Tag: morning

Mysterious morning light at the Broadway Pier.

Orange and yellow logo of visiting Norwegian Sun cruise ship reflected on rippled water in San Diego Bay.
Orange and yellow logo of visiting Norwegian Sun cruise ship reflected on rippled water in San Diego Bay.

A big rush this morning. But I had enough time to walk down to the Broadway Pier.  Slowing myself for a few moments, breathing in fresh air, I was enchanted by the surrounding quiet, the growing morning light, and mysterious reflections.

Bow and bridge of the Norwegian Sun, docked at the San Diego Cruise Ship Terminal. The image is reflected in the orange and clear windows of a nearby gift shop.
Bow and bridge of the Norwegian Sun, docked at the San Diego Cruise Ship Terminal. The image is reflected in the orange and clear windows of a nearby gift shop.
Early morning light at San Diego's Broadway Pier. The Coronado ferry has begun another trip across the quiet, glassy water.
Early morning light at San Diego’s Broadway Pier. The Coronado ferry has begun another trip across the quiet, glassy water.
Reflection of downtown San Diego's nearby skyline in the windows of the Port Pavilion. Photo taken as the sun climbs above building rooftops, from the Broadway Pier.
Reflection of downtown San Diego’s nearby skyline in the windows of the Port Pavilion. Photo taken as the sun climbs above building rooftops, from the Broadway Pier.

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Small scenes of real life on San Diego Bay.

Fishing from sailboat moored in Crescent area of San Diego Bay.
Fishing from sailboat moored in Crescent area of San Diego Bay.

Before the Trolley Dances began this morning, I walked for a stretch beside the quiet water, between Grape Street and the Coast Guard Station. It was an ordinary morning on San Diego Bay, in an area where few tourists venture. I photographed some typical scenes of real life.

People and dog climb into a small dinghy from floating dock.
People and dog climb into a small dinghy from floating dock.
Man rows boat across the water. A typical scene of life on the North Embarcadero.
Man rows boat across the water. A typical scene of city life on the North Embarcadero.
Homeless man stretches out on a public bench beside the water.
Homeless man stretches out on a public bench beside the water.
Looking out across the blue water. Hangars of U.S. Coast Guard Air Station San Diego can be seen in the distance.
Looking out across the blue water. Hangars of U.S. Coast Guard Air Station San Diego can be seen in the distance.
Working on the weekend. A guy pushes a bunch of bright yellow floats out onto a pier.
Working on the weekend. A guy pushes a bunch of bright yellow floats out onto a pier.

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Preparing for another delicious day in Little Italy.

Typical early morning deliveries in Little Italy include kegs of beer and boxes of spirits.
Typical early morning deliveries in Little Italy include kegs of beer and boxes of spirits.

Another early morning stroll. Today: through Little Italy. Trucks were lined up on India Street, delivering to many popular restaurants. You like Italian? You like a friendly neighborhood with history and character? This is the place to go.

Food delivery truck advertisement promotes San Diego Restaurant Week, September 20-27.
Food delivery truck advertisement promotes San Diego Restaurant Week, September 20-27.
Pulling the dolly up a ramp, getting ready to retrieve potatoes and other fresh ingredients for a tasty Italian meal.
Pulling the dolly up a ramp, getting ready to retrieve potatoes and other fresh ingredients for a tasty Italian meal.
Plaque in sidewalk on Date Street declares A nickel will get you on the subway, but garlic will get you a seat. Old New York Proverb
Plaque in sidewalk on Date Street declares: A nickel will get you on the subway, but garlic will get you a seat. Old New York Proverb
A second plaque further down the sidewalk proclaims Las cosas claras y el chocolate espeso. Ideas should be clear and chocolate thick. Spanish Proverb
A second plaque further down the sidewalk proclaims: Las cosas claras y el chocolate espeso. Ideas should be clear and chocolate thick. Spanish Proverb
Little Italy street banner shows actor Danny DeVito enjoying a drink.
Little Italy street banner shows actor Danny DeVito enjoying a drink.
An umbrella and chairs that will soon be arranged for casual alfresco dining.
An umbrella and chairs that will soon be arranged for casual alfresco dining.
Lady inside Little Italy eatery is busy preparing for another delicious day. Buon Appetito.
Lady inside Little Italy eatery is busy preparing for another delicious day. Buon Appetito.

Early morning activity in downtown San Diego.

Delivery man with fresh bread awaits morning opening of restaurant in the Gaslamp Quarter.
Delivery man with fresh bread awaits morning opening of restaurant in the Gaslamp Quarter.

I woke up earlier than usual today. During the summer it’s pleasantly cool outside at daybreak, so I decided to take a long walk.

The city, at the six o’clock hour, had just begun to blink open its sleepy eyes. But a few signs of life were already evident downtown.

Here are photographs of early morning activity that I snapped while meandering randomly about, before I finally boarded the trolley for work…

Life in the city stirs into action as another weekday begins in downtown San Diego.
Life in the city stirs into action as another weekday begins in downtown San Diego.
City employee checks parking meters before the streets become much busier.
City employee checks parking meters before the streets become much busier.
Brad Perry, of KUSI News, had finished a segment on Good Morning San Diego when he spied a silly guy with a camera walking by.
Brad Perry of KUSI News had finished a segment on Good Morning San Diego when he spied a silly guy with a camera walking by.
A dog also noticed that same curious guy, who just sauntered on by down the sidewalk.
A dog also noticed that same curious guy, who just sauntered on by down the sidewalk.
Early morning commuters await separately at the Convention Center trolley station.
Early morning commuters wait separately at the Convention Center trolley station.
One guy has most of this quiet patio to himself as he enjoys a morning read and coffee. A hungry dog peers into the doorway.
One guy has most of this quiet patio to himself as he enjoys a morning read and coffee. A hungry dog peers into the doorway.
A lone jogger heads down Martin Luther King Jr. Promenade while many San Diegans are still in bed.
A lone jogger heads down Martin Luther King Jr. Promenade while many San Diegans are still lying in bed.

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Morning birds at the Children’s Park fountain.

Two seagulls carry bits of something while navigating the Children's Park fountain.
Two seagulls carry bits of something while navigating the Children’s Park fountain.

You might enjoy these fun photos.

Occasionally I walk past the Children’s Park fountain in the early morning, on my way to catch a downtown trolley for work. Even though the fountain is usually off (because of our long drought), birds like to hang out in the fountain’s man-made pond. It’s a sanctuary in the city where birds can easily scavenge human food.

The Martin Luther King Jr. Promenade, which runs parallel to Harbor Drive, passes right over the pond, and when I pause on the path camera in hand, I’m usually rewarded.

These shots were taken shortly after sunrise…

The Children's Park was the city of San Diego's gift to kids in 1995.
The Children’s Park was the city of San Diego’s gift to kids in 1995.
The gently sprinkling fountain was off this morning, and birds were enjoying the early sun.
The gently sprinkling fountain was off this morning, and birds were enjoying the early sun.
There are many places for birds to perch at the center of the man-made pond.
There are many places for birds to perch at the center of the man-made pond.
A gull floats over to see if I have food. I'm standing on the Martin Luther King Jr. Promenade, where it passes as a walkway over the blue water.
A gull floats over to see if I have food. I’m standing on the Martin Luther King Jr. Promenade, where it passes as a walkway over the blue water.
These three ducks are just cruising around the Children's Park fountain.
These three ducks are just cruising around the Children’s Park fountain.
Off to the side of the fountain, pigeons congregate on the San Diego trolley's electrical wires.
Off to the side of the fountain, pigeons congregate on the San Diego trolley’s electrical wires.
Pigeons swirl in broad circles directly overhead.
Pigeons swirl in broad circles directly overhead.
A graceful seagull patrols the park as day breaks.
A graceful seagull patrols the park as day breaks.
Photo near the fountain of sunrise and a bird with outstretched wings.
Photo near the fountain of sunrise and a bird with outstretched wings.

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Mardi Gras morning in San Diego’s Gaslamp.

Putting up big Mardi Gras arches along Fifth Avenue in San Diego's Gaslamp.
Putting up big Mardi Gras arches along Fifth Avenue in San Diego’s Gaslamp.

I won’t be going to Mardi Gras in downtown San Diego this evening. I suppose I’m a boring old party pooper. But I did walk through the Gaslamp Quarter this morning while preparations were underway. Check out a few photos!

Mardi Gras poster features Snoopadelic (Snoop Dogg).
Mardi Gras poster features Snoopadelic (Snoop Dogg).
Workers set up and test electronic video displays for the evening festivities.
Workers set up and test electronic video displays for the evening festivities.
Three old firetrucks were decorated with Mardi Gras masks and ornaments.
Three old firetrucks were decorated with Mardi Gras masks and ornaments.
These firetrucks are ready for a big, happy carnival in the Gaslamp Quarter.
These firetrucks are ready for a big, happy carnival in the Gaslamp Quarter.
And this guy told me he's also ready for Mardi Gras!
And this cool guy told me he’s also ready for Mardi Gras!
This pedicab is covered with Fat Tuesday ads and flashing lights.
This fun pedicab is covered with Fat Tuesday ads and flashing lights.
A table brimming with colorful masks and beads.
A table brimming with glittery colorful masks and beads.
Guy getting banner ready for thousands of downtown revelers.
Guy getting banner ready for thousands of downtown revelers.
Looking north along Fifth Avenue, where people will celebrate Mardi Gras in San Diego.
Looking up Fifth Avenue, where people will celebrate Mardi Gras in San Diego.

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San Diego Padres load up, head to Spring Training!

San Diego Padres baseball mascot Swinging Friar near truck about to leave for Peoria.
San Diego Padres baseball mascot Swinging Friar near a big truck about to leave for Spring Training in Peoria.

Early this morning the Padres began their move to Peoria, Arizona for 2015 Spring Training. An absolutely huge amount of baseball equipment was loaded onto several trucks, and fans, the Pad Squad and television reporters gathered to witness the send-off.

Petco Park, where the Padres play and are headquartered, is not far from where I live, so I walked by to take some photos before catching the trolley to work! Glad I did!

The Padres have loaded up on talent this year, and the coming season looks extremely promising!

Television news people, the Pad Squad and fans watch Padres begin move to Spring Training.
Television news people, the Pad Squad and some very devoted fans watch the Padres begin their move to Spring Training.
Diehard fans enjoy morning donuts and other goodies courtesy of the Padres.
Hungry fans enjoy morning donuts and other goodies courtesy of the Padres.
The final crates full of baseball equipment are loaded into one of the big trucks.
The final crates full of baseball equipment are loaded into one of the big trucks.
The truck pulls away from Petco Park, heading for the Peoria, Arizona Sports Complex.
The truck pulls away from Petco Park, heading for the Peoria, Arizona Sports Complex.
Guy in truck cab waves for the cameras and first stage of a promising season begins!
Guy in cab waves for cameras and the first stage of a promising season begins!

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Mysterious morning shadow at trolley station.

Waiting at Little Italy trolley station, I see a strange shadow climbing up the opposite wall.
At the Little Italy trolley station, a very strange shadow climbs up the wall.

Early this morning, shortly after sunrise, as I waited for the San Diego Trolley at the Little Italy station, I was confronted by a momentary mystery. A very odd spidery shadow was climbing up the wall on the other side of the tracks.

I walked toward the shadow and turned about. A few photos show the mystery solved!

Construction crew is building a large new parking garage next to busy trolley station.
Construction crew is building a new parking garage next to busy trolley station.

The rising parking garage, at the corner of Cedar Street and Kettner Boulevard, will provide 645 spaces for those who work at the nearby County Administration Center, in addition to paid public parking for visitors to Little Italy. The project is supposed to be finished this summer.

The ten-level parking structure will serve many county employees who work nearby.
The ten-level parking structure will serve county employees who work nearby.
Silhouette of worker as morning sun lights the downtown San Diego sky.
Silhouette of worker as morning sun lights the downtown San Diego sky.

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Early morning sights in downtown San Diego.

Scooter with fringed canopy zooms past as I swing my camera to capture a sudden morning photo.
Scooter with fringed canopy zooms past as I swing my camera to capture a sudden morning photo.

Here are a few interesting photos from another meandering walk downtown. I took these yesterday morning as I headed down from Cortez Hill to catch the trolley at the Santa Fe Depot.  I know, there are closer trolley stations, but I was itching to venture outside into the world and got an early start…

Wednesday is trash pick up day in front of the House of Blues in downtown San Diego.
Wednesday is trash pick up day in front of the House of Blues in downtown San Diego.
Cool mural on a downtown building's upper patio which, according to a security guard, is inaccessible to the general public.
Cool mural on a downtown building’s upper patio which, according to a security guard, is inaccessible to the general public.

From a distance that mural looks really awesome. The security guard said perhaps he’d let me onto the patio if I were swing by in the middle of a work day. According to some research on the internet, it was painted fairly recently by Maxx Moses, the same artist who created that super fantastic Ancestors street mural in Barrio Logan.

Mysterious elevated box on the sidewalk is colorfully painted with leaves.
Mysterious elevated box on the sidewalk is colorfully painted with leaves.
Vertically moving words on Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego don't seem to make sense.
Vertically moving words on Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego don’t seem to make sense.
Seward Johnson's 'That A Way' sculpture at entrance of The Sofia Hotel.
Seward Johnson’s ‘That A Way’ sculpture at entrance of The Sofia Hotel.

Yep, that’s the same Seward Johnson who created the huge Unconditional Surrender sculpture by the USS Midway Museum. He’s best known for making life-size pieces like this one, which stands by a doorway on Broadway.

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Comic-Con morning near the convention center.

Huge Resurrection ad on Petco Park baseball stadium.
Huge Resurrection ad on Petco Park baseball stadium.

Early this morning, shortly after sunrise, I headed down toward the Gaslamp to see what was going on at 2014 San Diego Comic-Con. Thousands of people had gravitated around the convention center and were waiting in long lines to be the first inside and attend popular panels.

I walked from the east side of Petco Park, over the Harbor Drive pedestrian bridge, and past the Hilton Hotel to the back of the convention center. I then walked back around to the front and across the street to the Gaslamp trolley station. Here is what I saw:

Sleepy Hollow covered bridge recreated in Petco Park parking lot.
Sleepy Hollow covered bridge recreated in Petco Park parking lot.
This big Once Upon a Time banner is falling off Petco Park!
This big Once Upon a Time banner is falling off Petco Park!

I walked a bit northwest along Tony Gwynn Drive to get this picture.

Workers push huge Homer Simpson eyeball into a big yellow head.
Workers push huge Homer Simpson eyeball into a big yellow head.

Now I’m across Harbor Drive directly in front of the Hilton.

Homer's Dome area opened on Friday behind the convention center.
Homer’s Dome area opened on Friday behind the convention center.
One of the fun Simpsons games set up on the grass by the Hilton hotel.
One of the fun Simpsons games set up on the grass by the Hilton hotel.
Gotham skyline contains Riddler's and Penguin's not-so-secret lairs.
Gotham skyline contains Riddler’s and Penguin’s not-so-secret lairs.

This is between Homer’s Dome and the San Diego bay.

A long zip line lets daring Comic-Con guests fly past Gotham City!
A long zip line lets daring Comic-Con guests fly past Gotham City!
Comic-Con fans wait in long lines for popular panels.
Comic-Con fans wait in long lines for popular panels.
Vehicle from Into the Storm, a new movie about storm chasers.
Vehicle from Into the Storm, a new movie about storm chasers.
Fan sitting by the bay behind San Diego Convention Center looks wicked.
Fan sitting by the bay behind San Diego Convention Center looks wicked.
Looks like a huge Godzilla is on the rampage in San Diego!
Looks like a huge Godzilla is on the rampage in San Diego!
The fearsome monster rises darkly into the sky and now I'm worried.
The fearsome monster rises darkly into the sky and now I’m worried.
Smiling Wonder Girl is here to handle the dire situation!
Smiling Wonder Girl is here to handle the dire situation!
Someone inside this costume will keep us all safe, thank goodness.
Someone inside this costume will keep us all safe, thank goodness.
News reporter talks with very elegantly dressed Star Wars characters.
News reporter talks with very elegantly dressed Star Wars characters.
Cool cosplayers were in front of the convention center before it opened.
Cool cosplayers were in front of the convention center before it opened.
Batman zoomed by. I used Gimp cartoon mode to make blurry pic fun!
Batman zoomed by. I used Gimp cartoon filter to improve blurry pic!
Captain America and others head across Harbor Drive to the Gaslamp.
Captain America and others head across Harbor Drive to the Gaslamp.

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