Wally the sociable sea lion greets boaters.

Forgive me for telling the following very silly story.  I suppose I like this short story because it happens to be true.

As always, please follow the captions…

A beautiful day on Shelter Island and kayakers approach the boat ramp area.
A beautiful day on Shelter Island and kayakers approach the boat ramp area.
A fisherman has arrived on a boat and he's tossing leftover bait to pelicans and gulls.
A fisherman has arrived on a boat and he’s tossing leftover bait to pelicans and gulls.
And look who else is tagging along--it's Wally the sea lion!
And look who else is tagging along–it’s Wally the sea lion!
Wally is looking for a free meal, himself. A large fish would be very nice!
Wally is looking for a free meal, himself. A large fish would be very nice!
Wally spots some new arrivals coming into the little boat ramp area.
Wally spots some new arrivals coming into the little boat ramp area.
It's the kayakers! Wally comes on by to look things over and say hello.
It’s the kayakers! Wally greets everyone and quickly looks things over.
Some curious, sociable mammals (and a few birds) enjoy a moment together.
Some curious, sociable mammals (and a few birds) enjoy a moment together.

The fisherman told me the California sea lion’s name is Wally. He told the kayakers the same thing. So it seems his name must be Wally!

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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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Evil Minions attempt to mimic superheroes!

Funny Minion Captain America greets San Diego Comic-Con visitors!
Funny Minion Captain America greets San Diego Comic-Con visitors!

I spotted some evil, scheming Minions in East Village during the 2014 San Diego Comic-Con. They were impersonating famous superheroes!

These cartoons painted on the windows of the Tilted Kilt were just plain silly, so I had to share them!

A truly despicable Minion tries acting like Superman for a change.
A truly despicable Minion tries acting like Superman for a change.
A Minion was spotted in San Diego stuck on a window like Spiderman.
A Minion was spotted in San Diego stuck on a window like Spiderman.
Those are mighty big claws for a yellow single-celled organism!
Those are mighty big claws for a yellow single-celled organism!
Minion impersonates Wonder Woman at the Tilted Kilt in East Village.
Minion impersonates Wonder Woman at the Tilted Kilt in East Village.
Two eager Minions try against all odds to duplicate the Dynamic Duo.
Two eager Minions try against all odds to duplicate the Dynamic Duo.

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Pics of early San Diego Comic-Con preparation.

Gaslamp trolley station has superhero sign about a ticket app.
Gaslamp trolley station has superhero sign about a ticket app.

Here are a few pics of new Comic-Con related things I’ve spotted around the Gaslamp in the past two days. The 2014 San Diego Comic-Con is now just one week away! It seems that most of the important preparation will take place early next week, and perhaps over this weekend. I’ll post new stuff as I discover it!

Several long banners with faces advertise The Leftovers on HBO.
Several long banners with faces advertise The Leftovers on HBO.

Several of these banners run along the trolley tracks opposite the convention center. I saw one being put up yesterday morning.

Jay and Silent Bob will eat Comic-Con!
Jay and Silent Bob will eat Comic-Con!

Looks like The American Comedy Co. has a bunch of hilarious Comic-Con entertainment ready to go!

This odd Hulk is on a window of Gaslamp's Rockin' Baja.
This unusual Hulk is on one window of Rockin’ Baja.
Lobster with pointed ears. Steam me up, Scotty!
Lobster with pointed ears. Steam me up, Scotty!

I wonder if Spock would ever put on a sombrero.  He probably would if it were logical.

Electric Dreams Factory sign applied to Hard Rock Hotel window.
Electric Dreams Factory sign applied to Hard Rock Hotel window.

Huge signs concerning an upcoming Adam Sandler movie called Pixels were going up all over the Hard Rock Hotel as I walked by early this morning.  Sony will host a special event during Comic-Con called the Pixels Electric Dreams Factory Arcade, where gamers will be able to play classic arcade games from the 80’s!

San Diego Comic-Con logo being painted on a taco shop window.
San Diego Comic-Con logo being painted on a taco shop window.

Okay, I added the above photo from Little Italy on Friday afternoon.  I was walking home from work. So now, technically, all these pics aren’t from the Gaslamp.

UPDATE!

I just learned I’ll probably be attending Preview Night this coming Wednesday, so stay tuned for (hopefully) a whole bunch of awesome stuff!

ANOTHER UPDATE!

Here come more pics… I snapped these in the days leading up to Comic-Con!

Poster by trolley station promotes another season of Blacklist.
Poster by trolley station promotes another season of Blacklist.
Alex Ross cool Justice League graphic above a Gaslamp door.
Alex Ross cool Justice League graphic above a Gaslamp door.
The Haunted Hotel has two scary Comic-Con dates.
The Haunted Hotel has two scary Comic-Con dates.
The Strain television show advertisement on Old Town Trolley Tours bus.
The Strain television show advertisement on Old Town Trolley Tours bus.

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Dog athletes surf big waves at Imperial Beach!

Dogs and their human pals arrive at the big surfing competition.
Dogs and their human pals arrive at the big surfing competition.

I’d never seen a dog surf in my entire life. Not until today.

Now I’ve seen a whole pack of dogs surfing.

Yes, I have to admit it. I couldn’t resist heading down to the big Surfdog event at Imperial Beach today. This year it was sponsored by Unleashed by Petco. In the past it was called Loews Coronado Bay Surf Dog Competition.

What? Some of you have never seen a dog athlete mount a surfboard and skillfully ride mighty ocean breakers?

Seeing is believing…

It's the epic Surfdog event everyone has waited for!
It’s the epic Surfdog summer event everyone has waited for!
Finishing touches put on a sand sculpture at Imperial Beach.
Finishing touches are put on a sand sculpture at Imperial Beach.
This dog can hardly wait to watch the intense action!
This dog can hardly wait to watch the intense animal action!
Information boards outline the various heats in the surf contest.
Information boards outline the various heats in the big surf contest.
Announcer readies for incredible pooch performances.
Announcer readies for some incredible pooch performances.
The VIP section fills and so does the beach and pier.
The VIP section fills and so does the beach and pier.
Dogs and non-dogs at water's edge have a great spot to watch.
Dogs and non-dogs at water’s edge have a great place to watch.
These guys want a great spot on the pier to view the action.
These guys want a great spot on the pier to view the action.
Everyone is ready for the first freestyle heat!
Everyone is ready for the first exciting freestyle heat!
This fellow doesn't seem to know what's going on.
This little fellow doesn’t seem to know what’s going on.
Surfing contestants mount their surfboards waiting for the horn.
Surfing contestants mount their surfboards waiting for the starting horn.
The crowd favorite, a superstar, poses for my camera.
The crowd favorite, a genuine superstar, poses for my camera.
The horn blows and the first fifteen minute heat begins!
The horn blows and the first fifteen minute heat begins!
The crowd converges toward the water in disbelief.
The crowd converges on the ocean in disbelief.
One four-legged athlete is already out near the breakers.
One four-legged athlete is already out near the breakers.
Here come two canine athletes showing great form!
Here come two canine athletes showing great form!
Steady as she goes!
Steady as she goes!
Hot dogging it and hanging twenty!
Hot dogging it and hanging twenty!
Wow, those amazing surfers are absolutely inhuman!
Wow, those incredible, amazing surfers are absolutely inhuman!
Thousands enjoy Unleashed by Petco's surf dog event!
Thousands enjoy Unleashed by Petco’s surf dog event!

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Funny double takes around San Diego!

Two street lamps got themselves in a twist.
Two street lamps got themselves in a twist.

Here are some funny cool photos for you to enjoy! These were taken at various times in and around downtown San Diego. Once in while I have to blink and do a double take!

Sticker turns dog into an uncurbable beast.
Sticker turns dog into an uncurbable beast.
Buster stuck his hand in wet concrete.
Buster stuck his hand in wet concrete.
Someone has to water all these watering cans.
Someone has to water all these watering cans.
The Deli Llama is wearing his elegant best.
The Deli Llama is wearing his elegant best.
This bicycle can be ridden above the sidewalk.
This bicycle can be ridden high above the sidewalk.
This outdoor glass elevator is a bit flat.
This outdoor glass elevator is a bit flat.
This GoCar won't go.
This GoCar won’t go.
Stylish patch for an old broken window.
Stylish patch for an old broken window.

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Escaped zoo animals roam Hillcrest street!

Two metal sculpture elephants on First Avenue.
Two metal sculpture elephants on First Avenue.

Several large and dangerous wild animals have escaped the San Diego Zoo and are running loose in nearby Hillcrest!

Huh?  You don’t believe me? I’ve got some photographic proof!

Okay, okay, I’m kidding. These super cool metal sculptures stand in front of a residence on First Avenue. They appear to be made of rusted steel, but I’m not sure. I spotted them during my walk to work this morning, so I whipped out my trusty old camera!

Animal sculptures in front of a residence in Hillcrest.
Animal sculptures in front of a residence in Hillcrest.
Handsome metal horse looks out toward street.
Handsome metal horse looks out toward street.
Funny gorilla poses in front of someone's window.
Funny gorilla poses in front of someone’s window.

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A national tribute to Bob Hope and the military.

Bronze audience listens to a Bob Hope comedy routine.
Bronze audience listens to a Bob Hope comedy routine.

Perhaps you fondly remember Bob Hope. Millions do. I do.

In San Diego, a fantastic tribute to the legendary comedian can be found on the Greatest Generation Walk, just south of the USS Midway Museum. Sixteen life-sized bronze figures show Bob doing a comedy routine for assorted American service members from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard. An outdoor speaker plays old recordings of him telling his inimitable jokes. For five decades Bob Hope entertained the troops during his many USO tours.

Thanks for the memories.

The famous profile of legendary comedian Bob Hope.
The famous profile of legendary American comedian Bob Hope.
USS Midway can be seen behind the bronze service members.
USS Midway can be seen behind the bronze service members.
USO tours by Bob Hope over many decades are recalled.
USO tours by Bob Hope over many decades are recalled.
Man poses with bronze sculptures of American military.
Man poses with bronze sculptures of American military heroes.
Bob Hope entertains troops by USS Midway Mueum and Unconditional Surrender statue.
Bob Hope entertains troops by the USS Midway Museum and the Unconditional Surrender “Kiss” statue.
A national tribute to Bob Hope and the military.
A National Salute to Bob Hope and the Military.

Lots of fun at Seaport Village’s Busker Festival!

Baard Kolstad drums like crazy near the Pier Cafe.
Baard Kolstad drums like crazy near the Pier Cafe.

This afternoon I checked out the Spring Busker Festival at Seaport Village. A huge crowd turned out to enjoy the sunny day and some amazing street performers! Enjoy a few cool pics!

Aerial silks dancer performs near Seaport Village carousel.
Aerial silks dancer performs near Seaport Village carousel.
Crowd gathers at West Plaza for a Busker Festival magic show.
Crowd gathers at West Plaza for a Busker Festival magic show.
Funny magician wows kids at Seaport Village.
Funny magician wows kids at Seaport Village.
Folks head toward busker stage in Embarcadero Marina Park North.
Folks head toward busker stage in Embarcadero Marina Park North.
The hilarious Skip Banks prepares to enter a huge balloon.
The crazy Skip Banks prepares to enter a huge balloon.
Skip Banks' head pops out of big balloon at Busker Festival.
Skip Banks’ head pops out of big balloon at Busker Festival.

Skip Banks was absolutely hilarious. His hyperactive routine, celebrating silly slices of our pop culture, was one of the funniest things I’ve seen in a long while! His website has some great videos.

Acrobatic juggler entertains crowd with spectator's help.
Acrobatic juggler entertains crowd with spectator’s help.
Baard Kolstad, of Norway, sets up in East Plaza at Seaport Village.
Baard Kolstad, of Norway, sets up in East Plaza at Seaport Village.

Baard Kolstad came all the way from Norway to participate in the Seaport Village Busker Festival. With his dazzling skills, he seems destined to be the next big rock drummer!

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Dogs have their day at 2014 Bark in Balboa Park.

Dogs and humans head toward Bark in Balboa Park.
Dogs and humans head toward the 2014 Bark in Balboa Park.

The Eighth Annual Bark in Balboa Park was a triumphant success this afternoon. Hundreds of furry, tail-wagging best friends got to join in the festivities, and nearly all become instantly famous. How does an ordinary, easy-going, everyday dog get 15 seconds of fame? You’re about to find out!

A few early arrivals at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion.
A few early arrivals at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion.
Friendly pooch near Spreckels Organ Society donation box.
Friendly pooch near Spreckels Organ Society donation box.
Some furry attendees await the free dog-themed organ concert.
Some furry attendees await the free dog-themed organ concert.
San Diego Humane Society has volunteers at the event.
San Diego Humane Society has volunteers at the event.
Lovable dogs await adoption at Bark in the Park.
Lovable dogs await adoption at Bark in the Park.
Great dane takes a nap while a huge crowd gathers.
Great Dane takes a nap while a huge crowd gathers.
People and pooches enjoy the organ concert from the colonnade.
People and pooches enjoy the organ concert from the colonnade.
A baby stroller makes a prime seat for the big event.
A baby stroller makes a prime seat for the big event.
Activity is non-stop even during the fun concert.
Activity is non-stop even during the fun concert.
The unconditional love that dogs give.
The unconditional love that dogs give.
Spreckels Organ Society photographer hard at work.
Spreckels Organ Society photographer hard at work.
The eighth annual parade of dogs in front of the organ begins!
The eighth annual parade of dogs in front of the organ begins!
Dr. Carol Williams plays a march as pooches pass by.
Dr. Carol Williams plays a rousing Sousa march as pooches pass by.
This funny beagle was a real crowd pleaser.
This funny beagle was a real crowd pleaser.
A dainty dog in pink enjoys fame on the big stage.
A dainty dog in pink enjoys momentary fame on the big stage.