Tag: fun

Take a cool ride on an old, restored streetcar!

Here comes the San Diego Trolley's cool Silver Line, approaching America Plaza!
Here comes the San Diego Trolley’s cool Silver Line, approaching America Plaza!

Do you love riding on trains? I do! Please take a ride with me on a cool restored streetcar that runs in a circle through downtown San Diego!

Here comes PCC 529 now, coming down the track toward the America Plaza trolley station! This beautiful President’s Conference Committee car was built in 1945 and is an example of the sort of transportation common throughout San Diego during that era. Streetcars have run through San Diego’s history since the 1890’s. Today they’re making a bit of a comeback with this Vintage Trolley, which runs on a downtown loop called the Silver Line.

PCC 529, before it was lovingly restored by volunteers, sat rusting under some pine trees in South Lake Tahoe. How it got there, I don’t know. But here it comes now, getting closer to the station, so lets tap our Compass cards on the ticket reader and hurry up to hop aboard!

PCC 529 is a lovingly restored President's Conference Committee streetcar.
PCC 529 is a meticulously restored President’s Conference Committee streetcar.
As we ride down C Street, a modern red trolley is seen on the opposite track.
As we ride down C Street, a modern red trolley is seen on the opposite track.

We immediately head up to the front seat to watch the friendly MTS driver pilot this old streetcar down the track. Unlike modern trolleys or light rail, this vehicle really clatters and jerks along and makes you feel like your laboring forward! Whenever the door opens, a bell rings!

Turning around, we notice the beautiful streetcar appears almost empty at the moment.
Turning around, we notice the beautiful streetcar appears almost empty at the moment.
No, there's one more passenger looking out the window at downtown San Diego.
No, there’s one more passenger looking out the window at downtown San Diego.
Images inside the Silver Line show streetcars on San Diego roads long ago.
Images inside the Silver Line show streetcars on San Diego roads and bridges  long ago.

Walking down toward the rear of the refurbished car, we check out some old black-and-white photos. It’s cool to envision the streets of San Diego filled with streetcars over half a century ago!

Here's an old photo of a streetcar that was pulled by a horse--or is that a mule.
Here’s an old photo of a streetcar that was pulled by a horse–or is that a mule.
Another passenger steps onto the restored trolley at the Fifth Avenue station.
Another passenger steps onto the restored trolley at the Fifth Avenue station.

The bells rings, the door opens, and another passenger steps aboard!

These windows open, so riders can enjoy the fresh air outside.
These windows open, so riders can enjoy the fresh air outside.

You can dangle your arm out a window if you like, I suppose. It’s fun to just sit and watch the buildings and people flash by. This is what I call riding in style!

As we get off at City College, other folks step aboard the historic streetcar.
As we get off at City College, other folks step aboard the historic streetcar.

Our short ride is over!

I turn around to enjoy another glance at this classic example of public transit.
I turn around to enjoy another glance at this classic example of public transit.
There goes PCC 529. That was one super fun ride!
There goes PCC 529. That was one super fun ride!

Thanks for joining me. That was fun!

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More funny Bart Club street art found at SILO.

More Bart Club street art shows up at SILO in Makers Quarter.
More Bart Club street art shows up at SILO in Makers Quarter.

Today I randomly walked past SILO in Makers Quarter in East Village. This downtown San Diego special events venue is chock full of super cool street art murals, as you might have seen in this blog post. Well, I was just walking along, peering through the fence, and… WHAM! More crazy Bart Club street art! It seems to have popped up in various different locations!

Perhaps you’ll recall seeing my first Bart Club discovery here.

Crazy, creative, funny drawings of Bart Simpson on a wall.
Crazy, creative, funny renditions of Bart Simpson on a wall.
Bart seems to transform into anything the human mind can imagine!
Bart Simpson’s head seems to transform into anything the human mind can imagine!
SILO in San Diego's East Village is bursting with colorful street art.
SILO in San Diego’s East Village is bursting with awesome, colorful street art.

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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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Train passengers confronted by huge gorilla!

Passengers arrive at San Diego station of the Balboa Park Railroad!
Passengers arrive at San Diego station of the Balboa Park Railroad!
A train is now pulling right on schedule into the station.
A train is now pulling right on schedule into the station.
All aboard! Wait! I see a huge gorilla off in the distance!
All aboard! Wait! I see a huge gorilla off in the distance!
I wonder if this huge gorilla escaped from the nearby San Diego Zoo.
I wonder if this huge gorilla escaped from the nearby San Diego Zoo.
The train departs on another exotic, unexpected adventure.
The train departs on another exotic, unexpected adventure.
Yikes! Now it's a tiger that I see! There are wild animals all over the place.
Yikes! Now it’s a tiger that I see! There are wild animals all over the place.
A silent lion watches as the tiny train glides through Balboa Park.
A silent lion watches as the tiny train glides through Balboa Park.
Giraffes seem to be enjoying some eucalyptus trees nearby.
Giraffes seem to be enjoying some eucalyptus trees nearby.
The folks riding the fun train wonder what might come next.
The folks riding the fun little train wonder what might come next.
The tracks pass Tijuana! That was a very short trip!
The tracks pass Tijuana! That was a very short trip!
Who knows what might appear around the next corner...
Who knows what might appear around the next corner…

Sometimes ya gotta have fun with a blog post’s title, just to get a little attention! I hope you enjoyed my silly little excursion.

The Balboa Park Miniature Railroad can be found a few steps beyond the north end of Spanish Village in Balboa Park. It’s sandwiched between the carousel and the San Diego Zoo. I remember riding the kiddie train back when I was an impressionable young whippersnapper. There were no animals sculptures back then. But it did have the same really cool tunnel near the end!

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Balboa Park Carousel provides fun nostalgia.

Lady twists balloon creations near the historic Balboa Park carousel.
Lady twists balloon creations near the historic Balboa Park Carousel.

Whenever I walk through Balboa Park, I almost always point my feet in the direction of the carousel.

There’s something just so innocent and joyful about the old merry-go-round. For generations it has faithfully awaited children of all ages at the north end of the park, right next to the San Diego Zoo. The whirling playful animals and marching organ music put a smile on my face and a lift in my spirit.

While the 1910 Herschell-Spillman carousel has been moved a few times, for one hundred years it has been located in San Diego. Today it is only one of two carousels west of the Mississippi that feature the nostalgic brass ring game. Lucky riders who grab a brass ring win a free ride!

People gaze at the 1910 Herschell-Spillman carousel on a summer day.
People gaze at the 1910 Herschell-Spillman carousel on a summer day.
The merry-go-round features 27 horses and 25 menagerie animals.
The merry-go-round features 27 horses and 25 menagerie animals.
A brightly painted carved wooden horse awaits a passenger.
A brightly painted carved wooden horse awaits a passenger.
The carousel has stood in Balboa Park for exactly one hundred years!
The carousel, built in New York, has stood in Balboa Park since 1922! It was previously located at Tent City in Coronado.
Old items in building include a rowboat.
Old items in building include a rowboat.
A brass ring game is still played today.
A fun brass ring game is still played today.
Many generations have enjoyed this cheerful San Diego attraction.
Many generations have enjoyed this cheerful San Diego attraction.
Another view past a ride for very young children.
Another view past a ride for very young children.

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Bart Club street art on a San Diego corner.

Two of three utility boxes at Eighth Avenue and G Street.
Two of three Bart Club utility boxes at Eighth Avenue and G Street.

At the corner of Eighth Avenue and G Street in downtown San Diego you’ll find the Bart Club. At this location, three utility boxes have been painted with whimsical versions of Bart Simpson’s iconic television cartoon face!

Street artists are openly encouraged to make their own contributions of Bart art.

Here are some images that I recently captured…

Bart Club on San Diego street corner has fun with Simpsons character.
Bart Club on San Diego street corner has fun with Simpsons character.
Bart looking like a yellow cactus.
Bart Simpson looking like a yellow cactus.
Bart now has become a banana.
Bart now has become a banana.
Bart Club features many crazy images.
Bart Club features many crazy images.
Another odd Bart Simpson on utility box.
Another odd Bart Simpson on a utility box.
The many fun faces of Bart Simpson.
The many fun faces of Bart Simpson.
Another side of one utility box.
Another side of one utility box.
Imagination run amok!
Imagination run amok!
Bart's unique hair seems plant-like.
Bart’s unique spiky hair seems plant-like.
Pop culture street art in San Diego.
Pop culture street art in San Diego.
Artists are encouraged to contribute!
Artists are encouraged to contribute!

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Cosplay and Comic-Con craziness in the Gaslamp!

Gentleman heads toward downtown's Gaslamp with a Spiderman tie.
Gentleman heads toward downtown’s Gaslamp with a Spiderman tie.

Except for the very last photo, I snapped these pics today in the early evening as I walked around downtown San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter. 2014 San Diego Comic-Con is in full swing!

Cool Adult Swim car seems to offer free rides around San Diego.
Cool Adult Swim car seems to offer free rides around San Diego.
Steampunk guys heading down toward the center of cosplay action.
Mad Hatter guys heading down toward the center of cosplay action.
It's Spidey driving a pedicab and giving me a thumbs up!
It’s Spidey driving a pedicab and giving me a thumbs up!
Lifetime Channel is to hold a Witches event tonight in San Diego.
Lifetime Channel is to hold a Witches event tonight in San Diego.
Mobile advertisement for the Sin City sequel, A Dame to Kill For.
Mobile advertisement for the Sin City sequel, A Dame to Kill For.
This colorful shop is appealing to the huge Comic-Con crowd.
This colorful shop is appealing to the huge Comic-Con crowd.
Gaslamp Reading Cinemas has showings, including Star Wars Rebels.
Gaslamp Reading Cinemas has showings, including Star Wars Rebels.
Flash sign is a window wrap near Petco Park.
Flash sign is a window wrap near Petco Park.
Two hostesses at a local restaurant are dressed for Comic-Con.
Two hostesses at a local restaurant are dressed for Comic-Con.
Lady with gigantic identification card is promoting Community.
Lady with gigantic identification card is promoting Community.
Lady swings in middle of the cool Assassin's Creed obstacle course.
Lady swings in middle of the cool Assassin’s Creed obstacle course.
This happy family belongs to the Justice League.
This happy family belongs to the Justice League.
Oh my goodness! That might be the real Dark Knight facing me!
Oh my goodness! That might be the real Dark Knight facing me!
Witches were chanting in a circle by the Gaslamp trolley station.
Witches were chanting in a circle by the Gaslamp trolley station.
One witch hexes me with her spooky red eyes.
One witch hexes me with her spooky red eyes.
Superman is down but not out.
Superman is down but not out.
Is that an angry bird or a happy bird, I wonder.
Is that an angry bird or a happy bird, I wonder.
That arm looks downright formidable.
That arm looks downright formidable.
This fantastic beast is called the Giant Creature. It's piloted by a small alien on top. The creature was moving about for the nearby crowd.
Giant Creature catches the attention of Comic-Con fans near the Tin Fish.

This fantastic beast is called the Giant Creature. It’s piloted by a small alien on top. No, actually it contains four people who move the huge limbs from inside. The creature was slowly moving about for the nearby crowd.

Giant Creature is promoting a new fun phone app called Blippar.
Giant Creature is promoting a new fun phone app called Blippar.
Pedicabs become pirate ships and carriages for Once Upon a Time.
Pedicabs become pirate ships and carriages for Once Upon a Time.
This tough vehicle is from the upcoming Brad Pitt movie Fury.
This tough vehicle is from the upcoming Brad Pitt movie Fury.
Dead Island 2 ad on back of enterprising pedicab.
Dead Island 2 ad on back of enterprising pedicab.
Here comes Wonder Woman from the convention center across street.
Here comes Wonder Woman from the convention center across street.
This guy is Green Goblin of Mordor.
This guy is Green Goblin of Mordor.
Crazy people wearing shark heads were promoting Sharknado 2.
Crazy people wearing shark heads were promoting Sharknado 2.
Young Leia has Sharknado 2 chainsaw.
Young Princess Leia has a Sharknado 2 chainsaw.
Just a whole bunch of fun cosplay up and down the crowded streets!
Just a whole bunch of fun cosplay up and down the crowded streets!
Boy shows cool costume as I cross street in Mission Valley this morning.
Boy shows cool costume as I cross street in Mission Valley this morning.

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2014 Over The Line (OTL) World Championship!

Arriving at the long-time OTL venue on Fiesta Island.
Arriving at the long-time OTL venue on Fiesta Island.

Shame on me. I’ve lived in San Diego a good chunk of my life, and I’ve never headed to Fiesta Island to experience the legendary fun of OTL. Well, I finally went early this morning!

Over The Line, commonly called OTL, is a San Diego original, a unique beach game that every year seems to gain in popularity. Played on the sand, it resembles a simple version of softball with no baserunners. You must hit the ball over “the line” and between two foul lines, and not have it be caught, which would result in an out. Three innings, three outs. While the rules are a bit more complicated, that’s the gist of it.

The OTL World Championship has become a local institution.  It’s played on Fiesta Island, which is located near the center of Mission Bay. It’s put on by OMBAC, the Old Mission Beach Athletic Club. The highly anticipated annual summer event is now 61 years old! But you might never guess this spectacle was so venerable, given its outlandish party atmosphere and the sheer raunchiness of the crowd.

Team names are often juvenile and sexually explicit, to the extent you’d probably just roll your eyes. But it’s all very good-natured and amusing. The crowd is composed largely of males in their 20’s and 30’s, and beer is chugged freely everywhere, as it’s BYOB. I suppose as the day progresses, the crowd becomes more randy–I’ll admit that’s one reason I swung by so early in the morning. That and the avoidance of a hot afternoon!

The tournament goes on for two weekends. This first weekend is for the amateurs; on the second weekend the teams and the play become more serious.

I’m glad I checked it out. Now I know what I’ve missed all these years!

Follow me as I arrive from the shuttle bus around seven in the morning. The sun hasn’t broken through the clouds yet…

Old Mission Beach Athletic Club truck and banner.
Walking past an Old Mission Beach Athletic Club truck and banner.
People stand as day begins with the national anthem.
People stand as day begins with the national anthem.
Official OTL programs for sale near the entrance.
Official OTL programs for sale near the entrance.
Miss Emerson Headquarters is on sandy Emerson Street.
Miss Emerson Headquarters is on sandy Emerson Street.

As you might guess, there’s a bikini contest, and every year the winner is titled Miss Emerson.

Scoreboard for 61st World Championship of Over The Line.
Scoreboard for 61st World Championship of Over The Line.
Players and teams check the official schedule board.
Players and teams check the official schedule board.
Early in the morning many people are arriving.
Early in the morning and many people are arriving with chairs and coolers.
The OTL tournament doesn't begin until seven thirty.
The OTL tournament doesn’t begin until seven thirty.
San Diego Parrot Head Club lounge is still empty.
San Diego Parrot Head Club lounge is still empty at this early hour.
Guy checks out some silly, raunchy posters.
Guy checks out some silly, very raunchy posters.
A player practices fielding a batted ball.
A player practices fielding a batted ball.
The huge tournament finally begins in earnest!
The huge OTL tournament finally begins in earnest!
OTL ball is to be struck into a narrow outfield.
Ball is to be struck into a narrow outfield.
Lots more people will arrive throughout the day.
Lots more people will arrive throughout the day.
Some old guys just kicking back on the sand.
Some old guys just kicking back on the sand.
Marines from color guard pass on an OMBAC cart.
Marines from opening ceremony color guard pass on an OMBAC cart.
The t-shirt gardens shack is becoming more active.
The t-shirt gardens shack is becoming more active.
Hundreds of games of OTL will be played here over two weekends.
Hundreds of games of OTL will be played here over two weekends.
San Diego's sunny Fiesta Island is the home to Over The Line.
San Diego’s sunny Fiesta Island is the home to Over The Line.

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Fun public art on Orange Avenue in Coronado.

Large cow stands in front of Coronado ice cream shop.
Large cow stands in front of Coronado ice cream shop.

Mosey along Orange Avenue on the island of Coronado and you’ll be confronted by extraordinary things. You’ll probably run into a large cow.  Or Elvis standing on the sidewalk, or a scaly, fantastic dragon. Or colorful ribbons of music. Or beautifully painted canvases by local artists in a public park.

Here are random pics of fun art that I’ve spotted…

Moo Time Creamery features a frozen Elvis.
Moo Time Creamery features an  Elvis on the sidewalk.
Coronado hot dog pours ketchup on itself!
Coronado hot dog pours ketchup on itself!
Checking out art for sale in Coronado's Spreckels Park.
Checking out creative artwork for sale in Coronado’s Spreckels Park.
Playful tile mural on a Spreckels Park restroom.
Playful tile mural on a Spreckels Park restroom.
Ribbon of music shown moving both old and young.
Ribbon of music shown moving both old and young.
Tile mosaic on park restroom shows lively musicians.
Tile mosaic on park restroom shows lively musicians.
Big dragon in front of the Coronado Public Library.
Big dragon stands in front of the Coronado Public Library. Imagine Dragon, by artist Kent Kraber, 2008. This fun sculpture was originally part of an Urban Trees exhibition along San Diego’s Embarcadero.
Head of fantastic dragon sculpture faces Orange Avenue.
Head of fantastic dragon sculpture faces Orange Avenue.

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Belmont Park’s fun Giant Dipper roller coaster!

Looking across Ventura Place at the Giant Dipper roller coaster.
Looking across Ventura Place at the Giant Dipper roller coaster.

Mission Beach is one of the most popular attractions in Southern California. One big reason: Belmont Park and the wonderful Giant Dipper roller coaster!

In my last blog post I walked south down the busy beach boardwalk to Hamel’s. Belmont Park stands just across the street. The historic amusement park was built in 1925 by wealthy sugar magnate John D. Spreckels, and was called the Mission Beach Amusement Center. The 2,600 foot Giant Dipper roller coaster, made entirely of wood, was built in less than two months. Over the ensuing years, the coaster fell into disrepair; it was then carefully restored in 1990 and became a huge success.

Entering Belmont Park beneath the wooden roller coaster.
Entering Belmont Park beneath the wooden roller coaster.
Looking up at tracks of the picturesque coaster.
Looking up at red tracks of the picturesque coaster.
Kid-friendly Belmont Park has thrilling rides and fun stuff.
Kid-friendly Belmont Park has thrilling rides and lots of fun stuff.
People wait to board the historic rollercoaster.
People wait to board the historic roller coaster.
The winding coaster tracks make for interesting photos.
The winding coaster tracks make for interesting photos.
Palm fronds, colorful track and clear blue sky.
Palm fronds, painted wood and clear blue sky.
A large indoor arcade features loads of classic games.
A large indoor arcade at Belmont Park features many classic games.
This small merry-go-round is a treat for kids of every age.
This small merry-go-round is a treat for kids of every age.
A carnival midway area has tests of skill and a food court.
A carnival midway area has tests of skill and a food court.
Riders whiz by as the cars rattle on wooden rails.
Riders whiz by as the cars rattle on wooden rails.
This yellow submarine requires no water!
This yellow submarine requires no water!
Wild and crazy Tilt-A-Whirl provides a big adrenaline rush.
Wild and crazy Tilt-A-Whirl provides a big adrenaline rush.
The Giant Dipper roller coaster swooshes by!
The Giant Dipper roller coaster swooshes by!
Peeking into the innards of a wooden roller coaster.
Peeking into the innards of a wooden roller coaster.

It’s interesting to walk around the perimeter of the Giant Dipper. You can peer beneath the rails and see the materials used to build and maintain the huge wooden construction.

The Plunge giant swimming pool is undergoing restoration.
The Plunge giant swimming pool is undergoing restoration.

Right next to Belmont Park’s amusement rides you’ll find The Plunge, originally called The Natatorium. The huge 12,000 square foot swimming pool originally contained salt water.  It was the largest such pool in the world with 400,000 gallons of water!

The Plunge has also become famous for its Orcas off Point Loma whaling wall, painted in 1989 by famous marine artist, Wyland.

Today the pool and surrounding structure are being repaired. It’s scheduled to reopen by the end of this summer.

I hoped to get pictures of Belmont Park’s relatively new FlowRider wave machine, which allows thrill-seekers continuous surfing without entering the ocean! Unfortunately, it was down for maintenance.

Photo mosaic on beach restroom shows bits of Belmont Park.
Photo mosaic on a nearby beach restroom shows bits of Belmont Park.
Playing football on the nearby sand at Mission Beach.
Playing football on the sand at Mission Beach.

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