Tag: morning

Fun photos of San Diego’s Bike to Work Day!

A San Diego Bike to Work Day pit stop in front of 550 West C Street early in the morning. Hello!
A San Diego Bike to Work Day pit stop in front of 550 West C Street early in the morning. Hello!

Today was Bike to Work Day in San Diego! There were over a hundred pit stops around the county, and I’ve learned that nearly ten thousand bicyclists participated!

This morning I started a bit earlier than usual so that I could walk past 5 pit stops downtown. (As followers of Cool San Diego Sights might know already, I happen to be a walk/trolley/bus to work person. Because I simply love walking and the outdoors, plus living downtown makes it very convenient.)

The city was still a bit sleepy as I headed west along B Street–about 6:30–and the morning light wasn’t ideal for photography when I passed two bicycle pits stops at The Donut Bar and the Wells Fargo building. I did manage to get some sharp pics once I arrived at Civic Center Plaza! Lots of people were smiling!

A couple of bicyclists pedal up Third Avenue near Civic Center Plaza during Bike to Work Day.
A couple of bicyclists pedal up Third Avenue near Civic Center Plaza during Bike to Work Day.
This pit stop in Civic Center Plaza near City Hall was already seeing some incoming cyclists at this early hour. There is an active City of San Diego Bicycle Program.
This pit stop in Civic Center Plaza near City Hall was already seeing some incoming cyclists at this early hour. There is an active City of San Diego Bicycle Program.
Bike maps, information and other goodies were given away to promote commuting by bicycle to work around San Diego.
Bike maps, information and other goodies were given away to promote commuting by bicycle to work around San Diego.
A huge Share The Road banner hung in Civic Center Plaza.
A huge Share The Road banner hung in Civic Center Plaza.
Morning commuter on a bicycle waits alongside a bus for a traffic light on Broadway.
Morning commuter on a bicycle waits alongside a bus for a traffic light on Broadway.
On Harbor Drive at the Broadway Pier, a pit stop included a San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce table.
On Harbor Drive at the Broadway Pier, a pit stop included a San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce table.
These friendly guys representing Engineering company CH2M Hill did the wave for me, but I liked this photo of them smiling better!
These friendly guys representing engineering company CH2M Hill did the wave for me, but I liked this photo of them smiling better!
Someone pedals past San Diego's historic tall ship Star of India. Another beautiful morning.
Someone pedals past San Diego’s historic tall ship Star of India. Another beautiful day has begun.
A bicyclist rolls down Pacific Highway on the morning of San Diego's Bike to Work Day.
A bicyclist rolls down Pacific Highway on the morning of San Diego’s Bike to Work Day.

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Swirly, curly, windswept clouds above San Diego!

The sun rises behind trees on Cortez Hill, in downtown San Diego.
The sun rises behind trees atop Cortez Hill, the neighborhood where I live in downtown San Diego.

Yesterday morning, just after sunrise, the clouds high above San Diego were absolutely amazing. They were delicate and windswept, like angels’ wings and painted dreams. The clouds were so swirly and curly, it seemed the wind knew not which way to go.

I took these photos during a short walk from Cortez Hill to Bankers Hill.

Eucalyptus trees at southwest corner of Balboa Park, beneath glowing, fantastic morning clouds.
Eucalyptus trees at the southwest corner of Balboa Park, beneath glowing, fantastic morning clouds.
Mother Nature put on quite a sky show for those who thought to look upward!
Mother Nature put on quite a sky show for those who thought to look upward!
Swirly, curly, windswept clouds high in the blue San Diego sky, like a delicate dream.
Swirly, curly, windswept clouds high in the blue San Diego sky, like a delicate dream.
Morning clouds above Bankers Hill make for a truly cool sight in San Diego, the beautiful place I call home!
Morning clouds above Bankers Hill make for a truly cool sight in San Diego, the beautiful city I call home!

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

Do you like these photos? I recently wrote an unusual, inspiring story that might touch you called One Strange, Shimmering Dream.  Click to read it!

Spring rain and flowers in Little Italy!

A wheelbarrow full of colorful flowers on a spring morning, following a light rain. Photo taken near base of the Little Italy landmark sign on India Street.
A wheelbarrow full of colorful flowers on a spring morning, following a light rain. Photo taken near base of the Little Italy landmark sign on India Street.

Early this morning I headed through Little Italy. The streets were still wet after a slight rain in the night. I was admiring all the brightly damp flowers up and down one sidewalk, when it occurred to me I should pull out my camera. So I did!

I love springtime in San Diego. Lots of walking and photos ahead!

Looking east from Kettner Boulevard in downtown San Diego's beautiful Little Italy neighborhood. Morning clouds catch the rising sun after some nighttime sprinkles.
Looking east from Kettner Boulevard in downtown San Diego’s beautiful Little Italy neighborhood. Morning clouds catch the rising sun after some nighttime sprinkles.
Little Italy streets have many public planters filled with flowers. Orange blooms in this hanging planter are still wet from the recent rain.
Little Italy streets have many public planters filled with flowers. Orange blooms in this hanging planter are still wet from the recent rain.
Many spring flowers provide a burst of color near the windows of a Little Italy restaurant.
Many spring flowers provide a burst of color near the windows of a Little Italy restaurant.
A small patch of color on India Street. A nearby sign reads Garden by Randall.
A small patch of color on India Street. A nearby sign reads Garden by Randall.
Some moisture has pooled in the leaves of this potted geranium on the sidewalk.
Some moisture has pooled in the leaves of this potted geranium on the sidewalk.
More happy flowers by the outdoor seating area of a restaurant. The clear plastic that provides protection from inclement weather is still wet with many raindrops.
More happy flowers by the outdoor seating area of a restaurant. The clear plastic that provides protection from inclement weather is still wet with many raindrops.
Bunches of hanging flowers. Gorgeous spring colors are all about Little Italy's friendly streets.
Bunches of hanging flowers. Gorgeous spring colors are all about Little Italy’s friendly streets.
Banner on a street lamp advertises the upcoming Mission Federal Art Walk in Little Italy. It's about a month away.
Banner on a street lamp advertises the upcoming Mission Federal Art Walk in Little Italy. It’s about a month away.
Some yellow blooms on a small table in the front patio of a Little Italy residence.
Some yellow blooms on a small table in the front patio of a Little Italy residence.
An eye-catching bird of paradise flower greets anyone who approaches this door!
An eye-catching bird of paradise flower greets anyone who approaches this door!
Walking with the dog up a sidewalk in Little Italy, early one spring morning after some rainfall.
Walking with the dog up a sidewalk in Little Italy, early one spring morning after some rainfall.
A peek through a window at flowers on a table inside a Little Italy breakfast spot.
A peek through a window at flowers on a table inside a Little Italy breakfast spot.
To see lots of bright flowers on San Diego's streets, perhaps swing by Little Italy during the spring!
To see lots of bright flowers on San Diego’s streets, perhaps swing by Little Italy during the spring!

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

Do you like to read short pieces of thought-provoking fiction? You might enjoy checking out Short Stories by Richard.

A delightfully unusual building in Little Italy.

The delightfully unusual Beaumont Building rises in Little Italy at 434 West Cedar Street.
The delightfully unusual Beaumont Building rises in Little Italy at 434 West Cedar Street.

In my opinion, the most delightfully unusual building in San Diego’s Little Italy neighborhood is the Beaumont Building. The design–especially the two cylindrical towers–is both visually distinctive and impressive. Those mysterious-looking towers make me look up with fresh surprise whenever I see them.

The Beaumont Building was built in 1988. It was designed by Rob Wellington Quigley, whose architectural work can be seen in various places around San Diego. The lattice-domed San Diego Central Library and The New Children’s Museum are two well-known examples.

I often walk past this building, and have taken many photographs over the years. But none of my photos fully capture this very unique structure’s truly amazing presence.

Looking upward near the front entrance to the unique Beaumont Building.
Looking upward near the front entrance to the unique Beaumont Building.
Another photo on a different day of this very cool building in San Diego's always interesting Little Italy neighborhood.
Another photo on a different day of this very cool building in San Diego’s always interesting Little Italy neighborhood.
The two high towers of the Beaumont Building almost appear like antennas, or an over-sized science experiment.
The two high towers of the Beaumont Building almost appear like antennas, or an over-sized science experiment.
An eye-catching sight during a morning walk!
An eye-catching sight during a morning walk!

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More cool murals in San Diego’s Little Italy!

Mural titled I Pescatori by artist Renee Garcia, 2003. Depicts tuna fishermen who lived in Little Italy (many were Italian immigrants) fishing off the coast of San Diego.
Mural titled I Pescatori by artist Renee Garcia, 2003. Depicts tuna fishermen who lived in Little Italy (many were Italian immigrants) fishing off the coast of San Diego.

About two years ago, I posted some photos of public murals that can be spotted in Little Italy, a beautiful neighborhood in downtown San Diego. This morning, soaking in the warm sunshine, I slowly strolled up India Street once again!

Camera in hand, I captured even more examples of fantastic, colorful artwork. Most of these pics were taken on India Street north of Ivy Street.

This painting of two dancers was in the front patio of a shop or cafe or restaurant of some kind--I forget what, exactly. I had to snap a quick pic.
This painting of two dancers was in the front patio of a shop or cafe or restaurant of some kind–I forget what, exactly. I had to snap a quick pic.
Ben-Hur Coffee. A cool old advertisement on the side of an old brick building in San Diego's hip Little Italy neighborhood.
Ben-Hur Coffee. A cool old advertisement on the side of an old brick building in San Diego’s hip Little Italy neighborhood.
Just a fun artistic tile on a building wall that I noted as I walked up India Street this morning.
Just a fun artistic tile on a building wall that I noted as I walked up India Street this morning.
Several murals that together are titled Eredita Italiana. By Yakov Kandinov, 2004. According to a nearby plaque, this is a Precious Cheese Art Mural Project.
Several murals that together are titled Eredita Italiana. By Yakov Kandinov, 2004. According to a nearby plaque, this is a Precious Cheese Art Mural Project.
A portrait of a proud Italian family that might have lived in this neighborhood.
A portrait of a proud Italian family that might have lived in this neighborhood.
One of the grouped murals depicts the historic Our Lady of the Rosary church in Little Italy.
One of the grouped murals depicts the historic Our Lady of the Rosary church in Little Italy.
Looks like someone else was walking up the sidewalk on India Street--and they had wet shoes!
Looks like someone else was walking up the sidewalk on India Street–and they had wet shoes!
Just a fun sign on a Little Italy antique shop's door. The Bungalow Store.
Just a fun sign on a Little Italy antique shop’s door. The Bungalow Store.
A radiant Madonna above the front door of El Camino, a crazy, kitschy Mexican eatery and bar in San Diego's Little Italy.
A radiant Madonna above the front door of El Camino, a crazy, kitschy Mexican eatery and bar in San Diego’s Little Italy.
Many faces of beauty on exterior wall of El Camino.
Many faces of beauty on an exterior wall of El Camino.
Old, faded graphics on wood wall show a troupe of Mexican mariachis.
Old, faded graphic on wood wall shows a troupe of Mexican mariachis.
Colorful application of kitsch on the outside of El Camino.
Colorful application of kitsch on the outside of El Camino.
A large smiling senorita mural looks right at you.
A large smiling senorita mural looks right at you.
A muy guapo caballero in Little Italy!
Caballero muy guapo in Little Italy!

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A warm morning glow in San Diego.

Gazing east through trees into Balboa Park. The California Tower is a dark spike inside a golden sunrise.
Gazing east through dark trees into Balboa Park. The California Tower is a small spike inside a golden sunrise.

Early yesterday morning, the weather was so pleasant that I decided to walk to work. It’s about a four and a half mile journey. I started from downtown San Diego up Sixth Avenue along the west edge of Balboa Park, walked from Bankers Hill into Hillcrest, then finally descended Bachman Place into Mission Valley.

These photos capture the golden glow of a cloudless sunrise. Moving through the warm morning light was a modest adventure in a magical world.

Buildings along Sixth Avenue on Bankers Hill reflect breaking day one early January morning.
Buildings along Sixth Avenue on Bankers Hill reflect breaking day one early January morning.
A warm glow and reflection on the Redwood Bridge Club sign at the west edge of Balboa Park.
A warm glow and reflection on the Redwood Bridge Club sign at the west edge of Balboa Park.
A stately house at Sixth Avenue and Upas Street seems magical.
A stately house at Sixth Avenue and Upas Street seems magical.
Happy orange flowers poke through some bars along the sidewalk.
Happy orange flowers poke through some bars along the sidewalk.
The Tap House has a glowing light bulb on their business in Hillcrest.
The Tap House has a glowing light bulb on their business in Hillcrest.
The sky is gradually brightening above a shadowy Hillcrest alley.
The sky is gradually brightening above a shadowy Hillcrest alley.
A reddish splash in blue water. The fountain in front of Scripps Mercy Hospital.
A reddish splash in blue water. Morning photo of the fountain in front of Scripps Mercy Hospital.
Eucalyptus trees in warm winter morning light. Photo taken while walking down Bachman Place into Mission Valley.
Eucalyptus trees in warm winter morning light. Photo taken while walking down Bachman Place into Mission Valley.
Reflection in windows of the once-proud San Diego Union Tribune building in Mission Valley. The newspaper offices are moving to a smaller location downtown.
Reflection in windows of the once-proud San Diego Union Tribune building in Mission Valley. The newspaper offices are moving to a smaller location downtown.

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Boats destroyed by El Nino winds in San Diego.

Catamaran driven into the rocks near the Grape Street pier during an El Nino storm in downtown San Diego.
Catamaran driven into the rocks near the Grape Street pier during an El Nino storm in downtown San Diego.

Yesterday and last night an El Nino-driven storm produced very strong winds throughout San Diego. Last night as I lay in bed I listened to the wind howl and powerful gusts shake my building. So this morning I figured I’d get up and see if any damage occurred downtown.

Large branches were down, and one tree lay on the sidewalk on State Street just south of Cedar. But when I reached the Embarcadero, I saw some real devastation. Many boats had been driven aground, and were either submerged or partially submerged.

Here are some photos. They aren’t cool.  But they are newsworthy.  I feel badly for the people who lost their boats.

Masts of a sailboat rise above the water the morning after fierce winds buffeted San Diego's Embarcadero.
Masts of a sailboat rise above the water the morning after fierce winds buffeted San Diego’s Embarcadero.
All the local television news stations had cameras at the scene. The images were truly devastating.
All the local television news stations had cameras at the scene. The images were truly devastating.
Resident of catamaran driven aground on deck of half-submerged boat. I wish her well in this difficult situation.
Resident of catamaran driven aground on deck of half-submerged boat. I wish her well in this difficult situation.
The seagulls were enjoying the stiff chilly morning breeze, but the worst of the gusts seem to be over by sunrise.
The seagulls were enjoying the stiff chilly morning breeze, but the worst of the gusts seem to be over by sunrise.
Another boat was driven up against the boardwalk between the Hornblower dock and Maritime Museum. Just the mast was sticking out from the churning bay.
Another boat was driven up against the boardwalk between the Hornblower dock and Maritime Museum. Just the mast was sticking out from the churning bay.
Several more boats piled up right next to the Maritime Museum of San Diego.
Several more boats piled up right next to the Maritime Museum of San Diego.
A small boat between the museum's deep diving Dolphin submarine and the pilings. I was told the restored Swift Boat owned by the Maritime Museum of San Diego sustained some damage.
A small boat between the museum’s deep diving Dolphin submarine and the pilings. I was told the restored Swift Boat owned by the Maritime Museum of San Diego sustained some damage.
The effects of El Nino winds seen up close. The wind howled during the night, and in the morning light, the damage became apparent.
The effects of El Nino winds seen up close. The wind howled during the night, and in the morning light, the damage became apparent.

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Mysterious morning fog in downtown San Diego.

Flags, palm trees and early morning fog on Cortez Hill in San Diego.
Flags, palm trees and early morning fog on Cortez Hill in San Diego.

My walk early this morning was a real treat. Magical, mysterious fog had crept during the night into the very heart of downtown San Diego, where I live. High skyscrapers disappeared into the gray. Please enjoy a few photos…

The historic El Cortez Hotel seems to vanish into the gray morning fog.
The historic El Cortez Hotel building seems to vanish into the gray morning fog.
Many seagulls were enjoying the fog, and were circling over the city streets everywhere I walked.
Many seagulls were enjoying the fog, and were circling over the city streets everywhere I walked.
Skyscrapers aren't scraping so much this morning. They are being softly engulfed by the elements!
Skyscrapers aren’t scraping so much this morning. They are being softly engulfed by the elements!
Looking up toward the unusually thick fog past a San Diego Symphony banner downtown.
Looking up into the unusually thick fog past a San Diego Symphony banner downtown.
An Orange Line trolley heads down a quiet C Street.
An Orange Line trolley heads down a quiet C Street.
Cranes and construction next to several high towers, in a San Diego fog.
Cranes and construction next to several high towers, in a San Diego fog.
The magical, mysterious fog made the forms of buildings seem like abstract things emerging from some other world.
The magical, mysterious fog made the forms of buildings appear like abstract shapes emerging from some other world.
Looking down Kettner Boulevard past Santa Fe Depot and America Plaza into the distant fog.
Looking down Kettner Boulevard past Santa Fe Depot and America Plaza into the distant fog.
A fairly heavy fog made downtown San Diego appear very atmospheric and mysterious this morning. I loved walking through it!
An unusual fog made downtown San Diego appear very atmospheric and mysterious this morning. I loved walking through it!

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Inflating balloons for the Holiday Bowl parade!

Getting a balloon ready for today's Holiday Bowl Big Bay Balloon Parade in San Diego!
Getting a balloon ready for today’s Holiday Bowl “Big Bay Balloon Parade” in San Diego!

The Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade kicks off this morning at 10 o’clock on Harbor Drive near the County Administration Building!

At this very moment, folks are busily inflating the many fun balloons that will be parading down the Embarcadero to the delight of thousands of onlookers.

I can’t make it to the Big Bay Balloon Parade this year because I have to work. But I did get some cool photos that you all might enjoy!

People were out early this morning filling balloons with helium in the parking lot north of the County Administration Center.
People were out early this morning filling balloons with helium in the parking lot north of the County Administration Center.
A truck hauling helium, and numerous big balloon wait ready to be filled.
A truck hauling helium.  Numerous big balloons await, ready to be filled.
This fun-looking one is inflating!
This fun-looking one is inflating!
Looks to me like Humpty Dumpty. With all that gas inside, I think he'll bounce should he fall.
Looks to me like Humpty Dumpty. With all that gas inside, I think he’ll bounce should he fall.
A balloon has been wheeled on a platform across the parking lot, waiting its turn to be inflated.
A balloon has been wheeled on a platform across the parking lot, waiting its turn to be inflated.
Meanwhile, on Pacific Highway next to the County Administration Building, marching bands have begun to arrive for the parade! Highland High School came from Ewing, Missouri!
Meanwhile, on Pacific Highway next to the County Administration Building, marching bands have begun to arrive for the parade! Highland High School came all the way from Ewing, Missouri!
Band members get off the bus with instruments.
Band members get off the bus with instruments.
The balloon-filling had just begun when I walked by. Then I had to rush home to share my pics!
The balloon-filling had just begun when I walked by. Then I had to rush home to share my pics!
It's a happy gingerbread man rising in the blue San Diego sky!
It’s a happy Gingerbread Man rising in the blue San Diego sky!

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Trash collection day in downtown San Diego.

Early Wednesday morning in downtown San Diego, and men are hard at work collecting the city's trash.
Early Wednesday morning in downtown San Diego, and men are hard at work collecting the city’s trash.

It’s very early Wednesday morning. That means a small fleet of garbage trucks will soon be rumbling throughout downtown San Diego. Dumpsters will be hauled, pushed, lifted and emptied. Clank! Crash! Bang! It’s trash collection day!

I took some photos last Wednesday of all the activity. I delayed posting these pictures, however, because stinky, messy trash collection didn’t seem to convey the proper Christmas spirit. (Some would probably say that it does!) Now that New Year’s Day is approaching, these photographs seem more fitting. What’s old vanishes, making way for the new!

A building's dumpsters are ready to be hauled out and emptied.
A building’s dumpsters are ready to be hauled out and emptied.
Plastic garbage cans overflow near the House of Blues. Life in the big city.
Plastic garbage cans overflow near the House of Blues. Life in the big city.
Few people are about this early in the morning. One gentleman was slowly walking down Broadway.
Few people are about this early in the morning. One gentleman was slowly walking down Broadway.
Rows of garbage receptacles in the Gaslamp. The remnants of good times.
Rows of garbage receptacles in the Gaslamp. The remnants of good times.
While garbage is collected, early morning deliveries are also being made, including kegs of beer on pallets.
While garbage is collected, early morning deliveries are also being made, including kegs of beer on pallets.
Several garbage trucks converged at once on this block and I paused to watch for a moment.
Several garbage trucks converged at once on this block and I paused to watch for a moment.
Collecting garbage in downtown San Diego while many still sleep.
Collecting garbage in downtown San Diego while many still sleep.
Blue recycle bins are lifted, banging and clattering, and contents are dumped.
Blue recycle bins are lifted, banging and clattering, and contents are dumped.
A truck heads up to Cortez Hill. Perhaps my own trash will soon be transported away.
A truck heads up to Cortez Hill. Perhaps my own trash will soon be transported away.

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