This year the Pet Day on the Bay’s costume theme was mermaids and pirates. In addition to lots of cool sights, I photographed four-legged passengers dressed for the occasion!
Any dog owner who would like to have a memorable experience with their pet should go on one of these unique cruises. The Hornblower ship is equipped with everything a canine or human could desire, including drinks and snacks and a live narration describing all that you see during the one hour harbor tour. A couple of pet experts were also aboard offering lots of helpful advise.
I could tell the dogs were enjoying themselves. A bunch of their human companions were smiling, too!
People wait in line for the first of four special harbor tours. It’s the annual Pet Day on the Bay!Furry passengers meet each other before enjoying a cruise on San Diego Bay.The theme this year for Pet Day on the Bay was mermaids and pirates. Looks like a mermaid to me!All sorts of local celebrities joined us on the fun cruise. That’s Dave Scott of KUSI News!We’re at the foot of Hornblower’s pier, almost time to board the ship.Here come some colorful pirates!I’m greeted with a big smile. I see another celebrity! It’s world-famous Chopper, San Diego’s motorcycle riding therapy dog!Helen Woodward Animal Center was there, too, with licks of love and some puppies to adopt.Mary Read hangs out with a tail-wagging friend, waiting for a forever home.Open up your home–save a life. Foster homes are urgently needed for canines and felines. With your help, the Helen Woodward Animal Center saves thousands of precious lives. Please visit AnimalCenter.orgHeading along the Grape Street Pier, about to board the Adventure Hornblower for a one hour harbor tour!Some of the passengers have a pre-boarding meet and greet.Photos are taken for Hornblower Cruises’ Pet Day on the Bay.A friendly greeting by the ship’s captain!Doggie bags with lots of cool stuff from Petco were handed out to those participating in Pet Day on the Bay.Up some steps onto the upper deck…Some dog-friendly turf and great views await the pooch passengers.New friends are made on deck, as we await our departure.Is this sailor one of the crew?As we waited to begin our cruise, the nearby Admiral Hornblower headed out onto the bay.Sunshine breaking through the morning clouds turns the Admiral Hornblower bright white.Here we go! We leave downtown San Diego behind.We head out toward the entrance of San Diego Bay, with views of Point Loma, North Island and the distant Coronado Islands.Some people rowing outrigger canoes flew past us on the calm water of San Diego Bay.Approaching the live bait dock, where sportfishing boats stop before heading out into the Pacific Ocean.Sea lions lounge on the floating dock along with a motley group of sea birds.A group of kayakers was passing Naval Base Point Loma, not far from four nuclear submarines.The dogs enjoy the amazing views just as much as the humans.All sorts of characters are hanging out on the ship’s deck.There seem to be happy dogs everywhere!As we headed back toward the Embarcadero, I poked my head inside the ship to check out some displays, including this one presented by Petco, who also provided doggie treats.The Petco Foundation is helping to save the lives of animals. Learn how you can put your love for animals into action at PetcoFoundation.orgThe billowing Hornblower flag and the approaching San Diego skyline.As we come beside the dock, a dog carefully supervises the maneuvering of the ship.Passengers disem-bark after a wonderful one hour cruise!Pet Day on the Bay is a great annual event for those with two or four legs!
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Today I headed into Balboa Park to enjoy a special event celebrating Shakespeare’s 455th birthday!
Many activities were centered in sunny Copley Plaza, the hub of The Old Globe’s Conrad Prebys Theatre Center. There was an outdoor performance of Shakespeare in Exile by Grossmont College Theatre Arts students. There was instrumental musical entertainment, a sonnet writing contest, and even an Elizabethan ruff-making station. Inside the lobby of The Old Globe, costumes from some of their past Shakespearean productions were on display.
A bit after noon high school students from all around San Diego gathered on the steps of the Timken Museum of Art. After a welcome speech, a fantastic parade featuring many Elizabethan costumes began along El Prado. Several students were presented with achievement awards at the foot of the Lily Pond as their classmates shouted approval, then the youth fanned out to perform scenes from Shakespeare and other famous plays on several stages along El Prado.
Here are photos that provide a flavor of this truly awesome annual event!
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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 photos for you to enjoy!
I’ve covered San Diego Comic-Con for many years. Cool San Diego Sights now includes hundreds of cosplay photos that were taken around the Convention Center and Gaslamp Quarter.
While we impatiently wait three months for 2019 Comic-Con, I thought I’d share 150 of my favorite photographs. These include some of the weirdest, funniest, most jaw-dropping examples of cosplay that my roving camera has happily recorded.
Enjoy!
Adora Belle Dearheart and Moist von LipwigAhmanet of The MummyAlice and Mad HatterAnt-Man and the WaspAquamanAquamanAquaman, Mera and cosplay friendsAssassin’s CreedAzog and a NazgûlAzrael BatmanBatman and BaneBatman looking grimBatman, Robin and evil supervillains ready for a pool partyBaymaxBlack Mage encircled by Supergirl and dancing friendsBlack Widow and Ant-ManBlack Widow, Captain America and smiling friendBombshell BatwomanBumblebee and barbarian friend boarding a trolley in San DiegoCableCaptain America strikes a poseCatwoman and Jane Doe of BlindspotCloud StrifeCobra CommanderConeheadsCyclopsCylon Centurion from Battlestar GalacticaDark Angel OliviaDarth MaulDarth Vader in cool sunglassesDaymanDeadpool takes many forms, including a hot dogDeathstroke and BatgirlDisco Darth VaderDoc BrownDragon Slayer OrnsteinDragon Ball ZElectroElemental Hero AvianFast food superheroesFerengi from Star TrekFire Archangel VelajuelFrog Glenn with Batman and two RobinsFrozoneGame of ThronesGame of ThronesGamoraGarden gnomesGhostbustersGokuGreen ArrowGuardians of the GalaxyGumby and PokeyGurren LagannHarley Quinn and DeathstrokeHarley QuinnHaru of The Cat ReturnsHawkman and HawkgirlHenchman 21Hermione Granger, Daredevil and American MaidHomestuckImmortan JoeJawa from Star WarsJay Garrick version of FlashJudge Dredd and Judge DeathKevin Flynn from TronKevin from UpKlingonsKrieg the PsychoKuato from Total RecallLady SifLEGO CyborgLiliana VessLittle MermaidLoki and ThorLokiLord HaterLovecraftian steampunk Cthulhu-like characterMad HattersMad Max duoMad Max trioMadame VastraMadder Red of BedlamMadoka MagicaMercy and Reaper of OverwatchMing the MercilessMOBA LegendsMouth of SauronMystery Science Theater 3000Nightmare Before ChristmasObi-Wan KenobiOpera Bugs BunnyOrange Vader and friendsPac-ManPepsimanPikachuPoison IvyPost-apocalyptic Super Mario Bros.Professor McGonagall and DumbledoreQuidditch players for the Montrose MagpiesR2-D2RiddlerRobinRocksteady and BebopSalsa PicanteSamurai JackSans from UndertaleSatsuki KiryuinScarecrowSharknado victimsShe-Hulk and RavenShe-Ra has arrived to save the day. Her friend looks like a messed-up Phoenix, but I’m not sure…Sheriff Deputy Rick GrimesSilkSilver SurferSilverwareSnow WhiteSociety For Creative AnachronismSome sort of astronautSora from Kingdom HeartsSpeed Racer and Mario charactersSpiderman and VenomSpiderman driving a pedicab outside San Diego Comic-ConSpockStar Trek BarbeeStar WarsStar-Lord and ThorSteampunk Ghostbuster with proton packSteampunk ladySteampunk version of BatmanSteven UniverseStormSuper ShredderTARDISThe Addams FamilyThe Venture Bros.The Witcher characterThorTransformer in the GaslampTweedledum and TweedledeeUndead zombie running amok inside the San Diego Convention CenterUnknownVenomWALL-E and Cruella de VilWarlock from DestinyWolverineWonder Woman and a Golden Age enemyWonder Woman and MaleficentWonder Woman and Superman
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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 photos for you to enjoy!
Knights in armor engage in mock battle during the House of England’s lawn program.
The House of England in Balboa Park hosted a really great lawn program today!
As I lingered on the grass at the center of the International Cottages, I saw historical costumes, several mock knight battles, a Beatles tribute band, and even a parade of Welsh Corgis! I also stepped into the House of England’s cottage to check out a bunch of cultural displays!
These photos show what I experienced…
The annual House of England lawn program drew a good crowd to the International Cottages in Balboa Park.A member of the group Swords of Chivalry removes her steel helmet after some mock medieval combat.Other members of Swords of Chivalry have donned historical armor during the House of England’s lawn program.Kids had fun learning about the Age of Chivalry, a time long ago that now seems like pure fantasy.Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger and Harry Potter welcome visitors to the House of England’s cottage. Join us for a cup of tea.The House of England’s small cottage is full of interesting photos, artwork and cultural displays.One wall features the Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom. A nearby poster traces The Royal Lineage.A Briton’s Creed, Big Ben,Winston Churchill and more!I soon spotted a bunch of Harry Potter stuff. It’s the Sorting Hat from Hogwarts!One chart shows how the name Luna has become increasingly popular due to the Harry Potter books and films.It’s all of the Doctors from the popular Doctor Who series!A large display in the cottage is devoted to the British royal family, and Princess Diana in particular.An article about striving to keep Diana’s legacy alive by eliminating landmines around the world. (Click image to enlarge for easy reading.)Look at all the fun, unique teapots!Back outside, the House of England had a food tent up. Delectable treats for sale included Hagrid’s Dragon Eggs!All sorts of tents along the grass. Many contained information about English culture and history.Some attending the cool event wore historical costumes.A parade featuring dozens of cute Corgis caught everyone’s attention.Some guys rode penny-farthings to Balboa Park’s wonderful House of England event.Four gentlemen and their high wheels.This elegant lady had a table that concerned the show Victoria on PBS.Images from 19th century England.Claudia Previn Stasny, daughter of André Previn, sang The Star Spangled Banner and God Save the Queen to begin the program of afternoon entertainment.A happy group of Welsh Corgis hangs out by the stage.The Baja Bugs, a great Beatles tribute band, rocks the House of England’s lawn program.I think I see Ringo at the drums!Battling knights entertain an outdoor audience at the House of England’s lawn program in Balboa Park!
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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 photos for you to enjoy!
The Historical Unit of Southern California held an event on Veterans Day near the Balboa Park Carousel.
On Sunday the Historical Unit of Southern California provided a reenactment of two World Wars near the Balboa Park Carousel. Their fascinating Veterans Day event coincided with the 100th anniversary of Armistice Day, the end of the World War One.
Smiling members of the group, wearing historical military uniforms, explained exhibits on the grass that primarily concerned World War I.
In addition to equipment used by soldiers on the battlefield, displays included photographs and objects pertaining to the Red Cross and Salvation Army, organizations that worked to provide care and comfort for those who fought.
Members of the reenactment group displayed artifacts from past wars, and wore historical military uniforms.Member of the American Red Cross Club of Southern California, a World War Two reenactment group founded in 2018. This was their first public event.Medical items used by the American Red Cross, who aided suffering soldiers during the wars of the 20th century.Interesting objects on display include old issues of The Red Cross Magazine.A timeline depicts the history of the American Red Cross through World War Two. The organization was established in 1881 by Clara Barton. (Click photo to enlarge it.)Guys dressed as soldiers hang out on the grass by the Balboa Park Carousel, which itself is over a hundred years old.A rifle, canteen, helmet, and other equipment from the battlefield displayed on a blanket.This friendly lady’s display concerned the Salvation Army. A sign shows some basic facts about World War I.In 1917, Helen Purviance, an ensign in the Salvation Army, was in France with the American First Division. Soldiers asked: Can’t you make a doughnut with a hole in it? The rest is history.I believe these photos and artifacts are from World War I.A doughnut with a convenient hole is enjoyed in the park a hundred years later!
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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 photos for you to enjoy!
I’m welcomed to Plimoth Plantation West in Balboa Park by two descendants of Mayflower Pilgrims!
Yesterday I swung by the International Cottages in Balboa Park to check out an absolutely unique event!
The Mayflower Society’s San Diego Colony had created Plimoth Plantation West, a representation of Pilgrim history and life, focusing on the arrival of the Pilgrims in the New World and their establishment of Plymouth Colony. The colorful event was organized in anticipation of an important day that will arrive in two years: the 400th Anniversary of the Mayflower Landing in 1620.
I’m no expert when it comes to the history of the Pilgrims, so I was fascinated by many of the displays.
I learned about the Pilgrims’ various reasons for departing England, their journey across the Atlantic, the signing of the Mayflower Compact, the eventual anchoring off Cape Cod, the extreme hardships and many deaths during that first harsh winter, their friendly and not-so-friendly relations with several Native American tribes who lived in the region . . . even the sorts of games Pilgrim children enjoyed playing.
Many members of the Society of Mayflower Descendants were at the event in period costume, celebrating their ancestors and an important chapter in America’s early history. One gentleman I spoke to had descended directly from William Bradford, the governor of Plymouth Colony!
Here are a few photos of Plimoth Plantation West!
If you are one of the 31 million possible Mayflower descendants worldwide, you can join the General Society of Mayflower Descendants!Someone points to a chart showing the original Mayflower passengers. Less than half survived and made it to the first Thanksgiving in 1621.The Mayflower Compact, signed aboard ship, was the first governing document of Plymouth Colony. It specified basic laws and social rules for the new colony.This friendly gent was dressed like religious separatist William Brewster, a respected elder and leader of Plymouth Colony.A timeline of Pilgrim history begins with the formation of the Church of England. Puritans sought to eliminate retained Catholic practices. Separatists created secret congregations.One gentleman was demonstrating the use of a quill and inkwell. I learned ink was often made from berry juices, and turkey and goose feathers were primarily used for quills.Educational tools used by the Pilgrims included a Child’s Hornbook, a form of children’s primer containing the letters of the alphabet.Pilgrim children enjoyed simple games and toys, like spinning tops, and small crudely made dolls.The descendants of the Mayflower Pilgrims gather for a special event in San Diego’s always lively Balboa Park!
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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 photos for you to enjoy!
The 2nd Annual Day of the Dead North Park Festival had a couple blocks of Ray Street overflowing with color and life!
Today I checked out the Day of the Dead festival in North Park!
The annual festival, which is only in its second year, was held on two blocks of Ray Street just south of University Avenue. I couldn’t believe the size of the crowd enjoying this relatively modest event celebrating Día de los Muertos!
All of the cherished Day of the Dead traditions could be found, including a large, beautiful altar and lots of face painting, and, of course, some elegantly dressed Catrinas strolling about. There was also abundant Mexican music, themed artwork and yummy food!
This is definitely a festival that should grow in popularity!
Many costumes celebrating Día de los Muertos (and also Halloween) could be seen about the fun North Park festival.Boy poses for photo as a Day of the Dead skeleton with top hat.A traditional Día de los Muertos altar remembers loved ones who’ve passed from this life.Kids and adults could color a calavera, or decorative skull.Lots of Day of the Dead merchandise could be found at various vendor tables about the festival.Some Día de los Muertos items for sale included Catrina dolls, orange marigolds and colorful calaveras.Many faces at the festival had been painted to resemble sugar skulls.Characters from the popular culture have been transformed into these Day of the Dead refrigerator magnets!I see a hanging shirt printed with the image of a Mexican lucha libre mask. Seems appropriate in this photo!Another small altar (or ofrenda) includes photos of deceased loved ones, papel picado, and pan de muerto.Mariachis performed joyful music for the crowd at one end of the city block.Día de los Muertos is celebrated in North Park. It’s a new local tradition that promises to grow even more popular!
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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 photos for you to enjoy!
Ready for combat, warriors file through the 16th Annual Viking Festival in Vista, California.
Today I headed up to Vista to enjoy the 16th Annual Viking Festival, which is being held this weekend in and around Norway Hall.
This very popular festival features everything Norse, including costumes, crafts, cultural demonstrations, live music on two stages, and a wide variety of spirited competitions. There’s a Viking Beard Competition, a Viking Horn Blowing contest, a Kids Fish Fling, a Guardians of Midgard Chest Game, and an epic All Weapons Tournament. Although I didn’t stay to watch, I learned that Saturday evening concludes with spectacular flaming axe throwing!
I arrived shortly after the gate opened, then wandered about taking it all in before the festival became extremely crowded.
Here come a bunch of photos!
The Vista Viking Festival continues on Sunday. If you’re in the area, you might want to head on over yourself! If you don’t care for big crowds, come early!
The very popular Vista Viking Festival attracts thousands of visitors every year.I was given a hearty welcome by these noble members of The Norwegian Fish Club, who meet in Vista’s Norway Hall and put on the festival.The Norwegian Fish Club serves as a forum for persons attached to Norway, its history or mythology. Officers and various members dress in Viking attire!Shortly after I entered the Viking Festival, I spotted this rather unusual longship!It appears I’ve entered Vikings territory!In addition to crafts and artwork, some of the vendors sell swords, axes and other weapons used by fierce Norsemen long ago.A basket full of plastic two-horned Viking helmets.Norway Hall in Vista is where locals gather to share unique culture and history from old Scandinavia.Food and entertainment are plentiful at the Annual Viking Festival.I hadn’t realized that Vikings ate hot dogs!The festival’s Northern Territory is where the Viking clans camp. Demonstrations and reenactments can be enjoyed by curious visitors.These folk show what life might have been like in parts of northern Europe during the Viking Age.A lady at work making Viking crafts.This friendly Viking gent welcomed me to his camp. Various groups actually camp in the park-like setting around Norway Hall during the weekend of the festival.Signs explained different aspects of Norse mythology, including Valhalla, a great hall in Asgard, where fallen heroes assemble and are ruled over by Odin.The singing group Damekor performs on the Loke Stage during the Viking Festival.Hair braiding could be observed everywhere. I was told the length of a Viking’s hair was often representative of their social status. Long, elaborate braids would be “sewn together” and tended by servants.Every sort of Viking armor, costume and dress could be found throughout the festival.One vendor was showing these very cool stained glass dragons.Another vendor had magic runes for sale.Another had a big inventory of very colorful mugs.These funny bearded mugs resemble thirsty Viking warriors!A metalsmith was at work in the festival’s Northern Territory.So was a woodcarver. This guy was fashioning a Viking bowl, or skål, based on actual archaeological findings.More armor and weaponry that might have been used by marauding Norsemen.Bread was being baked in two large outdoor earthen ovens.Visitors to the Viking Festival can purchase fresh bread, crumpets, scones and other goodies.This funny fellow was guarding a Staff Only festival entry.I believe this guy was making collectible Viking charms by pouring molten metal into small molds.One vendor had all sorts of fantastic, glittering figurines on display. I see a couple of dragons perched on geodes.Visitors to the 16th Annual Viking Festival in Vista walk through the Southern Territory.A Viking combat demonstration had just ended, and some festival visitors were talking to one of the participants.I enjoyed viewing an ongoing blacksmith demonstration at Odin’s Forge.Kids pose in a Viking longship for a fun photo.At the Weapons Range, visitors to the Viking Festival try their hand at archery, spear and axe throwing.Aiming for the dragon!And there’s a large beer garden, too. Cheers!
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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 photos for you to enjoy!
Today I enjoyed an extraordinary event. I boarded the Star of India at the Maritime Museum of San Diego and experienced the annual Sea Chantey Festival!
Here come fun photos!
You’ll see two musical groups performing in these photographs: first Raggle Taggle, then Kick up the Dust. Others groups who had the audience clapping their hands and dancing on the ship’s deck were the Jackstraws, Gemini Junction, Sportive Tricks, and The Chanteymen.
I saw many people in costume. I found myself in the company of pirates and sea captains and ladies in Victorian dress. Members of the Maritime Museum’s sail crews hauled ropes and climbed the rigging while traditional sea chanteys were sung.
Everyone jumped when two cannon shots rang out across San Diego Bay. Heads turned. Like a vision from the past, the official tall ship of the State of California, Californian, which is also one of the Maritime Museum of San Diego’s beautiful vessels, sailed on past.
It was pure magic. Every moment.
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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 photos for you to enjoy!
Professor Minerva McGonagall and Albus Dumbledore cosplay at 2018 San Diego Comic-Con.
I missed the Harry Potter cosplay meetup today at 2018 San Diego Comic-Con, but I did manage to photograph many of the characters when I happened to see them walking about the Gaslamp Quarter!
Of course, wouldn’t you know, the one character I didn’t find was Harry himself.
Hermione Granger cosplay.Newt Scamander cosplay.Knight Bus conductor and Hogwarts Express conductor cosplay.Molly Weasley cosplay.Bellatrix Lestrange cosplay.Dolores Umbridge cosplay.Narcissa and Lucius Malfoy cosplay.Alastor “Mad-Eye” Moody cosplay.Rubeus Hagrid cosplay along with “Mad-Eye” Moody at 2018 San Diego Comic-Con.
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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 photos for you to enjoy!
Cool San Diego Sights! 