Wheelchairs are welcome on the beautiful Jas Arnold Trail For All People in Black Mountain Open Space Park.
A hiking trail that welcomes wheelchairs recently opened in San Diego’s North County. It’s called the Jas Arnold Trail For All People, and it’s located in the Black Mountain Open Space Park.
This morning I walked the short loop for the first time.
What a wonderful place. Peaceful, a bit meandering, easily accessible, with pleasant views into the sunlit distance, fresh air, the scent of sage, the sound of birds–it’s a fine place that one can explore at a easy pace and just relax–a place to feel energized, spiritually whole and free.
Here are some photographs. To read the signs, click the images and they will enlarge. This morning I spotted a shy rabbit, a curious scrub jay and a cheerful young mockingbird. And a bunch of small flitting birds that I couldn’t identify.
The Trail For All People is a 1076 feet long, nearly level loop. The elevation runs between 777 and 792 feet. The five foot wide hiking trail’s decomposed granite surface is very easily navigated on wheels or by foot. Those in a wheelchair who love nature and the outdoors should definitely check it out!
To reach the Trail For All People’s trailhead, drive up Carmel Valley Road and watch for the Black Mountain Open Space Park sign that mentions Miner’s Ridge Loop. You’ll spot it just south of the Valle Del Sur Court traffic light. Turn in to the narrow entrance and head up a slightly rough and winding paved road for about a half mile until you reach the trailhead parking lot. Once parked, it’s easy to spot the Trail For All People. (You might also see trailheads for the Miner’s Ridge Loop and Lilac Canyon Trail.)
On warm days, make sure to bring water! Enjoy!
To find the trailhead for the Trail For All People, turn off of Carmel Valley Road at this sign, just south of the traffic light at Valle Del Sur Court.Early morning walker with dog on the Miner’s Ridge Loop Trail, across a parking lot from the Trail For All People.The Jas Arnold Trail For All People is an ADA Accessible loop composed of wheelchair-friendly decomposed granite. Four small shelters provide shade for those enjoying the views.Native plants along the trail include Black Sage, Coastal Prickly Pear, California Sagebrush, Laurel Sumac, Chamise, Lemonadeberry and Flat-top Buckwheat.Animals one might spot along the trail include rattlesnakes, Red-tailed Hawks, California Quail, Greater Roadrunners, Desert Cottontails, Bobcats and Coyotes.Here I’m hiking down the easy Jas Arnold Trail For All People on Black Mountain early one Saturday morning. The sun had just risen and very few people were about.One of the benches and shelters along the Trail For All People. Views to the north include mountains and nearby 4S Ranch.Looking southeast toward the chaparral-covered slopes of Black Mountain in north San Diego County.A topographical map shows the position of the Trail For All People in relation to its surroundings.The Jas Arnold Trail For All People was built on a small plateau in the Black Mountain Ranch Open Space Park.Another sign along the trail provides detailed information about some of the wildlife one might see.Another section of the relatively level Trail For All People. The easy loop is ideal for the mobility challenged and families with very small children. On warm days, bring water!One of many fascinating signs along the trail. The smell of sage adds a pleasant element to one’s invigorating journey through fresh open air.A pleasant view from the Jas Arnold Trail For All People on Black Mountain.The natural beauty, open spaces and sunlight make one feel happy and alive.
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An imaginative performance at Fault Line Park in San Diego’s East Village during the 2016 Trolley Dances!
Check out these fun photos! They show the energy audiences will experience when they venture downtown to watch the Trolley Dances this year!
The Trolley Dances is all about contemporary dance in surprising public places. This year the Trolley Dances, a collaboration between the San Diego Dance Theater and our Metropolitan Transit System, begins with a performance in Barrio Logan. Mobile audiences, following guides, then make their way by trolley and foot to a variety of unusual downtown locations, where dancers appear like magic and perform. The unique experience lasts about two and a half hours and comes to a conclusion at the relatively new Fault Line Park in East Village. That’s where I snapped a few pics of the final two dances.
I’ll try not to give away too much. Let your imagination go to town–or better yet, buy a ticket. The 2016 Trolley Dances takes places this weekend and next!
A mobile audience arrives at San Diego’s Fault Line Park. The park will be the setting of two energetic dances.The audience takes a seat. Is something behind that wall?Yes, indeed! These suddenly rising dancers seem to have paddled in to shore!Perhaps it’s an invasion!Dancing on boulders at Fault Line Park! Flight of the Valkyries plays!A unique work of modern dance at the 2016 Trolley Dances in San Diego.The dancers approach the audience as if rowing a Viking longship . . .They have conquered!Meanwhile, out on the nearby grass, not far from some people practicing football skills, I spot a circle of baseball players . . .These baseball players also happen to be dancers!Just like professional baseball players, each performer is introduced by name to the Trolley Dances audience.And a joyful dance commences . . .Just a lot of fun.Dancers rest for a few minutes. They await the next mobile audience that will arrive at Fault Line Park during the 2016 Trolley Dances.
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Beautiful ceramic mosaic artwork at Fletcher Cove Park in Solana Beach. The orange Garibaldi. By artist Betsy Schulz.
During my walk last weekend I headed from the Solana Beach Coaster station west a couple of blocks to Fletcher Cove Park. It was my intention to walk north along the ocean, then back east to Pacific Coast Highway. What I discovered as I neared the beach was incredibly cool.
The ceramic sea-themed mosaics you see in my photos were created by artist Betsy Schulz. I’ve documented another installation of her public art near the Santa Fe Depot. To see that, click here.
From the bluff at Overlook Park there’s a good view of Fletcher Cove and the blue Pacific Ocean. There are also four tables with more cool tile artwork by Betsy Schulz. The beautiful mosaics below in Fletcher Cove Park are found along the walkway that leads down to the beach.
Picnic tables along a path leading up through Overlook Park in Solana Beach feature more beautiful, sea-themed tile mosaics.A spiny lobster embedded in a picnic table at Overlook Park.Two beautiful fish are part of some sea-themed art in Solana Beach, created by artist Betsy Schulz.A crab is featured in this colorful mosaic of small ceramic tiles.Sculpture of a seagull near entrance to Fletcher Cove Park. According to one article I read, the sculpture was created in the 1940s, and the artist doesn’t seem to be known.Fletcher Cove Park, dedicated this day, June 16, 2007.An octopus on a low wall embraces citizens and businesses in Solana Beach who are part of this coastal community.Wonderful tile artwork includes shells, stones and a school of small silvery fish.Barred Surfperch.More ceramic fish along the public walkway that heads down through Fletcher Cove Park to the small beach.Red Octopus.A work of art depicting a few of nature’s wonders and human creativity.This oval seat is right next to the beach. We know a mermaid who lives here in the sea…And here is the mermaid. The stunning mosaic artwork has been worn by sand, wind and time.In a tide pool one might discover a Brittle Star.Upon the rocky ocean bottom, one might find Green Abalone.Brown Tube Snail and California Spiny Lobster.Shore birds one might see nearby include the Whimbrel and Marbled Godwit.Thousands of shells, waves rush to our shore, Search high and low tides, you’re bound to find more.White Amiantis.Many small sea creatures appear in amazing tile artwork in Solana Beach’s Fletcher Cove Park.This lifelike Cabezon seems to be looking directly at you!
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The new Horton Plaza Park in downtown San Diego makes history in 2016, just over a century after this important civic gathering place originated.
Early this morning I enjoyed a bit of history. During my walk, I paused to check out downtown San Diego’s brand new Horton Plaza Park!
The new park, located in the heart of our city, is just as fantastic as I anticipated. It contains cool public artwork, garden-like beauty, and loads of great modern features. But what I appreciated most, as I strolled through the park this morning, was its tangible sense of history.
Horton Plaza Park not only highlights the iconic Broadway Fountain, a true San Diego landmark, but preserves a number of fascinating historical markers and plaques that remember aspects of our city’s unique history.
Please read the photo captions, where I provide more information. I’ve also included three photographs taken about a week before the park opened, as last-minute preparations were being made.
People walk near west entrance of a greatly enlarged Horton Plaza Park the morning after its grand opening celebration. Historically the small city park was simply called Horton Plaza. (When people say “Horton Plaza” today, they are usually referring to the popular shopping mall located directly to the south.)About a week before the grand opening of the new Horton Plaza Park, many workers were applying the final touches.The historic 1910 Broadway Fountain, designed by Irving Gill, is being renovated about a week before the amazing new Horton Plaza Park’s grand opening.The modern, expansive Horton Plaza Park is a fantastic addition to downtown San Diego, but its creation took many years of planning and hard work. One last photo that was taken about a week prior to the grand opening.The morning after the park’s grand opening. A tile walkway along the north edge of Horton Plaza Park preserves a century of history in San Diego.One plaque, dated 1985, in the walkway at the north entrance to the park. It was laid down to mark Horton Plaza’s 75th anniversary.San Diego’s iconic Broadway Fountain, with the equally famous U.S. Grant Hotel in the background. The hotel was built by the son of President Ulysses S. Grant and opened in 1910.One of four plaques near base of the Broadway Fountain. It reads Presented to The City of San Diego by Louis J. Wilde, 1909 A.D. Wilde was a banker, businessman and San Diego mayor.Plaque near base of Broadway Fountain depicts Father Junipero Serra, founder of the first Spanish missions in California, including Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcalá.Plaque near base of Broadway Fountain depicts Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, who discovered San Diego Bay during an expedition for Spain in 1542.Plaque near base of Broadway Fountain depicts Alonzo E. Horton. He created and promoted New Town, where downtown San Diego exists today. Before being sold to the city in 1895, the Horton Plaza park was originally used by guests staying at his Horton House Hotel.A proud eagle perched within the elegant columns of San Diego’s Broadway Fountain.Looking east from the Broadway Fountain toward an historical marker: The Pacific Milestone.The citizens of San Diego in dedicating this Pacific Milestone, November 17, 1923, hereby gratefully acknowledge the untiring efforts of Col. Ed Fletcher in the construction of a Southern Transcontinental Highway.Points of the compass cap the Pacific Milestone.Pacific Milestone dedicated by our beloved President Calvin Coolidge November 17, 1923.The Pacific Milestone in today’s Horton Plaza Park marks the western terminus of The Old Spanish Trail, which traversed the American continent and ended in St. Augustine, Florida.Old Spanish Trail. St. Augustine, Florida to San Diego, California.A familiar El Camino Real bell in Horton Plaza Park. It was donated by the San Diego Woman’s Club.Small plaque beneath the El Camino Real bell in Horton Plaza Park.Another historical plaque in the tile walkway. First Pacific Terminal Jefferson Davis Highway. Presented to the City of San Diego May 12, 1926…Starbucks occupies one of three food pavilions at the new Horton Plaza Park. The morning after the park’s grand opening, this Starbucks is already busy.People who enjoy a morning coffee can sit at tables above Horton Plaza Park’s outdoor amphitheater. A cool new mural serves as a distinctive urban backdrop.A better look at the central part of the park. This broad, shallow amphitheater will be the site of many concerts and civic events in downtown San Diego. It also contains an interactive fountain (off at the moment).Walking along Fourth Avenue, viewing the new park through several 23-foot high metal sculptures. These luminaries have lights that change colors at night.Rounding a corner, I see some workers are removing fencing and tables that were used for the park’s big grand opening yesterday evening.South side of the huge public art mural in Horton Plaza Park.A cool public space that is sure to become one of San Diego’s most popular gathering places.The morning after San Diego’s amazing new Horton Plaza Park has opened. History is being made, and one gentleman takes it all in.
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Home Depot brought a bunch of colorful flowers to the Jacaranda Spring Thing community event on Cortez Hill.
On my way home from Balboa Park, I walked through the Jacaranda Spring Thing neighborhood event being held this afternoon on Cortez Hill. I saw a relaxed gathering of people out in the sunshine, enjoying some food, live music and other fun activities. Home Depot was on hand demonstrating some gardening and patio ideas for anyone interested. It’s still going on as I post this–until 4 o’clock!
I saw folks setting up the Jacaranda Spring Thing on Date Street this morning, as I set out on my walk.Purple blooms of jacaranda trees can be seen around downtown San Diego’s Cortez Hill neighborhood.A neighbor learns about outdoor and indoor gardening during the special Cortez Hill event.Someone tries their hand at a fun bean bag toss game.A colorful book truck operated by a Mexican publisher could be found at the Jacaranda Spring Thing.Live music, food and good times in the spring sunshine on a Saturday afternoon.
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One of San Diego’s oldest surviving landmarks, the 1910 Broadway Fountain, designed by Irving Gill, will be an iconic part of the new Horton Plaza Park.
I walked by the Horton Plaza Park construction site this morning. The huge project appears to be almost finished!
Horton Plaza Park’s Grand Opening Celebration will be held on May 4, 2016, from 6:30pm to 10:00pm. Located at the center of downtown San Diego, on the south side of Broadway between the historic U.S. Grant Hotel and the popular Westfield Horton Plaza shopping mall, the park will surely be jammed that evening with people wanting to check things out!
Cool features of the new urban park include a large amphitheater, three pavilions featuring food and beverages, an interactive fountain that folks are welcome to splash in, and some very unique 23-foot high luminaries–cool metal sculptures with lights that change colors!
There are plans to host hundreds of events at this large outdoor venue every year, including concerts, civic celebrations and gatherings, and even special movie screenings.
As a downtown resident, I can’t wait!
The elaborate Horton Plaza Park will celebrate its Grand Opening on the evening of May 4, 2016.Construction of this new downtown San Diego park has been ongoing for a couple years. The original public plaza on this city block dates from 1895.The cool 23-foot tall luminary sculptures are visible rising behind the construction fence. The NBC building reflects the morning sun in the background.Workers are getting the new park ready for its early May opening. There will be an amphitheater, food pavilions and an interactive water fountain that people can splash in!The walkway next to the Balboa Theatre leading from Fourth Avenue to the Westfield Horton Plaza shopping mall is also being improved, with many new trees and benches.Horton Plaza Park in downtown San Diego promises to be a fun and spectacular urban gathering place!
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Cheerful blooms cover Pink Trumpet Trees in Tweet Street Park. The neighborhood park is site of an upcoming spring festival!
This morning, when I saw a large temporary sign on the street outside my front door, I went to investigate. And look what I discovered! A neighborhood spring festival is going to take place on Cortez Hill!
It’s called Jacaranda Spring Thing! (Yes, there are lots of beautiful Jacaranda trees on Cortez Hill. Many can be found in Tweet Street Park where the festival will take place.)
The free outdoor event will feature food trucks, a special Home Depot workshop (about fixing up your outdoor patio), live music, a book truck, a photo booth . . . all sorts of fun stuff!
Okay, are you interested? It takes place on April 16 at Tweet Street Park, along Date Street between 8th and 9th Avenue, from noon to 4pm. Here’s a link with more info. (By registering at that link, the organizers at the Downtown San Diego Partnership can get an idea of how many people might show up.)
A special neighborhood event is coming to beautiful Cortez Hill. The Jacaranda Spring Thing takes place Saturday, April 16, from 12pm-4pm.I love walking along Date Street through sunny Tweet Street, a park dedicated to city birds.Spring is in the air on Cortez Hill. The gentle season brings new life and great natural beauty.
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Dinghy landing’s colorful boats by San Diego Bay. One end of Coronado Tidelands Park’s popular beach.
Yesterday I took another fun, leisurely walk! I went from the Coronado Bay Bridge end of Tidelands Park up the sunny Bayshore Bikeway to the Coronado Ferry Landing. And I took lots of pics, naturally!
Perhaps you can see why Coronado is one of my favorite places.
I feel very fortunate to live in San Diego. There are so many cool and beautiful sights. And I swear every day is amazing.
A guy wading in San Diego Bay tries his hand at some fly fishing. Moored boats (where some people live) and the San Diego–Coronado Bridge are visible.People walk and ride down the Bayshore Bikeway. Head the opposite way and you’d go under the Coronado Bridge, then along Glorietta Boulevard and the Coronado Golf Course, then finally south down the Silver Strand.Skateboarders enjoy the City of Coronado Skatepark located at Tidelands Park.A fun, artistic seat that just had to be photographed. I discovered it at the edge of the Coronado Tidelands Park playground.Looking through purple blooms out at the blue bay during a leisurely Saturday walk.At the Coronado Island Marriott Resort and Spa pier you can rent jet skis and kayaks for fun on the water. (A cool glint of light is reflecting off a skyscraper downtown!)Colorful lounges and a fire pit for apartment dwellers near the Bayshore Bikeway.A fisherman caught something while I watched! Lots of sailboats out on blue San Diego Bay today.These little bay overlooks with railings are popular spots to take in the scenery and sunshine.Look at all the weekend activity! Standup paddleboarders, a big group of kayakers, and the Coronado ferry is coming in!Tourists and locals alike can rent watercraft on this little beach just south of the posh Il Fornaio restaurant.Perhaps you can see why this is one of my very, very favorite places! I’m so thankful to live nearby!That big group of people in kayaks is rowing toward the Coronado Ferry Landing. The Manchester Grand Hyatt towers rise across the bay.Shorebirds dot a little sandy beach just south of another fine Coronado restaurant, Peohe’s.Now we’re finally heading into the sunny Ferry Landing Marketplace.Some more kayakers are passing the dock at Peohe’s, as outside diners watch. Night views of downtown San Diego lit up across the water are awesome.Some folks hurry to catch the Coronado Ferry! I think they just made it!Bicyclists relax after a ride along the Bayshore Bikeway. Another perfect day.
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Do you like to read short pieces of thought-provoking fiction? You might enjoy checking out Short Stories by Richard.
A friendly Mariachi band smiles as photos are taken!
Today I rode the trolley down to the South Bay to enjoy the big 2016 National City International Mariachi Festival and Competition.
The annual cultural event takes place in Pepper Park, which is located close to where the Sweetwater River empties into San Diego Bay.
I was absolutely amazed by the color, the energy, the sheer happiness of those participating and watching. Hopefully my photos provide a taste…
A colorful arch welcomes visitors to Pepper Park and the 2016 National City International Mariachi Festival!The Mariachi Scholarship Foundation has benefited many music-loving students in San Diego County.Fantastic sombreros attracted my camera at the festival’s Mariachi Scholarship Foundation table.The grand stage drew the largest crowd. Many excellent Mariachi groups and baile folklorico dancers wowed the audience.A smiling senorita at the International Mariachi Festival and Competition in National City.Members of Danza Folklorico Las Florecitas perform Mexican folk dances in Pepper Park.Mariachi musicians perform on the main stage at the 2016 National City International Mariachi Festival and Competition. They received loud cheers.A cheerful dress on a beautiful day in San Diego’s South Bay. A nearby boat ramp leads into the channel of the Sweetwater River.Colorful, energetic folklorico dancing on a smaller, non-competitive stage.A diverse audience from San Diego, Tijuana and the surrounding region. Many of the participants also enjoyed the non-stop entertainment.Taking a break to stretch my legs, I walked out onto the short pier in National City’s Pepper Park. Visible is a huge car carrier ship docked in San Diego Bay. It transported imported vehicles from Asia.Looking back at the rear of the smaller stage. Some dancers wearing bright yellow are getting ready for their turn to perform.Young dancers on stage whirled, stepped smartly, then whirled again.Mexican culture is warm, happy and lots of fun.These ladies in traditional costume were taking their turns at one of the festival’s many prize wheels!Dancing with joy.A typical scene from the annual Mariachi festival in National City.
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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.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 heron on rocks, and reflections of boats at Dana Landing.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.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.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.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.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.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.
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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.
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