Tag: beautiful

The large Moreton Bay Fig tree in Balboa Park.

This is one of the largest trees you're likely to ever see.
This is one of the most amazing trees you’re likely to ever see.

Have you visited Balboa Park? Perhaps you’ve seen an incredibly enormous tree standing between the San Diego Natural History Museum and Spanish Village. It’s impossible to miss! That’s the over 100 year old Moreton Bay Fig!

Sign in Balboa Park describes Ficus macrophylla, the Moreton Bay Fig.
Sign in Balboa Park describes Ficus macrophylla, the Moreton Bay Fig.

Ficus macrophylla

“Moreton Bay Fig”

Native to East Australia

This tree was planted prior to the 1915 Panama-California International Exposition and was the focus of a Formal Garden located at this site. Because of its large size, it is listed as a co-champion with the Santa Barbara Fig in the California Dept. of Forestry Registry of Big Trees.

Age: over 100 years (now)

Height: 80 feet

Trunk Girth: 42 feet

Canopy width: 145 feet

Trunk and roots of a tree once climbed by kids, but now fenced off for its protection.
Trunk and roots of a tree once climbed by kids, but now fenced off for its protection.
Huge Moreton Bay Fig tree and the San Diego Natural History Museum.
Huge Moreton Bay Fig tree and the San Diego Natural History Museum.
A big tree is a rare and valuable part of the ecosystem.
A big tree is a rare and valuable part of the ecosystem.

The Value of a Big Tree

Trees contribute to our environment by producing oxygen; reducing temperature, carbon-dioxide and stormwater runoff; improving property value and providing wildlife habitat.

Scientists have developed a value formula to determine the cost benefit of trees. The Center for Urban Forest Research states that trees over 50 feet tall contribute about $65.00/year back to the environment. Smaller trees contribute $18-36.00/year. There are about 20,000 trees in Balboa Park which contribute a value of one million dollars per year back to our environment.

Beyond dollars, Big Trees like the Moreton Bay Fig enhance the park, provide a sense of history to our community and a legacy for our children.

Someone gazes at the hundred year old leafy giant in Balboa Park.
Someone gazes at the hundred year old leafy giant in Balboa Park.

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Spring color blooms in Balboa Park rose garden.

Rainbow Sorbet
Rainbow Sorbet

Spring is only a few days old and flowers are blooming everywhere. The gardens in Balboa Park are fairly exploding with dazzling color. This weekend my feet directed me through the bright, sprawling rose garden along Park Boulevard. Using my camera’s macro setting, I took some close up photographs that you might enjoy! The rose variety is shown in each caption.

The Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden contains hundreds of blooms of bright color!
The Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden contains hundreds of brightly colored blooms!
On a sunny Spring Sunday, a couple walks slowly through the south part of beautiful Balboa Park rose garden next to Park Boulevard.
On a sunny Spring Sunday, a couple walks slowly through south part of beautiful Balboa Park rose garden, next to Park Boulevard.
Strike It Rich
Strike It Rich
Rainbow Sorbet
Rainbow Sorbet
Koko Loko
Koko Loko
Shockwave
Shockwave
Sheila's Perfume
Sheila’s Perfume
Love Song
Love Song
Gold Medal
Gold Medal

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A small Moorish garden of outstanding beauty.

The Casa del Rey Moro garden is a small gem in Balboa Park.
The Casa del Rey Moro garden is a small gem in Balboa Park.

In the 1920s, prominent San Diego architect Richard Requa visited Europe. During his extensive tour, he carefully observed a Moorish king’s garden in Ronda, Spain. A book that he later authored stated: “In my travels about the world, I had found three gardens of outstanding interest and beauty… The finest of these is in a small town in southern Spain called Ronda. Viewing it for the first time, there came instantly to mind the spontaneous exclamation, ‘I hope to die before I see anything more lovely.'”

Inspired by what he’d seen, Requa designed the Casa del Rey Moro garden (House of the Moorish King) for the 1935 California Pacific International Exposition in San Diego’s Balboa Park. In 1997 the garden and adjacent House of Hospitality were rededicated after a major renovation. The garden, today a popular wedding spot, includes a replica of the wishing well in the Guadalajara Museum of Gardens.

Balboa Park is an enormous place full of competing attractions. It’s strange how I always feel compelled to walk through the Casa del Rey Moro garden!

View from House of Hospitality balcony of The Prado restaurant's outdoor seating near the garden.
View from a House of Hospitality balcony of The Prado restaurant’s outdoor seating near the garden.
A wishing well frames two elegant, classic fountains.
A wishing well frames two elegant, classic fountains.
The garden is a reproduction of the Moorish gardens in Ronda, Spain.
Beautiful elements are reproduced from a Moorish garden in Ronda, Spain.
A close up photo of one picturesque fountain.
A close up photo of one picturesque fountain.
Visitors read about the history of the Casa del Rey Moro garden.
Visitors read about the interesting history of the Casa del Rey Moro garden.
In my travels about the world, I have found three gardens of outstanding interest and beauty...
“In my travels about the world, I have found three gardens of outstanding interest and beauty…”
One can see why this venue is extremely popular for weddings.
One can see why this venue is extremely popular for weddings.

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A fiery sunset behind glorious tall ships.

Fiery sunset in late February behind figurehead of Star of India.
Fiery sunset in late February behind figurehead of Star of India.

I was fortunate to capture some wonderful photographs this evening. I was walking along the beautiful Embarcadero near the Maritime Museum of San Diego as the sun set. Sky and clouds turned for a moment into flame.

Puffy clouds emblazoned by setting sun, and the rigging of glorious tall ships.
Puffy clouds emblazoned by setting sun, and the rigging of glorious tall ships.
Maritime Museum of San Diego's B-39 Soviet submarine is dark under tinted sky.
Maritime Museum of San Diego’s B-39 Soviet submarine is dark under tinted sky.
HMS Surprise and steam ferryboat Berkeley at nightfall on the Embarcadero.
HMS Surprise and steam ferryboat Berkeley at nightfall on the Embarcadero.
Students hauling a rope learn about sailing and seamanship on Star of India.
Students hauling a rope learn about sailing and seamanship on Star of India.
Moon behind a mast and yards of San Diego's historic 1863 bark Star of India.
Moon behind a mast and yards of San Diego’s historic 1863 bark Star of India.
Looking eastward as day ends. Amazing glowing color above downtown buildings.
Turning eastward as day ends. Amazing glowing color above downtown buildings.
Museum visitors seem to cross into a romantic, windswept dream.
Museum visitors seem to cross into a romantic, windswept dream.

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Beautiful views from Cabrillo National Monument.

People on patio behind Visitor Center take in a breathtaking panorama.
People on patio behind Visitor Center take in a breathtaking panorama.
View from Cabrillo National Monument Visitor Center scenic overlook. Downtown San Diego is visible to the east.
View from Cabrillo National Monument Visitor Center scenic overlook. Downtown San Diego is visible to the east.

Last Sunday, after I checked out the new Yankee Baleeiros whaling exhibit in the Visitor Center, I wandered about Cabrillo National Monument and took in the many beautiful views. My camera was very busy!

Tall ship America sails south down the channel out of the bay and into the open ocean.
Tall ship America sails south down the channel out of the bay and into the open ocean.
Looking out over San Diego Bay. Shelter Island lies in the distance beyond Naval Base Point Loma.
Looking out over San Diego Bay. Shelter Island lies in the distance beyond Naval Base Point Loma.
One of many interesting signs. This one shows typical commercial and pleasure craft seen on the water below.
One of many interesting signs. This one shows typical commercial and pleasure craft seen on the water below.
Statue of Cabrillo donated by the Portuguese government at a popular lookout spot.
Statue of explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo at a popular lookout spot.
Naval Air Station North Island seems to glow beyond the Cabrillo National Monument Visitor Center building.
Naval Air Station North Island seems to glow beyond the Cabrillo National Monument Visitor Center building.
I took lots of photographs while climbing up toward the beautiful Old Point Loma Lighthouse.
I took lots of photographs while climbing up through native coastal vegetation toward the beautiful Old Point Loma Lighthouse.
Looking southwest over two World War II bunkers toward the distant Coronado Islands, which are a part of Tijuana, Mexico. The new lighthouse is down by the water.
Looking southwest over two World War II bunkers toward the distant Coronado Islands, which are a part of Tijuana, Mexico. The new lighthouse is down by the water.
People gaze out at the beautiful sky and ocean from a popular whale-watching point.
People gaze out at the beautiful sky and ocean from a popular whale-watching point.
Gray whales migrate past Cabrillo National Monument from December through April. Spouts are often seen from here!
Gray whales migrate past Cabrillo National Monument from December through April. Spouts are often seen from here!
Sculpture of a gray whale and a cetacean's vertebrae along walkway that leads from the old lighthouse.
Sculpture of a gray whale and a cetacean’s vertebrae along walkway that leads from the old lighthouse.
Looking northwest toward the tidepools below and Pacific Ocean breakers.
Looking northwest toward the tidepools below and Pacific Ocean breakers.

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A walk down to the water during sunrise.

January sunrise tints calm water of San Diego Bay.
January sunrise tints smooth water of San Diego Bay.

I feel so fortunate to live where I do. Early this morning I walked from Cortez Hill down to the water just to see, feel and breathe in the sunrise.

Morning light is reflected jewel-like from Point Loma's windows across the bay.
Morning light reflected jewel-like from many Point Loma windows across San Diego Bay.
Sun is about to rise beyond the sleepy USS Midway. Photo taken from Broadway Pier.
Sun is about to rise beyond the sleepy USS Midway. Photo taken from the Broadway Pier.
Sunlight reflects from silvery skyscraper beyond domes of the Santa Fe Depot.
Newborn daylight reflects from silvery skyscraper beyond domes of the Santa Fe Depot.
Birds take flight above palm trees in downtown San Diego.
As the sun lifts into the sky, birds take flight above palm trees in downtown San Diego.

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Float your boat on San Diego Bay!

Fishermen enjoy a day on San Diego Bay with downtown skyline in background.
Fishermen enjoy a day on San Diego Bay with downtown skyline in background.

I made a discovery last weekend as I searched through hundreds of old pics on my computer. It seems I really like to photograph anything that floats in San Diego Bay! There’s just something very striking about purposeful objects that move across the sparkling water. Here’s a variety of photos…

Ferry approaches Coronado while navigating past other ships and boats.
Ferry approaches Coronado while navigating past other ships and boats.
Kayakers paddle under the Coronado Ferry Landing pier.
Kayakers paddle under the Coronado Ferry Landing pier.
Kayaker checks out the water underneath Joe's Crab Shack.
Kayaker checks out the water underneath Joe’s Crab Shack.
Paddling away on San Diego Bay. Looks like a fun adventure!
Paddling away on San Diego Bay. Looks like a fun adventure!
Guy in small inflatable with bucket, net and fishing rods hopes to catch something.
Guy in small inflatable with bucket, net and fishing rods hopes to catch something.
USS Ardent (MCM-12) mine countermeasures Navy ship cruises along the bay.
USS Ardent (MCM-12) mine countermeasures Navy ship cruises along the bay.
Huge Dole cargo ship brings in millions of bananas from Central America.
Huge Dole cargo ship brings in millions of bananas from Central America.
Sailboat heads out from Shelter Island Yacht Basin past Scripps research ship Melville.
Sailboat heads out from Shelter Island Yacht Basin past Scripps research ship Melville.
Billowing sail is colorful under San Diego blue sky.
Billowing sail is colorful under San Diego blue sky.
Man casts from shore of Shelter Island, hangars on North Island in the background.
Man casts from shore of Shelter Island, hangars on North Island in the background.
A bunch of beautiful yachts in a row behind the San Diego Convention Center.
A bunch of beautiful yachts in a row behind the San Diego Convention Center.
Boats docked in large marina between Harbor Island and Spanish Landing.
Boats docked in large marina between Harbor Island and Spanish Landing.
Maritime Museum of San Diego's Swift Boat, PCF-816, returns from a harbor cruise.
Maritime Museum of San Diego’s Swift Boat, PCF-816, returns from a harbor cruise.
The Harbor Island Fuel Dock is always a hub of boating activity.
The Harbor Island Fuel Dock is always a hub of boating activity.
Sailboat leans on sparkling water of our endlessly fascinating big bay.
Sailboat leans on the sparkling water of our endlessly fascinating Big Bay.

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A garden and poem at New Children’s Museum.

New Children's Museum Garden Project beside Martin Luther King Jr. Promenade.
The New Children’s Museum Garden Project beside Martin Luther King Jr. Promenade.

I can’t stand being cooped up inside, especially on Christmas, so around noon I went out for a short walk around a sunny but very quiet downtown San Diego. I didn’t intend to blog about anything, but here I am posting a few pics anyway. That’s because I was impressed by the beauty of a very small spot along a popular walkway.

The Martin Luther King Jr. Promenade runs along a portion of Harbor Drive, and it passes San Diego’s fun New Children’s Museum. In addition to a playground right next to the pathway, there’s a very small urban garden. The museum’s Garden Project is a demonstration area that allows children to explore a few plants and the basics of gardening. Some art is incorporated into the space, and a surprising poem!

Small garden plot beside children's play area contains flowers and a few edible plants.
Small garden plot beside children’s play area contains flowers and a few edible plants.
Kids can explore gardening and learn with their own hands about our environment.
Kids can explore gardening and learn with their own hands about our environment.
Bicycle wheels and a couple scarecrows add to the fun in the Garden Project.
Bicycle wheels and a couple of scarecrows add to the fun in the Garden Project.
A few vegetables in plots enjoy the downtown San Diego sunshine!
A few vegetables in plots enjoy the downtown San Diego sunshine!
A whimsical poem is inscribed on a long wall enclosing the small garden.
A whimsical poem is inscribed on a long wall enclosing the small garden.

I should’ve photographed this entire poem, but I assumed at the time that it could be found on the internet. I was wrong! The poem seems like a fun, playful bit of writing, and I can’t make heads or tails of it looking at my few photos. Oh, well. I’ll leave it to you to reconstruct the verses I’ve selected!

I did figure out that the poem was written by Quincy Thomas Troupe, Jr., who used to be a professor at the University of California, San Diego, just up the coast in La Jolla. He is known for his biography of Miles Davis, the legendary jazz musician. Quincy also helped to write The Pursuit of Happyness, a true story which was adapted into the popular film starring Will Smith. (I love that movie!)

The poem bounds along with crazy, almost nonsensical words.
The poem bounds along with crazy, almost nonsensical words.
Hopping frogs seem to be important characters in this silly poem.
Hopping frogs seem to be important characters in this silly poem.
The poetry was written by local San Diego author Quincy Troupe.
The poetry was written by local San Diego author Quincy Troupe.
A beautiful sight greets pedestrians strolling down Martin Luther King Jr. Promenade.
A beautiful sight greets pedestrians strolling down Martin Luther King Jr. Promenade.

Here are two photos I took the following spring of flowers in the garden:

Perfect beauty.
Perfect beauty.
Bursts of color.
Bursts of color.

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Photos of Balboa Park’s unique magic at dusk.

Lights come on inside Casa del Prado in Balboa Park as the day ends.
Lights come on inside Casa del Prado in Balboa Park as another day ends.

Balboa Park in San Diego’s bright sunshine is wonderful. At night it becomes magical.

As darkness seeps in and night gentles the world, Balboa Park transforms into an entirely different place. Take a look…

Plaster statues of Spanish painters become shadowy in courtyard of Casa del Prado.
Plaster statues of Spanish painters become shadowy in courtyard of Casa del Prado.
Faces above blue-lit fountain by Botanical Building.
Faces above blue-lit fountain by Botanical Building.
Ornate building facades on El Prado take on new depth at dusk.
Ornate building facades on El Prado take on new, amazing depth at dusk.
Walking down an elegant, golden corridor as night descends.
Walking down an elegant, golden corridor as night descends.
Passage along El Prado becomes mellow and mysterious.
Passage along El Prado becomes mellow and mysterious.
The sky becomes dark blue after sunset and faint stars slowly emerge.
The sky becomes dark blue after sunset and faint stars slowly emerge.
Balboa Park after dark transforms into a fantastic, fairytale world.
Balboa Park after dark transforms into a fantastic, fairy tale world.
Foliate capitals on the columns of the Spreckels Organ Pavilion colonnade.
Foliate capitals on the columns of the Spreckels Organ Pavilion colonnade.
Illuminated fountain beside patio beneath The Prado restaurant in Balboa Park.
Illuminated fountain beside patio beneath The Prado restaurant in Balboa Park.
One last juggle by darkening fountain near Reuben H. Fleet Science Center.
One last juggle by the slowly darkening fountain near Reuben H. Fleet Science Center.

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Scuba divers help clean up San Diego waterfront!

Volunteers help clean up San Diego Bay near the Star of India.
Volunteers help clean up our San Diego Bay near the Star of India.

The annual San Diego Bay Downtown Cleanup was held this morning! Local scuba divers cleaned up underwater garbage at the edge of our beautiful waterfront, while other volunteers assisted gathering trash above water.

I walked along the Embarcadero from the San Diego Maritime Museum down to Tuna Harbor and took a bunch of cool photographs. Hopefully these pics provide a little inspiration! Let’s make the world more clean and beautiful!

This guy was assisting divers removing trash along the Embarcadero.
This guy was assisting divers removing trash along the Embarcadero.
Power Scuba and Control Group teamed up for downtown waterfront cleanup event.
Power Scuba and Control Group teamed up for downtown waterfront cleanup event.
Looking out at diving boat from inside Anthony's Fishette.
Looking out at dive boat from inside Anthony’s Fishette.
Many San Diegans assisted in various ways, or just watched with curiosity.
Many San Diegans assisted in various ways, or just watched with curiosity.
Bags of garbage were gathered throughout the morning to be hauled away later.
Bags of garbage were gathered throughout the morning to be hauled away later.
A participant checks out what's going on in the water below.
A participant checks out what’s going on in the water below.
The boardwalk near the USS Midway was full of activity.
The boardwalk near the USS Midway was full of activity.
New trash compacting and recycling cans along the Embarcadero are solar powered.
New trash compacting and recycling cans along the Embarcadero are solar powered.
Old and young were helping out making our fine city even better.
Old and young were helping out the environment, making our fine city even better.
Scuba divers checked in here before beginning their underwater mission.
Scuba divers checked in here before beginning their underwater mission.
Piles of garbage found in the bay include construction cones and a shopping cart.
Piles of garbage found in the bay include construction cones and a shopping cart.
Bags of trash are collected as the morning progresses.
Bags of trash are collected as the morning progresses.
Pool skimming nets were handy for removing floating litter and debris.
Pool skimming nets were handy for removing floating litter and debris.
Port of San Diego's boat Tsunami II is used to help clean the bay.
Port of San Diego’s boat Tsunami II is used to help clean the bay.
Scuba diver gets hosed off on Tuna Harbor dock after gathering trash.
Scuba diver gets hosed off on Tuna Harbor dock after gathering trash.

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