Tag: san diego bay

A beautiful city of silver and gold.

Late afternoon stroll on the pier between Tuna Harbor and Seaport Village. The Manchester Grand Hyatt towers are glowing in a dramatic sky.
Late afternoon stroll on the pier between Tuna Harbor and Seaport Village. The Manchester Grand Hyatt towers are glowing in a dramatic sky.

Late this afternoon I took a stroll through a beautiful city of silver and gold. Here are the photos…

Walking through Seaport Village toward the Marriott Marquis and Marina. The beautiful hotel is shining like precious silver.
Walking through Seaport Village toward the Marriott Marquis and Marina. The beautiful hotel is shining like precious silver.
Late afternoon sunlight reflected off the two silvery sail-like towers of the Marriott Marquis on San Diego Bay.
Late afternoon sunlight reflected off the two silvery sail-like towers of the Marriott Marquis on San Diego Bay.
Blue sky, white and dark clouds, and fantastic patterns created by reflection off the beautiful glass building.
Blue sky, white and dark clouds, and fantastic patterns created by light reflected on the amazing glass building.
White superyachts docked behind the San Diego Convention Center are bathed in late afternoon light.
White superyachts docked behind the San Diego Convention Center are bathed in late afternoon light.
The masts of three large yachts in a row, like vertical beams of light.
The masts of three large yachts in a row, like vertical beams of light.
End of day approaches. The sun sets fire to a glass portion of the San Diego Convention Center.
End of day approaches. The sun sets fire to a glass portion of the San Diego Convention Center.
The sun is almost ready to set over San Diego Bay. Golden light now prevails.
The sun is almost ready to set over San Diego Bay. Golden light now prevails.
The parking structure of the Hilton San Diego Bayfront has turned gold.
The parking structure of the Hilton San Diego Bayfront has turned gold.
A golden pathway through the city. Amazing beauty seen during a late afternoon walk on the bridge over Harbor Drive.
A golden pathway through the city. Amazing beauty seen during a late afternoon walk on the pedestrian bridge over Harbor Drive.

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Sunset paints the sky above Maritime Museum.

The catamaran Aolani sails behind the Maritime Museum of San Diego just before sunset.
The catamaran Aolani sails behind the Maritime Museum of San Diego just before sunset.

A few photos from my short walk after work. I strolled along the Embarcadero and visited the Maritime Museum of San Diego, one of my favorite places. The sun was setting…

Tourists walk among many historic boats and ships behind the USS Berkeley. The racing sloop Butcher Boy is over a hundred years old. It sailed rapidly out on the bay, always first to provide fresh provisions to visiting ships.
Tourists walk among many historic boats and ships behind the steam ferry Berkeley. The racing sloop Butcher Boy is over a hundred years old. It sailed rapidly out on the bay, always first to provide fresh provisions to visiting ships.
School students learn about how to handle an oar, before heading out on San Diego Bay in a museum longboat.
School students learn how to handle an oar, before heading out on San Diego Bay in a museum longboat.
Sun falls behind picturesque deck and rigging of HMS Surprise.
Sun gently falls behind the picturesque deck and rigging of HMS Surprise.
A winter sunset paints the sky behind the B-39 Soviet submarine and masts of historic tall ships including the Spanish galleon replica San Salvador.
A winter sunset paints the sky behind the B-39 Soviet submarine and the masts of several ships, including Californian, San Salvador and America.
HMS Surprise, steam ferry Berkeley, and a beautiful sky.
HMS Surprise, steam ferry Berkeley, and a beautiful sky.
A soft sunset and still water. Nightfall on San Diego Bay.
A soft sunset and still water. Nightfall on San Diego Bay.

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Living metal palm trees rise into San Diego sky.

Seven curving metal palm trees rise into the beautiful San Diego sky in Bayfront Plaza.
Seven curving metal palm trees rise into the beautiful San Diego sky at Bayfront Plaza.

These are photographs of “living metal” under changing skies. Since 2008, seven stainless steel abstract palm trees have stood in front of San Diego’s Bayfront Hilton, moving gently on windy days. I’ve taken many photos of these unique sculptures over the years. They were created by artist Ned Kahn.

Wind Palms, Ned Kahn, 2008. Stainless steel kinetic sculptures in front of Hilton San Diego Bayfront.
Wind Palms, Ned Kahn, 2008. Stainless steel kinetic sculptures in front of Hilton San Diego Bayfront.
People walk beneath unique tree-like art between the San Diego Convention Center and the Hilton hotel.
People walk beneath unique tree-like art between the San Diego Convention Center and the Hilton hotel.
Silvery, sun-reflecting stainless steel ribbon leaves of the Wind Palms move very slightly in the sea breeze.
The silvery, sun-reflecting stainless steel ribbon “leaves” of the Wind Palms move very slightly in the sea breeze.
Looking upward at different geometric patterns. The trees are supposed to rotate in the wind, but I've never seen it.
Looking upward at different geometric patterns. The curving fronds rotate when the wind’s direction changes.
Seagulls circle high above the palm-like kinetic sculptures on a gray, cloudy day.
Seagulls circle high above the palm-like kinetic sculptures on a gray, cloudy day.
Walking along near the Hilton, heading toward the edge of San Diego Bay.
Walking along near the Hilton, heading toward the edge of San Diego Bay.
Shining trees in a cloudless blue sky.
Shining trees in a cloudless blue sky.

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Burgers, Bait and Beer now served at a pier!

Brand new artwork enlivens a favorite place on San Diego's Embarcadero.
Brand new artwork enlivens a familiar place on San Diego’s Embarcadero.

For over a year the small food concession at the foot of the Embarcadero Marina Park South Pier has been vacant. JJ’s Sunset Deli by the Bay shut down at the end of 2014. So I was surprised during my walk today to see another business has finally moved in! And I learned the new eatery with the same cool patio has been open for only four days!

Burgers, Bait and Beer looks like a great, relaxed place to kick back. The guys I met were very friendly. And the light salad I had was really good. I’m told their hamburgers are superb. So I guess I’ll have to try one next weekend!

Burgers, Bait and Beer can be found at the foot of the Embarcadero Marina Park South Pier, behind the convention center!
Burgers, Bait and Beer can be found at the foot of the Embarcadero Marina Park South Pier, behind the San Diego Convention Center!
A pair of standup paddleboarders have passed under the Embarcadero Marina Park South Pier, one of my favorite places to visit on San Diego Bay.
A pair of standup paddleboarders have passed under the Embarcadero Marina Park South Pier, one of my favorite places to visit on San Diego Bay.
This cool artistic heron is part of the decor at the new outdoor cafe, tackle and bait shop.
This cool artistic heron is part of the decor at the new outdoor cafe, tackle and bait shop.

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Volunteers preserve history at Maritime Museum.

Volunteers at the Maritime Museum of San Diego haul a rope on the deck of Star of India to help raise a protective tarp above the historic ship.
Volunteers at the Maritime Museum of San Diego haul a rope on the deck of Star of India to help raise a protective tarp above the historic ship.

Sunday is volunteer work day at the Maritime Museum of San Diego. Anyone walking along the Embarcadero or visiting the museum can watch history being preserved by energetic volunteers. You can see them pulling ropes, painting masts, scraping, polishing, sweeping and just generally doing all those things necessary to maintain historic old ships.

The Maritime Museum of San Diego could always use new volunteers! No experience required! You mostly work out on the sparkling water, in the sunshine, with senses full of invigorating smells, sights and sounds. And know what? You become a part of history!

Large plastic canopies are being installed on the Star of India to protect her from rain during the upcoming deck restoration.
Large plastic canopies are being installed on the Star of India to protect her from rain during the upcoming deck restoration.
The Star of India's re-decking project is being supported in part by a National Maritime Heritage grant administered by the National Park Service, Department of the Interior.
The Star of India’s re-decking project is being supported in part by a National Maritime Heritage grant administered by the National Park Service, Department of the Interior.
Another volunteer works near the bow of the historic tall ship. Downtown San Diego's skyline provides a gleaming backdrop.
Another volunteer works near the bow of the historic tall ship. Downtown San Diego’s skyline provides a gleaming backdrop.
These guys are working above the forward house near the foremast.
These guys are working above the forward house near the foremast.
A mast of the HMS Surprise has been scraped and coated with primer. Now some paint will preserve this amazing tall ship used in the movie Master and Commander.
A mast of the HMS Surprise has been scraped and coated with primer. Now some paint will preserve this amazing tall ship used in the movie Master and Commander.
Another yard to be installed on the San Salvador by crane awaits on the Embarcadero. This heavy yard with sails furled will be supported by the replica Spanish galleon's foremast.
Another yard to be installed on the San Salvador by crane awaits on the Embarcadero. This heavy yard with sails furled will be supported by the replica Spanish galleon’s foremast.
Volunteering for the Maritime Museum of San Diego can be very satisfying. Are you free on Sundays.
Volunteering for the Maritime Museum of San Diego can be very satisfying. Are you free on Sundays?

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Dancing sails and reflected banners upon water.

Magic before your eyes. A wind-stretched red sail on sparkling San Diego Bay.
Magic before your eyes. A wind-stretched red sail on sparkling San Diego Bay.

Dancing sails and colorful banners reflected upon water are magic. Tilting, shining, billowing, flowing, taut, wind-driven, powerful, gentle, mysterious, magical.

Color painted on canvas is art. But dancing color upon water has strange profound depth. It’s the merging of wind and water; of light and substance. Swelling, vibrating. It has a heartbeat.

I heard no sound as a large sailboat approached.
I heard no sound as a large sailboat approached.
It's USA 11, the Stars and Stripes. This America’s Cup racing yacht competed in 1992. She can be chartered for sailing adventures.
It’s USA 11, the Stars and Stripes. This America’s Cup racing yacht competed in 1992. She can be chartered for sailing adventures.
The sail stretches a hundred feet into the blue sky. Dancing in sunshine, turning on the water.
The sail stretches a hundred feet into the blue sky. Dancing in sunshine, turning on the water.
Magic white sails on a blue bay. The city of San Diego is near, but far away.
Magic white sails on a blue bay. The city of San Diego is near, but far away.
Even small sails need care. They will work powerful magic, take you where you will.
Even small sails need care. They will work powerful magic, take you where you will.
Lone dark form upon gray water. A strange apparition.
Lone dark form upon gray water. A strange apparition.
Reflections of flags at stern of USS Midway dance upon still water.
Reflections of flags at stern of USS Midway dance upon still water.
Colorful banners moved by a wild wind. Like strange, silent dreams in the liquid blue.
Colorful banners moved by a wild wind. Like strange, silent dreams in the liquid blue.
Unending dreams.
Unending dreams.
Adjusting a magic sail as one boat moves forward in space.
Adjusting a magic sail as one boat moves forward in space.

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Boats destroyed by El Nino winds in San Diego.

Catamaran driven into the rocks near the Grape Street pier during an El Nino storm in downtown San Diego.
Catamaran driven into the rocks near the Grape Street pier during an El Nino storm in downtown San Diego.

Yesterday and last night an El Nino-driven storm produced very strong winds throughout San Diego. Last night as I lay in bed I listened to the wind howl and powerful gusts shake my building. So this morning I figured I’d get up and see if any damage occurred downtown.

Large branches were down, and one tree lay on the sidewalk on State Street just south of Cedar. But when I reached the Embarcadero, I saw some real devastation. Many boats had been driven aground, and were either submerged or partially submerged.

Here are some photos. They aren’t cool.  But they are newsworthy.  I feel badly for the people who lost their boats.

Masts of a sailboat rise above the water the morning after fierce winds buffeted San Diego's Embarcadero.
Masts of a sailboat rise above the water the morning after fierce winds buffeted San Diego’s Embarcadero.
All the local television news stations had cameras at the scene. The images were truly devastating.
All the local television news stations had cameras at the scene. The images were truly devastating.
Resident of catamaran driven aground on deck of half-submerged boat. I wish her well in this difficult situation.
Resident of catamaran driven aground on deck of half-submerged boat. I wish her well in this difficult situation.
The seagulls were enjoying the stiff chilly morning breeze, but the worst of the gusts seem to be over by sunrise.
The seagulls were enjoying the stiff chilly morning breeze, but the worst of the gusts seem to be over by sunrise.
Another boat was driven up against the boardwalk between the Hornblower dock and Maritime Museum. Just the mast was sticking out from the churning bay.
Another boat was driven up against the boardwalk between the Hornblower dock and Maritime Museum. Just the mast was sticking out from the churning bay.
Several more boats piled up right next to the Maritime Museum of San Diego.
Several more boats piled up right next to the Maritime Museum of San Diego.
A small boat between the museum's deep diving Dolphin submarine and the pilings. I was told the restored Swift Boat owned by the Maritime Museum of San Diego sustained some damage.
A small boat between the museum’s deep diving Dolphin submarine and the pilings. I was told the restored Swift Boat owned by the Maritime Museum of San Diego sustained some damage.
The effects of El Nino winds seen up close. The wind howled during the night, and in the morning light, the damage became apparent.
The effects of El Nino winds seen up close. The wind howled during the night, and in the morning light, the damage became apparent.

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Amazing art in San Diego: Classic paintings of ships!

Illuminating the Sea: The Marine Paintings of James E. Buttersworth, 1817-1894. This very special exhibit can be seen at the Maritime Museum of San Diego.
Illuminating the Sea: The Marine Paintings of James E. Buttersworth, 1817-1894. This very special exhibit can be seen at the Maritime Museum of San Diego!

Do you love breathtaking works of fine art? Are you fascinated by 19th century history? Do you like to feast your eyes on beautiful tall ships, sailing yachts and ocean scenery? There’s a special exhibit in San Diego that you positively must see!

I was surprised to discover that the Maritime Museum of San Diego, located downtown on the Embarcadero, is featuring a fantastic exhibit of marine art masterpieces by the famous painter James Edward Buttersworth. Buttersworth is considered to be one of the most important painters of the nineteenth century. His portraits of tall ships, racing yachts, steamships and other vessels from that era are beautiful works of genius, resplendent with light, energy and grace. About 600 of his classic paintings exist today, and the Maritime Museum has 24 amazing examples on display!

The exhibition is titled “Illuminating the Sea: The Marine Paintings of James E. Buttersworth, 1817-1894.”  The collected paintings, on loan from Mystic Seaport until May 31, 2016, are so dynamic, detailed and glowing with beauty, they’ll make a permanent impression in your mind. His images of sky and sea are realistic and alive. Colors are rich and subtle; stormy waters seem to spray off a painted canvas; white sails shine. Several paintings depict yachts racing together, engaged in historic competitions that include the America’s Cup, an event that became important in San Diego’s more recent past.

Another interesting aspect of the exhibition is the inclusion of a modern Buttersworth forgery by Ken Perenyi. Visitors to the museum can become a detective, and do their best to uncover the cleverly made fake!

Go enjoy this exhibit of rare, fantastic paintings, then prepare to spend a good hour or two exploring the many historic ships owned by the Maritime Museum of San Diego. You’ll find yourself within a magical world. A world that gently floats upon shining water, alive with history, adventure, beauty and wonder!

Among the classic maritime paintings of world-famous artist James E. Butterworth is a forgery. Visitors to the museum are challenged to spot it!
Among the classic maritime paintings of world-famous artist James E. Butterworth is a forgery. Visitors to the museum are challenged to spot it!
Truly stunning works of art on display inside the steam ferryboat USS Berkeley, hub of the Maritime Museum of San Diego.
Truly stunning works of art on display inside the steam ferryboat Berkeley, hub of the Maritime Museum of San Diego.
Illuminating the Sea, James E. Butterworth, oil on canvas. Magic, schooner of New York Yacht Club, winner of the America's Cup in 1870. Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons.
Illuminating the Sea, James E. Butterworth, oil on canvas. Magic, schooner of New York Yacht Club, winner of the America’s Cup in 1870. Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons.
In addition to this world-class art, the Maritime Museum of San Diego contains a vast collection of nautical objects. It is a must-see destination for those interested in our city's rich history.
In addition to this world-class art, the Maritime Museum of San Diego contains a vast collection of nautical objects. It is a must-see destination for those interested in our city’s rich history.

Here are a couple bonus photographs!  I took them this morning during a short walk before heading to work!

Museum volunteers gather around a ship's yard, which would soon be lifted by crane onto the nearly-completed Spanish galleon replica San Salvador.
Museum volunteers gather around a ship’s yard.  It would soon be lifted by crane onto the nearly-completed Spanish galleon replica San Salvador.
Tall ships San Salvador and Californian docked behind the USS Berkeley. Just a few of the fascinating ships you can visit at the Maritime Museum of San Diego.
Tall ships San Salvador and Californian docked behind the Berkeley. Just a few of the fascinating ships you can visit at the Maritime Museum of San Diego.

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Golden memories: A tribute to Anthony’s Fishette.

People walk along narrow outdoor deck of Anthony's Fishette, a popular casual dining spot for half a century in downtown San Diego.
People walk along narrow outdoor deck of Anthony’s Fishette, a popular casual dining spot for half a century in downtown San Diego.

Their 50 year lease is almost up. Anthony’s Fish Grotto on San Diego’s Embarcadero will soon be no more. They are to be replaced in 2017 by the Brigantine seafood restaurant. A golden era that produced many wonderful, irreplaceable memories is coming to a close.

I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve lingered in ecstasy at Anthony’s outdoor Fishette, which is adjacent to the more formal indoor restaurant. Except when I was a child, I’ve never eaten in the restaurant. But outside, on the deck, inhaling the ocean breeze, listening to the cries of circling seagulls, squinting into the sun and feeling its warmth on my face–I’ve devoured acres of tasty french fries and oceans of fish.

Millions of people around the planet have golden memories of the place. This is my small photographic tribute to Anthony’s outdoor Fishette. I stopped by for a delicious grilled tuna melt sandwich late yesterday afternoon.

Over the years, many of the people who have worked at Anthony’s Fishette gave me a friendly smile or hello. To them, I say thank you.

You have until January 31, 2017 to enjoy this true San Diego tradition and treasure, and to say thank you.

Front of Anthony's Fish Grotto as seen from Harbor Drive. In early 2017, this iconic San Diego restaurant will be demolished.
Front of Anthony’s Fish Grotto as seen from Harbor Drive. In early 2017, this iconic San Diego restaurant will be demolished.
Smiles are typical at Anthony's Fishette. So is sunny outdoor pleasure and yummy seafood.
Smiles are typical at Anthony’s Fishette. So is sunny outdoor pleasure and yummy seafood.
A photo through glass of the small boat dock and blue San Diego Bay as a glowing sunset nears.
A photo through glass of the small boat dock and blue San Diego Bay as a glowing sunset nears.
A reflection in window of Anthony's Fish Grotto of the setting sun. A golden era is coming to a close on San Diego's waterfront.
A reflection in window of Anthony’s Fish Grotto of the setting sun. A golden era is coming to a close on San Diego’s waterfront.
Possibly the best outdoor seating in all of San Diego. Just above the lapping water, with a sweeping, wonderful view.
Possibly the best outdoor seating in all of San Diego. Just above the lapping water, with a sweeping, wonderful view.
Passing by Anthony's Fishette one fine January day. I've walked past perhaps a thousand times.
Passing by Anthony’s Fishette one fine January day. I’ve walked past perhaps a thousand times.
Countless millions of fond memories have been made here.
Countless millions of fond memories have been made here.

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Amazing public art is a hidden San Diego gem.

Sculpture of woman fish processor holding a large tuna. This area south of downtown was once the home of many San Diego canneries.
Sculpture of woman fish processor holding a large tuna. This area south of downtown was once the home of many San Diego canneries.

A month or two ago, during a leisurely walk from downtown to the pier at Cesar Chavez Park, I was thrilled to discover some truly amazing public artwork!

The Cannery Workers Tribute at Parque del Sol is tucked away in a place where very few people go. You’ll find it just a bit north of the Coronado Bay Bridge (which you can see in some of my photographs), near the entrance to Cesar Chavez Park.

The large gleaming sculpture honors thousands of hard-working people who were employed by San Diego’s tuna canneries decades ago. I’ve blogged about our city’s once-thriving tuna industry on several occasions. Not only was San Diego home to the world’s largest tuna fishing fleet during much of the 20th century, but numerous canneries dotted our bayside. In the 1950s, the tuna industry provided more than 17,000 local workers with a living. Many of the jobs involved cleaning and packing fish that would be shipped around the world.

According to the Port of San Diego website, this public artwork is situated in a spot where workers at a nearby cannery would take their break. “During the 1970s, former cannery maintenance worker Roberto Carrero and co-workers dug a hole and planted a small tree. This, now large, coral tree was incorporated into the artwork.”

Four bronze plaques mounted on bits of old machinery recall the history of this area and the once-thriving tuna industry. Click the plaque photos to read them.

The Cannery Workers Tribute sculpture was created in 2009 by Valerie Salatino and Nancy Moran, with assistance from Sheila Moran. It is indeed a very cool sight!

Coral tree planted by a cannery maintenance person decades ago is a feature of the Cannery Workers Tribute at Parque del Sol.
Coral tree planted by a cannery maintenance man decades ago is an important feature of the Cannery Workers Tribute at Parque del Sol.
A high arch of gleaming fish seems to rise above the nearby Coronado Bay Bridge. This public art is located in Barrio Logan, near the entrance to Cesar Chavez Park.
A high arch of gleaming fish seems to rise above the nearby Coronado Bay Bridge. This public art is located in Barrio Logan, near the entrance to Cesar Chavez Park.
Few people pass this way. This public art is definitely a hidden San Diego gem.
Few people pass this way. This public art is definitely a hidden San Diego gem.
A large catch of ocean tuna seems to burst from a basket!
A large catch of ocean tuna seems to burst from a basket!
The advent of the cannery industry in the early 1900s. For most of the 20th century, San Diego was the tuna fishing capital of the world.
The advent of the cannery industry in the early 1900s. For most of the 20th century, San Diego was the tuna fishing capital of the world.
The people included Italian, Japanese, Mexican and Portuguese fishermen, and many cannery workers. Fishing boats have no schedule. When the cannery bell rang, it was time to go to work.
The people included Italian, Japanese, Mexican and Portuguese fishermen, and many cannery workers. Fishing boats have no schedule. When the cannery bell rang, it was time to go to work.
The process was smelly and messy! For tuna to go into a sandwich or salad bowl, it often traveled up to 7000 miles!
The process was smelly and messy! For tuna to go into a sandwich or salad bowl, it often traveled up to 7000 miles!
The end of the San Diego tuna fishing era came in the 1980s, due to foreign competition, high expenses and other factors.
The end of the San Diego tuna fishing era came in the 1980s, due to foreign competition, high expenses and other factors.
Another photograph that you might enjoy.
Another photograph that you might enjoy.
An arch of abundant fish above tuna cannery workers. Public artwork that honors an important chapter in San Diego's history.
An arch of abundant fish above tuna cannery workers. Public artwork that honors an important chapter in San Diego’s history.

UPDATE!

I took additional photos on a later walk past the park…

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