Tag: photography

Fun photos from a Sunday walk in Balboa Park.

Tourists are shown magic by a fun busker near the reflecting pond in Balboa Park.
Tourists are given a magic show by a busker near the reflecting pond in Balboa Park.

I took a Sunday stroll through Balboa Park. Here are some fun pics!

Duck enjoys the pool of water at the San Diego Museum of Art's outdoor May S. Marcy Sculpture Court.
Duck enjoys the pool of water at the San Diego Museum of Art’s outdoor May S. Marcy Sculpture Court.
Kid with painted face examines Man in White. This cool busker appears to be made of marble. He was entertaining surprised visitors on El Prado.
Kid with painted face examines Man in White. This cool busker appears to be made of marble. He was entertaining surprised visitors on El Prado.
Kid walks through a hula hoop on a stretch of grass.
Kid walks through a hula hoop on a stretch of grass.
Guy shows some people his stuff in the Plaza de Panama.
Guy shows some people his stuff in the Plaza de Panama.
Folks wait on a bench for the free Balboa Park tram, which I call the green caterpillar.
Folks wait on a bench for the free Balboa Park tram, which I call the green caterpillar.
The San Diego Automotive Museum is having a food drive inside their front entrance. Stop on by!
The San Diego Automotive Museum is having a food drive inside their front entrance. Stop on by!
Happy dogs, walkers and a cool guitar-playing musician on a sunny Sunday in San Diego.
Happy dogs, walkers and a cool guitar-playing musician on a sunny Sunday in San Diego.
Who doesn't love colorful, twisted balloons and gigantic soaring bubbles?
Who doesn’t love colorful twisted balloons and soaring bubbles?

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Electric wicker carts returning to Balboa Park!

The electric wicker cart Electriquettes are returning to Balboa Park early 2016!
The electric wicker cart Electriquettes are returning to Balboa Park in early 2016!

The wicker carts are returning to Balboa Park! What fun!

The now famous electric motorized wicker carts were introduced to Balboa Park one hundred years ago for the 1915 Panama-California Exposition. They were called Electriquettes. They were an enormous success!

Starting in early 2016–perhaps February I was told–visitors to Balboa Park will be able to rent the new wicker carts at the San Diego Air and Space Museum. The test program will run for a year, and I hope it’s successful!

I learned that the carts travel at about 2-3 miles per hour, an easy-going speed appropriate for a pedestrian and family-friendly city park. As I understand it, the carts will be restricted to Balboa Park’s core area. They appear super easy to operate–one just steers and applies power! Perhaps the coolest thing is that these vehicles are a reasonably close representation of the original Electriquettes.

Check out the San Diego Electriquettes website, and you can see additional historical photos!

I can’t wait to ride one!

UPDATE!

The Electriquettes began running toward the end of March! I even saw a couple driving about the Plaza de Panama, but didn’t have my camera handy! I’ve learned they can be rented right in front of the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center!

A modern Electriquette is displayed in Balboa Park, in anticipation of its reintroduction. The unique wicker carts will be rented by visitors at the Air and Space Museum.
An Electriquette is displayed in Balboa Park, in anticipation of the vehicle’s reintroduction. The unique wicker carts will be rented by visitors at the Air and Space Museum.
Old photograph of an original Electriquette in San Diego's Balboa Park a century ago. 2015 is the park's centennial.
Old photograph of an original Electriquette in San Diego’s Balboa Park a century ago.
Introduced at the 1915 Panama-California Exposition in Balboa Park, the historical wicker Electriquettes are making a comeback! Cool!
Introduced at the 1915 Panama-California Exposition in Balboa Park, the historical wicker Electriquettes are making a comeback! Very cool!

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Super cool mural in North Park at 30th and Gunn!

Super cool mural in North Park at the intersection of 30th Street and Gunn Street.
Super cool mural in North Park at the intersection of 30th Street and Gunn Street.

This morning, before the threatened rain could begin, I took a long walk through San Diego’s very cool North Park neighborhood. I took lots of pics! I’ll be sharing many of them in the days ahead.

I’ve often admired this super colorful mural while driving down 30th Street. As the years have passed, I’ve also noted that the images have changed. After a little searching on Google, I see this mural is part of the “North Park Mural Project” and I identified a few of the artists. Check out the captions!

Right panel of awesome North Park mural contains the word Esperanza, which is Spanish for Hope.
Right panel of awesome North Park mural contains the word Esperanza, which is Spanish for Hope.
Another section of the public artwork depicts a large red rose, among buildings and interesting patterns. Created by Kreashun.
Another section of this cool public artwork depicts a large red rose, among buildings and interesting patterns. Created by Kreashun.
Spray paint art by San Diego artist Maxx Moses. A character composed of many diverse elements, beneath the words Place Labels on Us From Childbirth.
Spray paint art by San Diego artist Maxx Moses. A character composed of many diverse elements, beneath the words Place Labels on Us From Childbirth.
A beautiful figure seems to pray in a wreath of roses.
A beautiful figure seems to pray in a wreath of roses.
A childlike blue face and long, colorful wavy hair, created by Gloria “GLOW” Muriel.
A childlike blue face and long, colorful wavy hair, created by Gloria “GLOW” Muriel.
This street art is on the same building. It reads Reality is Wrong. Dreams are for Real. Hooligan Arts.
This street art is on the same building. It reads Reality is Wrong. Dreams Are For Real. Hooligan Arts.
Cool street art at 30th and Gunn, part of the North Park Mural Project.
Cool street art at 30th and Gunn, part of the North Park Mural Project.

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Singing Christmas carols in San Diego’s Old Town!

A group of old-fashioned Christmas carolers in Victorian costumes brings holiday cheer to Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.
A group of old-fashioned Christmas carolers in Victorian costumes brings holiday cheer to Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.

Look what I stumbled upon yesterday during an afternoon walk through San Diego’s history-filled Old Town. Folks in Victorian costumes were roaming about, singing Christmas carols!

I learned this group is composed of Old Town San Diego State Historic Park staff and volunteers. They were having a great time spreading Christmas cheer, pausing to sing at the various museums, restaurants and shops around old San Diego’s picturesque central plaza.

I was even given a cool little book filled with Christmas carol lyrics. Thank you guys!

Merry Christmas!

Carolers smile, laugh and enjoy the day in front of a reconstructed building at Old Town San Diego's central plaza.
Carolers smile, laugh and enjoy the day in front of a reconstructed building at Old Town San Diego’s central plaza.
I was given this Caroling Lyrics Booklet. Songs include Jingle Bells, The First Noel, We Three Kings, The 12 Days of Christmas, Deck the Halls and Silent Night.
I was given this Caroling Lyrics Booklet. Songs include Jingle Bells, The First Noel, We Three Kings, The 12 Days of Christmas, Deck the Halls and Silent Night.
The colorful group of Old Town roving carolers heads to the Cosmopolitan Hotel, which is decked out with festive wreaths.
The colorful group of Old Town roving carolers heads to the Cosmopolitan Hotel, which is decked out with festive wreaths.
After entertaining some surprised diners, the group heads through the Cosmopolitan Hotel, much to the delight of one server!
After entertaining some surprised diners, the group heads through the Cosmopolitan Hotel, much to the delight of one server!
Singing traditional Christmas carols around the old fountain in the outdoor courtyard of Casa de Estudillo.
Singing traditional Christmas carols around the old fountain in the outdoor courtyard of Casa de Estudillo.
Now the Christmas carolers are in the Wells Fargo History Museum next to the original 1867 Concord stagecoach! Several people listened outside the nearby door and applauded.
Now the Christmas carolers are in the Wells Fargo History Museum next to the original 1867 Concord stagecoach! Several people listened outside the nearby door and applauded.
A crowd gathered as Christmas carols were heard outside the Threads of the Past Living History Activity Center. One quilter joined in the public singing!
A crowd gathered as Christmas carols were heard outside the Threads of the Past Living History Activity Center. One quilter joined in the public singing!
Joyful, uplifting Christmas carols are sung as customers leave Toby's Candle and Soap Shop.
Joyful, uplifting Christmas carols are sung as customers leave Toby’s Candle and Soap Shop.

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Fun sailing on Mission Bay’s model boat pond.

Member of the San Diego Argonauts gets ready to place a small sailboat into Vacation Isle's model yacht pond.
Member of the San Diego Argonauts gets ready to place a small sailboat into Vacation Isle’s model yacht pond.

A silvery sheet of water near the center of Vacation Isle is where dreams take sail. Tiny dreams with tiny sails.

Today I took a long meandering walk about Mission Bay, and spent a fair amount of time lingering around what is simply called the model yacht pond. Connected to the bay with an underground pipe, the pond rises and falls with the ocean’s tides. The tranquil sheet of saltwater, surrounded by grass, trees and the many picnic benches of Vacation Isle Park, has been enjoyed by model boat hobbyists for over half a century.

A very cool club called the San Diego Argonauts utilizes the model yacht pond for radio control model boating and racing. Every Saturday morning, their Scale Boat Division runs electric and steam-powered craft on the pond. Many of the tiny vessels are remarkably detailed, even museum quality. One tiny tugboat even blew its horn at me while I took some photographs!

Saturday afternoons is when the wind-driven sailboats come out to compete or practice. The Sail Division of the San Diego Argonauts has many skippers who’ve won National Championships!

Today I saw so many sails at once, I could hardly believe it! The model yacht pond was the scene of a glorious regatta. These model boat sails tack by remote control, so racing around the tiny floating buoys requires many of the same strategies as racing a full-size sailboat!

On Sunday the pond features model power boats, which can reach speeds of 60 miles per hour! I’ll definitely have to check that out one weekend! I’ll take pictures!

Model boating is a fascinating, beautiful hobby to watch. I’ll bet it’s a lot of fun building a boat and watching it float across this magical pond!

A scale boat enthusiast spends part of his Saturday in San Diego's sunny Vacation Isle Park.
A scale boat enthusiast spends part of his Saturday in San Diego’s sunny Vacation Isle Park.
Two electric-powered model boats navigate by radio control across the smooth pond.
Two electric-powered model boats navigate by radio control across the smooth pond.
This small tugboat blew it's horn as I took this photo!
This small tugboat blew it’s horn as I took this photo!
A model sailboat is made ready. The friendly guy who owns this boat showed me how the sails are moved by remote control.
A model sailboat is made ready. The friendly guy who owns this boat showed me how the sails are moved by remote control.
Another member of the San Diego Argonauts wheels his sailboat down to the bank of the model yacht pond.
Another member of the San Diego Argonauts wheels his sailboat down to the bank of the model yacht pond.
Wading out, in order to place one model sailboat into the water.
Wading out, in order to place one model sailboat into the water.
The miniature boats look beautiful on the gleaming water. They operate in the ocean breeze much like actual sailboats.
The miniature boats look beautiful on the gleaming water. They operate in the ocean breeze much like actual sailboats.
Three model sailboats tack to go around a tiny buoy.
Three model sailboats tack to go around a tiny buoy.
The model yacht pond can be found near the center of San Diego's huge Mission Bay Park, which is the largest urban aquatic park in the United States.
The model yacht pond can be found near the center of San Diego’s huge Mission Bay Park, which is the largest urban aquatic park in the United States.
Many sails float dreamlike across the blue water.
Many sails float dreamlike across the blue water.
A fun day in the park for young and old alike.
A fun day in the park for young and old alike.

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Fun photos of 2015 December Nights in Balboa Park!

Everyone has a great time at the 2015 December Nights celebration in San Diego's glorious Balboa Park!
Everyone has a great time at the 2015 December Nights celebration in San Diego’s glorious Balboa Park!

Saturday was the second day of the December Nights holiday event in Balboa Park. (It’s 2015, and we’re coming to the end of Balboa Park’s centennial year. It has been a real blast!)

I walked around randomly and took a bunch of photos during the afternoon, while it was still light outside. This year December Nights was just as wonderful as ever! At night, the lights came on and the scene was pure magic!

Tens of thousands stream into Balboa Park from across the Cabrillo Bridge. December Nights is one of the largest holiday festivals in the United States.
Tens of thousands stream into Balboa Park from across the Cabrillo Bridge. December Nights is one of the largest holiday festivals in the United States.
This nice lady in an information tent usually works at the Balboa Park Visitors Center.
This nice lady in an information tent usually works at the Balboa Park Visitors Center.
Folks in Santa hats enjoy dancing at the Gator by the Bay stage in the Plaza de Panama.
Folks in Santa hats enjoy dancing at the Gator by the Bay stage in the Plaza de Panama.
Lots of unique Christmas gifts were out on display for purchase throughout Balboa Park during December Nights.
Lots of unique Christmas gifts were out on display for purchase throughout Balboa Park during December Nights.
Of course, you can buy mistletoe from this guy near the Natural History Museum!
Of course, you can buy mistletoe from this guy near the Natural History Museum!
One of many fun images near the Old Globe Theatre that celebrate local author Dr. Seuss' classic book How The Grinch Stole Christmas!
One of many fun images near the Old Globe Theatre that celebrate local author Dr. Seuss’ classic book How The Grinch Stole Christmas!
Kids by the Botanical Building paint a huge community canvas during December Nights.
Kids by the Botanical Building paint a huge community canvas during December Nights.
A close-up photo of the colorful holiday-themed work of creative kids!
A close-up photo of colorful holiday-themed artwork painted by creative kids!
Poinsettias of many colors fill the amazing Botanical Building.
Poinsettias of many colors fill the amazing Botanical Building.
Mother duck and ducklings are a bit wary of all the excited humans crowding about the reflecting pool.
Mother duck and ducklings are a bit wary of all the excited humans crowding about the reflecting pool.
One of the Santas in Balboa Park will be stationed here in the Casa del Prado once night falls.
One of the several Santas in Balboa Park will be stationed here at the Casa del Prado once night falls.
Children file onto a stage on the Casa del Prado patio. Joyful dancing could be seen here throughout the day.
Children file onto a stage on the Casa del Prado patio. Joyful dancing could be seen here throughout the day.
Another Santa Claus will be stationed here in the evening near the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center.
Another Santa Claus will be stationed here in the evening near the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center.
Some fun holiday decorations on an artist studio in Balboa Park's Spanish Village.
Some fun holiday decorations next to an artist studio in Balboa Park’s Spanish Village.
Christmas presents dangle from a tree in festive Spanish Village during December Nights.
Christmas presents dangle from a tree in festive Spanish Village during December Nights.
Many glittery, colorful Christmas trees could be seen throughout Spanish Village.
Many glittery, colorful Christmas trees could be seen throughout Spanish Village.
A funny Jungle Bells banner near the entrance to the world famous San Diego Zoo in Balboa Park.
A funny Jungle Bells banner near the entrance to the world famous San Diego Zoo in Balboa Park.
The one and only light up cotton candy! Just wait until it's dark!
The one and only light up cotton candy! Just wait until it’s dark!
Folks are buying goodies at the cookie shack near the Spreckels Organ Pavilion during December Nights.
Folks are buying goodies at the cookie shack near the Spreckels Organ Pavilion during December Nights.
Another Santa will be seated at the organ pavilion, welcoming many kids.
Another Santa will be seated in the colonnade at the organ pavilion, welcoming many kids.
In mid-afternoon, the Peninsula Singers community choir was performing on stage beneath the giant Christmas tree.
In mid-afternoon, the Peninsula Singers community choir was performing on stage beneath the giant Christmas tree.
These folks enjoying a December Nights concert are dressed for the season.
These folks enjoying a December Nights concert are dressed for the season.
Deep friend bacon, cheesecake, candy bars, candy and cookies! Yikes! This stand is by the ride-filled fun zone, in front of the San Diego Air and Space Museum.
Deep friend bacon, cheesecake, candy bars, candy and cookies! Yikes! This stand is by the ride-filled fun zone, in front of the San Diego Air and Space Museum.
These guys preparing food are in front of the Japanese Friendship Garden.
These guys preparing food are in front of the Japanese Friendship Garden.
Performers in folk costumes behind the House of Pacific Relations International Cottages stage during December Nights in Balboa Park.
Performers in folk costume wait behind the House of Pacific Relations International Cottages stage during December Nights in Balboa Park.
Traditional costumes, holiday food from diverse nations and cultures, and lots of crafts were found around the International Cottages!
Traditional costumes, holiday food from many nations and cultures, and cheerful crafts were found around the International Cottages!

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Cool sights in San Diego’s historic Chinatown.

An amazing statue of China's unifying First Emperor stands at the front entrance of the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Extension of the San Diego Chinese Historical Museum.
A statue of China’s unifying First Emperor. It stands at the front entrance of the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Extension of the San Diego Chinese Historical Museum.

From time to time I walk through San Diego’s historic Chinatown, which is located in what is officially called the Asian Pacific Thematic Historic District. The area is bounded by Market Street, 2nd Avenue, 6th Avenue and J Street. You’ll find it downtown right next to the Gaslamp Quarter.

Over the years, I’ve learned a bit about San Diego’s early history during these walks. And I’ve accumulated a few photographs. Here are some cool sights that you might enjoy. I’ve provided interesting information in the captions.

The San Diego Chinese Historical Museum in the Asian Pacific Thematic Historic District. The Chinese Mission Building, built in 1927, was moved in 1996 to its present location at 404 3rd Avenue.
The San Diego Chinese Historical Museum in the Asian Pacific Thematic Historic District. The Chinese Mission Building, built in 1927, was moved in 1995 to its present location at 404 3rd Avenue.
The California Mission Revival-style Chinese Mission Building, dated 1927, was designed by Louis Gill, nephew and protege of renowned architect Irving Gill.
The California Mission Revival-style Chinese Mission Building, dated 1927, was designed by Louis Gill, nephew and protege of renowned architect Irving Gill.
Banners along side of downtown's San Diego Chinese Historical Museum.
Banners along side of downtown’s San Diego Chinese Historical Museum.
Looking through the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Gate on Third Avenue. Behind the museum is a small Asian garden.
Looking through the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Gate on Third Avenue. Behind the museum is a small Asian garden.
Ornate front of the San Diego Chinese Center, a community resource located in the Asian Pacific Thematic Historic District, San Diego's historic Chinatown.
Ornate front of the San Diego Chinese Center, a community resource located in the Asian Pacific Thematic Historic District.
A century ago, Quin Produce was located here on Third Avenue. Ah Quin ran a family produce business and was once considered the unofficial mayor of Chinatown.
A century ago, Quin Produce was located here on Third Avenue. Ah Quin ran a family produce business and was once considered the unofficial mayor of Chinatown.
The Chuang Archive and Learning Center of the San Diego Chinese Historical Museum.
The Chuang Archive and Learning Center of the San Diego Chinese Historical Museum.
Display in window explains Feathered Beings Iconography. Feathered beings were frequently seen motifs in artifacts of the Han Dynasty.
Display in window explains Feathered Beings Iconography. Feathered beings were frequently seen motifs in artifacts of the Han Dynasty.
Three bay windows at the Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Extension display historical photographs and common artifacts from San Diego's old Chinatown.
Three bay windows at the Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Extension display historical photographs and common artifacts from San Diego’s old Chinatown.
Photographs in this outdoor exhibit show various aspects of Chinese culture.
Photographs in this outdoor exhibit show various aspects of Chinese culture.
A view of San Diego's Third Avenue a hundred years ago, and the family of influential businessman and civic leader Ah Quin.
A view of San Diego’s Third Avenue a hundred years ago, and the family of influential businessman and civic leader Ah Quin.
Items from daily life in old Chinatown include kerosene heater, iron, scale and soup spoon.
Items from daily life in old Chinatown include kerosene heater, iron, and a grocery scale.
Scale manufactured by National Store Specialty Company, circa early 1900s.
Scale manufactured by National Store Specialty Company, circa early 1900s.
Display includes various articles used for food preparation and cooking in San Diego's old Chinatown.
Display includes various articles used for food preparation and cooking in San Diego’s old Chinatown.
Beautiful, artistic and historically interesting objects from daily life long ago in Chinatown.
Beautiful, artistic and historically interesting objects from daily life long ago in Chinatown.
A walk through San Diego's Asian Pacific Thematic Historic District provides many cool sights.
A walk through San Diego’s Asian Pacific Thematic Historic District provides many cool sights!

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Another day to be thankful in San Diego.

Two gulls take a nap in the San Diego sunshine the day after Thanksgiving. Many people were taking a pleasant, easy walk along the waterfront.
Two gulls take a nap in the San Diego sunshine the day after Thanksgiving. Many people were enjoying a pleasant, easy stroll along the waterfront.

It’s the day after Thanksgiving. I just took a walk along San Diego’s Embarcadero. If a picture is worth a thousand words, here are 12,000 words that hint at why I’m thankful every day to live in this beautiful city. I could write volumes and volumes.

A sleepy sea lion doesn't care what sort of crazy, wild-eyed antics his buddy is engaged in.
A sleepy sea lion doesn’t care what sort of crazy, wild-eyed antics his buddy is engaged in.
The Maritime Museum of San Diego's historic ship Pilot crosses the bay as white clouds glow gloriously in a blue sky.
The Maritime Museum of San Diego’s historic Pilot boat crosses the bay as white clouds glow gloriously in a blue sky.
This seagull was watching me taking a walk around Tuna Harbor. I wonder what she thought I was up to.
This seagull was watching me taking a walk around Tuna Harbor. I wonder what she thought I was up to?
A couple snuggled on the rocks by Seaport Village watch a gull take flight from the nearby wall.
A couple snuggled on the rocks by Seaport Village watch a gull take flight from the nearby wall.
A busker magician comedian mime guy gets tied up in inescapable rope during his funny routine at Seaport Village.
A busker magician comedian mime guy gets tied up in inescapable rope during his funny routine at Seaport Village.
Mrs. Claus greets a child and mother at the Seaport Village's East Plaza Gazebo.
Mrs. Claus greets a child and mother at the Seaport Village’s East Plaza Gazebo.
A guy carrying a skateboard ambles past outdoor diners at Sally's Seafood on the Water.
A guy carrying a skateboard ambles past outdoor diners at Sally’s Seafood on the Water.
A helpful tot picks up a photographer's tripod after a photo shoot at Embarcadero Marina Park North.
A helpful tot picks up a photographer’s tripod after a photo shoot at Embarcadero Marina Park North.
A snowy egret checks out a small stone in the Marriott Marina on San Diego's waterfront.
A snowy egret checks out a small stone in the Marriott Marina on San Diego’s waterfront.
Magnificent clouds the day after Thanksgiving on San Diego's Embarcadero. Visible is a Dole cargo ship at the Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal.
Magnificent clouds the day after Thanksgiving on San Diego’s Embarcadero. Visible is a Dole cargo ship at the Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal.
Taking flight in the sunshine.
Taking flight in the sunshine.

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Photos of a nature walk in Tijuana River Estuary.

Sign near the entrance to Visitor Center of Tijuana Estuary, home of a National Wildlife Refuge and National Estuarine Research Reserve.
Sign near the entrance to Visitor Center of Tijuana Estuary, home of a National Wildlife Refuge and National Estuarine Research Reserve.

What place in North America officially contains the most plant and animal species? You don’t know? San Diego and the Northern Baja California region!

Yesterday I took a nature walk around and through the northern section of the Tijuana River Estuary. The large estuary, which is located at the extreme southwest corner of the continental United States, where the Tijuana River empties into the Pacific Ocean, contains abundant life which reflects San Diego’s amazing biodiversity and range of habitats.

The Tijuana Estuary is not only a place of tranquil beauty, but it’s a scientific laboratory, protective refuge, and outdoor classroom where the public can learn about our natural environment. It’s managed by several agencies, including the NOAA National Estuarine Research Reserve System, the California Department of Parks and Recreation, and the National Wildlife Refuge System under the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

I absorbed so much information while walking about, reading signs, and listening to a volunteer guide during a short nature walk near the Visitor Center, that I couldn’t possibly convey it all on my blog. So I’ve selected some photos and have captioned them so you’ll get the gist of what I saw and learned. And hopefully you’ll want to visit, too!

Relatively few people partake of the scheduled weekend nature walks at the Tijuana Estuary Visitor Center. Joan, the plant expert, said that some days nobody shows up. What a shame. Because there’s so much beauty, so much to see.

I strongly encourage anyone who lives in the San Diego area to head down to Imperial Beach and take a long, leisurely walk where life thrives!

Ecoroute Bikeway and sidewalk along Seacoast Drive in Imperial Beach offers views of the north section of 2,500 acre Tijuana River Estuary.
Ecoroute Bikeway and sidewalk along Seacoast Drive in Imperial Beach offers views of the north section of 2,500 acre Tijuana River Estuary.
A white egret and other small birds enjoy the fertile, nutrient-rich environment created by this important coastal wetland.
A white egret and other small birds enjoy the fertile, nutrient-rich environment created by this important coastal wetland.
A shorebird equipped with a long bill, used to poke into sand and mudflats for food. Over 370 species of birds have been sighted in the wildlife reserve.
A shorebird equipped with a long bill, used to poke into sand and mudflats for food. Over 370 species of birds have been sighted in the wildlife reserve.
Once a dump, and destined to be a boat marina, local citizens fought to have the Tijuana Estuary protected as a National Wildlife Refuge and National Estuarine Research Reserve.
Once a dump, and destined to be a boat marina, local citizens fought to have the Tijuana Estuary protected as a National Wildlife Refuge and National Estuarine Research Reserve.
Steps lead down from Imperial Beach Boulevard to one of many trails in the fascinating, life-filled estuary.
Steps lead down from Imperial Beach Boulevard to one of many trails in the fascinating, life-filled estuary.
There are many habitats in the estuary including dune, salt panne, salt marsh, mudflat, brackish pond, riparian, coastal sage scrub, and vernal pool.
There are many habitats in the estuary including dune, salt panne, salt marsh, mudflat, brackish pond, riparian, coastal sage scrub, and vernal pool.
Sign welcomes visitors to Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge. Five endangered and two threatened species of birds are protected here in their natural habitat.
Sign welcomes visitors to Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge. Five endangered and two threatened species of birds are protected here in their natural habitat.
I was told these old wooden pilings used to support a storm drain which ran out to the ocean.
I was told these old wooden pilings used to support a storm drain which ran out to the ocean.
A Snowy Egret perches atop a post, perhaps watching the water for prey. Small fish, frogs, reptiles and insects are part of the food chain in a shallow river estuary.
A Snowy Egret perches atop a post, perhaps watching the water for prey. Small fish, frogs, reptiles and insects are part of the food chain in a shallow river estuary.
The path to the Tijuana Estuary Visitor Center passes through a garden of native plants often found along the coast of Southern California.
The path to the Tijuana Estuary Visitor Center passes through a garden of native plants often found along the coast of Southern California.
This colorful abstract map at the Visitor Center entrance represents the 1,735 square mile watershed of the Tijuana River, reaching deep into Mexico.
This colorful abstract map at the Visitor Center entrance represents the 1,735 square mile watershed of the Tijuana River, reaching deep into Mexico.
The edge of the map, inside the Visitor Center's door, shows a part of San Diego and Tijuana. As it nears the Pacific Ocean, the Tijuana River crosses into the United States.
The edge of the map, inside the Visitor Center’s door, shows a part of San Diego and Tijuana. As it nears the Pacific Ocean, the Tijuana River crosses into the United States.
One of many educational exhibits within the cool Visitor Center. Wildlife abounds...at Tijuana Estuary!
One of many educational exhibits inside the cool Visitor Center. Wildlife abounds . . . at Tijuana Estuary!
Viewed from the distance of the moon, the astonishing thing about the earth, catching the breath, is that it is alive.
Viewed from the distance of the moon, the astonishing thing about the earth, catching the breath, is that it is alive.
Habitats in a changing landscape. All eight habitats in the estuary endure constant change. Water levels rise and fall with the tides. Salinity of the water fluctuates.
Habitats in a changing landscape. All eight habitats in the estuary endure constant change. Water levels rise and fall with the tides. Salinity of the water fluctuates.
Visitors can jot notable sighting of birds on a board inside the Visitor Center. Buds and blooms are also listed.
Visitors can jot notable sighting of birds on a board inside the Visitor Center. Buds and blooms are also listed.
A few people out on a nature walk on a pleasant Saturday in November. The estuary is full of blooms, birds, and animal activity, even as winter approaches.
A few people out on a nature walk on a pleasant Saturday in November. The estuary is full of blooms, birds, and animal activity, even as winter approaches.
Joan, a super nice park volunteer who is a plant expert (and author of a fun native plant book), shows us the yellow bloom of California bush sunflower.
Joan, a super nice park volunteer who is a plant expert (and author of a fun native plant book), shows us the yellow bloom of California bush sunflower.
Even though the blue blooms of this pleasantly aromatic Cleveland Sage have dried, the seeds pods have a bluish tint.
Even though the blue blooms of this pleasantly aromatic Cleveland Sage have dried, the seeds pods have a bluish tint.
A tiny hummingbird is perched on the branch of a shrub.
A tiny hummingbird is perched on the branch of a shrub.
The Galvezia, or bush snapdragon, is from Baja California. It has green stems, bright red tube flowers, and attracts hummingbirds.
The Galvezia, or bush snapdragon, is common in Baja California. It has green stems, bright red tube flowers, and attracts hummingbirds.
Hiking south down the North McCoy Trail in the Tijuana Estuary. Rising on the left horizon is Mexico. On the right horizon are the Coronado Islands in the Pacific Ocean.
Hiking south down the North McCoy Trail in the Tijuana Estuary. Rising on the left horizon is Mexico. On the right horizon are the Coronado Islands in the Pacific Ocean.
Ranger Debbie Good is super friendly. She answered a bunch of questions with a big smile. Here's she's putting away a table used to welcome volunteer workers.
Ranger Debbie Good is super friendly. She answered a bunch of questions with a big smile. Here’s she’s putting away a table used to welcome volunteer workers.
These volunteer students from SDSU are helping to plant native vegetation. Efforts to return the estuary to a natural state are ongoing. This area several decades ago was a dump.
These volunteer students from SDSU are helping to plant native vegetation. Efforts to return the estuary to a natural state are ongoing. This area several decades ago was a dump.
Looking across cordgrass and a beautiful wetland at the extreme southwest corner of the continental United States.
Looking across cordgrass and a beautiful wetland at the extreme southwest corner of the continental United States.
A quiet bench on the North McCoy Trail invites walkers to relax and take in the sunshine and surrounding tranquility.
A quiet bench on the North McCoy Trail invites walkers to relax and take in the sunshine and surrounding tranquility.
Plaque on another bench at the south end of the trail. In memory of Glendon I. Layton. Rest a moment and watch the birds.
Plaque on another bench at the south end of the trail. In memory of Glendon I. Layton. Rest a moment and watch the birds.
The Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve and Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge is a place where amazing biodiversity and nature's beauty thrive.
The Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve and Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge is a place where amazing biodiversity and nature’s beauty thrive.

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History of Electricity on a cool OB mural!

Benjamin Franklin with his famous kite, and Thomas Edison, inventor of the light bulb and phonograph, are depicted on very unique mural in Ocean Beach.
Benjamin Franklin with his famous kite, and Thomas Edison, inventor of the light bulb and phonograph, are depicted on a very unique mural in Ocean Beach.

Here’s a cool (and somewhat unusual) mural that I spotted on a wall next to a parking lot in Ocean Beach. It’s called History of Electricity! Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Edison, Guglielmo Marconi and Alessandro Volta share the OB streets with images of pop culture icons and surfers!

This artwork was created by Janis Ambrosiani of Walls With A View. Take a look!

Janis Ambrosiani of Walls With A View painted History of Electricity in Ocean Beach. OB is a cool, laid-back neighborhood with lots of colorful street art.
Janis Ambrosiani of Walls With A View painted History of Electricity in Ocean Beach. OB is a cool, laid-back neighborhood with lots of colorful street art.
Guglielmo Marconi was instrumental in the development of the radio.
Guglielmo Marconi was instrumental in the development of the radio.
Alessandro Volta invented the electrical battery.
Alessandro Volta invented the electrical battery.
Electricity has become a modern necessity. Technology is the backbone of our day-to-day living and central feature of 21st century culture.
Electricity has become a modern necessity. Technology is the backbone of our day-to-day living and central feature of 21st century culture.

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