Tag: southern california

Cool pics from a wonderful walk around Encinitas.

Welcome to the City of Encinitas, home of sun, surf, cool sights, and an endless summer.
Welcome to the City of Encinitas, home of sun, surf, cool sights, and a wonderful endless summer.

Here’s just a bunch of cool pics from my weekend walk around Encinitas. I mostly stuck to Coast Highway 101, often referred to as Pacific Coast Highway, south of Encinitas Boulevard.  I also took a short stroll along Cottonwood Creek down to beautiful Moonlight Beach, and a short walk to the D Street Viewpoint.

Surfer crossing sign on Pacific Coast Highway near trail to Moonlight Beach.
Surfer crossing sign on Pacific Coast Highway near trail to Moonlight Beach.
Approaching Moonlight Beach along Cottonwood Creek trail.
Approaching Moonlight Beach along Cottonwood Creek trail.
Pathway down to concession stand at beautiful Moonlight Beach.
Path down to concession stand at beautiful Moonlight Beach.
Just another perfect day at Moonlight Beach in Encinitas, California.
Just another perfect day at Moonlight Beach in Encinitas, California.
Gazing a short distance along the coast from a scenic overlook point.
Gazing a short distance along the coast from a scenic overlook point.
Sign on Pacific Coast Highway explains history and importance of Cottonwood Creek.
Sign on Pacific Coast Highway explains history and importance of Cottonwood Creek.
Gazing down at Cottonwood Creek nature trail from Pacific Coast Highway.
Photograph of Cottonwood Creek nature trail from Pacific Coast Highway.
Heading down PCH. Sculpture on street side is titled Encinitas Child, by artist Manuelita Brown.
Heading down old Coast Highway 101. Sculpture on street side is titled Encinitas Child, by artist Manuelita Brown.
Pacific Coast Highway through Encinitas won Great American Main Street award in 2004.
Pacific Coast Highway through Encinitas won Great American Main Street award in 2004.
Coast Highway 101 is one of the most amazing drives, especially through San Diego's North County.
Coast Highway 101 is one of the most amazing drives, especially through San Diego’s North County.
Cool sights as I walked included this big peace sign and tie dye design.
Cool sights as I walked included this big peace sign and tie dye design.
The big Encinitas landmark sign over South Coast Highway 101.
The big Encinitas landmark sign over South Coast Highway 101.
Colorful murals along the sidewalk in this happy, carefree beach town.
Colorful murals along the sidewalk in this happy, carefree beach town.
Public art shows sailors running their boat to shore through breakers.
Public art shows sailors running their boat to shore through breakers.
Lots of small shops, eateries and galleries line Pacific Coast Highway.
Lots of small shops, eateries and galleries line Pacific Coast Highway.
Classic image on building shows surfer and his longboard.
Classic image on building shows surfer and his longboard.
Cool street art on side of business just off Pacific Coast Highway.
Cool street art on side of business just off Pacific Coast Highway.
Electrical transformer box decorated with sun, surf and guitar.
Electrical transformer box decorated with sun, surf and guitar.
People wait at Swami's pedestrian crossing, with exotic golden domes of the Self-Realization Fellowship across PCH in the background.
People wait at Swami’s pedestrian crossing, with exotic golden domes of the Self-Realization Fellowship across PCH in the background.
Elephant mosaic on side of Self-Realization Fellowship gift shop.
Elephant mosaic on side of Self-Realization Fellowship gift shop.
Java Hut is a typical little beachy place.
Java Hut is a typical little beachy place.
Funky art along sidewalk is hung about a cactus.
Funky art along sidewalk is hung about a cactus.
Bikes and surfboards are abundant in sunny Encinitas.
Bikes and surfboards are abundant in sunny Encinitas.
Tile art on trash can depicts the D Street Viewpoint.
Tile art on trash can depicts the D Street Viewpoint.
Wooden stairs down to beach from D Street Viewpoint. Don't you wish you were here.
Photo of wooden stairs down to beach from D Street Viewpoint. Don’t you wish you were here?

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Colorful street banners in Encinitas along Coast Highway.

A happy dog tries to jump through space and catch the moon.
A happy dog tries to jump through space and catch the moon.

I got lots of pics yesterday during a long walk in Encinitas near the beach. I was amazed by all the different artistic banners on street lamps that line Coast Highway 101.

Very awesome! Check them out!

Elephants and a spiritual butterfly surfboard. Hindu imagery is popular in Encinitas near the beach, due to the presence of the visually distinctive Self-Realization Fellowship ashram.
Elephants and a spiritual butterfly surfboard. Hindu imagery is popular in Encinitas near the beach, due to the presence of the visually distinctive Self-Realization Fellowship ashram.
Bold art on a street banner along Pacific Coast Highway.
Bold art on a street banner along Coast Highway 101.
The Yogi Surf Crossing is a popular path for surfers, locals and tourists alike.
The Yogi Surf Crossing is a popular path for surfers, locals and tourists alike.
Another beautiful female figure in sunny beach destination Encinitas.
A beautiful female figure in sunny beach destination Encinitas.
I think these are two heart-covered puppy dogs, but I'm not sure.
I think these are heart-covered puppy dogs, but I’m not sure.
Playing a cool saxophone near the Pacific Ocean.
Playing a cool saxophone near the Pacific Ocean.
A typical beach scene with palm trees and setting sun.
A typical beach scene with palm trees and setting sun.
Artwork shows the coastline along San Diego's North County.
Artwork shows the coastline along San Diego’s North County.
Fun, lush art on many different banners on Encinitas street lamps.
Fun, lush art on many banners on Encinitas street lamps.
Surfers carry their boards on the beach at Swami’s Reef point break.
Surfers carry their boards on the beach at Swami’s Reef point break.
Exotic figure references Hinduism and Eastern philosophy. The world famous Swami's surfing spot is overlooked by the Self-Realization Fellowship grounds in Encinitas.
Exotic figure references Hinduism and Eastern philosophy. The world famous Swami’s surfing spot is overlooked by the Self-Realization Fellowship grounds in Encinitas.
Colorful image adds life to an already delightful beach town.
Colorful image adds life to an already delightful beach town.
Waves and sunset seem nestled in a tree above a street sign.
Waves and sunset seem nestled in a tree above a street sign.
Graphic shows dirt path down to the beach.
Graphic shows dirt path down to the beach.
Several jellyfish seem to soar through the blue sky.
Several jellyfish seem to soar through the blue sky.
Encinitas street banner depicts a tropical island girl.
Encinitas street banner depicts a tropical island girl.
A sleeping cat dreams of being a lion king!
A sleeping cat dreams of being a lion king!

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Cool sand sculptures at Sun and Sea Festival!

2014 Imperial Beach Sun and Sea sandcastle greets visitors.
2014 Imperial Beach Sun and Sea sandcastle greets visitors.

I had to take one more trip to Imperial Beach this summer because of another big, fun event by the pier. Today was the 2014 Sun and Sea Festival! The event replaces the U.S. Open Sandcastle Competition which came to an end back in 2011.

Master sandcastle builders who have won many international awards converged to demonstrate their craft and compete for top honors just north of the Imperial Beach pier. When I arrived, the creations were roughly half done. So I got a bunch of interesting photos of the artists in action!

Featured sand sculpture built by Kirk Rademaker of Sand Masters.
Featured sand sculpture built by Kirk Rademaker of Sand Masters.

This centerpiece sandcastle stood near the foot of the pier, adjacent to busy vendor tents, and a variety of other fun activities.

Crowd watches master sand sculptors creating fantastic works of art.
Crowd watches master sand sculptors creating fantastic works of art.

Looking north from the pier toward the field of action.

Teams north of Imperial Beach pier works on a detailed creations.
Teams north of Imperial Beach pier work on detailed creations.
Plastic fork with two tines removed is used to create stonework detail.
Plastic fork with two tines removed is used to create stonework detail.
Patience, planning and creativity on a Southern California beach!
Patience, planning and creativity on a Southern California beach!
Sand creations are sprinkled with water to prevent disintegration.
Sand creations are sprinkled with water to prevent disintegration.
Tall structure looks like an exaggerated Eiffel Tower.
Tall structure looks like an exaggerated Eiffel Tower.
Sand head props up photos used to model more amazing creations.
Sand head props up photos used to model  rat from Ratatouille.
One unique sand sculpture was all about dogs.
One unique sand sculpture was all about dogs.
A dog has its day at Camp Run a Mutt.
A beach dog has its day at Camp Run a Mutt.
A castle with tall spires in the Imperial Beach competition.
A castle with tall spires in the Imperial Beach competition.
The 2014 Sun and Sea Festival attracted many onlookers.
The 2014 Sun and Sea Festival attracted many onlookers.
Brushes are often used to smooth and contour the sand.
Brushes are often used to smooth and contour the sand.
Water and sand are mixed to form raw material.
Water and sand are mixed to form raw building material.
Close look at some detailed work getting started.
Close look at some detailed work getting started.
Artist works on a tire of a Transformers sand sculpture.
Artist works on a tire of a Transformers sand sculpture.

Unfortunately, the Transformers sculpture wasn’t too far along, so I couldn’t get more interesting pics.

I think this is an octopus.
I think this is an octopus.
Huge, complex sand sculpture with many team members working.
Huge, complex sand sculpture with many team members working.
Now and Then is the theme of this sculpture.
Now and Then is the theme of this sculpture.
Long straight edge turns a broad swath of level sand into a boardwalk.
Long straight edge turns a broad swath of level sand into a boardwalk.
I like how quaint this sandcastle appears!
I like how quaint this sandcastle appears!
The Sand Squirrels was one team competing at the festival.
The Sand Squirrels was one team competing at the festival.
Rocket's engine of the Futurama sand sculpture.
Rocket’s engine of the funny Futurama sand sculpture.
Robot appears to be doing some sun bathing!
Robot appears to be doing some sun bathing!
Super cool locomotive sand sculpture near the IB pier.
Super cool locomotive sand sculpture near the IB pier.
I liked this huge underground sand train most of all!
I liked this huge underground sand train most of all!
Everybody is watching the teams build their sand creations!
Everybody is watching the pros build their sand creations!
Kids on the pier's other side build castles, too!
Kids on the pier’s other side build castles, too!

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Art adds life beside the ocean in Imperial Beach.

Ocean Riders bronze sculpture by Wyland has three dolphins.
Ocean Riders bronze sculpture by Wyland has three dolphins.

Imperial Beach is in many ways a typical Southern California beach community. The Pacific Ocean and surfing are dominant themes. You see it in the local culture; you see it just about everywhere you turn.

The above photo is of a very cool sculpture just steps from the beach, in Imperial Beach’s Dunes Park. Ocean Riders, dedicated in 1996, was created by Wyland, a famous environmental artist who is known worldwide for his graceful depictions of marine animals.

Utility box on Seacoast Drive shows girl playing in the sand.
Utility box on Seacoast Drive shows girl playing in the sand.
Sea and Sky sculpture by Ken Smith.
Sea and Sky sculpture by Ken Smith.

The above sculpture can be found adjacent to the beach a short distance north of the Imperial Beach pier.  In 2009, it was part of an Urban Trees exhibition along San Diego’s Embarcadero.

Fantastic mermaid and shark street mural in Imperial Beach.
Fantastic mermaid and shark street mural in Imperial Beach.

This mural represents typical Imperial Beach street art. I found this on the side of a building on Palm Avenue.

Surfboard sculpture in outdoor museum.
Surfboard sculpture in outdoor museum.

You see in this pic one of 25 surfboard sculptures placed along Palm Avenue between 3rd Street and Seacoast Drive. They belong to The Imperial Beach Outdoor Surfboard Museum and represent the history of surfboard design dating from ancient times to 1985.

Shiny metal sculpture of abstract surfer on Palm Avenue.
Shiny metal sculpture of abstract surfer on Palm Avenue.
Cool surfboard rack on a bicycle near the beach!
Cool surfboard rack on a bicycle near the beach!

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A very cool photographer near Seaport Village.

Photographer near Seaport Village shows me some great stuff.
Photographer near Seaport Village shows me some great stuff.

Yesterday I took a leisurely walk past Seaport Village. I said hello to a gentleman in the nearby Embarcadero Marina Park North who was displaying some stunning framed photographs, hoping for a donation. I’d never seen him there before.

I’m glad I paused to chat. Ralph Guest is one cool dude. (And a much better photographer than me!) In semi-retirement, he’s just begun to show and sell his photographs. He spends a lot of time out east of San Diego in the desert, especially in and around Slab City, which he described for me. He’s taken many amazing photos of the place, and of the people, who are called Slabbers. The folks out in the desert are a laid-back, independent,  unique bunch. He described a place out there named East Jesus, where trash is converted into art and power is supplied entirely by solar power. According to Wikipedia, “The inhabitants of East Jesus…provide a refuge for artists, musicians, survivalists, writers, scientists, and laymen. They are dedicated to providing a working model of an improbable improvised community…” Sounds to me like a rather interesting place! Ralph has photos and videos that can be checked out via links on his website.

It’s great to meet new people!

Ralph Guest is a super cool and interesting guy!
Ralph Guest is a super cool and interesting guy!

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Some cool pics of the Imperial Beach pier.

Abstract surfboards welcome people to Imperial Beach pier.
Abstract surfboards welcome people to Imperial Beach pier. This public art is titled Surfhenge, by local artist Malcolm Jones.

Imperial Beach lies south of downtown San Diego, at the extreme southwest corner of the continental United States. The Imperial Beach pier is just a few miles from Mexico. This beach community is a perfect example of laid-back southern California, mostly just locals kicking back, a smattering of tourists, and a good vibe all around. The days are sunny and people are friendly.

Come stroll with me toward the pier and let’s see what’s going on!

Colorful surfboard arches frame a pier visitor.
Colorful acrylic surfboard arches frame a pier visitor. Surfhenge was dedicated in 1999.
Lifeguard tower behind palm trees and flags.
Lifeguard tower behind palm trees and flags.
Benches near the pier are made of surfboards!
Benches near the pier are made of many different style surfboards, representing different eras of the sport.
Imperial Beach pier beckons from the sand.
Imperial Beach pier beckons from the sand.
A few people on the beach on a spring weekday morning.
A few people on the beach on a spring weekday morning.
Looking down the length of the Imperial Beach pier.
Looking down the length of the Imperial Beach pier.
Fisherman cuts bait at one of the public sinks.
Fisherman cuts bait at one of the public sinks.
Gazing down at the blue Pacific on a nice day.
Gazing down at the blue Pacific on a nice day.
Approaching the Tin Fish restaurant at the end of the pier.
Approaching the Tin Fish restaurant at the end of the pier.
Window of Tin Fish restaurant at end of Imperial Beach pier.
Window of Tin Fish restaurant at end of Imperial Beach pier.
Pier pilings rise from an emerald ocean.
Pier pilings rise from an emerald ocean.

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Surfers ride waves near Imperial Beach pier.

Surfer rides a wave just below the Imperial Beach pier.
Surfer rides a wave just below the Imperial Beach pier.

Wow! Check out this first cool pic! Did that come out great, or what?

I’m in the middle of my week off from work, and today I went to Coronado again and biked down the Silver Strand to Imperial Beach. I’ve got more photos than you can shake a stick at!

What a beautiful day. I stood on the pier at a spot between the beach and breaking waves and tried to photograph a group of surfers below. Most of action was too far away for my little camera, but a few pics seem worth sharing…

Surfers wait for the perfect wave near Imperial Beach pier.
Surfers wait for the perfect wave near Imperial Beach pier.
Surfer gets ready to go for a ride.
Surfer gets ready to go for a ride.
Surfer riding a nice wave on a sunny day.
Surfer riding a nice wave on a sunny day.
Guy on surfboard just coasting along the foamy ocean surface.
Guy on surfboard just coasting along the foamy ocean surface.
No fishing in the surf zone on Imperial Beach pier.
No fishing in the surf zone on Imperial Beach pier.

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United States flag raised in Southern California.

united states flag raised in southern california

This historical plaque, located in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park’s grassy central Plaza de Las Armas, reads:

On this spot the United States Flag was first raised in Southern California by Lt. Stephen C. Rowan U.S.N. commanding Sailors and Marines July 29, 1846

Looking past the bronze plaque at a few Old Town buildings.
Looking past the bronze plaque at a few Old Town buildings.