Tag: la jolla

An amazing walk from Point La Jolla to Cuvier Park.

Sea lions sun on a large rock in the Pacific Ocean off Point La Jolla.
Sea lions sun on a large rock in the Pacific Ocean off Point La Jolla.

This blog post resumes my walk from the prior post. Here I head south down a truly amazing stretch of coastline, from Point La Jolla at the edge of La Jolla Cove to Cuvier Park. A good argument can be made that this is the absolutely most beautiful spot in all of San Diego. I’ll let you decide…

The 6,000 acre San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park off the coast includes an Ecological Reserve and the Marine Life Refuge.
The 6,000 acre San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park off the coast includes an Ecological Reserve and the Marine Life Refuge.
Numerous seals and sea lions live on the rocks and beaches of La Jolla.
Numerous seals and sea lions live on the rocks and beaches of La Jolla.
People love to walk across this rocky landscape right up to the sea cliffs to watch the surf.
People love to walk across this water-sculpted landscape right up to the sea cliffs to watch the surf.
Over the years many have carved names and messages in the soft sandstone.
Over the years many have carved names and messages in the soft sandstone.
Sea lions enjoy La Jolla just as much as human visitors!
Sea lions enjoy La Jolla just as much as human visitors!
Some of those curious humans are grouped around a small tide pool in the rock looking for sea life.
Some of those curious humans are grouped around a small tide pool in the rock looking for sea life.
An unexpected wave crashes in. Scatter!
An unexpected wave crashes in. Run!  Scatter!
Looking south along the narrow beach from Point La Jolla. One of many lookout structures is visible up on the cliff.
Looking south along the narrow beach from Point La Jolla. One of many lookout structures is visible up on the cliff.
This cool lifeguard box is sculpted with many beach related words.
This lifeguard box features many barnacle-like beach-related words. The box is titled the David C. Freeman Memorial, by artist Paul Sibel. It marks the location of Boomer Beach.
These simple, open gazebo-like structures along the walking path are good places to gaze out at the ocean.
These simple, open gazebo-like structures along the walking path are fine places to gaze out at the broad ocean.
Or you can just relax on an outdoor seat provided by nature.
Or you can just relax on an outdoor seat provided by nature.
A major attraction along Coast Boulevard is large, grassy Scripps Park.
A major attraction along Coast Boulevard is spacious, grassy Scripps Park.
Gnarled old trees dot the picturesque park, which contains many picnic areas and places to recreate on the grass.
Gnarled old trees dot the picturesque park, which contains many picnic areas and places to recreate on the grass.
Ellen Browning Scripps Park is reported to be the most photographed spot in San Diego.
Ellen Browning Scripps Park is reported to be the most photographed spot in San Diego.
More trees growing slantwise, blown by the prevailing sea breeze over the course of many years.
More trees growing slantwise, blown by the prevailing sea breeze over the course of many years.
Scripps Park contains the Abraham Lincoln Centennial Memorial plaque dedicated in 1909.
Scripps Park contains the Abraham Lincoln Centennial Memorial plaque dedicated in 1909.
Continuing south, more views of a truly spectacular coastline.
Continuing south, more views looking back north of a truly spectacular coastline.
Guy takes a nap on bench beneath a lifeguard tower.
Guy takes a nap on bench beneath a lifeguard tower.
Shell Beach is one of many tiny sandy nooks that can be found among the rocky cliffs.
Shell Beach is one of many tiny sandy nooks that can be found among the rocky cliffs.
A lady lies on a flat rock reading a book, as waves crash nearby.
A lady lies on a flat rock reading a book, as waves crash nearby.
A beautiful walkway run down from the Cave Store along Coast Boulevard for about a mile along the ocean.
A beautiful walkway runs down from the Cave Store along Coast Boulevard for about a mile along the ocean.
An artist paints a beautiful scene in a cozy view point not far from Children's Pool.
An artist paints a beautiful scene from a view point not far from Children’s Pool.
I peer over the low wall and am greeted by a squirrel!
I peer over the low wall and am greeted by a funny squirrel!
One of these double-crested cormorants on a rock has its sun-drying wings spread dramatically.
One of these cormorants on a rock has its sun-drying wings spread dramatically.
Getting very close to Children's Pool, where many seals lie side by side on its wide, sunny beach.
Getting very close to Children’s Pool, where many seals lie side by side on its wide, sunny beach.
A quick turn back northward shows waves breaking against a vertical sandstone cliff!
A quick turn back northward shows waves breaking against a vertical sandstone face!
Legal disputes have entangled Children's Pool over the years. The facility was created in 1931 by benefactor Ellen Browning Scripps as a safe spot for children to swim.
Legal disputes have entangled Children’s Pool over the years. The facility was created in 1931 by benefactor Ellen Browning Scripps as a safe spot for children to swim.
People head down to see the many seals on the warm sand.
People head down to see the colony of seals on the warm sand.
At Children's Pool Beach, a rope now keeps people from disturbing the protected marine mammals.
At Children’s Pool Beach, a rope now keeps people from disturbing the protected marine mammals.
Fisherman on the protective sea wall have cast their lines into the blue Pacific Ocean.
Fisherman on the far sea wall have cast their lines into the blue Pacific Ocean.
Continuing to walk south along more beautiful coastline in La Jolla.
Continuing to walk south along more amazing coastline in La Jolla.
Some surfers on a beach and in the foaming water below.
Some surfers on a beach and in the foaming water below.
Sculpture at the rear of La Jolla's Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego called Pleasure Point is made of rowboats, canoes, jet skies, and surfboards.
Unusual sculpture at the rear of La Jolla’s Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego called Pleasure Point, by artist Nancy Rubins. It’s made of rowboats, canoes, jet skies, kayaks, surfboards…
A stretch of green grass at Cuvier Park is the perfect place to sit or lie on a glorious Southern California day.
A stretch of green grass at Cuvier Park is the perfect place to sit or lie on a glorious Southern California day.
Tide pools become visible at low tide along this easily accessible stretch of La Jolla.
Tide pools become visible at low tide along this easily accessible stretch of La Jolla.
A dog takes a happy rest by some flowers as the surf rolls in.
A dog takes a happy rest by some flowers as the surf rolls in.

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Photos of Coast Walk Trail to La Jolla Cove Beach.

Taking an easy stroll above the wide, blue ocean in beautiful La Jolla.
Taking an easy stroll above the wide, blue ocean in beautiful La Jolla.

My day in La Jolla yesterday was so wonderful I had to do it again!

A second walk today has my computer bursting with photos. So I’d better share some!

I’m going to create two blog posts. This first one involves a walk down the short but breathtaking Coast Walk Trail, then down Coast Boulevard from the Cave Store to La Jolla Cove Beach. Where the ocean meets land here is one of the most amazing, magical places a person might ever visit. A few photos hardly do the experience justice.

Be forewarned, this post starts with great natural beauty, but ends with sudden ugliness. You’ll see why I became a bit angry during my otherwise glorious adventure.

The Historic Coast Walk Trail begins near Torrey Pines Road and ends at the Cave Store on Coast Boulevard.
The Historic Coast Walk Trail begins near Torrey Pines Road and ends at the Cave Store on Coast Boulevard.
Dozens of kayakers were out on the water as I walked west down the trail enjoying magnificent views.
Dozens of kayakers were out on the water as I walked west down the trail enjoying magnificent views.
Red kayaks bunched close together below, east of Goldfish Point.
Red kayaks bunched close together below, east of Goldfish Point.
Rounding a corner, shops and restaurants on Coast Boulevard come into view.
Rounding a corner, shops and restaurants on Coast Boulevard come into view.
Wooden steps plunge down to a scenic view point atop amazing sandstone cliffs. In the narrow cove on the left is an entrance to a sea cave.
Wooden steps plunge down to a scenic view point atop amazing sandstone cliffs. In the narrow cove on the left is an entrance to a sea cave.
Nature's beauty takes many forms, including a golden flower.
Nature’s beauty takes many forms, including a golden flower.
From the view point I look east along eroded cliffs toward La Jolla homes.
From the view point I look east along eroded cliffs toward La Jolla homes.
Heading back up to the Coast Walk Trail, which ends nearby at the Cave Store.
Heading back up to the Coast Walk Trail, which ends nearby at the Cave Store.
A man-made tunnel inside the Cave Store leads from the gift shop to the Sunny Jim Sea Cave.
A man-made tunnel inside the Cave Store leads from the gift shop to the Sunny Jim Sea Cave.
About to turn north, beginning down Coast Boulevard, toward La Jolla Cove.
About to turn north, beginning down Coast Boulevard, toward La Jolla Cove.
The amazing Coast Boulevard passes La Jolla Cove, Scripps Park, Children's Pool and the La Jolla tide pools!
The amazing Coast Boulevard passes La Jolla Cove, Scripps Park, Children’s Pool and the La Jolla tide pools!
A message on the sidewalk caught my eye. Your troubles will cease and fortune will smile upon you.
A message on the sidewalk caught my eye. Your troubles will cease and fortune will smile upon you.
Now it's possible to see into Sunny Jim Sea Cave.
It’s possible to see into this sea cave.
The rocky cliffs along Coast Boulevard are the home of brown pelicans, sea gulls and double-crested cormorants.
The rocky cliffs along Coast Boulevard are the home of pelicans, sea gulls and cormorants.
Long-beaked pelicans and black cormorants have a rest in the warm sun between diving and hunting for fish.
Long-beaked pelicans and black cormorants have a rest in the warm sun between diving and hunting for fish.
The cliffs of La Jolla are made of unstable sandstone, which occasionally crumbles into the ocean.
The cliffs of La Jolla are made of unstable sandstone, which occasionally crumbles into the Pacific Ocean.
A gorgeous view of La Jolla Cove on a perfect spring day.
A gorgeous view of La Jolla Cove on a perfect spring day.
A lifeguard tower rises above La Jolla Cove Beach. To the right of the tower is Point La Jolla.
A lifeguard tower rises above La Jolla Cove Beach. To the right of the tower is Point La Jolla.
Looking down at La Jolla Cove Beach from the north. Buildings along Coast Boulevard are surmounted by those on Prospect Street.
Looking down at La Jolla Cove Beach from the north. Buildings along Coast Boulevard are surmounted by those on Prospect Street.
City of San Diego sign provides a warning. Caution, do not approach seals or sea lions! Harassing these marine mammals is against the law.
City of San Diego sign provides a warning. Caution, do not approach seals or sea lions! Harassing these marine mammals is against the law.
A lady climbs stairs up from the beach, past a lifeguard's rescue board.
A lady climbs stairs up from the beach, past a lifeguard rescue board.
Some benches allow people to enjoy the view. Scuba divers in the cove swim with the sea life.
Some benches allow people to enjoy the view. Scuba divers in the cove swim with the sea life.
Several thoughtless, self-centered people almost stepped on a seal as they crowded in to get a photograph.
Several thoughtless, self-centered people almost stepped on a seal as they crowded in to get a photograph.
Agitated sea lion on a rock angrily confronts pestering people who don't seem to care.
Agitated sea lion on a rock angrily confronts pestering people who don’t seem to care.

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Photos of a walk down to beautiful Bird Rock.

Looking down from the high viewing area at picturesque Bird Rock below.
Looking down from the high viewing area at picturesque Bird Rock below.

Please enjoy some photographs!

Yesterday I took a long walk through La Jolla. Before leaving home, I checked the tide chart. My intention was to photograph the tide pools at beautiful Bird Rock. I’ve read you can actually walk out to this spectacular rock in the ocean at low tide. Unfortunately, as it turned out, yesterday the tide wasn’t low enough!

But I did get my fill of natural beauty. Will you please join me as I walk from La Jolla Boulevard a couple blocks down Bird Rock Avenue, and then down to the water?

Bench on La Jolla Boulevard sidewalk spells out Bird Rock with colorful tiles.
Bench on La Jolla Boulevard sidewalk spells out Bird Rock with colorful tiles.
This bench features sea shells. Let's head down Bird Rock Avenue, a few steps away.
This bench features sea shells. Let’s begin our walk down Bird Rock Avenue, a few steps away.
Kid skateboards down hilly Bird Rock Avenue toward the small lookout point.
Kid skateboards down hilly Bird Rock Avenue toward the small lookout point.
Local guy is already here enjoying the beautiful view and ocean tranquility. Few tourists come here.
Local guy is already here enjoying the beautiful view and ocean tranquility. Few tourists come here.
Gazing north along the rocky shore. La Jolla Cove is on the other side of that distant jutting land.
Gazing north along the rocky shore. La Jolla Cove is on the other side of that distant jutting land.
Looking down over the view point rail at rugged rocks at the edge of the shining Pacific Ocean.
Looking down over the view point rail at rugged rocks at the edge of the shining Pacific Ocean.
Here's where we're going to descend to the water.
Here’s where we’re going to descend to the water.
Heading down the short staircase to get a closer look at the beauty of Bird Rock.
Heading down the short staircase to get a closer look at the beauty of Bird Rock.
We quickly glance up at the viewing area, where we were a moment ago.
We quickly glance up at the viewing area, where we were a moment ago.
Gazing south as we stand on large jagged boulders. Someone is walking along the base of the cliff.
Gazing south as we stand on large jagged boulders. Someone is walking along the base of the cliff.
We carefully head a bit south, too. Watch your step! The tide is fairly low and we get close to the splashing water.
We carefully head a bit south, too. Watch your step! The tide is fairly low and we get close to the splashing water.
These stones were made smooth and rounded by that great Earth-encompassing rock tumbler, the mighty ocean!
These stones were made smooth and rounded by that great Earth-encompassing rock tumbler, the mighty ocean!
Look out! A foamy wave is crashing in!
Look out! A foamy wave is crashing in!
Finally, we turn westward to look at Bird Rock. At a distance, the birds are just visible in this photo!
Finally, we turn westward to look at Bird Rock. At a distance, the birds are just visible in this photo!

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Heroes of Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial.

Tinted morning sky above Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial in San Diego.
Tinted morning sky above Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial.

Early this morning, just as the sun was beginning to rise, I arrived at the top of a mountain. It had been a long while since I visited the Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial.

Located in La Jolla, north of downtown San Diego, Mount Soledad is a place of stunning views and great natural beauty. And a place filled with memory and feeling. Thousands are honored here for unselfishly serving their country.

Plaques on six concentric walls each remember an American hero, some who are living, many who’ve passed away into history. At the center rises a tall white memorial cross, erected in 1954 to honor Korean War veterans. The subject of controversy over many years, the cross will soon stand protected on private land. The National Defense Authorization Act for 2015 contains a provision that will convey the cross to the Mount Soledad Veterans Memorial Association.

Like a mosaic, eternally shining black granite plaques cover the low, curving walls; they tell the diverse stories of uniformed members of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard, plus those who served in the Merchant Marine during World War II. The walls will ultimately hold 3,200 names.

If you have a loved one who is serving, or who has served, you can purchase a plaque. Here is the memorial’s website.

Sun rising on eastern horizon illuminates top of concentric walls of the memorial.
Sun rising on eastern horizon illuminates top of concentric walls of the memorial.
The cross is a landmark that can be seen for many miles in every direction. The flagpole is bare at this early hour.
The cross is a landmark that can be seen for many miles in every direction. The flagpole is bare at this early hour.
Early morning visitors to Mount Soledad take photos of the 29 foot high cross.
Early morning visitors to Mount Soledad take photos of the 29 foot high cross.
Looking south over part of La Jolla toward Mission Bay and Point Loma. Downtown San Diego is visible on the far left.
Looking south over part of La Jolla toward Mission Bay and Point Loma. Downtown San Diego is visible on the far left.
Beautiful yellow flowers, grass and benches are found about this mountaintop monument to all Veterans.
Beautiful yellow flowers, grass and benches are found about this mountaintop monument to all veterans.
Gazing over curved walls containing memorial plaques toward the Pacific Ocean in morning light.
Gazing over curved walls containing memorial plaques toward the Pacific Ocean in morning light.
Friendly gentleman keeping the Mt. Soledad Park clean is grateful to work up here surrounded by so much beauty.
Friendly gentleman keeping the Mt. Soledad Park clean is grateful to work up here surrounded by so much beauty.
Photograph of the historic, controversial cross taken from its base.
Photograph of the historic, controversial cross taken from its base.
Plaque states the Mt. Soledad Veterans Memorial Cross was dedicated in 1954 as a tribute to those who've served in all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces.
Plaque states the Mt. Soledad Veterans Memorial Cross was dedicated in 1954 as a tribute to those who’ve served in all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces.
Veteran volunteer prepares to proudly raise the American flag.
Veteran volunteer prepares to proudly raise the American flag.
The Stars and Stripes is carefully attached, ready to be lifted into the wide, blue sky.
The Stars and Stripes is carefully attached, ready to be lifted into the wide, blue sky.
The volunteer momentarily lowered the flag to half-mast, to honor the fallen. He then raised it to the top and showed his respect.
The volunteer momentarily lowered the flag to half-mast, to honor the fallen. He then raised it to the top and showed his respect.
Plaque at base of flagpole.
Plaque at base of flagpole.
The very energetic volunteer was happy to show me around the memorial.
The friendly volunteer was happy to show me around the memorial.
Names of donors on special bricks.
Names of donors on special bricks.
Pointing out notable names and heroic exploits that shine on the walls.
Pointing out notable names and heroic exploits that shine on the walls.
Photo plaques honor both living and dead members of United States uniformed services.
Photo plaques honor both living and deceased members of United States uniformed services.
Memorialized vets served honorably in eras and conflicts throughout our nation's history.
These memorialized vets served honorably in eras and conflicts throughout our nation’s history.
Jeffrey Scott Taylor of U.S. Navy killed in action in Afghanistan in 2005.
Jeffrey Scott Taylor of U.S. Navy killed in action in Afghanistan in 2005.
Plaque on Mt. Soledad honors and remembers prisoners of war, and those missing in action.
Plaque on Mt. Soledad honors and remembers prisoners of war, and those missing in action.
Herman Henry Hanneken, Brigadier General of U.S. Marine Corps, served in many wars long ago.
Herman Henry Hanneken, Brigadier General of U.S. Marine Corps, served in many wars long ago.
Famed band director Glenn Miller was a great morale builder during World War II.
Famed band director Glenn Miller was a great morale builder during World War II.
General Black Jack Pershing fought victoriously, from the Indian Wars through World War I.
General “Black Jack” Pershing fought victoriously, from the late 19th century through World War I.
Rear Admiral Thomas William McNamara has a plaque on Mount Soledad.
Rear Admiral Thomas William McNamara has a plaque on Mount Soledad.
U.S. Army Corporal Alfred W. Stewart helped liberate the Philippine Islands during WWII.
U.S. Army Corporal Alfred W. Stewart helped liberate the Philippine Islands during WWII.
Pharmacist's Mate Third Class Howard Manuel Gonzalez of the U.S. Navy is honored.
Pharmacist’s Mate Third Class Howard Manuel Gonzalez of the U.S. Navy is honored.
Harry Herman Heimple was a highly decorated U.S. Air Force Colonel during the Vietnam War and Desert Storm.
Harry Herman Heimple was a highly decorated U.S. Air Force Colonel during the Vietnam War and Desert Storm.
San Diego local hero Jerry Coleman, a baseball legend who served with great patriotism in two wars.
San Diego local hero Jerry Coleman, a baseball legend who served with great patriotism in two wars.
Audie Murphy, one of the most decorated American combat soldiers of World War II.
Audie Murphy, one of the most decorated American combat soldiers of World War II.
General and President Dwight D. Eisenhower's plaque is added to a host of other plaques representing those who served with equal honor.
General and President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s plaque is added to a host of other plaques representing those who served with equal honor.
Commander in Chief Harry S. Truman began his military career during World War I.
Commander in Chief Harry S. Truman began his military career during World War I.
Jack Kramer served in the U.S. Coast Guard during the Second World War. He helped create modern professional tennis.
Jack Kramer served in the U.S. Coast Guard during the Second World War. He helped create modern professional tennis.
The four Nicosia brothers fought in different military branches in several theaters of war.
The four Nicosia brothers fought in different military branches in several theaters of war.
Famed Army General George S. Patton is remembered for his storied service to our country.
Famed Army General George S. Patton is remembered for his storied service to our country.
Legendary movie actor James Stewart was promoted to Brigadier General after 27 years of military service.
Legendary movie actor James Stewart was promoted to Brigadier General after 27 years of military service.
Pappy Boyington was a scrappy fighter pilot ace of the U.S. Marines during World War II.
Pappy Boyington was a scrappy fighter pilot ace of the U.S. Marines during World War II.
Dedicated to Jewish Chaplains who perished while in service to their country.
Dedicated to Jewish Chaplains who perished while in service to their country.
Sir Winston Churchill, who defended Britain from the Nazis, was made an honorary American citizen.
Sir Winston Churchill, who defended Britain from the Nazis, was made an honorary American citizen.
Patrol Bombing Squadron Eighteen. To men like them we owe our freedom.
Patrol Bombing Squadron Eighteen. To men like them we owe our freedom.
The brave, meritorious Tuskegee Airmen of the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II.
The brave, meritorious Tuskegee Airmen of the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II.
Michael A. Monsoor, a Navy Seal and Medal of Honor recipient who sacrificed his own life to save his comrades in Iraq.
Michael A. Monsoor, a Navy Seal and Medal of Honor recipient who sacrificed his own life to save his comrades in Iraq.
I'm shown an often updated book that lists the positions of every plaque by name.
I’m shown an often updated book that lists the positions of every plaque by name.
The volunteer at the memorial dutifully rings eight bells.
The volunteer at the memorial dutifully rings eight bells.
The Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial is a place of moving stories, and many heroes.
The Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial is a place of moving stories, and many heroes.

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