flowers – Page 23 – Cool San Diego Sights!

Mysteries and wonders on a walk in Balboa Park.

I spied this wonder in Balboa Park's Desert Garden. Why yellow? — I spied this natural wonder in Balboa Park’s Desert Garden. Why yellow?

Most of my holiday was spent in Balboa Park. Reading, jotting a few words, walking.

As I turned corners, I encountered many mysteries and wonders.

Who placed a palm frond cross and hearts on a tree in the Desert Garden? — Who placed a palm frond cross and hearts on a bare tree?

What on earth produced this bizarre, hollow, bulging tree trunk?

What are those wonderfully odd wicker carts? Those are Electriquettes, which first appeared in Balboa Park during the 1915 Panama-California Exposition. — What are those wonderfully odd wicker carts? I know! Those are Electriquettes, which first appeared in Balboa Park during the 1915 Panama-California Exposition.

Why is this small sculpture of a child in the Japanese Friendship Garden? Nobody knows. Someone placed it here mysteriously many years ago.

What mysterious turn of the wind arranged this, and why did I turn my eyes to see it?

Should one exit stage left or stage right?

Will seeds planted in Balboa Park by Kate Sessions outlive us all?

I spied this rose near a nation's closed cottage. Why is a small flower beautiful? — I happened upon this rose near a closed, locked door. Why is a flower beautiful?

When the Comic-Con Center for Popular Culture moves into the Federal Building in 2018, will visitors wear costumes? — When the Comic-Con Center for Popular Culture eventually moves into the Federal Building, will visitors wear costumes?

Do puppets ever tug their own strings? — Do puppets ever manipulate their own strings?

People gaze into the distance. What do they wonder? — People gaze into the green distance. What do they wonder?

In the courtyard of the House of Hospitality is a Time Capsule Dedicated to the Future of Balboa Park, to be opened in 2035. What waits inside? — In the courtyard of the House of Hospitality is a Time Capsule Dedicated to the Future of Balboa Park, to be opened in 2035. What waits hidden inside?

How many photographs does it take to satisfy a photographer?

Who gets to open those windows and water those flowers? — Who gets to open those windows, and water those flowers?

Spring and summer vanish. What is in their future? — Spring and summer end. What is in their future?

Why does time move only forward? — Why does time move forward?

…

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!

Fun street art found around La Mesa.

Live free like a butterfly. Street art in La Mesa.

I found a lot of fun street art during a random walk around La Mesa. I bounced from color to color like a butterfly, my feet pointed in every direction. I wandered down University Avenue, up La Mesa Boulevard, along Spring Street. Most of the artwork was discovered on sidewalk electrical boxes. These photos are in no particular order.

A lots of mostly happy faces. — A lot of mostly happy faces.

High voltage heart and two roses. — A high voltage heart and two red roses.

The fish tank. Perhaps it contains an electric eel.

Graffiti child on a wall ready to play hopscotch at Coin Haus.

Exotic mural up high in the alley behind Amethyst Moon.

Butterflies and flowers brighten a La Mesa sidewalk. — More butterflies and flowers brighten a La Mesa sidewalk.

…

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 bougainvillea in Mission Valley.

I took these four photographs of bougainvillea several days ago while walking near the Hazard Center trolley station in Mission Valley. The sun had broken through the morning clouds and was shining on clusters of beautiful red bracts and white flowers. Upon examining these images, I noticed I’d captured some tiny insects!

…

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!

Do you enjoy beautiful things? Visit my other photography blog which I call A Small World Full of Beauty.

Art can remind us that Life is Beautiful.

Flowers have been painted on one side of a utility box on Bankers Hill. — Flowers have been painted on a utility box on Bankers Hill.

Life is essentially beautiful. Art can remind us of this truth.

Art that affirms life’s essential beauty can be simple or complex. It isn’t small, or cynical. It generously finds wonder with every brush stroke.

Art can remind us all that this world contains wonders beyond count. — This world, and our lives, contain wonders beyond count.

A simple phrase. Life is Beautiful. — A simple phrase carefully written: Life is Beautiful.

…

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!

Photos of amazing orchid show in Balboa Park.

Please forgive me. I’m taking it easy this weekend after all that wonderful Comic-Con insanity. So my walk today was slow and simple: meandering through Balboa Park.

I lingered a long while in the Casa del Prado, where the San Diego County Orchid Society is having their summer show and sale. (It continues on Sunday.)

I discovered amazing beauty everywhere.

Feeling lazy, I didn’t take notes. Just photos of a few blooms that caught my eye.

…

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!

Do you love Balboa Park? Follow my special blog which I call Beautiful Balboa Park!

Colorful photos from 2017 Fiesta Botanica!

The 2017 Fiesta Botanica in Balboa Park featured lots of plants, flowers and botanical information. — The 2017 Fiesta Botanica in Balboa Park featured lots of plants, flowers and useful botanical information.

Of course I had to go to Fiesta Botanica! I love flowers, plants, sunshine and Balboa Park!

What used to be called Balboa Park’s Garden Party is now Fiesta Botanica, in keeping with the surrounding Spanish-style architecture. And who would want to miss a colorful fiesta!

I’m sorry to say I missed the floral wagon parade this year, because I was privileged to receive a very special morning tour at the San Diego Museum of Art. I’ll probably blog about that tomorrow.

Anyway, I just happily wandered about Fiesta Botanica after leaving the museum and did my best to learn a little about gardening and the miraculous world of nature. There was quite a lot to see!

As the annual event got underway, a large crowd gathered on El Prado to enjoy gardening displays and San Diego sunshine.

I missed the Floral Wagon Parade this year. A number of tours and lectures were held in the beautiful gardens of Balboa Park.

The Southern California Plumeria Society had a very active booth.

So did the San Diego Cactus and Succulent Society!

I learned this is a fig atop a huge Ficus dammaropsis leaf.

As I walked about I spotted this colorful banner with a hummingbird and American flag. Perfect for Memorial Day weekend!

Gorgeous blooms were being shown by the San Diego Epiphyllum Society.

The Friends of Balboa Park has a number of great future projects. I like the idea of a platform around the giant now-fenced Moreton Bay Fig near the Natural History Museum. A platform would allow visitors to closely approach the majestic giant, while preventing the pressure of feet from compressing the soil and endangering the roots. — The Friends of Balboa Park has a number of great future projects. I like the idea of a platform around the giant, now-fenced-off Moreton Bay Fig, which stands near the Natural History Museum. A raised platform would allow visitors to more closely approach the majestic giant, while preventing the pressure of human feet from compressing the soil and endangering the roots.

Amazing blooms in the Alcazar Garden. Not sure what they are.

As I walked back along El Prado, I got another photo of the smiling plumeria folks.

Michelle Gonzalez of Spanish Village was sitting in the Plaza de Panama painting three of Balboa Park's landmark towers: the iconic California Tower and towers from the House of Hospitality and the House of Charm. — Artist Michelle Gonzalez of Spanish Village was sitting in the Plaza de Panama painting three of Balboa Park’s landmark towers: the iconic California Tower and towers from the House of Hospitality and the House of Charm.

The Zoro Garden had a number of butterfly releases which proved very popular with families. I saw butterflies flitting all over the place!

Checking out one of the floral wagons that participated in the morning parade down El Prado. I believe this one was sponsored by Save Starlight.

In Spanish Village I was stopped in my tracks by this amazing painting by artist RD Riccoboni. An image of Claude Monet composed of flowers! — In Spanish Village, I was stopped in my tracks by this amazing painting by artist RD Riccoboni. An image of Claude Monet composed of flowers!

…

I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! You can enjoy even more Cool San Diego Sights by following me on Facebook or Twitter!

A colorful spring walk around Coronado.

Looking across San Diego Bay toward downtown from Coronado's beautiful Centennial Park. — Looking across San Diego Bay toward downtown. A spectacular view from Coronado’s beautiful Centennial Park.

Spring will soon become summer. I had to wear shorts for my long walk around Coronado today. A very warm sun was shining and the island was abloom.

Walking west through Centennial Park. Flags line the pathway for the upcoming Memorial Day weekend.

Gazing from a sheltered area with benches across green grass. The skyline of downtown San Diego rises in the background. — Gazing from a sheltered area with benches across the green grass. The skyline of downtown San Diego rises in the background.

Words on one bench. Don't be afraid to lean into the wind, love the earth in all of its glories, and take care of each other. — Words on one bench. Don’t be afraid to lean into the wind, love the earth in all of its glories, and take care of each other.

Gazing north along the bayside beach toward Navy ships docked at North Island.

Roses bloom near the old ticket booth of the original Coronado ferry.

Some patriotic art on a wall by the Little Club on Orange Avenue.

Walking west along Orange Avenue. Coronado is pleasant, friendly and inviting wherever you roam.

Bench near the front of the Coronado Public Library.

Plaque on the bench. In memory of June Lenz, founder of Crown Garden Club, whose legacy was to encourage the love of flowers and the beautification of Coronado.

Flowers in front of the stately but welcoming Coronado Public Library.

The big Torrey Pine on the left of this photograph is a Coronado Heritage Tree. — The big Torrey Pine on the left side of this photograph is a Coronado Heritage Tree.

Flags by the library fly proudly on a spring day.

A plaque on a boulder by the flagpole. The Stockdale Tribute. Vice Admiral Stockdale and his wife Sybil were distinguished Coronado residents.

A shining, kinetic sculpture by the library turns in the breeze.

A flower vendor brightens Orange Avenue.

A life-size Marilyn Monroe by an Orange Avenue shop in her iconic pose. She starred in the classic movie Some Like It Hot, which was filmed at the nearby Hotel del Coronado. — This life-size Marilyn Monroe by an Orange Avenue shop is in her iconic pose. The famous actress starred in the movie Some Like It Hot, which was filmed at the nearby Hotel del Coronado.

Flowers along fence of a pleasant house in affluent Coronado.

Looking out across the wide beach toward Point Loma and the Pacific Ocean. — Looking out across the wide beach toward the Point Loma peninsula and the Pacific Ocean.

On the beachfront, at 1043 Ocean Boulevard, you’ll find one of two historic Spreckels Mansions: his “beach house”. John D. Spreckels’ more impressive “bay-side house” is now the Glorietta Bay Inn, across from the Hotel del Coronado. The successful and very wealthy businessman helped to transform San Diego into a bustling city and center of commerce. One of his business ventures included the world-famous Hotel del Coronado.

Concrete sidewalk in front of the Spreckels "beach house" is stamped 1898. — Concrete sidewalk in front of the Spreckels “beach house” is stamped 1898.

Heading south along the beach toward the Hotel del Coronado, one of the world's finest, most famous resorts. — Heading south along the beach toward the Hotel del Coronado, one of the world’s finest resorts.

Coronado has one of the best beaches in the United States. It is regularly rated in the nation's top five. — Coronado has one of the best beaches in the United States. It is regularly rated in the nation’s top five.

Hotel guests and visitors enjoy the San Diego sunshine on a broad white beach.

This cool sand sculpture was built near the Hotel del Coronado by The Sandcastle Man!

The Hotel del Coronado is an architectural gem. Numerous world leaders, dignitaries and celebrities have stayed at the resort over the years.

Sign by the beach. Hotel del Coronado continues to safeguard this magnificent stretch of Southern California coastline.

Old and new maps of Coronado Island on a portable restroom.

The Hotel del Coronado's old boathouse, on Glorietta Bay, built in 1887. It's now home to the Bluewater Boathouse Seafood Grill. — The Hotel del Coronado’s old boathouse, on Glorietta Bay, built in 1887. It’s now home to the Bluewater Boathouse Seafood Grill.

Bicyclists ride down Glorietta Boulevard, part of the Bayshore Bikeway around San Diego Bay.

Golfers enjoy a sunny spring Saturday at the Coronado Municipal Golf Course.

Photo taken beneath the San Diego- Coronado Bridge, which opened in 1969. Locals often call it the Coronado Bay Bridge. — Photo taken beneath the San Diego-Coronado Bridge, which opened in 1969. Locals often call it the Coronado Bay Bridge.

Boats moored between Coronado and the bridge. San Diego's shipyards can be glimpsed on the other side of the bay. — Boats moored between Coronado and the bridge. San Diego’s shipyards can be glimpsed on the other side of the bay.

Colorful boats piled on the sand near Coronado Tidelands Park.

A silly bench by the playground at Coronado Tidelands Park, created by sculptor Douglas Snider of Studio 15 in Balboa Park's Spanish Village Art Center. — A silly bench by the playground at Coronado Tidelands Park, created by sculptor Douglas Snider of Studio 15 in Balboa Park’s Spanish Village Art Center.

I believe this fellow down by the water is a great blue heron.

My walk will soon come full circle. What a perfect spring day. — My walk will soon come full circle. What a perfect late spring day.

…

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.

Photos from a short hike through Sweetwater Marsh.

A group begins a nature hike down a trail at San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge. — A group begins an easy nature hike down a trail at San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge.

On Saturday I visited Gunpowder Point, just south of where the Sweetwater River empties into San Diego Bay. The marshy area is a wildlife refuge. It’s part of the San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge, to be exact, and home of the popular Living Coast Discovery Center.

After visiting the Living Coast Discovery Center, I enjoyed a guided nature hike down a short trail through the Sweetwater Marsh.

I was pleasantly surprised by the bare natural beauty. I didn’t see a whole lot of wildlife during this visit, but I know our region’s marshes and estuaries are often teeming with birds. San Diego is part of the Pacific Flyway, a major route of migratory birds that stretches from Alaska to South America.

A map inside the nearby Living Coast Discovery Center show the location of the Sweetwater River and the marsh where it enters San Diego Bay. — A map inside the nearby Living Coast Discovery Center shows the location of the Sweetwater River and the marsh where it enters San Diego Bay.

Hiking through Chula Vista's protected Sweetwater Marsh on a sunny day. It's mid-May and the once green and flowering plants have begun to dry out. — Hiking through Chula Vista’s protected Sweetwater Marsh on a sunny day. It’s mid-May and the once green and flowering plants have begun to dry out. In this photo I see some prickly pear cactus. During the hike I also recognized black sage and coastal sagebrush.

Our guide shows us saltbush. It is adapted to the type of salty soil in this marsh on San Diego Bay. Its leaves taste salty! — Our guide shows us saltbush. It is adapted to the type of salty soil in this coastal marsh. Its leaves taste salty!

Sign by the trail. This area is called Gunpowder Point. During World War I, Hercules Powder Co. extracted potash and acetone here from kelp harvested offshore in the Pacific Ocean. These were used to make cordite, or smokeless gunpowder for the British. — Sign by the trail. This area is called Gunpowder Point. During World War I, Hercules Powder Co. extracted potash and acetone here from kelp harvested offshore in the Pacific Ocean. These were used to make cordite, also called smokeless gunpowder, for the British.

A sail on the bay beyond a drying field of San Diego Sunflowers.

The short, easy hike is ideal for families.

The San Diego Sunflower, or Bahiopsis laciniata, is often found in a coastal sage scrub environment.

The Silver Strand and Coronado Cays can be seen across San Diego Bay.

We've arrived at the wildlife reserve's narrow sandy shore. Birds could be seen here and there in the distance. — We’ve arrived at the wildlife refuge’s narrow sandy shore. Birds could be seen here and there in the distance.

As the group continues on, I linger to take in the sunshine and wide views. I notice what appears to be remnants of the potash manufacturing operation from years ago. Some benches allow rest and meditation.

Stones and debris on a beach in the wildlife refuge.

Some mysterious (to me) concrete ruins on Gunpowder Point.

I arrived at a bird observation lookout. All was very quiet. I saw a California least tern hunting small fish along the water's edge. Few people seem to come out here. — I arrived at a bird observation structure. All was very quiet. I saw a California least tern hunting small fish along the water’s edge. Few people seem to come out here.

Depending on the tide, the area near the shore can be open water or a mudflat that supports shorebirds searching for food.

Bird's beaks are specially designed for feeding. Some beaks filter plants from the water, some grab flies out of the air, and some probe the mud. — Bird’s beaks are specially designed for feeding. Some beaks filter plants from the water, some grab flies out of the air, and some probe the mud.

The tide must have been out, because this platform stood above a drying mudflat. I believe that might be bright green eelgrass in the shallow pool of water.

Mesembryanthemum crystallinum, or crystalline ice plant, is salt tolerant. My hike through the marsh produced some beautiful surprises.

Hiking through an expanse of green in San Diego's South Bay. — Hiking through an expanse of green in San Diego’s South Bay.

…

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

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

A short hike along Lake Poway Trail.

Bronze sculpture of a mountain lion and cub near the Lake Poway concession building. Pride of the Wilderness, Richard Becker, 2007.

This morning, before checking out the new Tony Gwynn statue, I took a short hike up the Lake Poway Trail.

Here are some photographs…

Sign near beginning of Lake Poway Trail shows how to continue on to the summit of Mt. Woodson, location of the famous Potato Chip Rock.

On a Sunday morning some people along the shore are trying their hand at fishing.

Starting up the Lake Poway Trail. The natural scenery is beautiful.

I believe this is wild mustard. Various flowers could be seen along the trail.

Bright green foliage above silver water.

Hikers climb the Lake Poway Trail on an overcast weekend morning.

Looking back at how far I've come so far. — Looking back at how far I’ve come so far.

Several boats containing fishermen were floating on the lake below.

This is as far as I came. I enjoy a breathtaking view as a ray of sun comes through and touches a hill. — This is as far as I came. I enjoy a breathtaking view as a ray of sunshine comes through and touches a hill across the lake.

As I head back down, my eyes feast on more beauty.

These kids who are fishing huddle together to check out something on the lake's shore. — These kids who are fishing huddle together to check out something on the lake’s shore.

Someone caught a huge fish! One of the kids runs over to see!

During my short hike I turned around at this bench. It's dedicated to John Finley McMinn, naval aviator who won the Distinguished Flying Cross. — During my short hike I turned around at this bench. It’s dedicated to John Finley McMinn, naval aviator who won the Distinguished Flying Cross.

…

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!

Rain creates magic in a very special garden.

Raindrops on leaves at the Japanese Friendship Garden in Balboa Park.

During today’s spring rain, the Japanese Friendship Garden in Balboa Park shined with magic. Every leaf was enchanted. Every part of the garden was blessed with a profound and mysterious beauty.

Rain nourishes life: every life.

A spring storm creates unexpected beauty. — A spring storm creates unexpected natural beauty.

Wet, bright green leaves. — Wet, very bright green leaves.

Budding spheres of red magic open mysteriously. — Budding spheres of red. Like magic they open mysteriously.

Water in the grooves of a beautifully marbled stone by the garden path.

Droplets on a fern, like a curtain of beaded diamonds. — Droplets shining on a fern, like a curtain of beaded diamonds.

Sunlight through magical layers of green. — Sunlight through dreamy, magical layers of green.

More simple beauty at the always wonderful Japanese Friendship Garden. — Simple beauty at the always wonderful Japanese Friendship Garden.

Fragile blooms encrusted with crystal-like rain.

Smooth forms of beaded water on a sloping leaf.

One photograph of beauty in a special garden, on a rainy day in San Diego. — Another photograph of beauty in a special garden, on a rainy May day in San Diego.

…

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!

Do you love Balboa Park? Follow my special blog which I call Beautiful Balboa Park!

	Richard Schulte on Historical police cars at San…
	TiffanyArpDaleo on Historical police cars at San…
	Richard Schulte on War horse, camel, goat and cat…
	TiffanyArpDaleo on War horse, camel, goat and cat…
	Richard Schulte on Baseball exhibit at San Diego…

Share this

Share this

Share this

Share this

Share this

Share this

Share this

Share this

Share this

Share this