Tag: morning

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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Early morning photos of a walk down Eighth Avenue.

Sunrise in downtown San Diego. Photo taken from Eighth Avenue and A Street.
Sunrise in downtown San Diego. Photo taken from Eighth Avenue and A Street.

Early yesterday morning I walked down Eighth Avenue, from the top of Cortez Hill to Petco Park. Here are a few random, interesting photos…

Blue Sky apartment tower under construction in downtown San Diego.
Blue Sky apartment tower under construction in downtown San Diego.
Cool street art visible from Eighth Avenue, south of Broadway.
Cool street art visible from Eighth Avenue, south of Broadway.
Early morning activity in front of Lucky D's Hostel.
Early morning activity in front of Lucky D’s Hostel.
Some faded utility box artwork on a sidewalk in San Diego's East Village.
Some faded utility box artwork on a sidewalk in San Diego’s East Village.
A boy jumps rope on one October morning in a downtown San Diego parking lot.
A boy jumps rope on one October morning in a downtown San Diego parking lot.
Birds in a row atop a street lamp. Bright clouds as day begins.
Birds in a row atop a street lamp. Bright clouds as day begins.
Surveyors have begun their work early in a parking lot beside Market Street. Another utility box with colorful street art.
Surveyors have begun their work early in a parking lot beside Market Street. Another utility box with colorful street art.
The recently completed Sempra building, just north of Petco Park, reflects clouds and blue sky in the morning.
The recently completed Sempra building, just north of Petco Park, reflects clouds and blue sky in the morning.
Worker inside old brick building that is being renovated. Cool posters in windows advertise Underground Elephant.
Worker inside old brick building that is being renovated. Cool posters in windows advertise Underground Elephant.

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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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