Tag: photography

Photos of 54th Annual North Park Toyland Parade!

A cool sight before the 54th Annual North Park Toyland Parade gets started!
A cool sight before the 54th Annual North Park Toyland Parade gets started!

Here are lots of photos from today’s 54th Annual North Park Toyland Parade!

This was my first year watching the Toyland Parade. I headed to North Park and walked about a little before the parade began. Then I found a spot on the sidewalk and got my camera ready!

Kids head toward the parade route, which begins along University Avenue in San Diego's North Park neighborhood.
Kids head toward the parade route, which begins along University Avenue in San Diego’s North Park neighborhood.
These kids were selling fresh mistletoe before the parade got started.
These kids were selling fresh mistletoe before the parade got started.
Folks chat in the staging area before the hometown holiday parade begins in the late afternoon.
Folks chat in the staging area before the hometown holiday parade begins in the late afternoon.
And here we go! Boy Scouts lead the parade carrying flags.
And here we go! Boy Scouts lead the parade carrying flags.
After a bunch of local San Diego politicians go by, here comes the Grinch!
After a bunch of local San Diego politicians go by, here comes the Grinch!
It's the Gift of Dance! Some very lively Mexican folklorico dancing adds zest to the parade!
It’s the Gift of Dance! Some very lively Mexican folklorico dancing adds zest to the parade!
Whirling color.
Whirling color.
A fun truck with a Christmas tree in back.
A fun truck with a Christmas tree in back.
Looks like Santa-clown.
Looks like Santa-clown.
This fun parade entry sported a miniature North Park landmark sign.
This fun parade entry sported a miniature North Park landmark sign.
I believe this is a student attending Saint Didacus Parish School.
I believe this is a student attending Saint Didacus Parish School.
Lots of candy was being handed out to thrilled kids along the parade route.
Lots of candy was being handed out to thrilled kids along the parade route.
Kimberly Wong was the 2017 Miss Toyland Parade Queen!
Kimberly Wong was the 2017 Miss Toyland Parade Queen!
Friendly folks from the Cambodian Nazarene Church.
Friendly folks from the Cambodian Nazarene Church.
This silly guy with the John P. Squibob group posed for my camera.
This silly guy with the John P. Squibob group posed for my camera.
Happy people go by.
Happy people go by.
San Diego's Al Bahr Shriners seems to be in every parade around the city.
San Diego’s Al Bahr Shriners seems to be in every parade around the city.
More goofy clowns.
More goofy clowns.
Here come those fun little parade vehicles the Shriners always drive.
Here come those fun little parade vehicles the Shriners always drive.
Here come some North Park Little Leaguers.
Here come some North Park Little Leaguers.
A Mexican and Canadian flag, and a really good time. I believe these are kids at Jefferson Elementary Steam Magnet.
A Mexican and Canadian flag, and a really good time. I believe these are kids at Jefferson Elementary Steam Magnet.
Everyone loves a parade. Including the participants!
Everyone loves a parade. Including the participants!
Here comes the Madison High School marching band!
Here comes the Madison High School marching band!
Marching cheerfully down University wearing Santa hats. Many familiar holiday tunes were performed during the parade.
Marching cheerfully down University Avenue wearing Santa hats. Many familiar holiday tunes were performed during the parade.
Yikes! It's Bumble, the Abominable Snowmonster of the North! Watch out Rudolph!
Yikes! It’s Bumble, the Abominable Snowmonster of the North! Watch out Rudolph!
And here comes another Grinch! Is nobody safe?
And here comes another fierce Grinch! Is nobody safe?
Here comes a bunch of super cool vehicles. Check this out...
Here comes a bunch of super cool vehicles. Check this out…
Check out the hydraulics action of this awesome lowrider!
Check out the hydraulics action of this awesome lowrider! These guys were bouncing their cars like mad all along the parade route!
The parade crowd loved these crazy cars.
The parade crowd loved these crazy cars.
It's the Sweetwater High School Red Devil Corps!
It’s the Sweetwater High School Red Devil Corps!
Here comes Charlie Brown, Snoopy and Woodstock on an elf-driven motorcycle!
Here comes Charlie Brown, Snoopy and Woodstock on an elf-driven motorcycle!
These are members of the Realm of Andor, part of the Belegarth Medieval Combat Society. They meet Sundays in Balboa Park at Morley Field.
These are members of the Realm of Andor, part of the Belegarth Medieval Combat Society. They meet Sundays in Balboa Park at Morley Field.
Everyone is in the North Park holiday parade. Even the Junk King!
Everyone is in the North Park holiday parade. Even the Junk King!
This guy's cool Star Trike appears to be modeled after the Starship Enterprise.
This guy’s cool Star Trike appears to be modeled after the Starship Enterprise. I wonder if it’s difficult to obtain dilithium crystals?
And at the end of the North Park Toyland Parade, good old Santa Claus waves to everyone from atop a fire engine! Merry Christmas!
And at the end of the North Park Toyland Parade, good old Santa Claus waves to everyone from atop a fire engine! Merry Christmas!

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Holiday lights shine brightly at December Nights.

A fun, illuminated snowman in Spanish Village. Festive lights dazzle at 2017 December Nights.
A fun, illuminated snowman in Spanish Village. Festive lights dazzle at December Nights.

Tonight I headed into Balboa Park to enjoy 2017 December Nights.

When its buildings, fountains and gardens are brightly lit after dark, Balboa Park is magically transformed. During the holidays the park seems like a storybook wonderland.

My camera managed to capture a small bit of that magic.

Strings of lights radiate from the center of Plaza de Panama during December Nights.
Colorful strings of lights radiate from the center of Plaza de Panama during December Nights.
The Bea Evenson fountain in the Plaza de Balboa is brightly lit for December Nights.
The Bea Evenson fountain in the Plaza de Balboa is brightly lit.
One of many beautiful Christmas trees on the Spanish Village Art Center outdoor patio.
One of many shining Christmas trees on the Spanish Village Art Center patio.
Dozens of vendors sell gifts throughout Balboa Park during the big annual holiday event.
Dozens of vendors sell gifts throughout Balboa Park during the delightful holiday event.
Roasted nuts are among the traditional holiday treats that visitors enjoy.
Roasted nuts are among the traditional holiday treats that visitors enjoy.
One of many youthful dance groups performing at the Casa del Prado.
One of many youthful dance groups performs at the Casa del Prado.
San Diego's Portuguese community contributed a Christmas tree and royal robe to the December Nights Festival of Trees inside the Casa del Prado.
San Diego’s Portuguese community contributed a Christmas tree and royal robe to the December Nights Festival of Trees inside the Casa del Prado.
The Old Globe Theatre created this very stylish Christmas tree.
The Old Globe Theatre created this very stylish Christmas tree.
The center of December Nights is the Spreckels Organ Pavilion, where joyful entertainment continues into the night.
The center of December Nights is the Spreckels Organ Pavilion, where joyful entertainment continues into the night.
A choir performs holiday songs for a large December Nights crowd.
A choir performs holiday songs for a large December Nights crowd. A scene of amazing beauty.
Getting something to eat or drink at the Gingerbread House.
Getting something to eat or drink at the colorful Gingerbread House.
Scene of Jesus with children in the Nativity along the rear of the Spreckels Organ Pavilion.
Scene of Jesus with children in the Nativity along the rear of the Spreckels Organ Pavilion.
Graceful dancers perform at the International Cottages.
Graceful dancers perform at the International Cottages.
The fun zone in the Palisades area of Balboa Park features brightly lit rides for the kids.
The fun zone in the Palisades area of Balboa Park features brightly lit rides for the kids.
Getting more treats ready.
Getting more treats ready.
The bright Christmas tree at the Old Globe draws the eyes of old and young alike.
The very merry Christmas tree at the Old Globe draws the eyes of old and young alike.
In the Spreckels Organ Pavilion, Santa Claus brings a child joy.
In the Spreckels Organ Pavilion, Santa Claus brings a child magic and joy.

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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!

You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of photos for you to enjoy!

Four years of December Nights memories.

December Nights begins this afternoon! The big holiday festival in Balboa Park runs today from 3:00 pm to 11:00 pm, and tomorrow from noon to 11:00 pm.

The past four years, Cool San Diego Sights has featured many fun photos from December Nights. So many smiles! So many heartwarming memories!

Perhaps you’d like to relive those moments in time. Simply click the following links!

2016 . . .

Searching for Santa at December Nights!

2015 . . .

Fun photos of 2015 December Nights in Balboa Park!

2014 . . .

Joyful colors of Christmas at December Nights.

2013 . . .

Lots of Balboa Park December Nights photos!

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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!

You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of photos for you to enjoy!

A mysterious, castle-like downtown building.

In downtown San Diego at the corner of Fourth Avenue and Ash Street you’ll find a very mysterious building. At first glance it appears to be a Gothic manor, or the corner of an impenetrable stone castle. Stranger still, a small shield on the building’s exterior includes the word GAS. Is this the castle in Monty Python and the Holy Grail, from which gas is expelled in your general direction? No–it’s a power substation of San Diego Gas and Electric!

The secure little building was designed by prominent architect Richard Requa in 1922, who would go on to become Master Architect for the 1935 California Pacific International Exposition in Balboa Park.

My imagination is always electrified when I walk past this unusual sight. Is a Frankenstein monster being assembled behind those dark walls?

Here are some photos!

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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!

You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of photos for you to enjoy!

A new deck for the beautiful HMS Surprise!

The main deck of HMS Surprise is being replaced at the Maritime Museum of San Diego.
The main deck of HMS Surprise is being replaced at the Maritime Museum of San Diego.

The HMS Surprise at the Maritime Museum of San Diego is getting a brand new deck! During my Sunday visit I noticed that replacement of the old deck is well underway!

Volunteers at the museum are applying the same methods and materials that were used so successfully to replace the deck of Star of India. I was told the main deck of HMS Surprise should be finished in about four months, and then the ship’s rigging will undergo an overhaul. Once all of that is complete, this beautiful replica of a 18th century Royal Navy 24-gun frigate should be ready to sail.

It’s hoped all the work will be complete in time for next year’s Festival of Sail!

As you might recall, this amazing ship co-starred with Russell Crowe in the acclaimed movie Master and Commander!

Museum volunteers work aboard HMS Surprise on a pleasant Sunday. Cables from the ship's rigging are readied, as a section of new deck is caulked.
Museum volunteers work aboard HMS Surprise on a pleasant Sunday. Cables from the ship’s rigging are readied, as a section of new deck is caulked.
Elsewhere at the Maritime Museum, a volunteer adds paint to a newly acquired Jacob's ladder for the San Salvador replica Spanish galleon.
Elsewhere at the Maritime Museum, a volunteer adds paint to a newly acquired Jacob’s ladder. It will be used on the San Salvador replica Spanish galleon.
The ship's wheel has been removed and set to one side as the deck of the HMS Surprise is replaced.
The enormous ship’s wheel has been removed and set to one side as the deck of the HMS Surprise is replaced.

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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!

You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of photos for you to enjoy!

Firefighter heroes in a drill downtown.

During my walk this morning through downtown San Diego I saw numerous firefighters and fire engines participating in a Sunday fire drill. It was a simulation of an emergency in a high-rise.

I thought you might enjoy a few photos of these true heroes in action!

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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!

Fun photos of 2017 Christmas on the Prado!

Energetic elves run about the colonnade of the Spreckels Organ Pavilion during 2017 Christmas on the Prado in Balboa Park!
Energetic elves run about the colonnade of the Spreckels Organ Pavilion during 2017 Christmas on the Prado in Balboa Park!

Look at all these fun photos! I took them today in Balboa Park, where the 2017 Community Christmas Center’s “Christmas on the Prado” is being held, even as I type this.

I caught the very beginning of the annual family-friendly event. Various activities and musical entertainment on the stage of the Spreckels Organ Pavilion emphasize the religious importance and meaning of Christmas. The central feature is an extensive life-size nativity display showing Biblical events leading up to the birth of Christ.

When I walked around Balboa Park during the afternoon, I noticed other holiday decorations are going up all throughout the park. Next weekend the big December Nights event will be held, which is one of the nation’s most popular and spectacular holiday festivals!

Even with that smile, you can't fool me Mrs. Claus! That's not really Santa!
Even with that smile, you can’t fool me Mrs. Claus! That’s not a real Santa!
A bunch of folk from the North Pole were getting ready as Christmas on the Prado was almost set to open.
A bunch of folk from the North Pole were getting ready among toys as Christmas on the Prado was almost set to open.
These outstanding U.S. Marines were collecting Toys for Tots during the annual family-friendly event.
These outstanding U.S. Marines were collecting Toys for Tots during the annual family-friendly event.
I learned kids would be playing pin-the-carrot-on-the-snowman!
I learned kids would be playing pin-the-carrot-on-the-snowman!
First up to sing were those elves. They attend Dailard Elementary School. Funny songs included Silly Humans and Elfie Selfie.
First up to sing were those elves. They attend Dailard Elementary School. Funny songs included Silly Humans and Elfie Selfie.
Lots of parents were in the large crowd waving.
Lots of parents were in the large crowd waving.
This elf probably thought I was a silly human, who asked her to smile for my camera!
This elf probably thought I was a silly human, who asked her to smile for my camera!
Christmas on the Prado emphasizes the religious importance of the holiday. Scenes in the Spreckels Organ Pavilion show Biblical events leading up to the birth of Christ.
Christmas on the Prado emphasizes the religious importance of the holiday. Scenes in the Spreckels Organ Pavilion show Biblical events leading up to the birth of Christ.
I spy four smiling faces in this photo. Can you count them?
I spy four smiling faces in this photo. Can you count them?
As the evening becomes chilly, a line will form at the Gingerbread House for cookies, cocoa and coffee.
As the evening becomes chilly, a line will form at the Gingerbread House for cookies, cocoa and coffee.

Here are some additional photos from around Balboa Park today. The first two I took at the International Cottages…

A beautiful small Christmas tree inside the House of Sweden cottage.
A beautiful small Christmas tree inside the House of Sweden cottage.
Visitors to the House of Norway were making all sorts of holiday crafts.
Visitors to the House of Norway cottage were making all sorts of holiday crafts.
Artists were selling their work not far from the Spreckels Organ Pavilion. I spied some truly amazing Christmas artwork created by Katrina Bittar. I learned that the core of each delicate piece is papier-mâché.
Artists were selling their work on some grass near the Spreckels Organ Pavilion. I spied some truly amazing Christmas artwork created by Katrina Bittar. I learned that the core of each delicate piece is papier-mâché.
All sorts of fun holiday stuff can be found in Balboa Park's Spanish Village Art Center. Seems it's going to be a Meowy Christmas!
All sorts of fun holiday stuff can be found in Balboa Park’s Spanish Village Art Center. Appears it’s going to be a Meowy Christmas!
I bought 3 bags of cookies from this happy elf in front of the Casa del Prado. I believe funds were being raised for the San Diego Junior Theatre.
I bought 3 bags of cookies from this happy elf in front of the Casa del Prado. I believe funds were being raised for the San Diego Junior Theatre.
A bunch of elves are running loose in Balboa Park!
A bunch of elves are running loose in Balboa Park!

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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!

You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of photos for you to enjoy!

A day full of dreaming by the water.

Dreaming together by the sparkling water.
Dreaming together by the sparkling water.

A slow, lazy day. One last November day of unseasonably warm weather. Like many, I had the day off from work.

A quiet stroll along San Diego Bay.

A day for dreaming by the water.

Reflected light is all we see. A dream of light flows from the hand of painter Paul Strahm.
Sitting in sunshine above the water. A dream of light flows from the hand of the always friendly painter Paul Strahm.
The undefinable essence of dreams.
The undefinable essence of dreams.
A vision beyond the reach of a pier.
A vision beyond the reach of a pier.
Light on water invites meditation.
A firm foundation and quiet moment. Light on water invites meditation.
More quiet time by the water.
Time vanishes near the water.
Ripples in a strange reality.
Ripples in a strange reality.
Moving together past a burst of beauty.
Moving together in the walk of life, past a burst of beauty.
Almost like a dream within a dream.
Almost like a dream within a dream.
Enjoying this magic, wonderful life together.
Enjoying this magic, wonderful life together.
Reading words by the tranquil water. Sensing deeper truths.
Reading words by tranquil water. Perhaps sensing deeper truths.
Another day of dreaming by the water.
Another day of dreaming by the shining water.

Today two ideas for short stories came to me like a dream. As I sat on a bench by beautiful San Diego Bay, I penned a few passing words.

I believe the titles will be The Failed Heart and A Dangerous Noise. When these stories feel finished–if that feeling ever comes–I’ll publish them on my writing blog Short Stories by Richard.

More funny, silly photographs? Of course!

A well-dressed gorilla on a plate in a funny San Diego shop window. I also see some wind-up chattering teeth.
A well-dressed gorilla on a plate in a funny San Diego shop window. I also see some wind-up chattering teeth.

Here comes another generous helping of funny photos! All of these pics are from past walks.

Enjoy a laugh or two!

A silly bee made of a potted plant and old metal stuff by the Hive Sushi Lounge on Golden Hill.
A silly bee made of a potted plant and old metal stuff. I spotted this in front of the Hive Sushi Lounge on Golden Hill.
Marshmallow Madness in the window of IT'SUGAR in the Gaslamp. This cereal has Absolutely No Nutritional Value Added!
Marshmallow Madness in the window of IT’SUGAR in the Gaslamp. This cereal has Absolutely No Nutritional Value Added!
So lazy can't move. Must be the sugar crash.
So lazy can’t move. Must be the sugar crash.
World leaders on socks! Some funny gifts on display in the window of the Find Your Feet store.
World leaders on socks! Funny gifts on display in the window of the Find Your Feet store.
In the middle of the day, a neon sign proclaims It's 5:00 Somewhere.
In the middle of the day, a neon sign hopefully proclaims It’s 5:00 Somewhere.
Education is important but beer is importanter, according to a sign in front of Coin Haus in La Mesa.
Education is important but beer is importanter, according to a sign in front of Coin Haus in La Mesa.
A miniature seagull on the hat of a Navy sailor! Or perhaps it's just a bird atop Seward Johnson's enormous Embracing Peace statue on the Embarcadero. (The sailor-kissing-nurse-at-end-of-war sculpture was originally titled Unconditional Surrender.)
A tiny gull stands atop the hat of a Navy sailor! (Actually it’s just an ordinary gull atop Seward Johnson’s enormous Embracing Peace statue on the Embarcadero.)
Someone from Park City, Utah with a yacht is bored of the snow, or snowboarding, apparently.
Someone from Park City, Utah with a yacht is bored of the snow, or snowboarding, apparently.
Perhaps Santa is tired of the snow, too. I think I spotted his beard in Seaport Village. That heavy beard is great for the North Pole, but too warm in sunny San Diego!
Perhaps Santa is tired of the snow, too. I think I spotted his beard in Seaport Village. That heavy beard is great for the North Pole, but too warm in sunny San Diego!
A banner for your spoiled rotten cat.
A banner for your spoiled rotten cat.
Another elegantly dressed animal--a cow! Plus a bonus funny face.
Another elegantly dressed animal–a cow! Plus a bonus funny face.
These two dogs in the Michael J. Wolf Fine Arts gallery must like to wine.
These two dogs in the Michael J Wolf Fine Arts gallery must like to wine.

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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!

Holiday by the Bay opens in San Diego.

Holiday by the Bay in front of the Hilton San Diego Bayfront opened on Thanksgiving. There is an ice rink, Christmas-themed miniature golf and many colorful lights.
Holiday by the Bay in front of the Hilton San Diego Bayfront opened on Thanksgiving. There is an ice rink, Christmas-themed miniature golf and many colorful lights.

During my walk this evening I noticed that Holiday by the Bay has opened. It’s Thanksgiving Day.

Cheerful lights surround a small ice rink and a fun Christmas-themed miniature golf course in front of the Hilton San Diego Bayfront. While just one person was skating as I walked by, it looks like a wonderful place to spend some time!

Holiday by the Bay is open until New Year’s Day. With every ticket purchased, Hilton will give $1 to USO San Diego. According to the Hilton website, one can eat breakfast outside here with Santa!

Best of all, it’s a place of innocent joy and peace. On beautiful San Diego Bay.

It's early evening. Someone enjoys the ice rink on San Diego's beautiful waterfront.
It’s early evening. Someone enjoys the ice rink on San Diego’s beautiful waterfront.
It's almost sunset on Thanksgiving. Some cheerful Christmas trees are lit.
It’s almost sunset on Thanksgiving Day. Some cheerful Christmas trees are lit.
Lights, fun and good cheer await visitors to Holiday by the Bay!
Lights, fun and good cheer await visitors to Holiday by the Bay!

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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!