Tag: embarcadero

A view of the bay from the horns of USS Midway.

A kid visiting the USS Midway Museum with family checks out the view from the end of one of the aircraft carrier's projecting horns.
A kid visiting the USS Midway Museum with family checks out the dizzying view from the end of one of the aircraft carrier’s projecting horns.

This morning I paid a visit to San Diego’s amazing USS Midway Museum.

During my short visit I ascended to the flight deck and walked around a bit. I couldn’t resist walking out to the end of one of the aircraft carrier’s bridle-arrest horns. The two downward sloping projections at the bow of the USS Midway allow visitors to stand high over San Diego Bay, with wide views across the water.

I took some photos!

Sign at bow of USS Midway aircraft carrier explains the function of bridle-arrest horns. They were used until the 1980's. They are a vestige of an earlier era in carrier aviation.
Sign at bow of USS Midway aircraft carrier explains the function of bridle-arrest horns. They were used until the 1980’s. They are a vestige of an earlier era in carrier aviation.
People walk down one horn for an amazing view of San Diego Bay.
People walk down one horn for an amazing view of San Diego Bay.
The Admiral Hornblower, beyond the second bridle-arrest horn, is heading in toward the Embarcadero after completing a harbor tour.
The Admiral Hornblower, beyond the second bridle-arrest horn, is heading in toward the Embarcadero after completing a harbor tour.
And here comes the Spirit of San Diego right behind! Now I'm standing at the end of one horn, which hangs high over the blue water below!
And here comes the Spirit of San Diego right behind! Now I’m standing at the end of one horn, which hangs high over the blue water below!
Five people were jetting around the bay on some fun personal watercraft.
Five people were jetting around the bay on some fun personal watercraft.
Photo aiming south from the end of the horn shows the Fish Market Restaurant, Tuna Harbor, a bit of Seaport Village and the San Diego–Coronado Bridge.
Photo aiming south from the end of the horn shows the Fish Market Restaurant, Tuna Harbor, a bit of Seaport Village and the San Diego–Coronado Bridge.
A helicopter passes overhead. A frequent sight near three large Navy bases on San Diego Bay: Naval Base San Diego, Naval Air Station North Island and Naval Base Point Loma.
A helicopter passes overhead. Active aircraft are a frequent sight near the four large Navy bases on San Diego Bay: Naval Base San Diego, Naval Air Station North Island, Naval Amphibious Base Coronado and Naval Base Point Loma.
Looking back up toward the flight deck of the USS Midway. Some visitors are reading signs which describe the history of naval aviation, which originated at North Island across the bay.
Looking back up toward the flight deck of the USS Midway. Some visitors are reading signs which describe the history of naval aviation–a history that originated at North Island across San Diego Bay.
Looking down through safety nets fringing the carrier at sparkling water below.
Looking down through safety nets fringing the carrier at sparkling water far below.
After drinking in the views, I headed back onto the flight deck.
After drinking in the incredible views, I headed back onto the flight deck.
I noticed some school kids learning about the Midway from a docent.
I noticed some school kids learning about the Midway from a docent.
A look from the bow of the USS Midway back toward the carrier's Island superstructure and downtown San Diego skyscrapers.
A look from the bow of the USS Midway back toward the aircraft carrier’s Island superstructure and downtown San Diego skyscrapers.
Someone else walks out to the end of one horn. At North Island across the water I see the active aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71).
Someone else walks out to the end of one horn. Across the water at North Island I see the active aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71).

…

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!

Watch processing through a window at Chesapeake Fish!

Worker inside the processing window at Chesapeake Fish packages fresh local catch. Their seafood products are used by nearby restaurants and shipped around the world.
Worker inside the processing window at Chesapeake Fish Company packages fresh fish. Their seafood products are used by nearby restaurants and shipped around the world.

Millons of pounds of fish are processed at San Diego’s Chesapeake Fish Company every year. The dock where local fishermen unload their fresh catch is just steps away.

Most visitors to San Diego’s Embarcadero don’t realize they can actually watch freshly caught fish being processed. Just north of Seaport Village, a window invites tourists and passersby to watch the fish cleaning and packaging operation. The friendly workers will even hold up the fish for photographs and sometimes wave!

The processing room is refrigerated, but this morning I still managed to get some decent photos through the thick, fogged, drippy glass window…

If you see this sign just north of Seaport Village, take a look into the big window. Workers inside might be cleaning fish caught off San Diego!
If you see this sign just north of Seaport Village, take a look into the big window. Workers inside might be cleaning fish caught in the ocean off San Diego!
Near the processing window of Chesapeake Fish Co. is the small dock where fishermen unload their catch. Beyond is Tuna Harbor, full of commercial fishing boats.
Near the processing window of Chesapeake Fish Co. is the small dock where fishermen unload their catch. Beyond is Tuna Harbor, full of commercial fishing boats.
A worker holds up some fish for my camera!
A worker holds up a de-boned fish for my camera!
I believe these are the bones, heads and inedible parts that are removed from the fish during the cleaning operation.
I believe these are the bones, heads and inedible parts that are removed from the fish during the cleaning operation.
Two workers get dinner ready for seafood lovers!
Two workers get dinner ready for seafood lovers!

…

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!

Bird sightings along San Diego’s Embarcadero!

A seagull stands atop a pile of nets and floats on San Diego's picturesque G Street Pier.
A seagull stands atop a pile of nets and floats on San Diego’s picturesque G Street Pier.

You won’t believe all the birds I identified today during my walk along the Embarcadero. You really will not believe it!

Check out these fun flighty photos taken beside beautiful San Diego Bay!

American coots (also called mud hens) on rocks near the Marriott Marina.
American coots (also called mud hens) stand on rocks near the Marriott Marina.
A Canada goose on San Diego's Embarcadero! Now that's a very unusual sight! This bird seems to have joined a local flock of American coots. Maybe it was blown off course during the recent windy storm.
A Canada goose on San Diego’s Embarcadero! Now that’s a very unusual sight! This bird seems to have joined a local flock of American coots. Maybe it was blown off course during the recent windy storm.
Another strange bird near the sparkling water about to take flight! Oh, wait. My mistake.
Another strange bird near the sparkling water about to take flight! Oops. My mistake.
A female black-crowned night heron among rocks near the Embarcadero Marina Park South pier.
A female black-crowned night heron among rocks near the Embarcadero Marina Park South pier.
A gathering of pigeons on the grass at Embarcadero Marina Park North.
A gathering of pigeons on the grass at Embarcadero Marina Park North.
Rare exotic birds photographed in flight! Oops. Those are kites. Fooled me again.
Rare exotic birds photographed in flight! Oops. Those are actually colorful kites. Fooled me again!
I've arrived at Seaport Village. Okay, I'm certain these are real birds--maybe. Looks like a parrot, flamingo and some egrets.
I’ve arrived at Seaport Village. Okay, I’m certain these are real birds–maybe. Looks like a parrot, flamingo and some egrets.
Birds and sea lions await handouts of leftover fish parts. Early Saturday afternoon, and the Tuna Harbor Dockside Market is wrapping up.
Gulls, pelicans and sea lions await handouts of leftover fish parts. Early Saturday afternoon, and the Tuna Harbor Dockside Market is wrapping up.
Two sneaky gulls with watchful eyes.
Two sneaky gulls with hungry, watchful eyes.
There's gotta be some yummy fish scraps here somewhere!
There’s gotta be some yummy fish scraps here somewhere!
Commercial fishermen unload on the small dock behind this gate at Tuna Harbor. Birds wait eternally here, too!
Commercial fishermen unload on the small dock behind this gate at Tuna Harbor. Birds wait eternally here, too!
A bird in the sky above broad-winged sailboats flying across San Diego Bay.
A bird in the sky above broad-winged sailboats flying across San Diego Bay.
Seabirds love hanging out around the fishing vessels at Tuna Harbor.
Seabirds love hanging out around the fishing vessels at Tuna Harbor.
A snowy egret near the net of a live bait catching purse seiner.
A snowy egret near the net of a live bait catching seiner.
A double-crested cormorant flaps its wings in the water of San Diego Bay near the USS Midway.
A double-crested cormorant flaps its wings in the water of San Diego Bay near the USS Midway.
Birds above an ocean wave, painted on a ceramic tile by a young person. Many fun tile benches along the Embarcadero were created for a project titled Celebrating the Big Bay in 2004.
Birds above an ocean wave, painted on a ceramic tile by a young person. Many fun tile benches along the Embarcadero were created for a project called Celebrating the Big Bay in 2004.
Many birds in flight.
Many birds in flight.

…

This blog now features thousands of photos around San Diego! Are you curious? There’s lots of fun stuff to check out!

Here’s the Cool San Diego Sights main page, where you can read the most current blog posts.  If you’re using a small mobile device, click those three parallel lines up at the top–that opens up my website’s sidebar, where you’ll see the most popular posts, a search box, and more!

To enjoy future posts, you can also “like” Cool San Diego Sights on Facebook or follow me on Twitter.

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.

…

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!

Beautiful new poop deck debuts on Star of India!

This is the first weekend visitors to the Star of India can walk on the beautiful new poop deck!
This is the first weekend visitors to the Star of India can walk on the beautiful new poop deck!

We all are a part of history. Sometimes it’s hard to remember that.

The people at the Maritime Museum of San Diego are contributing to history by restoring the main deck of the world-famous Star of India. The poop deck is finished! Visitors can now enjoy the beautiful new wood deck and varnished helm and imagine putting to sea steering the romantic wheel. On a historic tall ship that is now 153 years old!

Beautifully varnished wood underfoot, meant to last another 50 or so years. The bench along the saloon's skylight will be sanded and varnished next.
The beautiful new wood deck underfoot is meant to last another 50 or so years. The bench along the saloon’s skylight will be sanded and varnished next.
The 1863 Star of India is a world treasure. It's the oldest active sailing ship in the world!
The 1863 Star of India is a world treasure. Its amazing, varied history includes circumnavigating the globe 21 times. It’s the oldest active sailing ship in the world!
A visitor rang the ship's cheerful bell while his friends talked near the binnacle and helm.
A visitor rang the ship’s cheerful bell while his friends talked near the binnacle and helm.
The helm's new varnish is still drying! In my dreams I command this amazing tall ship while standing at the wheel!
The helm’s new varnish is still drying! In my dreams I command this amazing tall ship while standing at the wheel!
A super nice Maritime Museum docent showed me how the steering mechanism works. The two opposing screw-like worms were made with amazing precision over 150 years ago!
A super nice Maritime Museum docent showed me how the steering mechanism works. The two opposing screw-like worms were made with amazing precision over 150 years ago!
The port side of the main deck has been caulked! Now just to sand and apply several layers of sealing protection.
The port side of the main deck has been caulked! Now just to sand and apply several layers of sealing protection.
The people at the Maritime Museum of San Diego are working hard to keep an important part of world history alive.
The people at the Maritime Museum of San Diego are working hard to keep an important part of world history alive.
A contrast of the finished main deck on the starboard side. Soon the entire ship's deck will be shiny like new!
The finished main deck on the starboard side. Soon the entire ship’s deck will be shiny like new!
Folks enjoy a sunny San Diego day on the newly restored poop deck of the historic tall ship Star of India.
Folks enjoy a sunny San Diego day on the newly restored poop deck of the historic tall ship Star of India.

…

This blog now features thousands of photos around San Diego! Are you curious? There’s lots of cool stuff to check out!

Here’s the Cool San Diego Sights main page, where you can read the most current blog posts.  If you’re using a small mobile device, click those three parallel lines up at the top–that opens up my website’s sidebar, where you’ll see the most popular posts, a search box, and more!

To enjoy future posts, you can also “like” Cool San Diego Sights on Facebook or follow me on Twitter.

Happiness and togetherness at MLK Day Parade.

People gather along Harbor Drive awaiting the start of the 2017 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Parade in San Diego.
People gather together along Harbor Drive and await the start of the 2017 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Parade in San Diego.

San Diego’s 2017 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Parade started this afternoon at 2 o’clock. I arrived a bit early and made my way onto the tall ship Star of India. Best seat in the house!

What all did I see? Read the photo captions!

Lots of friendship and smiles up and down the street.
Lots of friendship and smiles up and down the street.
Some Navy officers gather near the MLK Day Parade's starting area.
Some Navy officers gather near the MLK Day Parade’s starting area.
The San Diego Padres would be in the parade. They were waiting with some baseball balloons by the Maritime Museum.
The San Diego Padres would be in the parade. They were waiting with some baseball balloons by the Maritime Museum.
One benefit of being a member of the Maritime Museum of San Diego--I could watch the parade from atop one of the world's most famous tall ships--the Star of India!
One benefit of being a member of the Maritime Museum of San Diego–I could freely watch the parade from atop one of the world’s most famous tall ships–the Star of India!
Now I'm looking down from the deck above the historic ship's forecastle. Joe who works at the museum and I had the best view of the parade all to ourselves!
Now I’m looking down from the deck above the historic ship’s forecastle. Joe who works at the museum and I had the best view of the parade all to ourselves!
Look at all the folks gathering for the big MLK Day Parade. Every year, it's one of the most popular parades in San Diego.
Look at all the folks gathering for the big MLK Day Parade. Every year, it’s one of the most popular parades in San Diego.
From the Star of India we overlooked the parade's starting point. Lots of groups were waiting by their vehicles, including these Homeland Security guys posing for a picture.
From the Star of India we overlooked the parade’s starting point. Lots of groups were waiting by their vehicles, including these Homeland Security guys posing for a picture.
I also spotted law enforcement officers from around San Diego and the Border Patrol.
I also spotted law enforcement officers from around San Diego and the Border Patrol.
But the politicians manage to always go first. I spotted Todd Gloria, Toni Atkins, Susan Davis and Shirley Weber.
A pigeon joined us on the tall ship’s rigging.  Funny how the politicians manage to always go first. I spotted Todd Gloria, Toni Atkins, Susan Davis and Shirley Weber.
Tending to the flags.
Tending to the flags.
The parade has begun and here comes the Padres' happy mascot, the Swinging Friar!
The parade has begun and here comes the Padres’ happy mascot, the Swinging Friar!
The Chargers might be history, but San Diego's beloved Padres remain a strong part of our wonderful community.
The Chargers might be history, but San Diego’s beloved Padres remain a strong part of our wonderful community.
I think these guys marching are the San Diego County Sheriffs.
I think those guys marching are the San Diego County Sheriffs.
Oh, goodness! It's the Geico gecko.
Oh, goodness! It’s the Geico gecko.
Fellowship and laughter in one group before beginning down the parade route.
Fellowship and laughter in one group before beginning down the parade route.
From our cool vantage point above the starting point, sometimes the big event seemed like two parades in one!
From our cool vantage point above the starting point, sometimes the big event seemed like two parades in one!
It's a small planet. Perhaps we human-types ought to be nice to one another. Martin Luther King, Jr. knew that love overcomes hate.
It’s a small planet. Perhaps we humans ought to be nice to one another. Martin Luther King, Jr. knew that love overcomes hate.
I realized my small camera struggles at a distance, so after a bit I said bye to Joe and headed down to Harbor Drive to get closer shots.
I realized my small camera struggles at a distance, so after a bit I said bye to Joe and headed down to Harbor Drive to get closer shots.
Here comes the Saint Peter Grand Lodge!
Here comes the Saint Peter Grand Lodge!
Hello!
Hello!
Here comes a bright yellow float carrying some beauty queens!
Here comes a bright yellow float carrying some beauty queens!
Wow--look at all the color. The Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Parade is a happy celebration of human diversity and togetherness.
Wow–look at all the happy people. The Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Parade is a joyful celebration of human diversity and togetherness.
Here come some drummers!
Here come some drummers!
I believe these guys are students from UCSD. The County Administration Building rises in the background.
I believe these guys are students from UCSD. The County Administration Building rises in the background.
Lots of colorful costumes and finery representing different backgrounds and cultures. San Diego comes together as one family.
Lots of colorful costumes and finery representing different experiences and cultures. San Diego comes together as one family.
Smiles, happiness and togetherness. May the parade go on and on...
Smiles, happiness and togetherness. May the parade go on and on…

…

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.

…

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!

Morning sculpture by Donal Hord near Seaport Village.

The sleepy face of Morning, a black diorite sculpture by internationally renowned San Diego artist Donal Hord.
The sleepy face of Morning, a sculpture by renowned San Diego artist Donal Hord.

Many who walk along the waterfront pause to enjoy a beautiful sculpture near Seaport Village. Morning, sculpted from black diorite by internationally renowned San Diego artist Donal Hord, stands atop a low grassy hill at the edge of Embarcadero Marina Park North. Should curious eyes watching the colorful, sunlit kites flying high above the park descend to Earth, they will fall upon Morning.

Donal Hord sculpted Morning between 1951 and 1956. His works around San Diego include Woman of Tehuantepec, at Balboa Park’s House of Hospitality; Aztec, at San Diego State University; Guardian of Water, in front of the San Diego County Administration Center; and Literature West and Literature East, at the old, now vacant San Diego Central Library on E Street.

As a young man Hord was influenced by what he saw at Balboa Park’s 1915 Panama-California Exposition, particularly the architecture of Bertram Goodhue and the sculptural work of the Piccirilli Brothers. Later in life he was influenced by Scottish sculptor, Archibald Dawson, and Mexican muralist, Diego Rivera.

Morning. Donal Hord, 1902-1966. Presented to the citizens of the State of California by the San Diego Unified Port District. August 1983.
Morning. Donal Hord, 1902-1966. Presented to the citizens of the State of California by the San Diego Unified Port District. August 1983.
The Morning sculpture by Donal Hord stands on the grass at Embarcadero Marina Park North. Thousands of people pass it every day as they walk near Seaport Village.
The Morning sculpture by Donal Hord stands on the grass at Embarcadero Marina Park North. Thousands of people pass it every day as they walk near Seaport Village.
Morning, sometimes referred to as Morning Statue, shows a man waking, stretching, preparing for another day. At the base are various symbols, including representations of the sun and the moon.
Morning, sometimes referred to as Morning Statue, shows a man waking, stretching, preparing for another day. At the base are various symbols, including representations of the sun and the moon.
Morning was acquired by the Port of San Diego in 1983 and installed on the waterfront. Until then, the sculpture was located at Donal Hord's residence.
Morning was acquired by the Port of San Diego in 1983 and installed on the waterfront. Until then, the sculpture was located at Donal Hord’s residence.
A gull and its sculpted human perch together greet a sunny morning beside San Diego Bay.
A gull and its sculpted human perch together greet a sunny morning beside San Diego Bay.

…

This blog now features thousands of photos around San Diego!  Are you curious? There’s lots of cool stuff to check out!

Here’s the Cool San Diego Sights main page, where you can read the most current blog posts.  If you’re using a small mobile device, click those three parallel lines up at the top–that opens up my website’s sidebar, where you’ll see the most popular posts, a search box, and more!

To enjoy future posts, you can also “like” Cool San Diego Sights on Facebook or follow me on Twitter.

Beautiful morning photos at Broadway Pier.

Someone gazes from the Broadway Pier across the water toward Coast Guard Air Station San Diego, whose buildings shine, reflecting the early morning sun.
Someone gazes from the Broadway Pier across the water toward Coast Guard Air Station San Diego, whose buildings shine, reflecting early morning sunlight.

I was surprised at the number of beautiful photos I was able to capture this morning during my leisurely walk out on the Broadway Pier. All was quiet. The sun was rising…

The sun is about to rise above a part of the San Diego skyline.
The sun is about to rise above a part of the San Diego skyline.
A gull glides over still water.
A gull glides over still water.
Early morning light turns aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) golden. It is docked at Naval Air Station North Island.
Early morning light turns active aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) golden. It is docked at Naval Air Station North Island.
Colorful reflection on San Diego Bay of the USS Midway Museum, seen from the Broadway Pier.
Colorful reflection on San Diego Bay of the USS Midway Museum, seen from the Broadway Pier.
Bronze plaques create an historical timeline as one walks toward the pier's end. The construction of the Broadway Pier took place in 1913.
Bronze plaques create an historical timeline as one walks toward the pier’s end. The construction of the Broadway Pier took place in 1913.
An exquisitely beautiful seagull feather on the wet concrete at my feet.
An exquisitely beautiful seagull feather on the wet concrete at my feet.
Someone rides out to the end of the Broadway Pier early one Friday morning. Few people are about.
Someone rides out to the end of the Broadway Pier early one Friday morning. Few people are about.
Water droplets cling to the metal seats and tables at the end of the Broadway Pier.
Water droplets cling to the metal seats and tables at the end of the Broadway Pier.
Three large maps on the Broadway Pier show the shape of San Diego Bay in different eras. This outline of the modern bay shows where I now stand on the Embarcadero!
Three large maps on the Broadway Pier show the shape of San Diego Bay in different eras. This outline of the modern bay shows where I now stand on the Embarcadero!
Beautiful clouds and morning light frame a United States Coast Guard Cutter in the middle of San Diego Bay.
Beautiful clouds and morning light on blue water frame a United States Coast Guard Cutter in the middle of San Diego Bay.
A dreamlike vision one morning at San Diego's magical Broadway Pier.
A dreamlike vision one morning at San Diego’s magical Broadway Pier.

…

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!

Two talented artists on the streets of San Diego.

I’d like to bring two talented artists to everyone’s attention. I met them during my walk around San Diego yesterday. They show their colorful works of art on the sidewalk. I had spoken to Carlos several times in the past; I spoke to Juli for the first time and learned a little of her story.

Carlos often hangs out on the Embarcadero, right next to the Star of India. His fantastic Eagle Warrior appears to me to belong in an art gallery.
Carlos often hangs out on the Embarcadero, right next to the Star of India. His fantastic Eagle Warrior appears to me to belong in an art gallery. (Click this image to enlarge it!)

Carlos hangs out next to the Star of India, right near the ship’s figurehead. He usually has a whole array of stone and wire creature creations on display. Many of them are antlike. They’re all a lot of fun.

Yesterday he had something absolutely amazing on the sidewalk. You can see it in my first two photographs. He has made several such figures using resin, acrylic, and in this case some some quartz crystals. I looked very closely at his Eagle Warrior and was completely blown away. To me, this piece appeared to belong in an art gallery!

Carlos is very friendly and interesting, with many wise things to say about life and the world.  He has lived in San Diego for a long, long time.  If you happen to walk along the Embarcadero, and you see some art on the sidewalk that matches what I have described, you’ve probably found him! Say hello!

Close look at jaguar and serpent at foot of Aztec warrior, an amazing work of resin, acrylic and quartz by San Diego artist Carlos.
Close look at jaguar and serpent at foot of Aztec warrior, an amazing work of resin, acrylic and quartz by San Diego artist Carlos.

And now, a small colorful work of art by Juli:

A small but beautiful work of art, painted by friendly Juli. You can find her sometimes on the Embarcadero, sometimes on Broadway by the Santa Fe Depot.
A small but beautiful work of art, painted by friendly Juli. You can find her sometimes on the Embarcadero, sometimes on Broadway by the Santa Fe Depot.

At times I have seen Juli along the Embarcadero, painstakingly using a small brush to paint her fantastic crystal-like watercolor creations. But yesterday I spoke to her for the first time. She was hanging out on the sidewalk just south of the Santa Fe Depot. Take a look at her work!

Juli is quite knowledgeable about the art scene and has travelled all around the country. Many of her friends and acquaintances know her as Tree. She recently came down to San Diego from San Francisco, and is working to recover from a difficult situation. Her attitude is of unbounded optimism!

If you’re ever walking about San Diego and you spy her small but very distinctive works of art, take a close look! They’re pretty amazing!

These wonderful small pieces of watercolor art were created by Juli, who also goes by the street name Tree. She recently came to San Diego from San Francisco.
These wonderful small pieces of watercolor art were created by Juli, who also goes by the street name Tree. She recently came to San Diego from San Francisco.  (Click this image to enlarge it!)

…

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

Are you a blogger? Do you want to help others and make the world a better place? You might want to join Bloggers Lifting Others Generously.