child.  No one seems to know its history.
Bright green palm fronds produce instant human delight.
Bright green palm fronds produce instant human delight.
Close-up photograph of the amazing seed pod of a sago palm.
Close-up photograph of the amazing, strange seed pod of a sago palm.
Delicate white flowers of the star jasmine seem to have descended into this world from a heavenly place.
Delicate white flowers of the star jasmine seem to have descended into this world from a heavenly place.
Close-up photo of torn wood fibers where a dead tree limb finally separated from the trunk.
Close-up photo of torn wood fibers where a dead tree limb finally separated from the trunk.
Water cascading over stone shines in the sunlight. A small happy river flows through the bottom of the spacious garden canyon.
Water cascading over stone shines in the sunlight. A small gentle river flows through the bottom of the spacious garden canyon.
Looking down through magical, glistening, jewel-like water.
Looking down through magical, jewel-like water.
Jumbled leaves have turned many colors.
Jumbled leaves have turned many colors.
Nature's fantastic patterns are evident everywhere you turn in the amazing Japanese Friendship Garden.
Nature’s fantastic patterns are evident everywhere you turn in the amazing Japanese Friendship Garden.
I believe this is a white azalea, but I'm not certain.
After being corrected by a great reader, this appears to be a gardenia.  I first thought it might be a white azalea!  That shows you how much I know!
Visitors at the Japanese Friendship Garden stand in the shade of the Inamori Pavilion looking down at a very beautiful waterfall.
Visitors at the Japanese Friendship Garden stand in the shade of the Inamori Pavilion looking down at a pleasant waterfall.
A pink saucer magnolia bloom and buds. In the background you can see the new Inamori Pavilion, which opened this year.
A pink saucer magnolia bloom and buds. In the background you can see the new Inamori Pavilion, which opened this year.
Another photographer was recording the infinite natural beauty that anyone can plainly see at the Japanese Friendship Garden.
Another photographer was recording the carefully arranged natural beauty at the Japanese Friendship Garden.
Even dry brown curled leaves can take one's breath away.
Even dry brown curled leaves can take one’s breath away.
Leaves and shadows of leaves.
Leaves and shadows of leaves.
If one small place can contain such abundant wonder, imagine what the vast universe holds.
If one small place can contain such abundant wonder, imagine what the vast universe holds.
Natural beauty at the amazing Japanese Friendship Garden
Natural beauty at the amazing Japanese Friendship Garden

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Beauty is everywhere, simple, seldom perfect.

Every moment in life is beautiful. Simply see it.
Every moment in life is beautiful. Simply see it.

I was struck by the strange beauty of these two photographs. Both had been forgotten. They’re just small glimpses of the world that were stored in my computer; I don’t recall where or when I took them.

What is perfection? To be perfect is to exactly match a defined ideal. So it’s illuminating that in a world where almost nothing is considered perfect, beauty can be seen everywhere. At every moment, throughout life. Age, wear, a wrinkle, a missing petal: and the beauty persists, flourishes. For beauty to be seen, just open eyes. Open them wide. This world’s beauty is even more simple than a lifeless ideal. And more substantial.

Sticking together. One easy way to add a few petals.
Stick together. An easy way to add a few missing petals.

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The elegant, historic 1907 Jessop’s Street Clock.

The elegant Jessop's Street Clock stands like a vision from the past at the center of San Diego's popular Horton Plaza.
The elegant Jessop’s Street Clock stands like a vision from the past at the center of San Diego’s popular Horton Plaza.

San Diego’s top tourist attraction in 1907 wasn’t a zoo, a park, a popular building or location. It was an amazing clock. Word traveled far and wide about the elegant, beautiful, one-of-a-kind Jessop’s Street Clock, which debuted that year in downtown San Diego.  San Diego at the time was a very small town.  The large clock stood on the sidewalk in front of the J. Jessop and Sons jewelry store at 952 Fifth Avenue.

The idea for this street clock sprang from the imagination of Joseph Jessop, a jeweler who immigrated to America from England. He’d seen many beautiful public clocks in Europe. especially in Switzerland. Joseph hired mechanic Claude D. Ledger to build the complex clock, which took fifteen months of meticulous, precise work to complete. The fine clock has almost never stopped working. One memorable day the clock did mysteriously stop–the same day that Claude died.

The Jessop’s Street Clock was first displayed at the 1907 Sacramento State Fair, where it was awarded a gold medal. (The large medal of real gold was stolen, and so was the first bronze replacement!) Since then the clock has occupied several different spots in San Diego. The clock stands 22 feet tall and features 20 separate dials and 300 moving parts. It has an estimated worth of several million dollars. Much of the shining movement is gold-plated. The elegant clock contains tourmaline, agate, topaz and jade, local gems extracted from the Jessop Mine on Mount Palomar.

Today the historic clock occupies a prominent position near the center of Horton Plaza, where many shoppers breeze by with hardly a glance. I suppose very few people realize the importance of this clock, and how at one time, over a century ago, it was one of San Diego’s most well-known landmarks.

Shoppers walk past the beautiful Jessop Street Clock, a landmark in downtown San Diego for over a hundred years.
Shoppers walk past the beautiful Jessop’s Street Clock, a landmark in downtown San Diego for over a hundred years.
Intricate, exquisite gold-plated movement of the historic Jessop's Street Clock. The massive mechanism extends twelve feet down into the Horton Plaza parking garage!
Intricate, exquisite gold-plated movement of the historic Jessop’s Street Clock. The massive mechanism extends twelve feet down into the Horton Plaza parking garage!
J. Jessop and Sons jewelers created this amazing clock, which over a century ago was San Diego's top attraction!
J. Jessop and Sons jewelers created this amazing clock, which over a century ago was San Diego’s top attraction!
Thousands of hours have been spent over the decades maintaining, rehabilitating, moving and reconstructing the fine clock.
Thousands of hours have been spent over the decades maintaining, rehabilitating, moving and reconstructing the fine clock.
The Jessops Street Clock was exhibited at the 1907 Sacramento State Fair. This is a bronze replica of the gold medal awarded to the master clock. The clock is property of the Jessop family.
The Jessops Street Clock was exhibited at the 1907 Sacramento State Fair. This is a bronze replica of the gold medal awarded to the master clock. The clock is property of the Jessop family.
Base of the 1907 Jessop Clock in downtown's Horton Plaza shopping mall. Plaque indicates Historical Landmark No. 372, The City of San Diego.
Base of the 1907 Jessop Clock in downtown’s Horton Plaza shopping mall. Plaque indicates Historical Landmark No. 372, The City of San Diego.
Twelve dials on one face tell time in New York, London, Paris, Berlin, Milan, St. Petersburg, Calcutta, Capetown, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Melbourne, Mexico City.
Twelve dials on one face tell time in New York, London, Paris, Berlin, Milan, St. Petersburg, Calcutta, Capetown, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Melbourne, Mexico City.

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Photos of Coast Walk Trail to La Jolla Cove Beach.

Taking an easy stroll above the wide, blue ocean in beautiful La Jolla.
Taking an easy stroll above the wide, blue ocean in beautiful La Jolla.

My day in La Jolla yesterday was so wonderful I had to do it again!

A second walk today has my computer bursting with photos. So I’d better share some!

I’m going to create two blog posts. This first one involves a walk down the short but breathtaking Coast Walk Trail, then down Coast Boulevard from the Cave Store to La Jolla Cove Beach. Where the ocean meets land here is one of the most amazing, magical places a person might ever visit. A few photos hardly do the experience justice.

Be forewarned, this post starts with great natural beauty, but ends with sudden ugliness. You’ll see why I became a bit angry during my otherwise glorious adventure.

The Historic Coast Walk Trail begins near Torrey Pines Road and ends at the Cave Store on Coast Boulevard.
The Historic Coast Walk Trail begins near Torrey Pines Road and ends at the Cave Store on Coast Boulevard.
Dozens of kayakers were out on the water as I walked west down the trail enjoying magnificent views.
Dozens of kayakers were out on the water as I walked west down the trail enjoying magnificent views.
Red kayaks bunched close together below, east of Goldfish Point.
Red kayaks bunched close together below, east of Goldfish Point.
Rounding a corner, shops and restaurants on Coast Boulevard come into view.
Rounding a corner, shops and restaurants on Coast Boulevard come into view.
Wooden steps plunge down to a scenic view point atop amazing sandstone cliffs. In the narrow cove on the left is an entrance to a sea cave.
Wooden steps plunge down to a scenic view point atop amazing sandstone cliffs. In the narrow cove on the left is an entrance to a sea cave.
Nature's beauty takes many forms, including a golden flower.
Nature’s beauty takes many forms, including a golden flower.
From the view point I look east along eroded cliffs toward La Jolla homes.
From the view point I look east along eroded cliffs toward La Jolla homes.
Heading back up to the Coast Walk Trail, which ends nearby at the Cave Store.
Heading back up to the Coast Walk Trail, which ends nearby at the Cave Store.
A man-made tunnel inside the Cave Store leads from the gift shop to the Sunny Jim Sea Cave.
A man-made tunnel inside the Cave Store leads from the gift shop to the Sunny Jim Sea Cave.
About to turn north, beginning down Coast Boulevard, toward La Jolla Cove.
About to turn north, beginning down Coast Boulevard, toward La Jolla Cove.
The amazing Coast Boulevard passes La Jolla Cove, Scripps Park, Children's Pool and the La Jolla tide pools!
The amazing Coast Boulevard passes La Jolla Cove, Scripps Park, Children’s Pool and the La Jolla tide pools!
A message on the sidewalk caught my eye. Your troubles will cease and fortune will smile upon you.
A message on the sidewalk caught my eye. Your troubles will cease and fortune will smile upon you.
Now it's possible to see into Sunny Jim Sea Cave.
It’s possible to see into this sea cave.
The rocky cliffs along Coast Boulevard are the home of brown pelicans, sea gulls and double-crested cormorants.
The rocky cliffs along Coast Boulevard are the home of pelicans, sea gulls and cormorants.
Long-beaked pelicans and black cormorants have a rest in the warm sun between diving and hunting for fish.
Long-beaked pelicans and black cormorants have a rest in the warm sun between diving and hunting for fish.
The cliffs of La Jolla are made of unstable sandstone, which occasionally crumbles into the ocean.
The cliffs of La Jolla are made of unstable sandstone, which occasionally crumbles into the Pacific Ocean.
A gorgeous view of La Jolla Cove on a perfect spring day.
A gorgeous view of La Jolla Cove on a perfect spring day.
A lifeguard tower rises above La Jolla Cove Beach. To the right of the tower is Point La Jolla.
A lifeguard tower rises above La Jolla Cove Beach. To the right of the tower is Point La Jolla.
Looking down at La Jolla Cove Beach from the north. Buildings along Coast Boulevard are surmounted by those on Prospect Street.
Looking down at La Jolla Cove Beach from the north. Buildings along Coast Boulevard are surmounted by those on Prospect Street.
City of San Diego sign provides a warning. Caution, do not approach seals or sea lions! Harassing these marine mammals is against the law.
City of San Diego sign provides a warning. Caution, do not approach seals or sea lions! Harassing these marine mammals is against the law.
A lady climbs stairs up from the beach, past a lifeguard's rescue board.
A lady climbs stairs up from the beach, past a lifeguard rescue board.
Some benches allow people to enjoy the view. Scuba divers in the cove swim with the sea life.
Some benches allow people to enjoy the view. Scuba divers in the cove swim with the sea life.
Several thoughtless, self-centered people almost stepped on a seal as they crowded in to get a photograph.
Several thoughtless, self-centered people almost stepped on a seal as they crowded in to get a photograph.
Agitated sea lion on a rock angrily confronts pestering people who don't seem to care.
Agitated sea lion on a rock angrily confronts pestering people who don’t seem to care.

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Photos of a walk down to beautiful Bird Rock.

Looking down from the high viewing area at picturesque Bird Rock below.
Looking down from the high viewing area at picturesque Bird Rock below.

Please enjoy some photographs!

Yesterday I took a long walk through La Jolla. Before leaving home, I checked the tide chart. My intention was to photograph the tide pools at beautiful Bird Rock. I’ve read you can actually walk out to this spectacular rock in the ocean at low tide. Unfortunately, as it turned out, yesterday the tide wasn’t low enough!

But I did get my fill of natural beauty. Will you please join me as I walk from La Jolla Boulevard a couple blocks down Bird Rock Avenue, and then down to the water?

Bench on La Jolla Boulevard sidewalk spells out Bird Rock with colorful tiles.
Bench on La Jolla Boulevard sidewalk spells out Bird Rock with colorful tiles.
This bench features sea shells. Let's head down Bird Rock Avenue, a few steps away.
This bench features sea shells. Let’s begin our walk down Bird Rock Avenue, a few steps away.
Kid skateboards down hilly Bird Rock Avenue toward the small lookout point.
Kid skateboards down hilly Bird Rock Avenue toward the small lookout point.
Local guy is already here enjoying the beautiful view and ocean tranquility. Few tourists come here.
Local guy is already here enjoying the beautiful view and ocean tranquility. Few tourists come here.
Gazing north along the rocky shore. La Jolla Cove is on the other side of that distant jutting land.
Gazing north along the rocky shore. La Jolla Cove is on the other side of that distant jutting land.
Looking down over the view point rail at rugged rocks at the edge of the shining Pacific Ocean.
Looking down over the view point rail at rugged rocks at the edge of the shining Pacific Ocean.
Here's where we're going to descend to the water.
Here’s where we’re going to descend to the water.
Heading down the short staircase to get a closer look at the beauty of Bird Rock.
Heading down the short staircase to get a closer look at the beauty of Bird Rock.
We quickly glance up at the viewing area, where we were a moment ago.
We quickly glance up at the viewing area, where we were a moment ago.
Gazing south as we stand on large jagged boulders. Someone is walking along the base of the cliff.
Gazing south as we stand on large jagged boulders. Someone is walking along the base of the cliff.
We carefully head a bit south, too. Watch your step! The tide is fairly low and we get close to the splashing water.
We carefully head a bit south, too. Watch your step! The tide is fairly low and we get close to the splashing water.
These stones were made smooth and rounded by that great Earth-encompassing rock tumbler, the mighty ocean!
These stones were made smooth and rounded by that great Earth-encompassing rock tumbler, the mighty ocean!
Look out! A foamy wave is crashing in!
Look out! A foamy wave is crashing in!
Finally, we turn westward to look at Bird Rock. At a distance, the birds are just visible in this photo!
Finally, we turn westward to look at Bird Rock. At a distance, the birds are just visible in this photo!

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More welcome rain has begun on Cortez Hill!

More welcome rain has begun this morning on Cortez Hill!
More welcome rain has begun this morning on Cortez Hill!

A large storm cell is passing through downtown this morning!

Rain is such a rare and beautiful thing in San Diego I had to jump outside with my camera for a couple quick pics! At the time, a few drops had just begun to fall.

Night showers have scattered jacaranda blooms on sidewalk in Tweet Street park.
Night showers have scattered jacaranda blooms on the sidewalk in Tweet Street park.

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Plaza de Panama’s new tables, benches, umbrellas!

Colorful umbrellas, chairs, benches, more tables, planters and even a patch of green have been added to the Plaza de Panama.
Colorful umbrellas, chairs, tables, planters and even a patch of green have been added to the Plaza de Panama.

Improvements were recently unveiled in the heart of Balboa Park, San Diego’s crown jewel and cultural center. The historic Plaza de Panama is now a gathering place containing many tables with colorful chairs and umbrellas, planters brimming with green, and art-splashed benches. A once semi-barren public square has become a truly comfortable gathering place for both locals and visitors to America’s Finest City!

In June 2013, the first wave of improvements set in motion by Mayor Filner removed unsightly parking from the Plaza de Panama. Some tables and chairs were added, but a large area between the beautiful fountain and the San Diego Museum of Art remained empty. Three weeks ago, under Mayor Faulconer, additional amenities appeared. Personally, I love the scattered reds and blues of the umbrellas, a color scheme which I find very tasteful. Plaza de Panama is now a suitably dynamic and welcoming outdoor public space.

A few days ago I got some pics!

People mix with red and blue umbrellas in the big square in front of the San Diego Museum of Art.
Someone walks between red and blue umbrellas that have sprouted in front of the San Diego Museum of Art.
Bicyclist and tourists on a rented quadracycle head through the beautified Plaza de Panama.
A bicyclist and tourists on a rented quadracycle head through the beautified Plaza de Panama.
This cool new art bench on the east side of the plaza includes an image from Balboa Park.
This cool new art bench on the east side of the plaza includes an image from Balboa Park.
You can now sit on sunshine!
You can now sit on sunshine!
Many trees, shrubs and succulents have been added to the once semi-barren area.
Many trees, shrubs and succulents have been added to the once semi-barren area.
Photo of House of Hospitality rising behind more colorful umbrellas. I love it!
Photo of House of Hospitality rising behind colorful umbrellas. I love it!
Just walking along with the dog.
Just walking along with the dog.
The Plaza de Panama in Balboa Park is a place to talk, read, enjoy, eat, relax.
The Plaza de Panama in Balboa Park is a place to talk, read, enjoy, eat, relax.

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Pics of Garden Party of the Century in Balboa Park!

Child gives potted plant to spectator during floral wagon parade in Balboa Park.
Child gives potted plant to spectator during floral wagon parade in Balboa Park.

It was a memorable day in Balboa Park!

To celebrate its centennial, San Diego’s historic Balboa Park is throwing a number of special events this year. Today our beautiful park was the scene of the Garden Party of the Century. And what a party it was!

As the title suggests, the emphasis was on gardening and the many incredible gardens of our world-class urban park. Spring flowers filled every corner, and lots of people came out to enjoy excellent exhibits. A unique parade also took place, as you’ll see in the following photographs.

The event’s main ceremony involved Marines from San Diego’s Marine Corps Recruit Depot, which is perhaps a mile (or two) from the park. The Marines played an instrumental role during the early days of Balboa Park, which was created for the 1915 Panama-California Exposition. The mere presence of a Marine camp inside the large park back then eventually helped to preserve many of the wonderful old Spanish Colonial Revival-style buildings visitors marvel at today.

Many tents with horticulture exhibits were around Balboa Park for the Garden Party of the Century. Some can be seen next to the Botanical Building.
Many tents with horticulture exhibits were around Balboa Park for the Garden Party of the Century. Some can be seen next to the Botanical Building.
These friendly folks explained that dahlia blooms can be as large as fourteen inches!
These friendly folks explained that dahlia blooms can be as large as fourteen inches!
Displays concerning gardening were front and center during the special Balboa Park Centennial event.
Displays concerning gardening were front and center during the special Balboa Park Centennial event.
These master gardeners showed me what a ladybird larva looks like! (It's the critter on the right.)
These master gardeners showed me what a ladybird larva looks like! (It’s the critter on the right.)
There were lots of flower arrangements and botany-themed art throughout the park!
There were lots of flower arrangements and botany-themed art throughout the park!
It's still early in the morning, so some exhibitors are still setting up near the reflecting pool.
It’s still early in the morning, so some exhibitors are still setting up near the reflecting pool.
This super cool lady talked to me about the work of the City of San Diego Environmental Services Department.
This super cool lady talked to me about the work of the City of San Diego Environmental Services Department.
Smiling lady from the San Diego Epiphyllum Society.
Smiling lady from the San Diego Epiphyllum Society.
Lots of plants were for sale in the park, including on the Casa del Prado patio.
Lots of plants were for sale in the park, including on the Casa del Prado patio.
Ducks and baby ducklings were swimming about the lily pads in the Balboa Park reflecting pool!
Ducks and baby ducklings were swimming about the lily pads in the Balboa Park reflecting pool!
Sign shows the way to the Rose Garden across Park Boulevard.
Sign shows the way to the Rose Garden across Park Boulevard.
One example of Balboa Park's Adopt-A-Plot volunteer gardening program--this plot is in Sefton Plaza.
One example of Balboa Park’s Adopt-A-Plot volunteer gardening program. This plot is in Sefton Plaza.
A photo I took this morning of beautiful flower beds in the Alcazar Garden.
A photo I took this morning of beautiful flower beds in the Alcazar Garden.
Another exhibitor near the Moreton Bay Fig Tree and Natural History Museum has a cool trash can painted with flowers and a bee.
Another exhibitor near the huge Moreton Bay Fig Tree and Natural History Museum has a cool trash can painted with flowers and a bee.
The Navy was showcasing its environmental programs.
The Navy was showcasing its environmental programs.
Marines cross street in front of the Casa del Prado Theatre building.
Marines cross street in front of the Casa del Prado Theater.
The floral wagon parade staged in a parking lot by the Balboa Park carousel.
The floral wagon parade was staged in a parking lot by the Balboa Park carousel.
Musicians stand ready for the beginning of the big parade through Balboa Park.
Musicians stand ready for the beginning of the big parade through Balboa Park.
San Diego's own Fern Street Circus has gathered for the parade holding colorful banners.
San Diego’s own Fern Street Circus has gathered for the parade holding colorful banners.
Other performers from the Fern Street Circus wait a bit further down the parade route for the spectacle to begin.
Other performers from the Fern Street Circus wait a bit further down the parade route for the spectacle to begin.
The Garden Party of the Century Parade is underway and turning onto El Prado!
The Garden Party of the Century Parade is underway and turning onto El Prado!
Kids, families, wagons and flowers. An overcast day after our recent stormy weather.
Kids, families, wagons and flowers. An overcast day after our recent stormy weather.
Here come drummers and a flag down the festive parade route!
Here come drummers and a flag down the festive parade route!
Look at the boldly colored dresses and fantastic costumes!
Look at the boldly colored dresses and fantastic costumes!
Here come some lush, wonderful floral wagons.
Here come some lush, wonderful floral wagons.
Garden Party of the Century parade turns the corner and heads down El Prado toward Plaza de Panama.
Garden Party of the Century parade turns the corner and heads down El Prado toward Plaza de Panama.
Flower-laden wagons pass in front of ornate Casa del Prado.
Flower-laden wagons pass in front of ornate Casa del Prado facade.
A bee is followed by a beekeeper!
A bee is followed by a beekeeper!
The parade approaches the reflecting pool as it passes booths lining El Prado.
The parade approaches the reflecting pool as it passes booths that line El Prado.
This lady in an elegant old-fashioned dress was handing out goodies to the watching crowd.
This lady in an elegant old-fashioned dress was handing out goodies to the watching crowd.
A painter in Balboa Park gets an eyeful as the parade passes by.
A painter in Balboa Park gets an eyeful as the parade passes by.
Uncle Sam and lots of other happy San Diegans.
Uncle Sam and lots of other happy San Diegans.
Dr. Seuss seems to be a favorite author of the City of San Diego Park and Recreation Department!
Dr. Seuss seems to be a favorite author of the City of San Diego Park and Recreation Department!
The cool parade finally reaches the Plaza de Panama in front of the San Diego Museum of Art.
The cool parade finally reaches the spacious Plaza de Panama in front of the San Diego Museum of Art.
A second parade nears! Marines from San Diego's MCRD march down El Prado for a special historic ceremony.
A second parade nears! Marines from San Diego’s MCRD march down El Prado for a special ceremony.
The band leads the way as marchers from the Marine Corps Recruit Depot enter Plaza de Panama.
The band leads the way as marchers from the Marine Corps Recruit Depot enter Plaza de Panama.
The Marines played an important role in Balboa Park's beginning, and are duplicating their march from 100 years ago!
The Marines played an important role in Balboa Park’s beginning, and are duplicating their march from 100 years ago!
Marines stand at attention before San Diego mayor, MCRD commandant and other dignitaries speak during the special Balboa Park Centennial event.
Marines stand at attention. The San Diego mayor, MCRD commandant and other dignitaries spoke during the special Balboa Park Centennial event.
Civilian and military bystanders look on as a memorable San Diego event is taking place.
Civilian and military bystanders look on as a memorable San Diego event is taking place.
Proudly marching Marines head west down El Prado toward California Tower and Museum of Man.
Proudly marching Marines head west down El Prado toward California Tower and Museum of Man.
Marines start across the Cabrillo Bridge to reproduce a famous photograph from one hundred years ago!
Marines start across the Cabrillo Bridge to reproduce a famous photograph from one hundred years ago!

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Two beautiful princesses cruise into San Diego.

The huge Crown Princess cruise ship docked on San Diego's Embarcadero.
The huge Crown Princess cruise ship is docked on San Diego’s Embarcadero.

Everyone has seen photos of cruise ships, but two beauties were docked on San Diego’s waterfront this morning and gleaming in the sunshine, so I had to whip out my camera!

Once in a while, two or three cruise ships visit downtown at the same time. Some of these vessels are so huge that stood on end they’d dwarf many nearby skyscrapers. The two ships I saw in port today are operated by Princess Cruise Line. Both are classified as Grand-class cruise ships and have nearly identical lengths. Even after seeing them in person, it’s hard for me to grasp that these ships are 950 feet long! The Crown Princess can carry 3,080 passengers with a crew of 1,201. The Star Princess accommodates 2,590 passengers and a crew of 1,150. Incredible!

Two luxurious Grand-class cruise ships gleam on either side of the Cruise Ship Terminal.
Two luxurious Grand-class cruise ships gleam on either side of the Cruise Ship Terminal.
Gull checks out an amazing morning sight. Photo taken from the Broadway Pier.
Gull checks out an amazing morning sight. Photo taken from the Broadway Pier.
Man gazes at the sunlit bay near what soon will be an observation platform.
Man gazes at the sunlit bay.  The fenced area is where the Bay Cafe used to stand.  It soon will be an observation platform.

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