Tag: san diego bay

Grass grows again at historic Lane Field!

Lanefield Park under construction at corner of Broadway and Harbor Drive.
Lanefield Park under construction at corner of Broadway and Harbor Drive.

This morning I walked past a huge project under construction at the corner of Broadway and Harbor Drive. I’m a tall guy, so I could easily peer over the surrounding fence.

The site of historic Lane Field is green with beautiful new grass!

It’s been many years since this hallowed spot in downtown San Diego needed a periodic mowing. I don’t recall ever seeing anything here but a large ugly asphalt parking lot. But once upon a time, half a century ago, this corner on San Diego’s waterfront featured a ballpark where the Pacific Coast League Padres played to large, enthusiastic crowds.

In 1925 the site was established as a Navy athletic field; it was also used for motorcycle and auto races. In 1936 the Works Progress Administration rebuilt the field to accommodate baseball. On March 31 of that year the first game was played, and the Padres beat Seattle 6-2. Lane Field would remain open for 22 exciting seasons.

Today, the old location of Lane Field is undergoing another transformation. It soon will feature a new hotel and public park. The 2-acre Lanefield Park includes a small grassy area shaped like a baseball diamond. As I gazed and took photos over the fence, I also noted a monument at home plate and a nearby plaque. Check out the above pic!

Here are two more pics I snapped early this morning…

New grassy park at site of Lane Field, where Pacific Coast League baseball Padres played.
New grassy park at site of Lane Field, where Pacific Coast League baseball Padres played.
New hotel being built next to Lanefield Park on San Diego's Embarcadero.
Hotel being built next to Lanefield Park on San Diego’s Embarcadero.

Lastly, here’s a pic of a cool mural on 11th Avenue not far from Petco Park, the present home of the Padres.  The photo mural shows the construction of Lane Field in 1936. As you can see, the ballfield was located right next to the bay!

East Village street mural shows photo of Lane Field under construction in 1936.
East Village street mural shows photo of Lane Field under construction in 1936.

UPDATE! The park, which now seems to be officially called Lane Field Park, is open! Here are some pics…

Lane Field Park is now open on San Diego's Embarcadero.
Lane Field Park is now open on San Diego’s Embarcadero.
A small part of the park resembles a baseball diamond with flat pitcher's mound.
A small part of the park resembles a baseball diamond with flat pitcher’s mound.
A monument and plaque commemorate original Lane Field in downtown San Diego.
Monument and plaque commemorate original Lane Field in downtown San Diego.
Legendary player Ted Williams of the Padres advises hitters to get mad.
Legendary player Ted Williams of the Padres advises hitters to get mad.
Lane Field Ballpark Site 1936-1957. First home of the PCL San Diego Padres.
Lane Field Ballpark Site 1936-1957. First home of the PCL San Diego Padres.

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A walk down to the water during sunrise.

January sunrise tints calm water of San Diego Bay.
January sunrise tints smooth water of San Diego Bay.

I feel so fortunate to live where I do. Early this morning I walked from Cortez Hill down to the water just to see, feel and breathe in the sunrise.

Morning light is reflected jewel-like from Point Loma's windows across the bay.
Morning light reflected jewel-like from many Point Loma windows across San Diego Bay.
Sun is about to rise beyond the sleepy USS Midway. Photo taken from Broadway Pier.
Sun is about to rise beyond the sleepy USS Midway. Photo taken from the Broadway Pier.
Sunlight reflects from silvery skyscraper beyond domes of the Santa Fe Depot.
Newborn daylight reflects from silvery skyscraper beyond domes of the Santa Fe Depot.
Birds take flight above palm trees in downtown San Diego.
As the sun lifts into the sky, birds take flight above palm trees in downtown San Diego.

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Timeline shows history of San Diego’s Embarcadero.

Images around a new pavilion near Broadway Pier show history of the Embarcadero.
Images around a new pavilion near Broadway Pier show history of the Embarcadero.

San Diego’s Embarcadero has undergone some major renovations. One of the new pavilions still under construction near the Broadway Pier features a large display that provides a timeline of the area’s history. Notable developments along the waterfront through the passing years are documented with historical photographs.

While many of these images concern more recent events, it still makes a fascinating visual time capsule. Here are some pics that I took!

1542: Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo claims San Diego Bay for Spain. He named it San Miguel Bay.
1542: Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo claims San Diego Bay for Spain. He named it San Miguel Bay.
1913: San Diego's Broadway Pier makes its debut. It certainly looks different today!
1913: San Diego’s Broadway Pier makes its debut. It certainly looks different today!
1930s: Baseball played across street. Lane Field was home of Pacific Coast League Padres.
1930s: Baseball played across street. Lane Field was home of Pacific Coast League Padres.
1962: San Diego Unified Port District is established.
1962: San Diego Unified Port District is established.
1970: Broadway Pier gets a makeover. A cruise ship terminal is added.
1970: Broadway Pier gets a makeover. A cruise ship terminal is added.
1976: North and South Embarcadero Marina Parks are dedicated.
1976: North and South Embarcadero Marina Parks are dedicated.
1980: Seaport Village becomes the newest San Diego attraction.
1980: Seaport Village becomes the newest San Diego attraction.
1985: North Embarcadero's Crescent area between Coast Guard station and Grape Street renovated.
1985: North Embarcadero’s Crescent area renovated.
1985: Princess Cruises bases its "Love Boat" in San Diego.
1985: Princess Cruises bases its “Love Boat” in San Diego.
1988: San Diego Yacht Club successfully defends America's Cup.
1988: San Diego Yacht Club successfully defends America’s Cup.
1989: San Diego Convention Center opens.
1989: San Diego Convention Center opens.
2003: First of six Urban Trees art exhibits along the Embarcadero.
2003: First of six Urban Trees art exhibits along the Embarcadero.
2007: Seward Johnson's Unconditional Surrender statue goes on display near USS Midway.
2007: Seward Johnson’s Unconditional Surrender statue goes on display near USS Midway.
2009: A record-breaking cruise ship season!
2009: A record-breaking cruise ship season!
2010: Port Pavilion opens on Broadway Pier. It's been over four years already! Time flies!
2010: Port Pavilion opens on Broadway Pier. It’s been over four years already? Time flies!
2011: America's Cup World Series regatta takes place on San Diego Bay.
2011: America’s Cup World Series regatta takes place on San Diego Bay.
2011: North Embarcadero Project (Phase 1) passes.
2011: North Embarcadero Project (Phase 1) passes.
2012: North Embarcadero Visionary Plan breaks ground nearby.
2012: North Embarcadero Visionary Plan breaks ground nearby.
2012: Ruocco Park immediately north of Seaport Village is dedicated.
2012: Ruocco Park immediately north of Seaport Village is dedicated.
2012: Port of San Diego turns 50 years old.
2012: Port of San Diego is 50 years old.
2013: San Diego's historic Star of India tall ship turns 150 years old.
2013: San Diego’s historic Star of India tall ship turns 150 years old.
2014: Lots of cool waterfront improvements opened, including this pavilion!
2014: Lots of cool waterfront improvements opened, including this pavilion!

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Crazy donut-shaped boat features a barbeque!

This crazy boat shaped like a donut features a huge central barbeque!
This crazy boat shaped like a donut features a large central barbeque!

I walked about Coronado yesterday and got material for a few blog posts.  First, check out this crazy watercraft!  I saw it while walking along Glorietta Bay and thought–what the heck is that?!?!  It’s a floating barbeque! I’ve seen pictures of jacuzzi boats, but never something inventive resembling this!  I wonder what the Coast Guard thinks of the thing.  To me, it looks like fun!

The Barbeque Donut can be found at Seaforth boat rental dock in Coronado.
The Barbeque Donut can be found at Seaforth boat rental dock in Coronado.

Perhaps you saw my post a little over a year ago about the very cool “Imagine Tent City” public artwork on Coronado. It stands just south of where I took the above pics. Well, I got many more really great photographs and have added them to that old post. You might enjoy checking it out!

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Float your boat on San Diego Bay!

Fishermen enjoy a day on San Diego Bay with downtown skyline in background.
Fishermen enjoy a day on San Diego Bay with downtown skyline in background.

I made a discovery last weekend as I searched through hundreds of old pics on my computer. It seems I really like to photograph anything that floats in San Diego Bay! There’s just something very striking about purposeful objects that move across the sparkling water. Here’s a variety of photos…

Ferry approaches Coronado while navigating past other ships and boats.
Ferry approaches Coronado while navigating past other ships and boats.
Kayakers paddle under the Coronado Ferry Landing pier.
Kayakers paddle under the Coronado Ferry Landing pier.
Kayaker checks out the water underneath Joe's Crab Shack.
Kayaker checks out the water underneath Joe’s Crab Shack.
Paddling away on San Diego Bay. Looks like a fun adventure!
Paddling away on San Diego Bay. Looks like a fun adventure!
Guy in small inflatable with bucket, net and fishing rods hopes to catch something.
Guy in small inflatable with bucket, net and fishing rods hopes to catch something.
USS Ardent (MCM-12) mine countermeasures Navy ship cruises along the bay.
USS Ardent (MCM-12) mine countermeasures Navy ship cruises along the bay.
Huge Dole cargo ship brings in millions of bananas from Central America.
Huge Dole cargo ship brings in millions of bananas from Central America.
Sailboat heads out from Shelter Island Yacht Basin past Scripps research ship Melville.
Sailboat heads out from Shelter Island Yacht Basin past Scripps research ship Melville.
Billowing sail is colorful under San Diego blue sky.
Billowing sail is colorful under San Diego blue sky.
Man casts from shore of Shelter Island, hangars on North Island in the background.
Man casts from shore of Shelter Island, hangars on North Island in the background.
A bunch of beautiful yachts in a row behind the San Diego Convention Center.
A bunch of beautiful yachts in a row behind the San Diego Convention Center.
Boats docked in large marina between Harbor Island and Spanish Landing.
Boats docked in large marina between Harbor Island and Spanish Landing.
Maritime Museum of San Diego's Swift Boat, PCF-816, returns from a harbor cruise.
Maritime Museum of San Diego’s Swift Boat, PCF-816, returns from a harbor cruise.
The Harbor Island Fuel Dock is always a hub of boating activity.
The Harbor Island Fuel Dock is always a hub of boating activity.
Sailboat leans on sparkling water of our endlessly fascinating big bay.
Sailboat leans on the sparkling water of our endlessly fascinating Big Bay.

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Improvements on North Embarcadero celebrated!

Roving lady stilt walker with parasol welcomes people to Broadway Pier celebration.
Roving lady stilt walker with parasol welcomes people to Broadway Pier celebration.

I really enjoyed checking out a special event around the Broadway Pier today. San Diego’s bayfront is in the middle of a very large-scale multi-year renovation, and the completion of the North Embarcadero Visionary Plan Phase I was marked this afternoon with a public celebration!

The big Port Pavilion on the pier itself and various improvements and new structures around the foot of the pier have added color, new life and functionality to an area popular with both tourists and locals. A once narrow sidewalk is now a broad promenade, with lots of fun and exciting new features. There are new benches, shady pavilions, beautiful landscaping and other welcome amenities.

I’ll post some of my better photos, and you can enjoy a bit of what I saw…

San Diegans check out a revamped part of the North Embarcadero.
San Diegans check out the newly revamped section of the North Embarcadero.
Benches along Harbor Drive are festive today for the celebration
New benches along Harbor Drive are festive today for the celebration
Musicians at foot of Broadway Pier entertain folks for the Port of San Diego.
Musicians near entrance to Broadway Pier entertain folks for the Port of San Diego.
A crazy magician wowed young and old on the action-packed pier today.
A crazy magician wowed young and old on the action-packed pier today.
Exactly who are you pointing at!
Exactly who are you pointing at?
New tables and chairs provide great view of the bay at end of Broadway Pier.
New tables and chairs provide great view of the bay at end of Broadway Pier.
Brave souls soar down a zip-line with a docked cruise ship in background.
Brave souls soar down a zip-line with a docked cruise ship in background.
A kids fun zone featured a very cool Seal Tours amphibious vehicle.
A kids fun zone near the pier featured a very cool Seal Tours amphibious vehicle.
Chalk art created on the pier celebrates San Diego sights and tourism.
Chalk art created on the pier beneath the zip-line celebrates San Diego sights and tourism.
Artist of Mexikota Art works on a canvas south of the pier near Harbor Drive.
Artist of Mexikota Art works on a canvas south of the pier near Harbor Drive.
Folks check out a new sign which features nearby places on the Embarcadero.
Folks check out a new sign which features nearby places on the Embarcadero.
The unique design on this restroom was created by renowned artist Pae White.
The unique design on this restroom was created by renowned artist Pae White. This artwork is titled Birds’ Words.
Art for the North Embarcadero improvement was created by Pae White.
Art for the North Embarcadero improvement was created by Pae White. The pavilion buildings’ glass colors were selected based on how sunlight affects the bay.
Mariachis take a break between performances near one new colorful pavilion.
Mariachis take a break between performances near one new colorful pavilion.
Mural around walls of a pavilion shows timeline of this bustling stretch of San Diego Bay.
Mural around walls of a pavilion shows timeline of this bustling stretch of San Diego Bay.
Both North and South Embarcadero have seen dramatic changes over the decades.
Both North and South Embarcadero have seen dramatic changes over the decades.
More colorful glass artwork incorporated into a new pavilion.
More colorful glass artwork incorporated into a new pavilion along Harbor Drive.
San Diego's waterfront has become more beautiful, user-friendly and interesting!
San Diego’s waterfront has become more beautiful, user-friendly and interesting!

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Aircraft Carrier Memorial on San Diego Bay.

Man points out a recent fleet carrier name on the Aircraft Carrier Memorial.
Man points out a recent fleet carrier name on the Aircraft Carrier Memorial.

Take a stroll down the Greatest Generation Walk on San Diego’s Embarcadero and you’re likely to see people standing beside the Aircraft Carrier Memorial, just gazing at the long list of historic Navy ships. Many will run their hand along the black marble obelisk as they search for the ship on which they or a loved one served.

The listed names include every fleet carrier, training carrier, light carrier, escort carrier, and amphibious assault ship from American history. Well, almost. I’ve noticed the fleet carrier section has run out of space, and the last ship named is the Ronald Reagan (CVN-76). No room remains to engrave the more recent USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77).

Sculpture of a sailor who served aboard a flattop.
Sculpture of a sailor who served aboard a flattop.
Obelisk of Aircraft Carrier Memorial remembers past ships from history.
Obelisk of Aircraft Carrier Memorial remembers past ships from naval history.

The memorial, whose bronze figures were sculpted by artists T.J. Dixon and James Nelson, contains the following words:

The advent of the aircraft carrier revolutionized modern naval warfare. This memorial was conceived by aircraft carrier veterans to honor this nation’s carriers and the personnel who proudly served aboard them. Powered by the human soul, these ships changed the course of history.

This site is known as the old navy “fleet landing”…where countless thousands of servicemen boarded boats that transported them to their ships.

The names of all U.S. Navy aircraft carriers and their hull numbers are inscribed hereon…from the smallest to the largest. Every “flattop” is of equal distinction…none above the other. The personnel who manned, fought and in some cases perished aboard these ships were and are a part of the finest Navy and Marine Corps in the world.

Sculpture of a naval aviator who flew from a carrier.
Sculpture of a naval aviator who flew from a carrier.
The Aircraft Carrier Memorial can be found on San Diego's Greatest Generation Walk.
The Aircraft Carrier Memorial can be found on San Diego’s Greatest Generation Walk.

The Greatest Generation Walk is located on San Diego Bay, just south of the USS Midway Museum.

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Mermaid, binoculars, and a rainbow-making kite.

Mermaid with a megaphone on the bay side of the narrow Canyon Path.
Mermaid with a megaphone on the bay side of the narrow Canyon Path.

A mermaid emerges near the edge of beautiful San Diego Bay. She summons people from the bustling city with her megaphone…

Man with binoculars peers into dark alley between convention center and Marriott.
Man with binoculars peers into dark alley between convention center and Marriott.

A man with binoculars peers between the San Diego Convention Center and the Marriott Marquis hotel. He heard the mermaid’s siren call, and is trying to catch a glimpse.  She seems to be waiting at the end of a long, mysterious passageway…

Unique entrance to hidden walkway that provides bay access.
Unique entrance to partially hidden walkway that provides easy bay access.

Will these people walking along succeed in finding the elusive mermaid?  Turn left!  Turn left!

Walking through narrow Canyon Path between buildings.
Walking through narrow Canyon Path between buildings.

The mermaid seems to be somewhere ahead. The narrow Canyon Path between buildings is shadowy and filled with dark trees and bushes. It’s a bit scary. Where are we going? Are we lost?

Prismatic kite in blue sky above the Canyon Path.
Prismatic kite in blue sky above the Canyon Path.

Look up! It’s a shining kite in the blue sky!

Colorful light like a rainbow cast by prism kite onto building side.
Colorful light like a rainbow is cast by prism kite onto building side.

As we approach the mermaid on the opposite side, a beautiful rainbow-like splash of color appears on the Canyon Path’s vertical side! This secret place seems to be filled with magic!

The mermaid, man with binoculars and prismatic kite are all part of public art called The Benefit of Mr. Kite. This fun artwork was created to draw attention to an easily overlooked 925-foot long  pedestrian accessway between the convention center and Marriott Marquis hotel, leading from Harbor Drive to the Marriott Marina on San Diego Bay. The artists responsible for our magical journey are Mags Harries and Lajos Héder!

UPDATE!

Look what I saw during a later walk through the passageway!

IMG_7205z

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World’s largest single-masted yacht in San Diego!

Mirabella V is the largest single-masted yacht in the world! It's gigantic!
Mirabella V is the largest single-masted yacht in the world! It’s gigantic!

I had to blink my eyes a couple times during my walk today. I was behind the San Diego Convention Center, where lots of visiting super yachts are docked, and I couldn’t believe what I was seeing.

That huge ship in front of me looked like the largest sailboat on planet Earth!

As it turned out, my first impression wasn’t far from the truth!

A little searching on the internet proved that I had spotted the Mirabella V (today more commonly called M5), a sloop-rigged super yacht launched in 2003. Registered in the Isle of Man, it’s the largest single-masted yacht ever built. It’s 292 feet high! That’s almost the height of a 30-story skyscraper! It’s so tall, it won’t fit under any bridge accessible from the ocean. Not even the Golden Gate Bridge!

It’s hard to appreciate the mind-boggling immensity of this amazing vessel with these quick pics, but I thought they were worth sharing anyway.

You never know what extraordinary thing you’ll encounter during an ordinary stroll!

People walk past huge boat docked behind convention center.
People walk past huge boat docked behind convention center.
A cool, unexpected sight. Mirabella V is visiting San Diego on this sunny October day.
An unexpected sight. Mirabella V is visiting San Diego on a sunny October day.

Here are a couple more pics I snapped on October 19…

People walk toward Hilton hotel and giant mast of a world-record super yacht.
People walk toward Hilton hotel and giant mast of a world-record super yacht.
Mirabella V has a mast that is higher than nearby San Diego buildings!
Mirabella V has a mast that is higher than nearby San Diego buildings!

Here’s another pic I took in March 2015…

People enjoying a day on San Diego Bay return to sailing super-yacht M5.
People enjoying a day on San Diego Bay return to sailing super-yacht M5.

Check out what I saw on April 12, as I was walking along!

During another walk I noticed an airplane in the water beside M5.
During another walk I noticed an airplane in the water beside M5.
The super-yacht's crane lifts the small seaplane from San Diego Bay into the air!
The super-yacht’s crane lifts the small seaplane from San Diego Bay into the air!
Crew members pull on ropes to swing the airplane toward the ship's deck.
Crew members pull on ropes to swing the airplane toward the ship’s deck.
This tiny seaplane is about to be set on a super gigantic sailing ship!
This tiny seaplane is about to be set on a super gigantic single-masted sailing yacht!
The plane is secured to the rear deck of the amazing M5 yacht.
The plane is secured to the rear deck of the amazing M5 yacht.

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Wally the sociable sea lion greets boaters.

Forgive me for telling the following very silly story.  I suppose I like this short story because it happens to be true.

As always, please follow the captions…

A beautiful day on Shelter Island and kayakers approach the boat ramp area.
A beautiful day on Shelter Island and kayakers approach the boat ramp area.
A fisherman has arrived on a boat and he's tossing leftover bait to pelicans and gulls.
A fisherman has arrived on a boat and he’s tossing leftover bait to pelicans and gulls.
And look who else is tagging along--it's Wally the sea lion!
And look who else is tagging along–it’s Wally the sea lion!
Wally is looking for a free meal, himself. A large fish would be very nice!
Wally is looking for a free meal, himself. A large fish would be very nice!
Wally spots some new arrivals coming into the little boat ramp area.
Wally spots some new arrivals coming into the little boat ramp area.
It's the kayakers! Wally comes on by to look things over and say hello.
It’s the kayakers! Wally greets everyone and quickly looks things over.
Some curious, sociable mammals (and a few birds) enjoy a moment together.
Some curious, sociable mammals (and a few birds) enjoy a moment together.

The fisherman told me the California sea lion’s name is Wally. He told the kayakers the same thing. So it seems his name must be Wally!

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