Tag: boats

Sitting on a bench next to Tuna Harbor.

Someone poses for a photo on a bench next to Tuna Harbor.
Someone poses for a photo on a bench next to Tuna Harbor.

Yesterday I spent some time writing. I sat in the San Diego sunshine on a bench next to Tuna Harbor. From time to time my lifted eyes spied something interesting, so I’d take a photo.

Fishing vessels docked in Tuna Harbor. A pier, sailboat and the San Diego-Coronado Bridge in the distance.
Fishing vessels docked in Tuna Harbor. A pier, sailboat and the San Diego-Coronado Bridge in the distance.
A cluster of (mostly) red floats.
A cluster of (mostly) red floats.
As I sat on one of the benches writing, the commercial fishing boat Tommy John entered the harbor.
As I sat on one of the benches writing, the commercial fishing boat Tommy John entered the harbor.
Fishermen on the boat get ready to dock.
Fishermen on the boat get ready to dock.
Gulls swirl about hoping for fish scraps.
Gulls swirl about hoping for fish scraps.
Folks walking by appear to be enjoying the day.
Folks walking by appear to be enjoying the day.
Another nearby boat is home to a curious dog.
Another nearby boat is home to a curious dog.
I see a blue sail jutting up from San Diego Bay, just beyond the G Street Pier.
I see a blue sail jutting up from San Diego Bay, just beyond the G Street Pier.
A gull swings on by to give me a look.
A gull swings on by to give me a look.

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My short stories can be read here.

Sunset magic on the G Street Pier.

The sun is setting across San Diego Bay above Navy ships docked at North Island.
The sun sets across San Diego Bay.  The sky changes color above Navy ships docked at North Island.

I saw magic today. I was standing out on the G Street Pier as the sun began to set.

What a pleasant evening for a walk.

Please enjoy these photos…

Birds above one last burst of sunlight.
Birds soar above one last burst of sunlight.
A slight rainbow appears at sunset above Point Loma.
A slight rainbow appears at sunset, between clouds above Point Loma.
A beautiful evening on the tranquil G Street Pier.
A beautiful evening on the tranquil G Street Pier.
The sunset turns fiery, painting the rippled water of San Diego Bay red.
The sunset turns fiery, painting the rippled water of San Diego Bay red.
Aircraft condensation trails catch the sun high in the sky, as light fades around fishing vessels docked at the G Street Pier.
Condensation trails high in the sky reflect the sun, as light fades around fishing vessels docked at the G Street Pier.
People linger into the evening at the end of the pier near Seaport Village. A pedicab with colorful lights turns around near a docked ship.
People linger at the end of the pier near Seaport Village into the evening. A pedicab with colorful lights turns around near a docked ship.
The Manchester Grand Hyatt towers turn golden in the last rays of the sun. A nearly full moon rises above them.
The Manchester Grand Hyatt towers turn golden in the last rays of the sun. A nearly full moon rises above them.
A magical moment at sunset in Tuna Harbor.
A magical moment at sunset in Tuna Harbor.
Sunset's bright red and yellow reflects from the silvery Marriott Marquis, and onto the calm water of Tuna Harbor.
Sunset’s red and yellow reflects from the Marriott Marquis, and onto the calm water of Tuna Harbor.  Pure magic.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

I finished writing a short story titled The Child and the Koi. Click to read it!

A short tour of San Diego Bay on the Pilot boat.

Ready to board the small Pilot boat, one of many historic vessels at the Maritime Museum of San Diego. We're going to enjoy a short harbor cruise!
Ready to board the small Pilot boat, one of many historic vessels at the Maritime Museum of San Diego. We’re going to enjoy a short harbor cruise!

A couple months ago I went on a short tour of San Diego Bay on the Pilot, a historic vessel owned by the Maritime Museum of San Diego. When you buy a ticket for the museum, you can pay a little extra and enjoy a fun look at San Diego’s harbor in the open air aboard the Pilot. I recommend it!

Come with me and get a small taste of what you’ll experience. Obviously, these few photographs are no substitute for the ocean breeze, sunshine and sparkling blue water.

A plaque indicates the 1914 Pilot Boat has 82 years of service and has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
A plaque indicates the 1914 Pilot Boat has 82 years of service and has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places.  For decades it helped thousands of ships safely enter and exit San Diego Bay.
Captain of the Pilot is getting ready to pull away from the floating museum.
Captain of the Pilot is getting ready to pull away from the floating museum.
Here we go out onto San Diego Bay! I see Californian, the official tall ship of the state of California, to our left.
Here we go out onto San Diego Bay! I see Californian, the official tall ship of the state of California, to our left.
It's a pleasant day out on the water. We head initially in the direction of Shelter Island and Point Loma.
It’s a pleasant day out on the water. We head initially in the direction of Shelter Island and Point Loma.
We've turned southward and pass the ships of the Maritime Museum. Some of San Diego's skyline is visible in this photo.
We’ve turned southward and pass the ships of the Maritime Museum. Part of San Diego’s skyline is visible in this photo.
There are two big cruise ships in port today. Some of these ships are larger than downtown buildings!
There are two big cruise ships in port today. Some of these ships are larger than downtown buildings!
Out toward Point Loma many sailboats are participating in a regatta.
Out toward Point Loma many sailboats are participating in a regatta.
We're continuing south and now I see the second cruise ship by the Port Pavilion.
We’re continuing south and now I see the second cruise ship by the Port Pavilion.
We've passed the USS Midway. Just enjoying the blue water and sunshine.
We’ve passed the USS Midway. Just enjoying the blue water and sunshine.
Yay! We get to slow down to photograph sea lions sleeping on a harbor buoy.
Yay! We get to slow down to photograph sea lions sleeping on a harbor buoy.
Beautiful sailboats were tilting in the breeze and many passed so close we could hear the canvas flapping.
Beautiful sailboats were tilting in the breeze and many passed so close we could hear the canvas flapping.
Looking south as we approach the Coronado Bay Bridge. Way off in the distance I see Mexico. Nearer, to the right, is a part of Coronado--the Naval Amphibious Base where Navy Seals train.
Looking south as we approach the Coronado Bay Bridge. Way off in the distance I see Mexico. Nearer, to the right, is a part of Coronado–the Naval Amphibious Base where Navy Seals train.
Under the bridge we go, looking east at two Navy ships.
Under the bridge we go, while looking east at two Navy ships.
Shortly after passing under the bridge, we turn around and head back north near the shipyards. I see BAE Systems Ship Repair's huge dry dock. These two folks were visiting San Diego.
Shortly after passing under the bridge, we turn around and head back north near the shipyards. I see BAE Systems Ship Repair’s huge dry dock. These two friendly passengers were visiting San Diego.
Back north of the Coronado Bay Bridge, now passing the 10th Avenue Marine Terminal.
Back north of the Coronado Bay Bridge, now passing the 10th Avenue Marine Terminal.
A magical look west toward sails, clouds and the descending sun.
A magical look west toward sails, clouds and the descending sun.
Here comes a speedy sailboat behind us!
Here comes a speedy sailboat behind us!
The handsome Manchester Grand Hyatt buildings. One can observe San Diego from special windows on the 40th floor. They are in the tower on the right. This Hyatt is the tallest waterfront hotel on the West Coast.
The handsome Manchester Grand Hyatt buildings. One can observe San Diego from two large windows on the 40th floor. They are in the tower on the right. This Hyatt is the tallest waterfront hotel on the West Coast.
Our tour guide points toward Seaport Village. I see the silvery Marriott Marquis to the right.
Our tour guide points toward Seaport Village. I see the silvery Marriott Marquis to the right.
I love the G Street Pier and the fishing vessels that dock by it. Just beyond is Tuna Harbor. Sometime I post photos of lobster traps and other cool stuff piled on this working pier.
I love the G Street Pier and the fishing vessels that dock by it. Just beyond is Tuna Harbor. Sometimes I post photos of lobster traps and other cool stuff piled on this working pier.
This harbor tour is going fast! We're already passing under the immense bow of the USS Midway aircraft carrier museum.
This harbor tour is going fast! We’re already passing under the immense bow of the USS Midway aircraft carrier museum.
Some guys watch us from the end of Navy Pier near the USS Midway Museum.
Some guys watch us from the end of Navy Pier near the USS Midway Museum.
We've returned to the Maritime Museum of San Diego. There's the beautiful Star of India, oldest active sailing ship in the world, one of our city's prized gems.
We’ve returned to the Maritime Museum of San Diego. There’s the beautiful Star of India, oldest active sailing ship in the world, one of our city’s prized gems.
And here's HMS Surprise. If this replica Royal Navy frigate looks familiar, you might have seen Russell Crowe walking her decks in Master and Commander.
And here’s HMS Surprise. If this replica Royal Navy frigate looks familiar, you might have seen Russell Crowe walking her decks in the great movie Master and Commander.
It's the distinctive County Administration Building.
It’s the distinctive County Administration Building.
About to tie up near the museum's restored Swift Boat. I went on a ride aboard her some time ago. We went further south in the bay on that tour and got a good look at many active Navy ships.
About to tie up near the museum’s restored Swift Boat. I went on a ride aboard the Swift Boat some time ago. We went further south in the bay on that tour and got a good look at many active Navy ships.
While I linger at the museum and check out lots of cool nautical stuff, the Pilot takes off on another fun tour. Should you visit San Diego, I recommend buying a ticket!
While I linger at the museum and check out lots of cool nautical stuff, the Pilot takes off on another fun tour. Should you visit San Diego, I recommend buying a ticket!

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of fun photos for you to share and enjoy!

Another pleasant walk along San Diego Bay’s Crescent.

Gulls take flight beside San Diego Bay, just north of Grape Street Pier.
Gulls take flight beside San Diego Bay, just north of Grape Street Pier.

Off work early again. So I took a pleasant walk along San Diego Bay’s Crescent area, between the Grape Street Pier and the Coast Guard Station. This part of the North Embarcadero is a bit ragged and sleepy, but there’s plenty of color and sunshine.

Someone stands by the water one late afternoon gazing at moored boats in the Crescent area of San Diego Bay.
Someone stands by the water one late winter afternoon gazing at moored boats in the Crescent area of San Diego Bay.
Corroded plaque on a planter by wood benches recalls the dedication of Embarcadero Promenade in 1985. Over thirty years later, the area is a bit ragged, but a fine place to sit and enjoy the scenery.
Corroded plaque on a planter near wood benches recalls the dedication of Embarcadero Promenade in 1985. Over thirty years later, the area is a bit ragged, but a fine place to sit and enjoy the ocean breeze and scenery.
Looking south across the bay toward the downtown skyline. One could sit here and enjoy the sun all afternoon.
Looking south across the bay toward the downtown skyline. One could sit here and enjoy the San Diego sunshine all afternoon.
Cool boat has futuristic wings instead of canvas sails.
Cool boat has futuristic wings instead of canvas sails.
Fishing from the small dock behind the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary shack on the North Embarcadero.
Fishing from the small dock behind the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary shack on the North Embarcadero.
Some folks return to dry land from their boat home moored on the calm bay.
Some folks return to dry land from their boat home moored on the calm bay.
A small row boat appears to have capsized. Other dinghies have pools of collected water.
A small row boat appears to have capsized. Other dinghies have pools of collected water.
A field of sailboat masts under beautiful wispy afternoon clouds.
A field of sailboat masts under beautiful wispy afternoon clouds.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

A fine exhibit and publication about model ship building!

An amazing ship model by artist Joe Frangiosa, Jr. One of many fantastic examples in a big, special exhibit at the Maritime Museum of San Diego.
An amazing ship model by artist Joe Frangiosa, Jr. One of many fantastic examples in an extensive, special exhibition at the Maritime Museum of San Diego.

The Maritime Museum of San Diego currently has an exhibit that’s a lot of fun. It concerns collecting model ships and model ship building! Anyone interested in the hobby or nautical history in general should check it out!

I took a few photos to provide just a taste of what you’ll see. Bring your kids! They’ll love it!

Detailed model of a 74 gun two-decker British Ship of the Line, circa 1800. By artist Joe Frangiosa, Jr.
Detailed model of a 74 gun two-decker British Ship of the Line, circa 1800. By artist Joe Frangiosa, Jr.
Half a dozen ship models in different scales of the San Salvador, historic galleon of explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, who discovered San Diego Bay for Spain in 1542.
Half a dozen ship models in different scales of the San Salvador, historic galleon of explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, who discovered San Diego Bay for Spain in 1542.
Tiny models of classic cruise ships, including the famous Titanic.
Tiny models of classic cruise ships, including the famous Titanic.
A Native American ancient ship model. This pecked stone boat effigy was found in 2012 on San Clemente Island. It's at least 1000 years old.
A Native American ancient ship model. This pecked stone boat effigy was found in 2012 on San Clemente Island. It’s at least 1000 years old.
Just a few of the many ships in bottles on display now at the Maritime Museum of San Diego.
Just a few of the many ships in bottles on display now at the Maritime Museum of San Diego.
Tiny model ships recreate the Battle of Trafalgar between the British Royal Navy and the Spanish fleet in 1805. Admiral Nelson sailed two columns directly into the opposing line of ships.
Tiny model ships recreate the Battle of Trafalgar between the British Royal Navy and the Spanish fleet in 1805. Outnumbered, British Admiral Nelson sailed two columns directly into the opposing line of ships.
The Cutter Bear, by famous ship modeler Dr. William Brown, a local artist. His amazing work appears in prestigious museums around the world, including Mystic Seaport and the Smithsonian Institution.
The Cutter Bear, by famous ship modeler Dr. William Brown, a local artist. His amazing work appears in prestigious museums around the world, including Mystic Seaport and the Smithsonian Institution.
A Model-Maker and His Art. The collected works of Dr. William Brown. Any serious model ship maker, collector or hobbyist must have this fine publication.
A Model-Maker and His Art. The collected works of Dr. William Brown. Any serious model ship maker, collector or hobbyist must have this fine publication.

As a member of the Maritime Museum I recently received the latest publication of Mains’l Haul, titled A Model-Maker and His Art. It features the collected works of one of the world’s most famous model ship builders: Dr. William Brown. It’s really amazing! Any serious model ship hobbyist must have a copy of this fine publication in their library. The many photos are extremely detailed–much better than my few, which were taken in dim light through glass!

Hopefully you’ll soon be able to buy A Model-Maker and His Art online here. Or look for it at the museum’s gift shop!

Dr. William Brown produced models of ordinary working boats and ships, as well as historically important vessels. This is L.A. Fire Boat No. 2 which was launched in 1925.
Dr. William Brown produced models of ordinary working boats and ships, as well as historically important vessels. This is L.A. Fire Boat No. 2 which was launched in 1925.
Close look at Orizaba, a merchant vessel instrumental in San Diego's early history. Dr. William Brown has produced dozens of models specifically for the Maritime Museum of San Diego.
Close look at Orizaba, a merchant vessel instrumental in San Diego’s early history. Dr. William Brown has produced dozens of models specifically for the Maritime Museum of San Diego.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of fun photos for you to share and enjoy!

A perfect sunny day at the Chula Vista Marina.

Just sitting on a bench at the Chula Vista Marina. Masts of sailboats touch the clear sky. Another sunny day by the water.
Just sitting on a bench at the Chula Vista Marina. Masts of sailboats touch the clear sky. Another sunny day by the water.

Last Saturday morning I did some walking around the Chula Vista Marina and the neighboring Bayside Park. It was a perfect day for a leisurely stroll. Sunlight reflected from the water onto the smooth shiny hulls of boats. A forest of masts tickled the blue sky.

I sat down for awhile to drink in the calm and beauty. Another reason to love San Diego!

The Chula Vista Marina and adjacent Bayside Park are perfect places to relax and recreate.
The Chula Vista Marina and adjacent Bayside Park are perfect places to relax and recreate.
An abstract sculpture near the Dockmaster's Office.
An abstract sculpture near the Dockmaster’s Office.
The sculpture is titled To Remember Me, by Ross Barrable, 2001. In tribute to Ron McElliott who believed in the potential of the South Bay.
The sculpture is titled To Remember Me, by Ross Barrable, 2001. In tribute to Ron McElliott who believed in the potential of the South Bay.
Some street art on a nearby utility box depicts a tall ship on the ocean.
Some street art on a nearby utility box depicts a tall ship on the ocean.
Sitting at a table by the marina feeding the birds.
Sitting at a table by the marina feeding the birds.
Hundreds of sailboats and pleasure craft in the Chula Vista Yacht Harbor await an opportunity to glide across San Diego Bay.
Hundreds of sailboats and pleasure craft in the Chula Vista Yacht Harbor await an opportunity to glide across San Diego Bay.
Walking the dog across Chula Vista Bayside Park's fishing pier, next to the marina.
Walking the dog across Chula Vista Bayside Park’s fishing pier, next to the marina.
A fisherman out on San Diego Bay. The Coronado Cays are visible across the calm blue water.
A fisherman out on San Diego Bay. The Coronado Cays are visible across the calm blue water.
A happy sun shines on the marina building.
A happy sun shines on the marina building.
A beautiful fountain on the grass near the Chula Vista Marina office.
A beautiful fountain on the grass near the Chula Vista Marina office.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

A relaxing walk along the bay one winter day.

Monster Energy Supercross is in San Diego next weekend. Some trucks have already arrived for the event at Petco Park.
Monster Energy Supercross is in San Diego next weekend. Some trucks have already arrived for the event at Petco Park.

What a day! I walked like crazy! In the morning I headed down to the historic center of National City in San Diego’s South Bay. I have five blog posts coming this week about National City, featuring public art, some really cool street art, and a handsome collection of historic buildings. After my walk around National City, I took the trolley back to the 12th and Imperial station, and commenced a slow walk up the Embarcadero. I took my sweet time because the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Parade would be held farther up the Embarcadero later in the afternoon. Yes–I’m going to blog about the parade, too!

But first, here are some photos from my relaxing walk. During the winter months fewer people are about, and few boats are out on the bay. The air is a bit cooler, but the sun still likes to peek through. It’s San Diego.

The new Park 12 apartment building is taking shape just east of Petco Park.
The new Park 12 luxury apartment building is taking shape just east of Petco Park.
Gazing down from the Harbor Drive pedestrian bridge at a long freight train and the trolley yard.
Gazing down from the Harbor Drive pedestrian bridge at a long freight train and the edge of the trolley yard.
If you live on the West Coast and eat bananas, they probably arrived on a Dole cargo ship at San Diego's Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal.
If you live on the West Coast and eat bananas, they probably arrived on a Dole cargo ship at San Diego’s Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal.
Engine powered articulating boom lifts in a row behind the San Diego Convention Center.
Engine powered articulating boom lifts in a row behind the San Diego Convention Center.
The high masts of super yachts rise behind the convention center into the sky.
The high masts of super yachts rise behind the convention center into the sky.
People and birds can enjoy a view of the San Diego Bay from atop the convention center.
People and birds can enjoy a view of the San Diego Bay from atop the convention center.
Two basketball players and a bicyclist. It's a fairly quiet day at Embarcadero Marina Park South.
Two basketball players and a bicyclist. It’s a fairly quiet day at Embarcadero Marina Park South.
Railing creates patterns at the park's gazebo. Picnic benches are empty this quiet winter Sunday.
Railing creates patterns at the park’s gazebo. Picnic benches are empty this quiet winter Sunday.
Pigeons on the pier are taking it easy.
Pigeons on the pier are taking it easy.
A fine day to bat at a ball.
A fine day to bat at a ball.
Or to catch a wayward ball.
Or to catch a wayward ball.
Or to just walk along.
Or to just walk along.
Or dangle.
Or dangle.
Visitors to San Diego check out a map of the Embarcadero.
Visitors to San Diego check out a map of the Embarcadero.
These guys must own a boat docked at the Marriott Marina.
These guys must own a boat docked at the Marriott Marina.
A couple enjoys outdoor conversation at Seaport Village's San Pasqual Wine Tasting Room.
A couple enjoys outdoor conversation at Seaport Village’s San Pasqual Wine Tasting Room.
Member of the Cat-illacs band chats with folks at Seaport Village's East Plaza Gazebo.
Member of the Cat-illacs band chats with folks at Seaport Village’s East Plaza Gazebo.
Colorful but weathered picnic table at Embarcadero Marina Park North is the remnant of public art from years ago.
Colorful but weathered picnic table at Embarcadero Marina Park North is the remnant of public art from years ago.
Several years ago--I forget how long--the picnic benches along the water were all decorated with colorful tile artwork. This is all that now remains.
Several years ago–I forget how long exactly–the picnic benches near the water at Embarcadero Marina Park North were all decorated with colorful tile artwork. This is all that now remains.
A quiet day on the bay. A good time to meditate, relax.
A quiet day on the bay. A good time to meditate, relax.
Just kicking back.
Just kicking back.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Kayakers, volunteers clean San Diego River Estuary!

Many ordinary people came out today to help clean up the San Diego River Estuary.
Many ordinary people came out today to help clean up the San Diego River Estuary.

Lots of good people volunteered to clean up the San Diego River Estuary today. Some took to kayaks, others walked along the shoreline, filling bags with nasty litter and debris. The river estuary, emptying into the Pacific Ocean between Mission Bay and Ocean Beach, is a very important wetland in this region, and millions of birds rely on it during their migrations. Small bits of trash ingested by birds and other wildlife can be fatal.

The estuary cleanup was organized by The San Diego River Park Foundation. Kayakers are permitted to enter the San Diego River Estuary only one time every year–during this special event. I walked along the river and saw what ordinary people can achieve when working unselfishly for the good of our world.

A sign directs people to the river cleanup.
A sign directs people to the river cleanup.
Beautiful white clouds are reflected in the calm water of the San Diego River.
Beautiful white clouds are reflected in the calm water of the San Diego River as it approaches the ocean.
Many birds make the river and its sandbanks their home, including ducks, herons and egrets.
Many birds make the river and its mud flats their home, including ducks, herons and egrets.
A photographer captures images of waterfowl swimming through grass down the river.
A photographer captures images of waterfowl swimming through grass down the river.
My camera isn't quite so fancy, but I did get an okay photo of this snowy egret!
My camera isn’t quite so fancy, but I did get an okay photo of this snowy egret!
As I walked west along the San Diego River, I noticed a number of kayaks out on the water.
As I walked west along the San Diego River, I noticed a number of kayaks out on the water.
A sign by the river describes the problem of stormwater pollution. During rains, a good deal of runoff enters the estuary, carrying all sorts of pollutants and trash. (I had to really alter this photo so we could make out what the old sign says.)
A sign by the river describes the problem of stormwater pollution. During rains, a good deal of runoff enters the estuary, carrying all sorts of pollutants and trash. (I had to really alter this photograph so we could make out what the old sign says. Click the image to enlarge it.)
A cleanup volunteer with a kayak is arriving!
A cleanup volunteer with a kayak is arriving!
Plastic bags in these kayaks have been filled with garbage found in the river.
Plastic bags in these kayaks have been filled with garbage found in the river. I learned much of it was snagged in the grass.
Dozens of caring people were on the rocky river shore, looking for trash.
Dozens of caring people were on the rocky river shore, looking for trash.
San Diego is fortunate to have many thoughtful people, concerned about our environment.
San Diego is fortunate to have many thoughtful people, concerned about our environment.
Volunteering is often a family affair, teaching the next generation about generosity and responsibility.
Volunteering is often a family affair, teaching the next generation about generosity and responsibility.
This guy is carrying his kayak back to his car.
This guy was carrying his kayak back to his car.
Another guy showed me the trash he collected. He said he found a variety of garbage. Some of it is windblown. Some comes from Interstate 5 and other bridges which cross the river nearby.
Another guy showed me the trash he collected. He said he found a variety of garbage. Some flows downstream. Some of it is windblown. Some comes from Interstate 5 and other bridges which cross the river nearby.
A tent where people can sign up to volunteer and learn more about The San Diego River Park Foundation.
A tent where people can sign up to volunteer and learn more about The San Diego River Park Foundation.
From the mountains to the ocean, we care for the San Diego River!
From the mountains to the ocean, we care for the San Diego River!
Sadly, the river isn't healthy. A grade is assigned each year based upon trash, water quality and the extent of invasive plants.
Sadly, the river isn’t healthy. A grade is assigned each year based upon trash, water quality and the extent of invasive plants.
Sign shows volunteering possibilities. (Click these sign images to read--they will enlarge.)
Sign shows volunteering possibilities. (Click these sign images to read–they will enlarge.)
Picking up garbage and readying kayaks underneath the West Mission Bay Bridge.
Picking up garbage and readying kayaks underneath the West Mission Bay Bridge.
Collected trash was placed in a nearby dumpster.
Collected trash was placed in a nearby dumpster.
Smiles in the San Diego sunlight. A perfect day to make our world cleaner, healthier and more beautiful.
Smiles in the San Diego sunlight. A perfect day to make our world cleaner, healthier and more beautiful.
Kayakers launch into the San Diego River during a special event to clean the estuary.
Kayakers launch into the San Diego River during a special event to clean the estuary.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

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People at work and play in San Diego.

Tourists on San Diego's Embarcadero have fun with gigantic bubbles.
Tourists on San Diego’s Embarcadero have fun with gigantic bubbles.

Just a few photos of people at work and play in San Diego. These were taken over this last year. How time flies.

A businessman walks to work in downtown San Diego.
A businessman walks to work one morning in downtown San Diego.
Two fishermen enjoy their day on Shelter Island.
Two fishermen enjoy their day on Shelter Island.
Working and chatting at Horton Plaza Park.
Working and chatting at Horton Plaza Park.
Two sweethearts enjoy slacklining at Embarcadero Marina Park South.
Two sweethearts enjoy slacklining at Embarcadero Marina Park South.
Unloading boxes of produce at the Flagship dock near Broadway Pier.
Unloading boxes of produce at the Flagship dock near Broadway Pier.
People enjoy a day of boating on blue San Diego Bay.
People enjoy a day of boating on blue San Diego Bay.
Families thrill to statue-like street musician in Balboa Park.
Families investigate statue-like street musician in Balboa Park.
Construction workers put the finishing touches on a new downtown building.
Construction workers put the finishing touches on a new downtown building.
Walking on some rocks on a fine sunny San Diego day.
Walking on some rocks on a fine sunny San Diego day.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Last chance to enjoy Anthony’s at the waterfront.

Last chance to enjoy Anthony's at the waterfront. 70 years of great memories and seafood at Anthony's Fish Grotto, which will close on January 31, 2017.
Last chance to enjoy Anthony’s at the waterfront. 70 years of great memories and seafood at Anthony’s Fish Grotto, which will close on January 31, 2017.

Time is running out. Anthony’s Fish Grotto on San Diego’s waterfront will be closing at the end of next January. The restaurant has produced fond memories for millions of people over the course of its 70 year history. You have one last chance to enjoy this wonderful, unique place before it’s torn down.

Next year, the Brigantine will introduce a new restaurant at this scenic location, right next to the Star of India. I was told by a gentleman who sells art on the sidewalk nearby that the new Brigantine building is now under construction, and will be brought in across San Diego Bay on a ship or barge. That would certainly be a sight to behold!

Late yesterday morning I walked down to the Embarcadero to devour some french fries and a yummy tuna melt at Anthony’s outdoor Fishette. I sat on the wood deck dipping my fries in tartar sauce and breathing in the fresh air. I simply gazed out at the water.  Pleasant visions floated on the sparkling blue, including a visiting cruise ship and San Diego Yacht Club sailboats. Between licking my fingers, I took a few photos.

Anthony's has been a fixture on San Diego's Embarcadero for 70 years. But their lease ran out and the Brigantine will soon build a new restaurant at this location.
Anthony’s has been a fixture on San Diego’s Embarcadero for 70 years. But their lease ran out and the Brigantine will soon build a new restaurant at this location.
I've stood in this line many times. This is a favorite spot for tourists and locals alike.
I’ve stood in this line many times. This is a favorite spot for tourists and locals alike.
Eating seafood on benches inside a protected area of the informal outdoor Fishette, over the gently lapping water of San Diego Bay.
Eating seafood on benches inside a protected area of the informal outdoor Fishette, over the gently lapping water of San Diego Bay.
Funny sign over the Fishette soda machine shows two fish in love.
Funny sign over the Fishette soda machine shows two fish in love.
I'll attest that Mama Ghio's secret tartar sauce is a tasty concoction!
I’ll attest that Mama Ghio’s secret tartar sauce is a tasty concoction!
Anthony's Fish Grotto opened in 1946, right after World War II. I remember eating here many times as a child.
Anthony’s Fish Grotto opened in 1946, right after World War II. I remember eating here many times as a child.
Another photo of the small casual Fishette. I prefer dining outside, but many enjoy the more formal Fish Grotto, which occupies the interior of the building.
Another photo of the small casual Fishette. I prefer dining outside, but many enjoy the more formal Fish Grotto restaurant, which occupies the interior of the building.
In my opinion, some of the best seats in San Diego.
In my opinion, some of the best seats in San Diego.
A gull was watching my fries.
A gull was patiently watching my fries.
Activity on San Diego Bay included a refueling cruise ship. Those guys in the boat fishing were being watched by a sea lion.
Activity on San Diego Bay included a refueling cruise ship. Those guys in the boat fishing were being watched by a circling sea lion.
Here comes the Maritime Museum of San Diego's historic Pilot boat, out on a harbor tour. Those sailboats racing in the distance belong to the San Diego Yacht Club.
Here comes the Maritime Museum of San Diego’s historic Pilot boat, out on a harbor tour. Those sailboats racing in the distance belong to the San Diego Yacht Club.
I love this place. It will be sad to see it go. (In this photo you can see where the Fish Grotto's dock used to be. It was destroyed in that El Nino wind storm that I blogged about in early February.)
I love this place. It will be sad to see it go. (In this photo you can see the concrete posts where the Fish Grotto’s boat dock used to be. It was destroyed in that ferocious El Nino windstorm that I blogged about in early February.)
Another beautiful day on the Embarcadero. Time marches on.
Another beautiful day on the Embarcadero. Time marches on.

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