Tag: mission bay

Team of Santas urges kids to eat healthy food!

Real Santas United to End Childhood Obesity pose for the judges in the Uniform Contest at 2017 OTL. Photo courtesy Bill Swank.
Real Santas United to End Childhood Obesity pose for the judges in the Uniform Contest at 2017 OTL. (Photo courtesy Bill Swank.)

People playing Over The Line on Fiesta Island today had to be blinking their eyes. They didn’t just see Santa Claus striding across the sand–they saw a whole team of jolly Santas!

Real Santas United to End Childhood Obesity is competing this year in the OMBAC World Championship Over The Line Tournament in San Diego! And they’re spreading the important message that kids should eat healthy, nutritious food!

The unique team of Santas is organized by “Sustainable Santa” Richard Eckfield, and its members were observed this morning parading around the island handing out carrots and talking about the dangers of processed, sugary junk food and the rise of childhood obesity. Supported by several sponsors and the International Brotherhood of Real Bearded Santas, their mission is simply to promote healthy eating habits for children. “Healthy, Happy and Fit for Life!”

Members of Real Santas United to End Childhood Obesity can also be seen from time to time at farmers markets across San Diego County. They encourage children to eat real, honest-to-goodness wholesome food.

Will they win the OTL Camummy Division this year? I don’t know. I do know these Santas have a winning message!

You might like to follow the Santa & Mrs Claus for Healthy Children Facebook page!

Unlike most presents unwrapped at Christmas, good health is a gift that will last a long, merry, magical lifetime!

Kristin Francy, Miss Emerson in 2015, and a team of sporty Santas at the Over The Line World Championship tournament in San Diego. Photo courtesy Bill Swank.
Kristin Francy, Miss Emerson in 2015, and a team of sporty Santas at the Over The Line World Championship tournament in San Diego. (Photo courtesy Bill Swank.)
Photo of Baseball Santa Bill Swank and Richard “Sustainable Santa” Eckfield at the Linda Vista Farmers Market last December. Photo courtesy Bill Swank.
Photo of Baseball Santa Bill Swank and Richard “Sustainable Santa” Eckfield at the Linda Vista Farmers Market last December. (Photo courtesy Bill Swank.)
Front and back of cards that Sustainable Santa hands out at farmers markets throughout San Diego County. (Click to enlarge.) Image courtesy Bill Swank.
Front and back of cards that Sustainable Santa hands out at farmers markets throughout San Diego County. (Image courtesy Bill Swank.)
Baseball Santa Swank holds up carrots which the Real Santas United hand out to kids instead of sugary candy canes. Photo courtesy Bill Swank.
Baseball Santa Swank holds up carrots which the Real Santas United hand out to kids instead of sugary candy canes. (Photo courtesy Bill Swank.)

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Photos of San Diego Shaka Fest at Mission Bay.

Performers walk off the grassy stage at Crown Point during the San Diego Shaka Fest.
Performers walk off the grassy stage at Crown Point during the San Diego Shaka Fest.

Here are some photos of the San Diego Shaka Fest held at Crown Point on Mission Bay yesterday. What a fun event!

There was a whole lot of Hawaiian culture, art and sport to see, including canoe racing and Hula dance.

It was so sunny and warm by the water, it was easy to imagine that everyone in attendance had been magically transported to the Hawaiian islands!

Caution! Your are entering an Aloha Only zone, ya! Please leave your troubles at da door!
Caution! Your are entering an Aloha Only zone, ya! Please leave your troubles at da door!
Lots of stand up paddleboards and canoes down on the water of Mission Bay.
Lots of stand up paddleboards and canoes down on the water of Mission Bay.
People enjoy a perfect San Diego Saturday.
People enjoy a perfect San Diego Saturday.
Some canoe racing between Crown Point and Fiesta Island.
Some canoe racing between Crown Point and Fiesta Island.
A nice lady told me a bit about Hawaiian dance. One can learn Hula at workshops provided by Halau Ka Lei Kukui Hi'ilani and Hawaiian Hula International.
A nice lady told me a bit about Hawaiian dance. One can learn Hula at workshops provided by Halau Ka Lei Kukui Hi’ilani and Hawaiian Hula International.
Hawaiian culture is sunny, welcoming and full of smiles.
Hawaiian culture is sunny, welcoming and full of smiles.
Tim Richards is creating a tiki using a chisel, mallet and palm wood. I believe he said it takes about 6 hours to produce one this size.
Tim Richards is creating a tiki using a chisel, mallet and palm wood. I believe he said it takes about 6 hours to produce one this size.
Lots of fun Hawaii-themed stuff for sale at Shaka Fest.
Lots of fun Hawaii-themed stuff for sale at Shaka Fest.
And more colorful stuff!
And more colorful stuff!
Youth prepare to take the stage. They hold ipu gourds, a traditional musical percussion instrument in Hawaii.
Youth prepare to take the stage. They hold ipu gourds, a traditional musical percussion instrument in Hawaii.
Hula dancing on Mission Bay.
Hula dancing on Mission Bay.
This couple was watching the entertainment.
This couple was watching the entertainment.
Lots of paddleboards were near the sandy beach.
Lots of paddleboards were near the sandy beach.
A pleasant day was enjoyed by many at the San Diego Shaka Fest.
A pleasant day was enjoyed by many at the San Diego Shaka Fest.

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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!

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Murf the Surf and Camellia the Pretty Good Dog.

One of many benches around Mission Bay in San Diego. Most feature a small plaque remembering loved ones.
One of many park benches near the beautiful water of Mission Bay.

My walk today took me a good distance around Mission Bay.

Benches can be found at intervals along the pedestrian and bike path that circles much of the bay. Most of these benches feature a small plaque dedicated to a beloved person or memory.

I paused on several occasions to read these thoughtful plaques. One really touched me for some reason. I found it at the base of a quiet bench next to Riviera Shores. It is dedicated to Murf the Surf and Camellia the Pretty Good Dog.

There are so many stories, and so many lives. There’s much love in this world.

While I sat quietly on the bench, runners flew past.
While I sat quietly on the bench, runners breezed past.
I gazed across the beach at the calm blue water. Many have found enjoyment here.
I gazed across the sand at the calm blue water. Many have found enjoyment here.
1999 - In Loving Memory - Murf the Surf and Camellia the Pretty Good Dog. They loved this beach. Ed and Beth of Buena Vista Street.
1999 – In Loving Memory – Murf the Surf and Camellia the Pretty Good Dog. They loved this beach. Ed and Beth of Buena Vista Street.

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Sunny photos: Vacation Isle to Hospitality Point jetty.

Many canoes and kayaks were passing under the Ingraham Street Bridge between South Cove and Perez Cove, not far from SeaWorld.
Many canoes and kayaks were passing under the Ingraham Street Bridge between South Cove and Perez Cove, not far from SeaWorld.

My long walk yesterday around Mission Bay yielded lots of photos. I started at Vacation Isle, then headed slowly and somewhat aimlessly to the jetty at the end of Hospitality Point. It was a journey through a tranquil San Diego paradise, on a warm winter day.

My photos feature relatively few people. But I can assure you thousands of folks were out enjoying the sunshine. They were fishing, boating, picnicking, reading, walking, playing sports on the grass… Mission Bay is a really big place.

Radio control model sailboats cross the Model Boat Pond on Vacation Isle.
Radio control model sailboats cross the Model Boat Pond on Vacation Isle.
These fire pits just north of Dana Landing have wood stacked ready for Saturday night.
These fire pits just north of Dana Landing have wood stacked ready for Saturday night.
A casual seat on the dirt with great views.
A casual seat on the dirt with great views.
A heron on rocks, and reflections of boats at Dana Landing.
A heron on rocks, and reflections of boats at Dana Landing.
Gazing from the West Mission Bay Drive Bridge down descending stairs toward Sunset Point.
Gazing from the West Mission Bay Drive Bridge down descending stairs toward Sunset Point.
People return from an excursion out on the Pacific Ocean. The dock at Seaforth Sportfishing is always busy.
People return from an excursion out on the Pacific Ocean. The dock at Seaforth Sportfishing is always busy.
Visitors walk through Marina Village on Mission Bay.
Visitors walk through Marina Village on Mission Bay.
A map by Quivira Basin shows areas off the coast that are protected. Conserving California's Coastal Treasure.
A map by Quivira Basin shows areas off the coast that are protected. Conserving California’s Coastal Treasure.
Kicking back with a best friend on the blue water. In the distance you can see the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina.
Kicking back with a best friend among boats on the blue water. In the distance you can see the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina.
Colorful kayaks await at Aqua Adventures.
Colorful kayaks await at Aqua Adventures.
This tropical party shack seems long abandoned. It stands near the entrance to Mission Bay Marina.
This tropical party shack seems long abandoned. It stands near an entrance to Mission Bay Marina.
A dirt nature trail along the channel that connects the ocean and Mission Bay.
A dirt nature trail along the channel that connects the ocean and Mission Bay.
Rare and Remarkable. This area displays Coastal sand dune vegetation. The native Beach lotus is endangered.
Rare and Remarkable. This area displays Coastal sand dune vegetation. The native Beach lotus is endangered.
Walking along the jetty west of Hospitality Point. This narrow strip of land separates the San Diego River, to the left, from the man-made channel into Mission Bay. One can see a sliver of Ocean Beach, on the left, and Mission Beach, on the right.
Walking along the jetty west of Hospitality Point. This narrow strip of land separates the San Diego River, to the left, from the man-made channel into Mission Bay. One can see a sliver of Ocean Beach, on the left, and Mission Beach, on the right.
A fisherman on land, and two on the water. Across the Entrance Channel lies Mission Beach.
A fisherman on land, and two on the water. Across the Entrance Channel lies very popular South Mission Beach.
Bicycling along. Heading toward the end of the long jetty. It's a beautiful day. One can see forever.
Bicycling along. Heading toward the end of the long jetty. It’s a beautiful day. One can see forever.

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I wrote another short story! I penned it yesterday, during my walk along the bay.

It’s a bittersweet, philosophical, tiny piece of fiction. The sort of thing I like to write. There’s some sadness in the sunshine. The title is Light on the Restless and Small.

If you choose to read it, thank you!

Outrigger canoe racers launch into Mission Bay.

Outrigger canoes ready to be pushed out into the deeper water of San Diego's recreational paradise Mission Bay.
Outrigger canoes, ready to be pushed out into the deeper water of Mission Bay, San Diego’s recreational paradise.

Today I went for another relaxing walk around beautiful Mission Bay. I was fortunate enough to watch San Diego’s Kai Elua Outrigger Canoe Club launch four boats from the beach. They have opened up a few recent Saturday practice sessions for anybody who might be interested in learning the sport of outrigger canoe racing.

The good-sized group paddled out into Mission Bay this morning just after nine o’clock, near Vacation Isle’s North Cove Public Beach.

Here are a few fun pics. I’ve got more photos coming from today’s long walk!

Looking across a small part of Mission Bay, toward Fishermans Channel and the Ingraham Street bridge, which connects Vacation Island to Pacific Beach.
Looking across a small section of Mission Bay, toward the Ingraham Street bridge, which connects Vacation Isle to Pacific Beach.
Members and guests of San Diego's Kai Elua Outrigger Canoe Club carry an outrigger canoe across the beach toward the water of Mission Bay.
Members and guests of San Diego’s Kai Elua Outrigger Canoe Club carry a large boat across the beach toward the blue water of Mission Bay.
Vacationers watched from the public beach, and the nearby cottages of Paradise Point Resort, as the outrigger canoes were carried to the water.
Vacationers watched from the public beach and the nearby cottages of Paradise Point Resort, as the outrigger canoes were carried to the water.
Some folks enjoying standup paddleboarding on Mission Bay also viewed the fascinating launch.
Some people enjoying stand up paddleboarding on Mission Bay also viewed the fascinating launch.
The four outrigger canoes are soon manned and afloat. They head out for a day of racing practice.
The four outrigger canoes are soon manned and afloat. They head out for a day of racing practice.
Flip-flops left in the sand near two beached outrigger canoes.
Flip-flops left in the sand near two beached outrigger canoes.

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Volunteer to help restore San Diego wetlands!

Volunteers needed! Volunteer work parties take place from 9am-12pm at the Kendall-Frost Marsh. Please wear long pants and sun or rain protection. Bring your favorite work boots or gloves, or we can provide these to you.
Volunteers needed! Volunteer work parties take place from 9am-12pm at the Kendall-Frost Marsh. Please wear long pants and sun or rain protection. Bring your favorite work boots or gloves, or we can provide these to you.

Yesterday I was privileged to watch citizens in San Diego teaming up to improve our environment. During the Love Your Wetlands Day event, a group of concerned people gathered together to help clean and restore the beautiful Kendall-Frost Marsh in Mission Bay.

Do you live in San Diego? Do you enjoy nature and being outdoors? Do you love seeing and protecting wildlife and birds? Do you have a bit of free time? Would you like to personally make a very big difference in this world?

Volunteers are needed to help restore San Diego wetlands! Spread the word! Find out more by contacting the San Diego Audubon Society from this page of their website! Or check out more info by clicking the above photo.

Volunteers help to restore wetlands in Mission Bay. Do you live in Pacific Beach or in San Diego. With a little elbow grease, you can make a big difference!
Volunteers help to restore wetlands in Mission Bay. Do you live in Pacific Beach or in greater San Diego? With a little elbow grease, you can actually make a big difference!

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Photos of Love Your Wetlands Day in Mission Bay.

Love Your Wetlands Day took place in Pacific Beach at north Mission Bay's small Kendall-Frost Marsh.
Love Your Wetlands Day took place in Pacific Beach at north Mission Bay’s small Kendall-Frost Marsh.

Late this morning I headed up to Pacific Beach to experience Love Your Wetlands Day. The annual event provides a once-a-year opportunity for the public to visit the protected Kendall-Frost Marsh, which lies in the north part of Mission Bay.

I was really impressed by the efforts underway by the San Diego Audubon Society and the UC Natural Reserve System to restore this wetland, and by all the people who showed up for the event. Hopefully my blog will help raise awareness about this very important project.

I definitely learned a lot! Please read the photo captions . . .

The Kendall-Frost Marsh is being restored into a healthy wetland by the San Diego Audubon Society and the UC Natural Reserve System with the help of volunteers.
The Kendall-Frost Marsh is being restored into a healthy wetland by the San Diego Audubon Society and the UC Natural Reserve System with the help of volunteers.
The slough is a prime location for birdlife. Many different birds can be spotted in this protected wildlife refuge, which is usually off-limits to the public.
The slough is a prime location for birdlife. Many different birds can be spotted in this protected wildlife refuge, which is usually off-limits to the public.
Photos of bird sightings on the surrounding fence.
Photos of bird sightings on the surrounding fence.
I arrived a bit early to the event, and watched from the nearby street as last-minute preparations took place.
I arrived a bit early to the event, and watched from the nearby street as last-minute preparations took place.
A sign welcomes visitors to Love Your Wetlands Day. Lots of activities included bird watching, a water quality test demo, and a marsh clean-up.
A sign welcomes visitors to Love Your Wetlands Day. Lots of activities included bird watching, a water quality testing demo, and a marsh clean-up.
People sign in to the event. A few lucky attendees won raffle prizes!
People sign in to the event. A few lucky attendees won raffle prizes!
The San Diego Audubon Society had a table at the event.
The San Diego Audubon Society had a table at the special outdoor event.
Information at U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Coastal Program display shows the marsh boundaries and restoration efforts.
Information at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Coastal Program exhibit shows the marsh boundaries and restoration efforts.
This super cool volunteer at a fun kids activity table gave me the thumbs up!
This super cool volunteer at a fun kids activity table gave me the thumbs up!
A nearby area where native vegetation is being carefully restored.
A nearby area where native vegetation is being carefully restored.
These plants will eventually call the marsh home.
These plants will eventually be transplanted into the marsh.
A look across the marsh southward, toward the greater part of Mission Bay, a large urban recreational park in San Diego.
A look across the marsh southward, toward the greater part of Mission Bay, a large urban recreational park in San Diego.
As the event gets underway, many more people arrive.
As the event gets underway, many energetic people arrive.
Fun nature mural on side of the Kendall-Frost Reserve Trailer in Pacific Beach!
Fun nature mural on side of the Kendall-Frost Reserve Trailer in Pacific Beach!
Many photos around the exterior of the trailer show insects, flowers, birds and other wildlife that make the marsh their home.
Many photos around the exterior of the trailer show insects, flowers, birds and other wildlife that make the marsh their home.
A row of waterproof boots await volunteers.
A row of waterproof boots awaits volunteers.
Putting on some boots before heading out into the muddy, mucky marsh!
Putting on some boots before heading out into the muddy, mucky marsh!
Tools that are used to remove trash from the environmentally sensitive marshland.
Tools that are used to remove trash from the environmentally sensitive marshland.
An art project for kids involved creatively decorating stones!
A fun art project for kids involved creatively decorating stones!
Speaker describes how the ReWild project of the San Diego Audubon Society is working to restore important wetlands in the northeast corner of Mission Bay.
Speaker describes how the ReWild project of the San Diego Audubon Society is working to restore important wetlands in the northeast corner of Mission Bay.
A chart at one table shows types of pollutants found on the beaches of San Diego.
A chart at one table shows types of pollutants found on the beaches of San Diego.
Water quality tests include monitoring pH, temperature, oxygen content and turbidity.
Water quality tests include monitoring pH, temperature, oxygen content and turbidity.
Folks are heading every which way, learning about the marsh and setting about to help restore it!
Folks are heading every which way, learning about the marsh and setting about to help restore it!
Walking over to collect a water sample. The Kendall-Frost Mission Bay Marsh Reserve habitats include coastal sage scrub, south coastal salt marsh, tidal channels, salt flats and mudflats.
Walking over to collect a water sample. The Kendall-Frost Mission Bay Marsh Reserve habitats include coastal sage scrub, south coastal salt marsh, tidal channels, salt flats and mudflats.
Water from a storm drain is collected by volunteers for testing.
Water from a storm drain is collected by volunteers for testing.
After putting on boots and grabbing buckets, a gang of volunteers is out in the marsh seeing it up close and removing unwanted debris.
After putting on boots and grabbing buckets, a gang of volunteers is out in the marsh seeing it up close and removing unwanted debris.
Netting is laid down by more volunteers to help prevent erosion during rain.
Netting is laid down by more volunteers to help prevent erosion during rain. A big storm is coming tomorrow!
Love Your Wetlands Day was a great opportunity for the public to help preserve and enhance the Kendall-Frost Marsh!
Love Your Wetlands Day was a great opportunity for the public to help preserve and enhance the Kendall-Frost Marsh!

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Fun sailing on Mission Bay’s model boat pond.

Member of the San Diego Argonauts gets ready to place a small sailboat into Vacation Isle's model yacht pond.
Member of the San Diego Argonauts gets ready to place a small sailboat into Vacation Isle’s model yacht pond.

A silvery sheet of water near the center of Vacation Isle is where dreams take sail. Tiny dreams with tiny sails.

Today I took a long meandering walk about Mission Bay, and spent a fair amount of time lingering around what is simply called the model yacht pond. Connected to the bay with an underground pipe, the pond rises and falls with the ocean’s tides. The tranquil sheet of saltwater, surrounded by grass, trees and the many picnic benches of Vacation Isle Park, has been enjoyed by model boat hobbyists for over half a century.

A very cool club called the San Diego Argonauts utilizes the model yacht pond for radio control model boating and racing. Every Saturday morning, their Scale Boat Division runs electric and steam-powered craft on the pond. Many of the tiny vessels are remarkably detailed, even museum quality. One tiny tugboat even blew its horn at me while I took some photographs!

Saturday afternoons is when the wind-driven sailboats come out to compete or practice. The Sail Division of the San Diego Argonauts has many skippers who’ve won National Championships!

Today I saw so many sails at once, I could hardly believe it! The model yacht pond was the scene of a glorious regatta. These model boat sails tack by remote control, so racing around the tiny floating buoys requires many of the same strategies as racing a full-size sailboat!

On Sunday the pond features model power boats, which can reach speeds of 60 miles per hour! I’ll definitely have to check that out one weekend! I’ll take pictures!

Model boating is a fascinating, beautiful hobby to watch. I’ll bet it’s a lot of fun building a boat and watching it float across this magical pond!

A scale boat enthusiast spends part of his Saturday in San Diego's sunny Vacation Isle Park.
A scale boat enthusiast spends part of his Saturday in San Diego’s sunny Vacation Isle Park.
Two electric-powered model boats navigate by radio control across the smooth pond.
Two electric-powered model boats navigate by radio control across the smooth pond.
This small tugboat blew it's horn as I took this photo!
This small tugboat blew it’s horn as I took this photo!
A model sailboat is made ready. The friendly guy who owns this boat showed me how the sails are moved by remote control.
A model sailboat is made ready. The friendly guy who owns this boat showed me how the sails are moved by remote control.
Another member of the San Diego Argonauts wheels his sailboat down to the bank of the model yacht pond.
Another member of the San Diego Argonauts wheels his sailboat down to the bank of the model yacht pond.
Wading out, in order to place one model sailboat into the water.
Wading out, in order to place one model sailboat into the water.
The miniature boats look beautiful on the gleaming water. They operate in the ocean breeze much like actual sailboats.
The miniature boats look beautiful on the gleaming water. They operate in the ocean breeze much like actual sailboats.
Three model sailboats tack to go around a tiny buoy.
Three model sailboats tack to go around a tiny buoy.
The model yacht pond can be found near the center of San Diego's huge Mission Bay Park, which is the largest urban aquatic park in the United States.
The model yacht pond can be found near the center of San Diego’s huge Mission Bay Park, which is the largest urban aquatic park in the United States.
Many sails float dreamlike across the blue water.
Many sails float dreamlike across the blue water.
A fun day in the park for young and old alike.
A fun day in the park for young and old alike.

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Smiles, life and culture at Pacific Islander Festival!

Friendly guy at Pacific Islander Festival representing Tokelau shows how skirts are fashioned using natural fibers.
Friendly guy at Pacific Islander Festival representing Tokelau shows how skirts are fashioned using natural fibers.

Today I went to San Diego’s annual Pacific Islander Festival. Wow!

The awesome event was held at Ski Beach Park on Vacation Isle, at the center of Mission Bay–and it was much, much bigger than I had expected. Thousands sitting in lawn chairs or walking among dozens of colorful tents enjoyed music, dance, food, fascinating crafts and a huge variety of cool sights.

Here’s some of what I saw. I’ll let the photo captions tell the story…

Miss Pacific Islander of San Diego greeted me with a warm smile!
Miss Pacific Islander of San Diego greeted me with a warm smile!
The popular annual festival attracts thousands, who enjoy lots of music and dance on a big main stage.
The popular annual festival attracts thousands, who enjoy lots of music and dance on a big main stage.
The theme for 2015 was Heroes of the Pacific, honoring military veterans from Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia.
The theme for 2015 was Heroes of the Pacific, honoring military veterans from Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia.
Youthful dancers on stage were a favorite of the crowd.
Youthful dancers on stage were a favorite of the crowd.
Many tents contained interesting artistic and cultural exhibits from different Pacific islands. Here we see Guam.
Many tents contained interesting artistic and cultural exhibits from different Pacific islands. Here we see Guam.
Native arts and crafts fascinated visitors to the festival.
Native arts and crafts fascinated visitors to the festival.
Lots of super nice people were enjoying the day at Ski Beach Park in Mission Bay, and many wore colorful costumes!
Lots of super nice people were enjoying the day at Ski Beach Park in Mission Bay, and many wore colorful costumes!
Glass floats are incredibly beautiful, like solid bubbles of light.
Glass floats are incredibly beautiful, like solid bubbles of light.
Tivaevae Polynesian quilting from the Cook Islands, finely made fans, and other handcrafted works on display.
Tivaevae Polynesian quilting from the Cook Islands, finely made fans, and other handcrafted works on display.
Those are two very cool ukuleles!
Those are two very cool ukuleles!
Chamorro outrigger canoe (proa) Sakman could be boarded by curious festival visitors at Ski Beach.
Chamorro outrigger canoe (proa) Sakman could be boarded by curious festival visitors at Ski Beach.
An exotic boat in genuine blue Pacific Ocean water on a glorious San Diego day.
An exotic boat in genuine blue Pacific Ocean water on a glorious San Diego day.
This juggler simply had to be photographed.
This lively juggler simply had to be photographed.
Drummers create rhythmic beats for event performers rehearsing behind the stage under some shady trees.
Drummers create rhythmic beats for event performers rehearsing behind the stage under some shady trees.
The Heiva San Diego tent contained colorful Tahitian sights.
The Heiva San Diego tent contained colorful Tahitian sights.
Typical foods one might find on a South Pacific Ocean island.
Typical foods one might find on a South Pacific Ocean island.
A sea turtle is swimming above the grass!
A sea turtle is swimming above the grass!
Artist representing Samoa creates Siapo, also known as tapa, using ink made from native seeds and tree bark.
Artist representing Samoa creates Siapo, also known as tapa, using ink made from native seeds and tree bark.
A funny octopus and dancing knife on display at the Samoa tent.
A funny octopus and dancing knife on display at the Samoa tent.
Books include Myths and Legends of Samoa.
Books include Myths and Legends of Samoa.
A beautiful wooden bowl was among many cultural artifacts from American Samoa.
A beautiful wooden bowl was among many cultural artifacts from American Samoa.
Palau's tent had many interesting photos and unique objects for everyone to enjoy.
Palau’s tent had many interesting photos and unique objects for everyone to enjoy.
Lots of life and energy at the Pacific Islander Festival!
Lots of life and energy at the Pacific Islander Festival!

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Sunshine in paradise: a walk about Mission Bay.

The sun glows behind a pair of palm trees at the edge of Mission Bay.
The sun glows behind a pair of palm trees at the edge of Mission Bay.

Late this morning I headed to the Pacific Islander Festival, which took place in the grassy Ski Beach Park near the center of Mission Bay. I’ll get my photos ready and blog about it shortly!

On the way to the festival and afterward, I took a long, leisurely walk. Mission Bay might be the best place in San Diego for an easy saunter through sunshiny paradise.

When I say Mission Bay Park is a paradise, that’s no exaggeration. Grassy parkland, beaches, islands, resorts and marinas are found everywhere you go, whether by foot, bicycle, roller skate, car or boat. Its 4,235 acres make it the largest man-made aquatic park in the nation. Roughly half land and half water, what was originally a lagoon at the mouth of the San Diego River has been transformed into one of our city’s most popular destinations. Especially during the summer.

But summer is over and the crowds have thinned. Perfect for a quiet, thoughtful walk.

Here are a few random pics…

A fisherman rows a kayak near sailboats docked at Paradise Point Resort on Vacation Isle.
A fisherman rows a kayak near sailboats docked at Paradise Point Resort on Vacation Isle.
Mission Bay Park is the largest man-made aquatic park in the United States. Its 4,235 acres is a wonderland of blue water, islands, beaches, resorts, marinas, and tree-shaded grass.
Mission Bay Park is the largest man-made aquatic park in the United States. Its 4,235 acres is a wonderland of blue water, islands, beaches, resorts, marinas, and tree-shaded grass.
Skateboarding over the Ingraham Street bridge between Vacation Isle and Dana Landing. A seagull on every lamp post!
Skateboarding over the Ingraham Street bridge between Vacation Isle and Dana Landing. A seagull on every lamp post!
Looking down from the bridge. It's a quiet Sunday after Labor Day, and few people are about. Mission Bay is a perfect place for a long, sunny walk in San Diego!
Looking down from the bridge. It’s a quiet Sunday after Labor Day, and many benches are empty. Mission Bay is a perfect place for a long, sunny walk in San Diego!
Light reflected on water and shore rocks form a contrast.
Light reflected on water contrasted with shore rocks.
A small pleasure boat glides through South Cove and is ready to pass under the Ingraham Street bridge.
A small pleasure boat glides through South Cove and is ready to pass under the Ingraham Street bridge.
A colorful sail and reflection on smooth water at the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Marina.
A colorful sail and reflection on smooth water at the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Marina.
Just fishing on a Sunday by the bridge north of Quivira Basin. It crosses over Mission Bay Channel and leads to nearby Mission Beach.
Fishing on a Sunday by the bridge north of Quivira Basin. It crosses over Mission Bay Channel and leads to nearby Mission Beach.
Broad blue water and folks recreating on Mission Bay. Every type of small boat you can imagine can be spotted on any given day.
Broad blue water and folks recreating on Mission Bay.  Kayaks, paddle boards, peddle boats, sailboats, windsurfers and fishing boats can be spotted on any given day.

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