Tag: events

More tall ships and fun at 2014 Festival of Sail!

Man and boy walk along Embarcadero at San Diego's 2014 Festival of Sail.
Man and boy walk along Embarcadero at San Diego’s 2014 Festival of Sail.

Here’s my third blog post concerning my visit on Sunday to the Labor Day weekend 2014 Festival of Sail on San Diego’s Embarcadero. My first post concerned the brig Pilgrim; my second contained pics of the other beautiful tall ships at the first temporary floating dock just north of the San Diego Maritime Museum. Feel free to click around Cool San Diego Sights and check them out.

I pick up now where I left off last time–heading from the first floating dock to the second.

The Tole Mour takes students out to the Channel Islands as a school ship.
The Tole Mour takes students out to the Channel Islands as a school ship.
The large topsail schooner is based out of Long Beach.
The large topsail schooner is based out of Long Beach.
Tole Mour was originally a medical vessel serving the remote Marshall Islands.
Tole Mour was originally a medical vessel serving the remote Marshall Islands.
A couple young ladies on board were playing musical instruments for visitors.
A couple of young ladies on board were playing musical instruments for visitors.
30 to 35 students bunk down here during their educational expeditions.
30 to 35 students bunk down here during their educational expeditions.

I wish I were a kid again! I remember a similar trip on a smaller vessel I took as a high school student, cruising along Alaska’s Inside Passage.  I think our bunks were even narrower!  But that’s a different story…

Coming up from below. Flags flap in the sunshine.
Coming up from below. Flags flap in the sunshine.
Here's the cabin where kids gather to eat and learn about the sea.
Here’s the cabin where kids gather to eat and learn about the sea.
A small library and a chart depicting different marine life.
A small library and a chart depicting different marine life.
The very cool Tole Mour was launched in 1987.
The very cool Tole Mour was launched in 1987.
Two generations, side by side, man the helm topside.
Two generations, side by side, man the helm topside.
The Irving Johnson, a brigantine based in San Pedro, the port of Los Angeles.
Stern of the Irving Johnson, a brigantine based in San Pedro, the port of Los Angeles.
Folks at the Festival of Sail step onto the visiting tall ship.
Folks at the Festival of Sail step onto the visiting tall ship.
The bow faces distant Point Loma on our big, calm San Diego Bay.
The bow faces distant Point Loma on our lovely, calm San Diego Bay.
Sally has been a crew member from almost the beginning--22 years!
Sally has been a Los Angeles Maritime Institute crew member from  the beginning–22 years!

I hope my information here is correct. I didn’t take notes. Sally just smiled as she talked about her many memories as a volunteer at the Los Angeles Maritime Institute. She started 22 years ago as a lowly volunteer sweeper. She watched the two nearly identical ships–the Irving Johnson and Exy Johnson–being built simultaneously side-by-side in a parking lot! She told me she has more than a million stories to tell! I believe her!

The ship's twin--the Exy Johnson--is tied up on the opposite side of the dock.
The ship’s twin–the Exy Johnson–is tied up on the opposite side of the dock.
One more tall ship waits to be visited at this floating dock...
One more beautiful tall ship waits to be visited at this floating dock…
It's the Bill of Rights, a gaff-rigged schooner from Chula Vista, in our south bay!
It’s the Bill of Rights, a gaff-rigged schooner from Chula Vista, in our south bay!
Dogs enjoyed visiting the cool ships, too!
Dogs enjoyed visiting the cool ships, too!
A big old ship's wheel gives me a hankering for adventure on the high seas.
A big old ship’s wheel gives me a hankering for adventure on the high seas.
Some festival visitors went on harbor cruises, or participated in cannon battles on the bay!
Some festival visitors went on harbor cruises, or participated in cannon battles on the bay!
This is the hub of the San Diego Maritime Museum--the Berkeley steam ferryboat.
This is the hub of the San Diego Maritime Museum–the Berkeley steam ferryboat.

I haven’t really covered the many ships of the San Diego Maritime Museum in my blog, apart from some dockside pictures of the Star of India, the build site of the galleon San Salvador, and a couple pics of the Pilot out on the bay. I suppose I’ll have to put the many cool ships in the museum’s collection on my list!

Inside the Berkeley a family watches a hobbyist create a tiny ship model.
Inside the Berkeley a family watches a hobbyist create a tiny ship model.
People walk out on the Dolphin, the world's deepest diving submarine.
People walk out on the Dolphin, the world’s deepest diving submarine.
Stepping out onto a narrow dock at the side of the Berkeley and gazing north.
Stepping out onto a narrow dock on the north side of the Berkeley and gazing across the water.
The small Patricia Belle, from Mexico, is tied up next to the steam yacht Medea.
The graceful Patricia Belle, from Mexico, is tied up next to the steam yacht Medea.
Passing under a lifeboat, heading to the dock at rear of the Berkeley.
Passing under a lifeboat, heading to the large dock jutting from the rear of the Berkeley.
Turning around. A huge collection of ships that you could visit all day!
Turning around. A huge collection of ships that you could tour all day!

I’m standing near the stern of America, a modern replica of the ship that won the original America’s Cup. The boats docked side-by-side along the Berkeley are, left to right, the Jada, Patricia Belle and Medea.

America's Cup boats and San Diego's America and the Californian are back here!
Two America’s Cup boats and tall ships America and Californian are based back here!

San Diegans often see the sleek Stars and Stripes and the Abracadabra out racing on the big bay. The two participated in somewhat more recent America’s Cup competitions. I have no photos here, but I should in the future! My camera’s memory card was almost full!

The Exy Johnson sails out to be followed by the Californian, in the foreground.
The Exy Johnson sails out to be followed by the Californian, in the foreground.
Pic taken moments after the mainland battery fired a cannon!
Pic taken moments after the mainland battery fired a cannon!

The gun produced a huge blinding flash! I couldn’t capture it, because my fingers were firmly pressed into my ears!

While cannon is cleaned, the Exy Johnson and Californian begin a duel on the bay!
While cannon is cleaned, the Exy Johnson and Californian begin a duel on the bay!

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2014 Festival of Sail’s many beautiful tall ships!

People arrive at San Diego's 2014 Festival of Sail on the Embarcadero.
People arrive at San Diego’s 2014 Festival of Sail on the Embarcadero.

I began a description of the 2014 Festival of Sail in the previous blog post, where I showed photos of the brig Pilgrim docked on San Diego’s Embarcadero. The big Labor Day weekend event features 21 different vessels, so now I’ll provide a quick tour of the other beautiful tall ships that can be seen on sparkling San Diego Bay! I have so many pics that I’ve broken them up into two separate parts.

The sails of the historic Star of India rise beyond a kettle corn sign!
The sails of the historic Star of India rise beyond a kettle corn sign!
The many ships of the San Diego Maritime Museum took part, including HMS Surprise.
The many ships of the San Diego Maritime Museum took part, including HMS Surprise.

You might remember having seen HMS Surprise in the Academy Award winning movie Master and Commander, starring Russell Crowe!

One of several pirates walking about the annual event, thrilling lots of kids.
One of several pirates walking about the annual event, thrilling lots of kids.
Three temporary floating docks are surrounded by visiting tall ships.
Three temporary floating docks are surrounded by visiting tall ships.

The nearest ship is the Pilgrim, a replica of the historic ship described by Richard Henry Dana in Two Years Before the Mast.

Gaff-rigged schooner Spirit of Dana Point was tied up next to the Pilgrim.
Gaff-rigged schooner Spirit of Dana Point was tied up next to the Pilgrim.
Early morning festival visitors check out the Spirit of Dana Point.
Early morning festival visitors check out the Spirit of Dana Point.
One of several photographers looking for cool shots on the beautiful ships.
One of several photographers looking for cool shots on the beautiful ships.
This large bell was donated by famous actor John Wayne from his own ranch!
This large bell was donated by famous actor John Wayne from his own ranch!

That is one loud bell!

Ship's compass is another typical nautical sight.
Ship’s compass is another typical nautical sight.
Looking across the picturesque deck of the Spirit of Dana Point.
Looking across the picturesque deck of the Spirit of Dana Point.
Golden female figurehead gazes out across San Diego Bay.
Golden female figurehead gazes out across San Diego Bay.
Three-masted schooner American Pride awaits across the dock.
Three-masted schooner American Pride awaits across the dock.
American Pride and paddleboarder seen from bayside walkway.
American Pride and paddleboarder seen from bayside walkway.
View of American Pride from Curlew.
View of American Pride’s elegant stern from nearby Curlew.
This photographer aims at a cannon!
Photographer on American Pride takes aim at a cannon!
American Pride, built in 1941, calls Long Beach home.
American Pride, built in 1941, calls Long Beach home.
People prepare to board the small staysail schooner Curlew
People prepare to board the small staysail schooner Curlew
This sailing ship won many East Coast races in the 1920's and 1930's.
This sailing ship won many East Coast races in the 1920’s and 1930’s.
Visitors check out the small schooner Curlew.
Visitors check out the beautiful sailing vessel.
Curlew served as a training ship and submarine patrol boat in World War II.
Curlew served as a training ship and submarine patrol boat in World War II.
Kayakers were out cruising among the assembled tall ships.
Kayakers were out cruising among the assembled tall ships.
The Tole Mour awaits at the second floating dock, my next stop!
The Tole Mour awaits at the second floating dock, my next stop!

Stay tuned! There’s more to come!

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Richard Henry Dana’s brig Pilgrim in San Diego!

Replica of Richard Henry Dana's brig Pilgrim at the 2014 Festival of Sail!
Replica of Richard Henry Dana’s brig Pilgrim at the 2014 Festival of Sail!

One of the world’s most famous sailing ships has returned to San Diego after 180 years!

Well–ahem–actually, a replica of the Pilgrim, the ship that became immortal in Richard Henry Dana Jr.’s classic book Two Years Before the Mast, sailed into San Diego Bay a few days ago. It’s one of many beautiful tall ships participating in this Labor Day weekend’s 2014 Festival of Sail.

This morning I got a bunch of pics of the festival and all the amazing ships along the Embarcadero. But I decided to start off by writing a blog post about the Pilgrim, which has a warm spot in my heart.

Every so often I reread Two Years Before the Mast, when I get a hankering to revisit the true, very interesting and adventurous tale written by Dana about his difficult voyage around Cape Horn and along the mostly uninhabited California coast as a common sailor. For some reason I feel a strange kinship with the author. Whenever I enjoy the book, I always try to envision what his hardy cattle hide trading ship looked like.

Today’s replica of the brig Pilgrim began as a three-masted schooner built in 1945 in Denmark; it was then converted to a brig in 1975 in Portugal. Now it’s a floating classroom with the Ocean Institute in Dana Point, California. The ship was used in Amistad, a movie directed by Steven Spielberg. While no one knows precisely how the original Pilgrim appeared, it quite likely resembled the ship I visited this morning.

The Pilgrim became immortalized in the classic book Two Years Before the Mast.
The Pilgrim became immortalized in the classic book Two Years Before the Mast.
Walking down to the Pilgrim, docked among many cool sailing ships.
Walking down to the Pilgrim, docked among many cool sailing ships.
Wooden figurehead of the Pilgrim is a representation of Richard Henry Dana Jr.
Wooden figurehead of the Pilgrim is a representation of Richard Henry Dana Jr.

I assume the figurehead of Dana holds a scroll because he went on to become a Harvard-educated lawyer. He advocated for groundbreaking laws which protected the common sailor and made life at sea for many a bit less dangerous and unfair.

San Diego Festival of Sail includes this historic, very interesting tall ship.
San Diego Festival of Sail includes this historic, very interesting tall ship.

Sadly, the gentleman welcoming visitors on board (not the guy pictured) apparently had never read Two Years Before the Mast. He didn’t seem to know anything about Dana’s stay in San Diego, cleaning and curing cattle hides just inside the bay at Point Loma, riding with his friend inland to the old Mission, and having memorable good times in Old Town when San Diego was in its infancy.

In the shade of a canvas sail, people from the Ocean Institute and visitors chat.
In the shade of a canvas sail, people from the Ocean Institute and visitors chat.
Sign stresses the critical importance of correct line handling.
Sign stresses the critical importance of correct line handling.
Gazing toward the bow past ship's bell and American flag.
Gazing toward the bow past ship’s bell and American flag.
The Pilgrim needed a crew of twelve to fourteen seamen to man her.
The Pilgrim needed a crew of twelve to fourteen seamen to man her.
I was one of the first aboard, before the big Labor Day weekend crowd arrived!
I was one of the first aboard, before the big Labor Day weekend crowd arrived!
That fuzzy stuff is called baggywrinkle!
That fuzzy stuff is called baggywrinkle!
Beyond ship's wheel, several tall ships are docked at Maritime Museum.
Beyond the ship’s wheel, several tall ships are docked at the San Diego Maritime Museum.
Advice from the cook--eat good hearty salt beef!
Advice from the cook–eat good hearty salt beef!

I like the passages in Two Years Before the Mast where Dana describes his difficult adjustment to the seafaring life.

The above sign includes his reaction after following the cook’s advice: “I got a huge piece of strong, cold salt beef from the cook and kept gnawing upon it until twelve o’clock. When we went on deck, I felt somewhat like a man, and could begin to learn my sea duty with considerable spirit.”

Pilgrim crew member works at a knot during San Diego's tall ship festival.
Pilgrim crew member works at a knot during San Diego’s tall ship festival.

The West Coast was a mostly desolate, seldom-visited frontier in those days long ago. It was a place of danger, difficult undertakings and true discovery. Sometimes during my easy walks around and about San Diego, I try to imagine the glorious horizons and raw natural beauty unaltered by modern development. It’s a place in time that now exists only in memory. And in great books.

Stern of the brig Pilgrim at the 2014 Festival of Sail.
Stern of the brig Pilgrim at the 2014 Festival of Sail.

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US Sand Sculpting Challenge and 3D Art Expo!

People arrive at the 2014 US Sand Sculpting Challenge and 3D Art Expo in San Diego.
People arrive at the 2014 US Sand Sculpting Challenge and 3D Art Expo in San Diego.

Here comes one more cool blog post concerning the 2014 US Sand Sculpting Challenge and 3D Art Expo!

If you haven’t yet, please check out the SUPER AWESOME previous photos of the solo Sand Master competition at this event!

Now I’m going to cover the rest of what I saw. In addition to the incredible top international individual sand sculptors, a number of great teams also competed for fame and prizes. They started on their unique artwork today, so their creations seem in these early morning pics to have barely begun. I also enjoyed looking at many art exhibits, and a few sand sculptures dedicated to event sponsors.

The fun event on the B Street Pier was sponsored in part by Chevrolet.
The fun event on the B Street Pier was sponsored in part by Chevrolet.
Teams create fantastic sand sculptures out toward the end of the pier.
Teams create fantastic sand sculptures out toward the end of the pier.
Many displays of art dotted the exhibition, as well as food trucks and a stage.
Many displays of art dotted the exhibition, as well as food trucks and a stage.
The teams began their sculpting on Saturday, the day of my visit.
The teams began their sculpting on Saturday, the day of my visit.
This funny dude sifting sand said he hadn't found gold yet!
This funny dude sifting sand said he hadn’t found gold yet!
Teams from far and wide get started on their wonderful creations.
Teams from far and wide get started on their wonderful creations.
Some of the artwork you could enjoy was really sensational!
Some of the artwork you could enjoy was really sensational!
I saw the Sandcastle Man at the Imperial Beach event, too!
I saw the Sandcastle Man at the Imperial Beach event, too!
Now that's about as advanced as I am--a pail and shovel!
Now that’s about as advanced as I am–a pail and shovel!
These sand heaps will be two demons cast into heaven by Buddha.
These sand heaps will be two demons cast into heaven by Buddha.
MakerPlace was there demonstrating their creative local facility.
MakerPlace was there demonstrating their creative local facility.
What a beautiful Labor Day weekend by the bay on the Embarcadero!
What a beautiful Labor Day weekend by the bay on the Embarcadero!
A close look at an artist sculpting with great care.
A close look at an artist sculpting with great care.
Gazing back toward downtown, adjacent to the cruise ship terminal.
Gazing back toward downtown, adjacent to the cruise ship terminal.
The live entertainment hadn't started yet early this morning.
The live entertainment hadn’t started yet early this morning.
Another sponsor, Foster Farms, had their own very cool sand sculpture!
Another sponsor, Foster Farms, had their own very cool sand sculpture!

Tomorrow I’m checking out the equally awesome Festival of Sail, so stay tuned!

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Photos of world-class sand sculptors at work!

Ten world-class master sand sculptors compete by creating amazing masterpieces!
Ten world-class master sand sculptors compete by creating amazing masterpieces!

This morning I headed over to the 2014 US Sand Sculpting Challenge and 3D Art Exposition right as it opened, hoping to avoid the worst of the Labor Day weekend crowds. My timing was perfect, as the world-class competitors were all hard at work on their solo sand sculpture entries! I’m told they began on Friday; it appeared their truly breathtaking masterpieces were nearing completion.

For your enjoyment, I present many photographs of these super talented international Sand Masters at work!

Kirk Rademaker is a Sand Master who has won 10 major international awards.
Kirk Rademaker is a Sand Master who has won 10 major international awards.
Kirk Rademaker works on his shoe sand sculpture on San Diego's B Street Pier.
Kirk Rademaker works on his shoe sand sculpture on San Diego’s B Street Pier.
The master sand artists all work very carefully as big festival begins.
The master sand artists all work very carefully as big festival begins.
Early Saturday morning, and the big Labor Day weekend crowd isn't here yet.
Early Saturday morning, and the big Labor Day weekend crowd isn’t here yet.
Joris Kivits from The Netherlands has won many awards in different countries.
Joris Kivits from The Netherlands has won many awards in different countries.
Joris Kivits works on an elegant, simply incredible work of art.
Joris Kivits works on an elegant, simply incredible work of art.
2014 US Sand Sculpting Challenge is in San Diego by the cruise ship terminal.
2014 US Sand Sculpting Challenge is in San Diego by the cruise ship terminal.
A close photo of some very fine work by a sand sculpting master.
A close photo of some very fine work by a sand sculpting master.
Helena Bangert, from The Netherlands, also does snow and ice sculpting!
Helena Bangert, from The Netherlands, also does snow and ice sculpting!
Helena Bangert steps back to look at her fantastic artwork on the Embarcadero.
Helena Bangert steps back to look at her fantastic artwork on the Embarcadero.
A lot of patience and steady-handed work is required to create each masterpiece.
A lot of patience and steady-handed work is required to create each masterpiece.
The skyline of downtown San Diego can be seen in the background.
The skyline of downtown San Diego can be seen in the background.
Chris Guinto has starred in three TV shows on the Travel and Discovery Channels!
Chris Guinto has starred in three TV shows on the Travel and Discovery Channels!

Check out my last blog post, which features Chris from days earlier!

Chris Guinto concentrates as he carefully smooths an edge on his sculpture.
Chris Guinto concentrates as he carefully smooths an edge on his sculpture.
Chris is married to a master sand sculptor who's in the Guinness Book of World Records.
Chris is married to a master sand sculptor who’s in the Guinness Book of World Records.
An exotic, unusual creation seems to depict an ancient warrior.
An exotic, unusual creation seems to depict an ancient warrior.
JOOheng Tan from Singapore is often called Vincent Sand Gogh!
JOOheng Tan from Singapore is often called Vincent Sand Gogh!
JOOheng Tan has won many top prizes around the world!
JOOheng Tan has won many top prizes around the world!
What appears to be a simple piece is actually beyond astonishing...
What appears to be a simple piece is actually beyond astonishing…
Look at the inside of the sculpture. Wow!
Look at the inside of the sculpture. Wow!
Sue McGrew is a star on the rise and has won several important competitions.
Sue McGrew is a star on the rise and has won several important competitions.
Where is Sue McGrew... She's inside this strange sand box!
Where is Sue McGrew… She’s inside this strange sand box!
The art is inside this hollow, angular sand sculpture!
The art is inside this hollow, angular sand sculpture!
I guess you gotta peek through the slots to see the finished marvel!
I guess you gotta peek through the slots to see the finished marvel!
John Gowdy is a Jersey boy now living in Italy. He won Sand Wars on the Travel Channel.
John Gowdy is a Jersey boy now living in Italy. He won Sand Wars on the Travel Channel.
John Gowdy's piece is both amazing and dramatic.
John Gowdy’s piece is both amazing and dramatic.
Some people in a row boat are being upset by a hungry shark!
Some people in a row boat are being upset by a hungry shark!
The vibe of this sand sculpture is crazy good.
The vibe of this sand sculpture is crazy good.
Melineige Beauregard of Canada believes sand sculpting is a spiritual experience.
Melineige Beauregard of Canada believes sand sculpting is a spiritual experience.
This stylishly rendered human head radiates with warmth.
This stylishly rendered human head radiates with warmth.
Visible are the Broadway Pier and a few visitors to the US Sand Sculpting Challenge.
Visible are the Broadway Pier and a few visitors to the US Sand Sculpting Challenge.
Melineige's work of art has a second figure hidden within the hair!
Melineige’s work of art has a second figure hidden within the hair!
Sandis Kondrats hails from Latvia! He won the Grand Prize at last year's competition!
Sandis Kondrats hails from Latvia! He won the Grand Prize at last year’s competition!
Sandis Kondrats takes a break to check his smartphone.
Sandis Kondrats takes a break to check his smartphone.
Very organic human heads are fused together in this fantastic creation.
Very organic human heads are fused together in this fantastic creation.
The world masters' sand sculptures are lined up alongside San Diego Bay.
The world masters’ sand sculptures are lined up alongside San Diego Bay.
Michela Ciappini from Italy is a frequent trophy winner here in San Diego.
Michela Ciappini from Italy is a frequent trophy winner here in San Diego.
One side of Michela's sculpture is very sparse, modern and geometric.
One side of Michela’s sculpture is very sparse, modern and geometric.
But something is growing between those straight sand buildings.
But something is growing between those straight sand buildings.
A huge sand rose and human form emerge on the other side!
A huge sand rose and human form emerge on the other side!

My next blog post will feature additional cool pics of the entire event…

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TV star Chris Guinto’s top secret sand sculpture!

World Masters Class sand sculptures prepped on San Diego's B Street Pier.
World Masters Class sand sculptures prepped on San Diego’s B Street Pier.

Early this morning, before going to work, I headed down to the Embarcadero to check out preparations for two big events that are coming this Labor Day weekend. One of those events is the 2014 U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge, which will be held on the pier by the cruise ship terminal!

I noticed those sculptures that I took pictures of on Sunday are now completed. I also observed that the mounds of loose sand that the World Masters will sculpt this weekend have been enclosed in very mysterious-looking wooden frames.

As I took pics down the pier, a gentleman came striding along with some tools. I asked if he was a sculptor. He said yes. His name was Chris.

One competitor arrives at his future work of art by cruise ship terminal.
One competitor arrives at his future work of art by cruise ship terminal.

I spoke for a bit and learned he’d been creating sand sculptures since he was a kid on the beach, and that one could make a full-time living in such work. These unique works of art are popular at corporate events, public events, weddings and special occasions.

Chris said that some of the best sand artists would be competing from around the world, from places like the Netherlands, Singapore and Italy. He affirmed that this competition was one of the best in the world. I asked him about his own sculpture, and he said it’s a secret!

I didn’t know it at the time, but I learned with a little research that I had spoken with Chris Guinto, of Key West, Florida, a world class sand sculptor who has starred in several acclaimed television shows! His work has been a central feature of ‘Sand Masters’, ‘Sand Wars’ and ‘Sand Blasters’ on the Travel and Discovery Channels! All I can say is he was super friendly and very cool!

It's Chris Guinto, star of several shows on the Travel and Discovery Channels!
It’s Chris Guinto, star of several shows on the Travel and Discovery Channels!
While Chris gets to work, I walk to see finished sculptures created last Sunday.
While Chris gets to work, I walk to see finished sculptures created last Sunday.
In my blog post from Sunday, you could see the eagle head being formed!
In my blog post from Sunday, you could see the eagle head being formed!
The sand truck looks unfinished and rather odd to me.
The sand truck looks unfinished and rather odd to me.
The San Diego skyline sculpture promotes new MTS Rapid bus route.
The San Diego skyline sculpture promotes new MTS Rapid bus route.
Chris has a tripod up, and now I say good luck and head for the trolley.
Chris has a tripod up, and now I say good luck and head for the trolley.

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Sand sculpting challenge gets ready downtown!

Sand sculpture is prepared in front of San Diego's Cruise Ship Terminal.
Sand sculpture is prepared in front of San Diego’s Cruise Ship Terminal.

This coming Labor Day weekend, two major events will take place on San Diego’s Embarcadero. The 2014 Festival of Sail will feature about 20 beautiful tall ships from ports far and wide. The second event, the U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge and 3D Art Exposition, will feature a world-class competition between many of the world’s greatest sand sculpting masters.

I noticed today during my walk that preparations have begun for the unique art competition. Several sculptures are already being created to herald the event and welcome the weekend crowds. Big piles of sand also wait along the pier for the competitors to realize their creative visions.

2014 US Sand Sculpting Challenge to be held downtown Labor Day weekend.
2014 US Sand Sculpting Challenge to be held downtown Labor Day weekend.
Man shovels spilled sand on pier into one of many big piles.
Man shovels spilled sand on pier into one of many big piles.
This artist is making a representation of San Diego's skyline!
This artist is making a representation of San Diego’s skyline!
Each mound will become a unique sand masterpiece.
Each mound will become a unique sand masterpiece.
These guys are working on a life-sized sand truck!
These guys are working on a life-sized sand truck!
Carefully adding Chevrolet logo to back of the detailed sculpture.
Carefully adding Chevrolet logo to back of the detailed sculpture.
A few minutes later, an eagle is taking form on this tall heap of sand!
A few minutes later, an eagle is taking form on this heap of sand!

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Mark Twain lives at Old Town’s TwainFest!

Here comes Mark Twain during Old Town San Diego's literary TwainFest!
Here comes Mark Twain during Old Town San Diego’s literary TwainFest!

One of my favorite San Diego events of all time took place today in historic Old Town!

TwainFest is an amazing annual festival celebrating Mark Twain and other famous authors from the 19th century. While there seems to be an emphasis on American and English novelists, I saw homages to writers, poets and storytellers from around the world. Scenes from American and California history also appear in several of the exhibits. Which makes sense, because Old Town is a history-filled park recreating the earliest days of San Diego!

To get an idea of what TwainFest is about, enjoy a quick look at these fun pics! And be sure to attend next year, if you can!

TwainFest is part of Stagecoach Days at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.
Event is part of Stagecoach Days at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.
And here comes a towering puppet of American author Edgar Allan Poe!
And here comes a towering puppet of American author Edgar Allan Poe!
Lots of entertainment included a stage with music and various contests.
Lots of entertainment included a stage with music and various contests.
Music included those familiar old folk songs that had everyone clapping.
Music included those familiar old folk songs that had everyone clapping.
Costumed participants were roaming about the central plaza of historic Old Town.
Costumed participants roaming about the central plaza of historic Old Town.
Families enjoyed many activities including games.
Families enjoyed many activities including games.
Excited kids blast off across the grass in an old-fashioned sack race!
Excited kids blast off across the grass in an old-fashioned sack race!
Kids of all ages enjoyed many unique literature-themed games and activities.
Kids of all ages enjoyed many unique literature-themed games and activities.
The TwainFest Wheel of Fiction featured many famous writers.
The TwainFest Wheel of Fiction featured many famous writers.
Booth inspired by Lewis Carroll had me making up a silly word!
Booth inspired by Lewis Carroll had me making up a silly word!
Never-ending stories had visitors adding their imaginative sentences.
Never-ending stories had visitors adding their imaginative sentences.
The Jumping Frog of Calaveras County readies to soar from a catapult!
The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County ready to soar from catapult!
I wonder if Mark Twain imagined kids would replicate his famous short story!
I wonder if Mark Twain imagined kids would replicate his famous short story!
Children really enjoyed this guy's amazing flea circus!
Children really enjoyed this cool guy’s amazing flea circus!
A flea performer mounts the trapeze before the incredulous audience.
A flea performer mounts the trapeze before the incredulous audience.
Girl uses magnifying lenses to watch a flea take a swan dive from high platform.
Girl uses magnifying lenses to watch a flea take a swan dive from high platform.
The Quotation Machine rumbled before producing a quote.
The Quotation Machine rumbled before producing a quote.
Here come some horses around the Old Town San Diego square!
Here come some horses around the Old Town San Diego square!
The Marshall informed me that all was well.
The Marshall informed me that all was well.
Small audience in one shady corner enjoyed music and stories.
Small audience in one shady corner enjoyed music and stories.
The big Liar's Contest featured lots of tall tales and jaw-dropping whoppers.
The big Liar’s Contest featured lots of tall tales and jaw-dropping whoppers.
This guy is demonstrating the eloquent effects of literary potions.
This slick salesman is demonstrating the eloquent effects of literary potions.
Bottled Verne, Dickinson, Whitman, Bronte, Byron and more!
Bottled Verne, Dickinson, Whitman, Bronte, Byron and more!
Voters in election of 1872 must pass a literacy test!
Voters in presidential election of 1872 must pass a literacy test!
Of course, TwainFest had a bookstore with many classics of literature!
Of course, TwainFest had a bookstore with many classics of literature!
People could trade places with Henry David Thoreau.
People could trade places with Henry David Thoreau.
The guilty author of civil disobedience!
The obviously guilty author of civil disobedience!
Thoreau locks himself in with a brave visitor.
Thoreau locks himself in with a brave visitor.
It's the Daniel Webster Frog Toss!
It’s the Daniel Webster Frog Toss!
Carroll's Red Queen challenges all comers to flamingo croquet!
Carroll’s Red Queen challenges all comers to flamingo croquet!
Old Town event included the historic Mason Street School.
Old Town event included the historic Mason Street School.
Actors read poetry from Alice in Wonderland in one room schoolhouse.
Actors read poetry from Alice in Wonderland in one room schoolhouse.
Here come participants in the literary costume contest!
Here come participants in the fancy literary costume contest!
The spirit of Twain lives at this wonderful annual festival.
The spirit of Twain lives at this very wonderful annual festival.

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American heroes honored at Veterans Museum.

On steps of Veterans Museum and Memorial Center in Balboa Park.
On steps of the Veterans Museum and Memorial Center in Balboa Park.

Today a special event was held at Balboa Park’s Veterans Museum and Memorial Center. The Spirit of 1945 National Day of Remembrance honored American veterans who defended freedom around the globe during World War II.

The Spirit of ’45 is an annual event held throughout the United States in many cities. It marks the anniversary of V-J Day, the day the Japanese finally surrendered and World War II ended. The special event has become increasingly important, as thousands of heroes from The Greatest Generation now pass away every year.

Many San Diego dignitaries attended today’s ceremony, including an ex-mayor, city council member, district attorney, police chief, plus some very high-ranking military officers. But in my mind, the day was all about ordinary Americans who personally sacrificed to do an extremely difficult and very important thing.

Several of these heroes recalled in short speeches what it was like to hear the news that the war had ended. You could hear the emotion in their voices, almost 70 years later.

After the ceremony, veterans told their personal stories inside the museum, so that memories will continue of those times and their deeds.

Spirit of 1945 National Day of Remembrance was held near museum.
Spirit of 1945 National Day of Remembrance was held near the museum.
Memorial for combat wounded veterans is one of nearby monuments.
Memorial for combat wounded veterans is one of the nearby monuments.
Color guard poses for me while they wait for event to officially begin.
Color guard poses for me while they wait for the event to officially begin.
World War II veteran helped into museum side door.
World War II veteran helped by serviceman into museum side door.
Tents line walkway where Spirit of 1945 event took place today.
Tents line walkway where Spirit of 1945 event took place today.
Girl Scouts help to check in the honored veterans.
Girl Scouts help to check in the honored veterans.
Over a hundred vets were in attendance, remembering the war's end.
Over a hundred vets were in attendance, remembering the war’s end.
Mt. Soledad Veterans Memorial had a display.
Mt. Soledad Veterans Memorial had a display.
Filipino-American Military Officers Association Tent.
Filipino-American Military Officers Association tent.
Clowns and face painters were there to entertain kids.
Clowns and face painters were there to entertain families with kids.
Duty Honor Country is at the center of a small circular plaza.
Duty Honor Country written at the center of a small circular plaza.
And so are some dancers enjoying the nearby band playing swing music!
Dancers enjoy the nearby band playing swing music!
Now it seems everybody's dancing!
Now it seems everybody’s dancing!
Here are the musicians. Big band music was playing from the 1940s era.
Here are the musicians. Big band music was playing from the 1940s era.
B-24 Liberator bomber from World War II rises above a nearby fountain.
B-24 Liberator bomber from World War II rises above a nearby fountain.
Now I'm standing in back area where chairs were under shady trees.
Now I’m standing in back area where chairs were under shady trees.
Nearby, guys in vintage military uniforms look at some historical images.
Nearby, guys in vintage military uniforms look at some historical images.
Kids check out a tent and various items carried by soldiers decades ago.
Kids check out a tent and various items carried by soldiers decades ago.
Many were wearing clothing and uniforms common during World War II.
Many were wearing clothing and uniforms common during World War II.
Display on grass shows maps and articles from a battlefield.
Display on grass shows maps and articles from a battlefield.
Scattered items inside a command tent include old magazines.
Scattered items inside a command tent include old magazines.
One got a flavor of the experiences of the Greatest Generation.
One got a flavor of the difficult experiences of the Greatest Generation.
Here comes color guard, prior to National Anthem and Pledge of Allegiance.
Here comes color guard, prior to National Anthem and Pledge of Allegiance.
Veteran talks about Victory in the Pacific and how overjoyed the troops were.
Veteran talks about Victory in the Pacific and how overjoyed the troops were.
A generation of veterans listens as speakers honor their sacrifices for freedom.
A generation of veterans listens as speakers honor their sacrifices for freedom.
Veterans salute a general who spoke about his pride for those who served.
Veterans salute a general who spoke about his pride for those who served.
A bust to be set near B-24 Liberator is unveiled by the artist and others.
A bust to be set near the B-24 Liberator sculpture is unveiled by local artist Richard Becker. To the far right stands retired Brigadier General Robert L Cardenas, USAF.
Bust of a brave World War II aviator.
Bust of Brigadier General Robert L Cardenas , an accomplished World War II aviator. The sculpture was created by renowned San Diego artist Richard Becker.
Everyone listens to happy memories of V-J Day on August 14, 1945.
Everyone listens to happy memories of V-J Day on August 14, 1945.
Crowd was twice the size that had been expected.
Crowd was twice the size that had been expected.
The ceremony ends and I take a pic over beautiful flowers.
The ceremony ends and I take a pic over beautiful flowers.
Sailors help the aging American heroes back to their cars.
Sailors ready to help aging American heroes back to their cars.

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Philippine Cultural Arts Festival in Balboa Park.

Folk dancers prepare to go on stage at today's cultural exhibition.
Folk dancers prepare to go on stage at today’s cultural exhibition.

I went for a typical weekend walk today. I just headed up to Balboa Park to see what I would see.

And I saw a lot!

My most interesting and enjoyable experience came as I strolled through the 30th Philippine Cultural Arts Festival put on by the Samahan Filipino American Performing Arts and Education Center. The big event was taking place on some grass at the south end of Balboa Park, near Park Boulevard.

Lots of folks were enjoying authentic Filipino food, browsing through many booths, and watching a variety of unique demonstrations and entertainment. Workshops were even available to the public, teaching anyone interested to speak Tagalog, play the Bandurria, Angklung and Kulintang, practice self-defense in the style of Arnis or Eskrima, and dance Tinikling, which is the very colorful national dance of the Philippines.

Here are some pics!

Scott Lost showcases his 2nd Shift comic books and other artwork!
Scott Lost showcases his 2nd Shift comic books and other artwork!

Local artist Scott Lost was showing and selling his work. He has self-published a cool independent comic book series called 2nd Shift. Check it out!

Funny t-shirts celebrate Filipino life at special event in Balboa Park.
Funny t-shirts celebrate Filipino life at special event in Balboa Park.
Guys with swords teach Philippine martial arts!
Guys with swords teach Philippine martial arts!

I wouldn’t mess with these dudes!

Samahan Filipino American Performing Arts and Education Center.
Samahan Filipino American Performing Arts and Education Center.
San Diegans from many different communities enjoyed the festival.
San Diegans from many different communities enjoyed the festival.
Folk dances from the Philippines were part of the cultural exhibition.
Folk dances from the Philippines were part of the cultural exhibition.
The audience enjoyed some colorful and joyful entertainment!
The audience enjoyed some colorful and joyful sights!

The festival is also going on Sunday (tomorrow) from 11-5. You’ll find it by the corner of Park Boulevard and Presidents Way. If you’re in San Diego, check it out!

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