Tag: san diego bay

Mysterious morning light at the Broadway Pier.

Orange and yellow logo of visiting Norwegian Sun cruise ship reflected on rippled water in San Diego Bay.
Orange and yellow logo of visiting Norwegian Sun cruise ship reflected on rippled water in San Diego Bay.

A big rush this morning. But I had enough time to walk down to the Broadway Pier.  Slowing myself for a few moments, breathing in fresh air, I was enchanted by the surrounding quiet, the growing morning light, and mysterious reflections.

Bow and bridge of the Norwegian Sun, docked at the San Diego Cruise Ship Terminal. The image is reflected in the orange and clear windows of a nearby gift shop.
Bow and bridge of the Norwegian Sun, docked at the San Diego Cruise Ship Terminal. The image is reflected in the orange and clear windows of a nearby gift shop.
Early morning light at San Diego's Broadway Pier. The Coronado ferry has begun another trip across the quiet, glassy water.
Early morning light at San Diego’s Broadway Pier. The Coronado ferry has begun another trip across the quiet, glassy water.
Reflection of downtown San Diego's nearby skyline in the windows of the Port Pavilion. Photo taken as the sun climbs above building rooftops, from the Broadway Pier.
Reflection of downtown San Diego’s nearby skyline in the windows of the Port Pavilion. Photo taken as the sun climbs above building rooftops, from the Broadway Pier.

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USS Bennington Memorial Oak Grove in Balboa Park.

A beautiful live oak grove in Balboa Park honors men who died tragically on the USS Bennington in 1905.
A beautiful live oak grove in Balboa Park honors men who died tragically on the USS Bennington in 1905.

Balboa Park is without a doubt one of America’s national treasures. Located just north of downtown San Diego, its 1,200 acres is the home of magnificent museums, gardens, architectural marvels, many recreational facilities and perhaps the world’s most famous zoo. The amazing urban park is so gigantic most visitors see only a small fraction of it. Some out-of-the-way corners of Balboa Park are enjoyed by locals who live nearby; other overlooked areas seem almost forgotten.

The USS Bennington Memorial Oak Grove is one such area. While many drive by it on any given day, as they travel along 26th Street just before it turns into Florida Drive, and a few joggers pass through the shady grove, I’d wager only a handful of San Diegans know of the oak grove’s existence or historical significance.

There are 66 live oak trees in this grove. They were planted to memorialize 66 men killed on the USS Bennington on the morning of July 21, 1905, when the gunboat’s boiler suddenly exploded and the ship nearly sank in San Diego’s harbor. No markers in the grove indicate the significance of the large gnarled oaks. (A 60 foot high granite obelisk stands at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in Point Loma, a memorial to those sailors who died on the USS Bennington. Most of the dead are buried there.)

The USS Bennington was a warship with a long and proud history. Commissioned in 1891, she was the ship that claimed Wake Island for the United States. After the boiler explosion in San Diego Bay, eleven men were awarded the Medal of Honor for extraordinary heroism.

Earlier this year, when I visited an exhibit in Balboa Park created by The Daughters of the American Revolution San Diego Chapter, I learned the local DAR would like to place plaques in the grove to memorialize the USS Bennington and the men who tragically died. If you, your business or organization would like information about the project, or to help, you might contact them from their page.  Should this project come to fruition, I’ll be very pleased to blog about it!

View of the Bennington Memorial Oak Grove from Golden Hill Park, located near the southeast corner of Balboa Park. The Balboa Park Golf Club and Naval Medical Center San Diego are also visible.
View of the Bennington Memorial Oak Grove from Golden Hill Park, located near Balboa Park’s southeast corner. Balboa Park’s public golf course and Naval Medical Center San Diego are also visible.
Wooden footbridge along 26th Street leads to a little-used trail through USS Bennington Memorial Oak Grove in Balboa Park.
Wooden footbridge along 26th Street leads to a little-used trail through USS Bennington Memorial Oak Grove in Balboa Park.
Sixty large old oak trees memorialize 60 sailers killed in 1905 when the USS Bennington's boiler exploded in San Diego's nearby harbor.
Beautiful old oak trees memorialize 66 sailors killed in 1905 when the USS Bennington’s boiler exploded in San Diego’s nearby harbor.
Looking up through the leaves of the live oak trees at blue sky and clouds.
Looking up through the leaves of the live oak trees at blue sky and clouds.
These trees, honoring fallen men, remind us of a sudden tragic moment in San Diego history.
These trees, honoring fallen men, remind us of a sudden tragic moment in San Diego’s military history.
A commercial airplane flies overhead as it crosses Balboa Park heading in toward Lindbergh Field.
A commercial airplane flies overhead as it crosses Balboa Park heading in toward Lindbergh Field.
A jogger enjoys the shady old trees on a warm day in early October.
A jogger enjoys the shady old trees on a warm day in early October.

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Small scenes of real life on San Diego Bay.

Fishing from sailboat moored in Crescent area of San Diego Bay.
Fishing from sailboat moored in Crescent area of San Diego Bay.

Before the Trolley Dances began this morning, I walked for a stretch beside the quiet water, between Grape Street and the Coast Guard Station. It was an ordinary morning on San Diego Bay, in an area where few tourists venture. I photographed some typical scenes of real life.

People and dog climb into a small dinghy from floating dock.
People and dog climb into a small dinghy from floating dock.
Man rows boat across the water. A typical scene of life on the North Embarcadero.
Man rows boat across the water. A typical scene of city life on the North Embarcadero.
Homeless man stretches out on a public bench beside the water.
Homeless man stretches out on a public bench beside the water.
Looking out across the blue water. Hangars of U.S. Coast Guard Air Station San Diego can be seen in the distance.
Looking out across the blue water. Hangars of U.S. Coast Guard Air Station San Diego can be seen in the distance.
Working on the weekend. A guy pushes a bunch of bright yellow floats out onto a pier.
Working on the weekend. A guy pushes a bunch of bright yellow floats out onto a pier.

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Pacific Rim nations celebrated with beautiful art.

A portion of the elegant Pearl of the Pacific, by artist James T. Hubbell.
A portion of the elegant Pearl of the Pacific, by artist James T. Hubbell.

On the southwest end of Shelter Island you’ll discover some wonderful public art titled Pearl of the Pacific. Benches, a soaring sculpture, and a circle of colorful tiles arranged around a pearl-like bubbling fountain celebrate the diverse nations of the Pacific Rim. Local artist James Hubbell and a group of architectural students worked with artists from San Diego’s sister cities Vladivostok, Russia, Tijuana, Mexico and Yantai, China, to create this very cool sight. The central mosaic of tiles, pointing north, south, east and west like a fantastic compass, includes images that represent the sister cities. Pearl of the Pacific pays tribute to San Diego’s cultural and economic relations with peaceful neighbors united by the ocean.

I’ve already blogged about several of James Hubbell’s works of art around San Diego. You might enjoy seeing his Pacific Portal, Sea Passage and Pacific Spirit.

Gazing south past Pearl of the Pacific toward the channel that leads from San Diego Bay to the ocean.
Gazing south past Pearl of the Pacific toward the channel that leads from San Diego Bay to the ocean.
At the southwest end of Shelter Island, a circle of colorful tiles is arranged about a large pearl.
At the southwest end of Shelter Island, a circle of colorful tiles is arranged about a large pearl.
The central pearl is a fountain that bubbles with water. It wasn't running the day I took these photographs.
The central pearl is a fountain that bubbles with water. It wasn’t running the day I took these photographs.
Pearl of the Pacific Park plaque describes tile images and their meaning.
Pearl of the Pacific Park plaque describes tile images and their meaning.
North.
North. An inspirational American bird.
South.
South. The mythical Quetzalcoatl of Mexico.
West.
West. A Siberian tiger from Russia.
East. A dragon representing China.
East. A dragon representing China.
Plaque reads Tijuana, Mexico.
Plaque reads Tijuana, Mexico.
One column contains a pearl-like globe of shining blue tiles.
One column contains a pearl-like globe of shining blue tiles.
A soaring sculptural arch made of beautiful ironwork.
A soaring sculptural arch made of beautiful ironwork.
A bench in the small park-like area is topped with more colorful tiles.
A bench in the small park-like area is topped with more colorful tiles.
Another artistic bench. This is a good spot to watch sailboats and ships on the nearby water.
Another artistic bench. This is a good spot to watch sailboats and ships on the nearby water.
Bits of sea shells, broken pottery and cultural motifs in a curving concrete wall.
Bits of sea shells, broken pottery and cultural motifs in a curving concrete wall.
Pearl of the Pacific pays tribute to San Diego's ocean neighbors and sister cities.
Pearl of the Pacific pays tribute to San Diego’s ocean neighbors and sister cities.

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Beautiful tall ships visit San Diego for Festival of Sail!

Masts of a few visiting tall ships during 2015 Festival of Sail, at the Maritime Museum of San Diego.
Masts of a few visiting tall ships during 2015 Festival of Sail, at the Maritime Museum of San Diego.

The 2015 Festival of Sail is underway! The cool event runs through Labor Day and takes place on the Embarcadero at the Maritime Museum of San Diego. This morning I got some photos!

The popular festival, which is held every year in late summer, features a large gathering of beautiful tall ships. A few belong to the museum; others are visiting San Diego for this very special occasion.

Last year I wrote several detailed blogs and covered many of the tall ships which I saw again today. So this year I figured I’d just mosey from ship to ship, taking random photos, not worrying too much about jotting down gobs of information. Here’s the result…

The brig Pilgrim, approximate replica of the historic ship Richard Henry Dana sailed in, is visiting San Diego again for the annual nautical festival.
The brig Pilgrim, approximate replica of the historic ship Richard Henry Dana sailed in, is visiting San Diego again for the annual tall ship festival.
Visitors enjoy touring the deck of the Pilgrim on Sunday morning. It's another sunny summer day on blue San Diego Bay!
Visitors enjoy touring the deck of the Pilgrim on Sunday morning. It’s another sunny summer day on blue San Diego Bay!
Ship's navigation light and galley. Signs on the Pilgrim describe life on the sea a couple centuries ago, when Two Years Before the Mast was written by Dana.
Ship’s navigation light and galley. Signs on the Pilgrim describe life on the sea a couple centuries ago, when Two Years Before the Mast was written by Dana.
Kayaks on the smooth water cruise past a collection of very cool tall ships.
Kayaks on the smooth water cruise past a collection of very cool tall ships.
Plaque on tall ship American Pride indicates that down below is the Captain's Quarters.
Plaque on tall ship American Pride indicates that down below is the Captain’s Quarters.
Close look at wooden steering wheel of the beautiful tall ship American Pride.
Close look at wooden steering wheel of the American Pride.
Volunteer crew members of American Pride assembled on deck as their fine ship visits San Diego.
Volunteer crew members of American Pride assembled on deck as their fine ship visits San Diego.
Lion's head decorates spar projecting from hull of topsail schooner Amazing Grace.
Lion’s head decorates spar projecting from hull of topsail schooner Amazing Grace.
Visitor at 2015 Festival of Sail in San Diego looks down into the cabin of Amazing Grace.
A visitor at 2015 Festival of Sail in San Diego looks down into the cabin of Amazing Grace.
A second floating dock and even more cool tall ships can be seen beyond Amazing Grace.
A second floating dock and even more cool tall ships can be seen beyond Amazing Grace.
Curious eyes peer below the deck of Bill of Rights, perhaps wondering what it would be like to live in very close quarters while at sea.
Curious eyes peer below deck of the Bill of Rights, perhaps wondering what it would be like to live in very close quarters while at sea.
Bill of Rights tall ship crew members were dressed in seafaring costumes. This pirate had a collection of pistols and a small cannon on display.
Bill of Rights tall ship crew members were dressed in seafaring garb. This pirate had a collection of pistols and a small cannon on display.
Star motif on a block used by a single rope in the complicated rigging. Masts of another nearby tall ship rise in the background.
Star motif on a block used by a single rope in some complicated rigging. Masts of another nearby tall ship rise in the background.
To step off the Bill of Rights one must walk the plank!
To step off the Bill of Rights one must walk the plank!
Stern of Bill of Rights seen from rear deck of the brigantine Irving Johnson.
Stern of Bill of Rights seen from rear deck of the brigantine Irving Johnson.
Photo of ship's cabin containing shelves of books, a globe and navigational charts.
Photo of ship’s cabin containing shelves of books, a globe and navigational charts.
Friendly crew member on the Exy Johnson was playing familiar seagoing tunes on an accordion.
Friendly crew member on the Exy Johnson was playing familiar seagoing tunes on a concertina.
It appears this ladder has seen a great deal of usage and weather.
It appears this ladder has seen a great deal of usage and weather.
Festival of Sail visitors check out many cool sights! I see someone climbing the Irving Johnson's shrouds!
Festival of Sail visitors check out many cool sights! I see someone climbing one of the Irving Johnson’s shrouds!
Watch out! This wild-eyed pirate has two wicked swords! Run for it!
Watch out! This wild-eyed pirate has two wicked swords! Run for it!
Looking at ships docked behind the Maritime Museum's historic Steam Ferry Berkeley. I see masts of the San Salvador, Californian and America.
Looking at more ships docked behind the Maritime Museum’s historic Steam Ferry Berkeley. I see masts of the San Salvador, Californian and America.
American flag in deep blue sky curls in the pleasant sea breeze.
American flag in deep blue sky curls in the pleasant sea breeze.
I saw various folks in period costumes. This lady had a nice smile!
I saw various folks in period costumes. This lady had a nice smile!
Another photo of the ships behind the Berkeley. The red star is on the museum's B-39 Soviet diesel submarine which operated during the Cold War.
Another photo of the ships behind the Berkeley. The red star is on the museum’s B-39 Soviet diesel submarine which operated during the Cold War.
A land battery took part during the festival's cannon battles. A beautiful tall ship heads across the bay.
A land battery took part during the festival’s cannon battles. A beautiful tall ship heads across the bay.
View of historic bark Star of India from deck of HMS Surprise.
View of historic bark Star of India from deck of HMS Surprise.
Someone checks out the high masts of HMS Surprise, the ship used in the filming of Master and Commander starring Russell Crowe.
Someone checks out the high masts of HMS Surprise, the ship used in the filming of Master and Commander starring Russell Crowe.
Written on the ship's bell is HMS Rose, the original name of the Surprise.
Written on the ship’s bell is HMS Rose, the original name of the Surprise.
Two members of the Royal Guard enjoy a drink and snack on San Diego's Embarcadero during the Festival of Sail. They must be shore leave.
Two members of the Royal Guard enjoy a drink and snack on San Diego’s Embarcadero during the Festival of Sail. They must be on shore leave.
White sails, wooden ships, blue sky and living visions of maritime history.
White sails, wooden ships, blue sky and living visions of a rich maritime history.
Kids on deck of Star of India watch a cannon battle on San Diego Bay.
Kids on deck of Star of India watch a cannon battle on San Diego Bay.

A special thank you to everyone following Cool San Diego Sights. You all are the greatest! I just wanted to say that.

Where will we go next? I don’t know! Life is an adventure!

Evening photos at San Diego’s Festival of Sail.

Sailboat on a puddle of light behind the tall ship Pilgrim, as day ends at the Festival of Sail on San Diego's Embarcadero.
Sailboat in a puddle of light behind the tall ship Pilgrim.  Friday draws to an end at the Festival of Sail, on San Diego’s Embarcadero.

After work, I got off the trolley at Little Italy and walked down to the Embarcadero. I hoped to see a little of the Festival of Sail. Today was the first day of the big annual event!

Even though I missed the Parade of Sail across San Diego Bay, which took place in the afternoon, I managed to get a bit lucky! The day’s activities were over, the crowds had dissipated, and I didn’t need a ticket to enjoy a leisurely stroll alongside the many beautiful tall ships! Later this weekend I’ll buy a ticket during event hours and board the ships.  Stay tuned!

Until then, here are some photos of what I saw…

The Port of San Diego and the Maritime Museum are presenting the 2015 Festival of Sail, with lots of cool visiting tall ships, cannon battles, and other nautical stuff.
The Port of San Diego and the Maritime Museum are presenting the 2015 Festival of Sail, with lots of cool visiting tall ships, cannon battles, and other nautical stuff.
Photographer near the HMS Surprise takes photos of many masts along the waterfront beyond the Maritime Museum of San Diego.
Photographer near the HMS Surprise takes a photo of masts along the waterfront. Many tall ships are docked just beyond the museum’s Steam Ferry Berkeley.
I saw a number of people wearing old-fashioned costumes, including these folks riding a bike and a big-wheeled penny-farthing along the water!
I saw a number of people wearing old-fashioned costumes, including these folks riding a bike and a big-wheeled penny-farthing along the water!
Members of the United States Navy came jogging down the Embarcadero as the day came to an end in San Diego!
Members of the United States Navy came jogging down the Embarcadero as the day came to an end in San Diego!
Falling sun behind evening clouds and picturesque dark masts on San Diego Bay at the Festival of Sail.
The sun descends behind clouds.  Many high masts, yards, ropes and fluttering banners add character to beautiful San Diego Bay at the Festival of Sail.
Two crewmembers work high in the rigging of the Amazing Grace tall ship.
Two crew members work high in the rigging of the Amazing Grace tall ship.
The 2015 Festival Sail runs through Labor Day weekend. You'll find it downtown at the awesome Maritime Museum of San Diego!
The 2015 Festival Sail runs through Labor Day weekend. You’ll find it downtown at the awesome Maritime Museum of San Diego!

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Galleon San Salvador docked at Maritime Museum!

Replica of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo's galleon San Salvador is now docked at the Maritime Museum of San Diego, adjacent to their B-39 Soviet submarine.
The amazing replica of explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo’s galleon San Salvador is now docked at the Maritime Museum of San Diego, adjacent to their B-39 Soviet submarine.

The San Salvador, a full size replica of the historic Spanish galleon sailed by explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo up the coast of California, is now docked at the Maritime Museum of San Diego! I believe the museum’s newest ship arrived a couple days ago!

This morning was the very first time I saw the vessel on San Diego’s Embarcadero. Docked next to the museum’s B-39 Soviet-era Russian submarine, the San Salvador appears small compared to the other nearby tall ships. But the gentleman rowing the longboat in the next photograph informed me that she’ll really blossom once fully rigged and under sail. The San Salvador will then appear almost as large and amazing as the Californian, which is docked right across from it!

Looks like the San Salvador is ready in time for this Labor Day weekend’s Festival of Sail. On Friday she will lead a magnificent parade of visiting tall ships across San Diego Bay!

Gentleman from the Maritime Museum rows a longboat under ramp which leads to the HMS Surprise and other historic ships on San Diego Bay.
Gentleman from the Maritime Museum rows a longboat under ramp which leads to the HMS Surprise and other historic ships.
Full size replica of historic Spanish galleon San Salvador seen beyond dock of Anthony's Fish Grotto on San Diego's Embarcadero.
Full size replica of Spanish galleon San Salvador, seen beyond the dock of Anthony’s Fish Grotto on San Diego’s Embarcadero.

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An easy walk along Shelter Island’s Shoreline Park.

At the southwest end of Shelter Island, near the end of Shoreline Park, are some works of art. The female life-size bronze sculpture is Pacific Spirit, by James Hubbell, 2002.
At the southwest end of Shelter Island, near the end of Shoreline Park, are some works of art. The female life-size bronze sculpture is Pacific Spirit, by James Hubbell, 2002.

I was off from work yesterday. In the late morning I headed down to Shelter Island. It’s another of my favorite places. After a bite to eat, I enjoyed an easy, peaceful walk while gathering photos for future blog posts. Expect some cool sights in the coming weeks!

The path that extends the length of narrow Shoreline Park is just about perfect. The park itself is located at the very edge of the bay, stretching from one end of Shelter Island to the other. In one place the path traverses what seems to be more of a large parking lot than a park, but no matter. I love the place. It’s relaxed, usually non-crowded, and just beautiful. There are amazing views of San Diego Bay, sailboats and a large variety of ships, scenic Point Loma, a slice of ocean horizon, the distant Coronado Islands (when it isn’t hazy), busy Naval Air Station North Island and the skyline of downtown San Diego. I often see people sitting on lawn chairs with binoculars, just watching boats pass by, jets take off from North Island, and birds that wheel and dive through the blue sky.

People walk along the pathway which stretches down narrow Shoreline Park. Grass, benches and picnic tables invite both locals and tourists.
People walk along the pathway which stretches down narrow Shoreline Park. Grass, benches and picnic tables invite both locals and tourists.
Bougainvillea and lath provide shade on a sunny warm summer morning. Several of these structures are found along the park
Bougainvillea and lath provide shade on a sunny warm summer morning. Several of these structures are found along the park.
Bicyclist cruises past a raised Osprey nesting platform. A sign nearby provides an explanation.
Bicyclist cruises past a raised Osprey nesting platform. A sign nearby provides an explanation.
A large Navy warship entering San Diego harbor is seen beyond the Shelter Island pier. Downtown skyscrapers appear misty in the background.
A large Navy warship entering San Diego harbor is seen beyond the Shelter Island pier. Downtown skyscrapers appear misty in the background.
Fathom Bistro, Bait and Tackle sign at foot of Shelter Island fishing pier. They've been open a couple years now.
Fathom Bistro, Bait and Tackle sign at foot of Shelter Island fishing pier. They’ve been open a couple years now.
Someone next to the pathway along Shoreline Park balanced a bunch of rocks up on top of each other. Perhaps it was someone who was fishing.
Someone next to the pathway along Shoreline Park balanced a bunch of rocks up on top of each other. Perhaps it was someone who was fishing.
Another cool photo of Shelter Island's dinghy landing. I published a post with similar photos a year or two ago.
Another cool photo of Shelter Island’s dinghy landing. I published a post with similar photos a year or two ago.
Huge swaths of sand along the water are simply covered with gull tracks.
Huge swaths of sand along the water are simply covered with gull tracks.
Someone spreads a big bag of old bread along the small Shelter Island beach, sending the seagulls into a wild feeding frenzy!
Someone spreads a big bag of old bread along the small Shelter Island beach, sending the seagulls into a wild feeding frenzy!
It's a quiet weekday morning outside the Outboard Boating Club of San Diego's building near the Shelter Island boat ramp. A nearby flagpole is empty.
It’s a quiet weekday morning outside the Outboard Boating Club of San Diego’s building near the Shelter Island boat ramp. A nearby flagpole is empty.
At the base of the flagpole: The Holiday Express. This plaque cast of brass from the aircraft carrier USS Bunkerhill CV-17 is dedicated to that gallant ship and her courageous crew.
At the base of the flagpole: The Holiday Express. This plaque cast of brass from the aircraft carrier USS Bunkerhill CV-17 is dedicated to that gallant ship and her courageous crew.
Perhaps you remember my blog post "Wally the sociable sea lion greets boaters". I saw him again during another walk at the same boat launching area!
Perhaps you remember my fun blog post “Wally the sociable sea lion greets boaters.” I saw him again during another walk at the same boat launching area!
Floating peacefully along the edge of San Diego Bay, enjoying the calm water and bright sunshine.
Floating peacefully along the edge of San Diego Bay, enjoying the calm water and bright sunshine.
Someone ready to row off Shelter Island's dinghy landing, perhaps heading to a boat moored nearby.
Someone is ready to row off Shelter Island’s dinghy landing, perhaps heading to a boat moored nearby.

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San Diego and Yokohama: friendship, a girl and a bell.

A simple but meaningful pavilion stands at the west end of Shelter Island. It holds the Bell of Friendship.
A simple but meaningful pavilion stands at the west end of Shelter Island. It holds the Bell of Friendship.

At the west end of Shelter Island, which lies near the entrance to San Diego Bay, you’ll find a testament to the enduring friendship that has been established between two sister cities. San Diego and Yokohama are located on opposite sides of the wide Pacific Ocean, yet these two beautiful cities are closely connected.

In 1958 a large bronze traditional Japanese bell was dedicated on Shelter Island with great ceremony.  It’s located in a prominent spot; ships from countries throughout the world pass it every day. The bell, created by Masahiko Katori, one of Japan’s living National Treasures, was presented during a Centennial Celebration which marked a hundred years of formal relations between the United States and Japan. The bell hangs in a pavilion surrounded by a narrow moat of water and a space of green grass.

The Bell of Friendship, which is six feet high and almost two and half tons, is seldom rung; but on New Year’s Eve the ram strikes the heavy bronze, resonating deeply–many say spiritually–welcoming a hopeful future.

The Japanese Friendship Bell was presented by the City of Yokohama to the people of San Diego in 1958 as a symbol of eternal friendship.
The Japanese Friendship Bell was presented by the City of Yokohama to the people of San Diego in 1958 as a symbol of eternal friendship.
This magnificent bell was cast by the artist Masahiko Katori who has been designated as a living National Treasure by the government of Japan.
This magnificent bell was cast by the artist Masahiko Katori who has been designated as a Living National Treasure by the government of Japan.
The Japanese Friendship Bell is one of several landmarks that can be seen along the length of San Diego's park-like Shelter Island.
The Japanese Friendship Bell is one of several landmarks that can be seen along the length of Shoreline Park on Shelter Island.

At the front of the simple pavilion stands a three foot tall sculpture of a young girl. “The Girl in Red Shoes” by Japanese artist Munehiro Komeno debuted in 2010 and represents the friendship between the ports of San Diego and Yokohama. The sculpture portrays Kimi, a Japanese orphan who was adopted by a loving American couple in the 1920s. The girl was later diagnosed with tuberculosis and couldn’t leave Japan. The touching story has been told many times, and has become a symbol of the goodwill that exists between our two nations. Kimi holds a rose and carnation. The rose symbolizes Yokohama; the carnation is San Diego.

The Girl in Red Shoes by Munehiro Komeno. June 2, 2009. Kimi represents close friendship between the United States and Japan.
The Girl in Red Shoes by Munehiro Komeno. June 2, 2009. Kimi represents close friendship between the United States and Japan.
Biking past a unique and beautiful sight on a glorious summer day.
Biking past a unique and beautiful sight on a glorious summer day.

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Photos of good times at Chula Vista’s HarborFest!

Kid enters an inflatable floating cylinder walk-inside thingy on a narrow beach on San Diego Bay.
Kid enters an inflatable floating cylinder walk-inside thingy on a narrow beach on San Diego Bay.

Shame on me. After all these years, I’d never once visited Chula Vista’s Bayside Park, down in San Diego’s South Bay. When I saw that HarborFest would be held there today, I instantly decided to go. I’m glad that I did!

I’ll let the captions of these photographs tell the story of what I saw…

So much was going on at 2015 HarborFest at Chula Vista's Bayside Park, a really big sign was required!
So much was going on at 2015 HarborFest at Chula Vista’s Bayside Park, a really big sign was required!
Thousands turned out to just chill, enjoy the sunshine, devour food, listen to live music and have fun at HarborFest.
Thousands turned out to just chill, enjoy the sunshine, devour food, listen to live music and have fun at HarborFest.
The big annual South Bay event had lots of fun activities on the water, including paddleboarding, kayaking and Seal and Swift Boat tours of the bay.
The big annual South Bay event had lots of fun activities on the water, including paddleboarding, kayaking and Seal and Swift Boat tours of the bay.
These gents in festive old-fashioned costumes were providing music in one corner of the park by the water.
These gents in festive old-fashioned costumes were providing music in one corner of the park by the water.
Colorful canopies with vendors, community organizations and businesses were up and down the Chula Vista public park's walkways.
Colorful canopies with vendors, community organizations and businesses attracted attention up and down the Chula Vista public park’s walkways.
The Birch Aquarium, of Scripps Institution of Oceanography up in La Jolla, had lots of marine exhibits for folks to explore.
The Birch Aquarium, of Scripps Institution of Oceanography up in La Jolla, had lots of marine exhibits for folks to explore.
This tiny but proud Burrowing Owl was greeting humans over at the Living Coast Discovery Center tent. I've yet to go to the nature refuge, which is nearby. One day soon...
This tiny but proud Burrowing Owl was greeting humans over at the Living Coast Discovery Center tent. I’ve yet to go to the nature refuge, which is nearby. One day soon…
A boy helps slice lemons at one food vendor's tent.
A boy helps slice lemons at one food vendor’s tent.
And this kid is flying high courtesy of some bungee cords!
And this kid is flying high courtesy of some bungee cords!
I walked to the extreme north end of Bayside Park, where nobody else was. I took this photo of a massive travelift which hoists ships out of the water at Marine Group Boat Works.
I walked to the extreme north end of Bayside Park, where nobody else was. I took this photo of a massive travelift which hoists ships out of the water at Marine Group Boat Works.
I could glimpse the masts of the San Salvador and HMS Surprise, two ships of the Maritime Museum of San Diego, which are being worked on at this Chula Vista shipyard.
I could glimpse the masts of the San Salvador and HMS Surprise, two ships of the Maritime Museum of San Diego, which are being worked on at this Chula Vista shipyard.
Adults were sampling tacos and spirits in one area of the festival.
Adults were sampling tacos and spirits in one area of the festival.
I didn't know Rockin' Baja had a mascot!
I didn’t know Rockin’ Baja had a mascot!
Live music could be heard from several stages scattered along the length of HarborFest.
Live music could be heard from several stages scattered along the length of HarborFest.
A BMX stunt bike guy with Wheels in Motion went upside down to the delight of many onlookers!
A BMX stunt bike guy with Wheels in Motion went upside down to the delight of many onlookers!
A cool car show had a bunch of hot rods and vintage automobiles out on display.
A cool car show had a bunch of hot rods and vintage automobiles out on display.
Walking happily along, checking out some awesome cars.
Walking happily along, checking out some awesome cars.
Kids could practice casting a fishing rod from the pier at the south end of Bayside Park.
Kids could practice casting a fishing rod from the pier at the south end of Bayside Park.
A little guy lets the line fly!
A little guy lets the line fly!
These young fishermen are enjoying the water and a view of the Chula Vista Marina.
These young fishermen are enjoying the water and a view of the Chula Vista Marina.
This big heron sculpture at Bayside Park is titled The Fisherman by Stephen Fairfield. It was originally part of the Embarcadero's third Urban Trees art exhibition.
This great egret sculpture at Bayside Park is titled The Fisherman, by Stephen Fairfield. It was originally part of the Embarcadero’s third Urban Trees art exhibition.
Youth, grown-ups, or anybody at all were invited to paint on this canvas!
Youth, grown-ups, or anybody at all was invited to paint on this canvas!
On the Community Stage, a bunch of kids competed in a cooking contest hosted by SeaWorld's Executive Chef Axel Dirolf.
On the Community Stage, a bunch of kids competed in a cooking contest hosted by SeaWorld’s Executive Chef Axel Dirolf.
The most fun, in my opinion, was to be had by the water. It's HarborFest, after all!
The most fun, in my opinion, was to be had by the water. It’s HarborFest, after all!
I really am glad I went down to Chula Vista's HarborFest and finally explored the very cool Bayside Park.
I really am glad I went down to Chula Vista’s HarborFest and finally explored the very cool Bayside Park.

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