Member of the Maritime Museum of San Diego points to work being done on the Star of India while passersby watch with interest.
Look what I chanced upon today. As I approached the Embarcadero, I noticed a huge crane next to the Star of India. The restored top third of the foremast had just been installed! (You might recall from an earlier blog post this wooden section had suffered from rot and needed some work.)
While I stood and watched, the crane lifted two shrouds, one after another, to be attached to the foremast. Then came several cables! The activity above and below was fascinating to watch. I wish I had a more thorough understanding of all that I saw. Volunteers and employees of the Maritime Museum of San Diego were using their knowledge and skills to help preserve an important part of San Diego and world history!
Crane lifts up guys with a shroud, part of the ship’s standing rigging, to be attached to the starboard side of the newly installed, refurbished top third of the foremast.The ladder-like shroud dangles in the air, near the top of the foremast.Volunteers and employees of the Maritime Museum of San Diego watch from the deck below.Working high in the San Diego sky, above the oldest active sailing ship in the world. The beautiful Star of India was built in 1863.That first shroud is done. Those working on the Embarcadero beside the ship prepare the second shroud to be hoisted.Now it’s time to attach the second shroud to the port side.A worker on the foremast grabs hold.Back down again to solid ground!Lots of cables still need to be attached to the foremast, to help it resist the force of the wind, plus gravity and inertia when the tall ship pitches and rolls.One super strong, tarred cable awaiting installation is the starboard royal backstay. It will be attached to the masttop.Guys watch from the historic ship’s rail.Up goes one of the many cables that are part of Star of India’s rigging.A small bit of history in San Diego.Up they go! I bet the view is great!The bottom end of the cable is in place, now back up to the top of the foremast…Up, up…Higher…Intrigued by the operation, people watch from below. A member of the Maritime Museum of San Diego explains the proceedings.Another photo of one shroud being hoisted. I was told this work began early in the morning. As much work will be done today as possible!
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To enjoy future posts, you can also “like” Cool San Diego Sights on Facebook or follow me on Twitter.
Fiesta de Reyes in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park features a stage with live folklorico dancing!
Whenever I visit Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, I poke my head into Fiesta de Reyes. The Mexican-themed shops and restaurants are always lively and cheerful, but what I really hope to see is the folklorico dancing!
The colorful dancing takes place daily. Take a look at these photos and smile!
The outdoor stage is located near the Mexican-themed shops and restaurants of Fiesta de Reyes. Daily dancing is a popular attraction.Traditional Mexican dance includes colorful dresses and big smiles.Outdoor benches at Fiesta de Reyes allow visitors to relax and watch the free entertainment.Some performers in costume wait off to the side of the stage.Colorful banners behind the stage.A joyful scene of traditional Mexican folk dance.Between the stage and nearby outdoor restaurant is this stunning dancer. Art made entirely of succulents.Benches facing the stage include bits of cheerful folk art.An image of two smiling youth, holding hands.Fun mariachi sculptures on a wagon just inside the entrance to Fiesta de Reyes.Mexican culture on a sunny San Diego day.
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View from the Top of the Hyatt. The Marriott Marquis and its marina can be seen below, sparkling in the San Diego sunshine.
Perhaps the best view of downtown San Diego can be enjoyed through two observation windows on the 40th floor of the Manchester Grand Hyatt. Stand on Harbor Drive and face the beautiful hotel–the older, taller tower on the left is where you need to go.
Take the guest elevator to the 40th floor after 3pm, to the bar at the Top of the Hyatt, and the two observation windows await on either side of the elevator. No need to enter the bar.
Check out the amazing views to the north and to the south!
At the top of this 497 foot tower, the highest waterfront building on the West Coast, one can peer through two observation windows and enjoy phenomenal views of San Diego.Approaching the south observation window on the 40th floor of the Manchester Grand Hyatt.Looking to the south across San Diego Bay and past the Coronado Bay Bridge.From the same window, gazing to the southeast. A portion of downtown is visible. San Miguel Mountain and Otay Mountain rise in the distance.At the other window, looking northwest, past the hotel’s second tower, one can see a slice of San Diego Bay and Point Loma.To the north one can see another part of downtown, adjacent to the North Embarcadero.Written on the window are words from a popular children’s book. Oh the places you’ll go. Dr. Seuss.
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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!
You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of fun photos for you to share and enjoy!
A kid visiting the USS Midway Museum with family checks out the dizzying view from the end of one of the aircraft carrier’s projecting horns.
This morning I paid a visit to San Diego’s amazing USS Midway Museum.
During my short visit I ascended to the flight deck and walked around a bit. I couldn’t resist walking out to the end of one of the aircraft carrier’s bridle-arrest horns. The two downward sloping projections at the bow of the USS Midway allow visitors to stand high over San Diego Bay, with wide views across the water.
I took some photos!
Sign at bow of USS Midway aircraft carrier explains the function of bridle-arrest horns. They were used until the 1980’s. They are a vestige of an earlier era in carrier aviation.People walk down one horn for an amazing view of San Diego Bay.The Admiral Hornblower, beyond the second bridle-arrest horn, is heading in toward the Embarcadero after completing a harbor tour.And here comes the Spirit of San Diego right behind! Now I’m standing at the end of one horn, which hangs high over the blue water below!Five people were jetting around the bay on some fun personal watercraft.Photo aiming south from the end of the horn shows the Fish Market Restaurant, Tuna Harbor, a bit of Seaport Village and the San Diego–Coronado Bridge.A helicopter passes overhead. Active aircraft are a frequent sight near the four large Navy bases on San Diego Bay: Naval Base San Diego, Naval Air Station North Island, Naval Amphibious Base Coronado and Naval Base Point Loma.Looking back up toward the flight deck of the USS Midway. Some visitors are reading signs which describe the history of naval aviation–a history that originated at North Island across San Diego Bay.Looking down through safety nets fringing the carrier at sparkling water far below.After drinking in the incredible views, I headed back onto the flight deck.I noticed some school kids learning about the Midway from a docent.A look from the bow of the USS Midway back toward the aircraft carrier’s Island superstructure and downtown San Diego skyscrapers.Someone else walks out to the end of one horn. Across the water at North Island I see the active aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71).
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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!
Worker inside the processing window at Chesapeake Fish Company packages fresh fish. Their seafood products are used by nearby restaurants and shipped around the world.
Millons of pounds of fish are processed at San Diego’s Chesapeake Fish Company every year. The dock where local fishermen unload their fresh catch is just steps away.
Most visitors to San Diego’s Embarcadero don’t realize they can actually watch freshly caught fish being processed. Just north of Seaport Village, a window invites tourists and passersby to watch the fish cleaning and packaging operation. The friendly workers will even hold up the fish for photographs and sometimes wave!
The processing room is refrigerated, but this morning I still managed to get some decent photos through the thick, fogged, drippy glass window…
If you see this sign just north of Seaport Village, take a look into the big window. Workers inside might be cleaning fish caught in the ocean off San Diego!Near the processing window of Chesapeake Fish Co. is the small dock where fishermen unload their catch. Beyond is Tuna Harbor, full of commercial fishing boats.A worker holds up a de-boned fish for my camera!I believe these are the bones, heads and inedible parts that are removed from the fish during the cleaning operation.Two workers get dinner ready for seafood lovers!
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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!
The jaw-dropping night scene of a gigantic model train layout in Old Town San Diego!
During my walk through Old Town San Diego today, I stepped through an ordinary door into a fantastic dream! Before me stretched a positively enormous model train layout!
The Old Town Model Railroad Depot is a truly amazing attraction that anyone would enjoy seeing. The gigantic layout features O-Scale model trains, and as you can see in these photos, just lots of fun buildings, landscapes, moving figures and special effects.
I must say, in my opinion this layout even beats the two awesome O-Scale layouts at the San Diego Model Railroad Museum in Balboa Park. Now that really took some doing!
And the two guys I spoke to at the Old Town Model Railroad Depot were really friendly! Next time I walk past, you can be sure I’ll venture inside again!
The Old Town Model Railroad Depot is a cool attraction featuring a gigantic room full of working model trains! It’s one of the largest O-Scale layouts in the country!Fun gifts, artwork and items for model train hobbyists can also be purchased at San Diego’s unique Old Town Model Railroad Depot.A locomotive for sale among other unique and fascinating stuff.Lots of nostalgic historical railway posters decorate one wall.The huge train layout has two halves–one represents daytime, the other night. Kids can stand on platforms to see–and hear–all of the exciting action.Many model buildings populate the O-Scale train layout. It’s the same scale used by classic Lionel Trains.Tiny human figures and vehicles can be spotted everywhere one looks on the realistic layout.I really enjoyed the night side of the layout. It seemed even more realistic and dynamic. Special lighting effects include fireworks bursting over a stadium and lightning stabbing down from clouds!A tiny mechanic works in a tiny garage at night on a tiny truck.A detailed scene recreates firemen fighting a fire at night. I see miniature police, an ambulance, reporters and a small crowd of evacuated people!Your kids will go crazy. You have to see it to believe it. And it’s free! But leave a donation!
UPDATE!
I stepped into the Old Town Model Railroad Depot a second time! And I loved it even more than my first visit!
I met Gary Hickok, the creator of this stupendous layout, and learned he has been collecting the various pieces you see for 15 years. There are hundreds of tiny unique human figures, and they all seem to tell a story. Their unique poses are all part of a huge, bustling scene. The stories are often humorous!
Here are some more random photos that came out okay. These were all taken on the “day side” of the O-Scale model train layout. I hope you enjoy them!
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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!
Hikers descend from the summit of Cowles Mountain, which rises above San Diego’s San Carlos neighborhood.
Please enjoy the following photos. They are from a hike that I took yesterday to the summit of Cowles Mountain in Mission Trails Regional Park. Cowles Mountain, elevation 1,593 feet, is the highest peak in the city of San Diego. Because it’s located near so many urban residents, hundreds of hikers can be found on its trails on any given day.
Yesterday, around noon, I started from the trailhead at the Cowles Staging Area on Golfcrest Drive, and I slowly climbed the zigzagging trail to the summit. It’s a fairly steep ascent–one gains 950 feet in just 1.5 miles. Furthermore, yesterday the footing was more difficult than usual. A small stream was flowing down much of the muddy trail, due to the recent rain.
But the climb was definitely worth the effort!
The higher I ascended, the more fantastic the views became. At the top I could survey nearly all of San Diego and much of the surrounding region. From mountains to ocean, Mexico to North County and beyond–the spectacular views stretched in every direction!
Someone sits on the stone wall at the Cowles Staging Area. This is one of the most popular hiking trails in San Diego, and can be very crowded on weekends.A bench at the staging area had this small plaque. We walked, we talked and we became friends. Thank you little Tommy Sablan.Sign at the trailhead explains Cowles Mountain was named after a prominent San Diego ranching pioneer. His two ranches in the El Cajon valley were so successful he was named Raisin King of the US.Map shows trails to the summit of Cowles Mountain in Mission Trails Regional Park, which is the largest municipal park in the state of California.Sign near the trailhead. On a busy trail, etiquette should be observed to preserve the natural beauty and enhance the experience of other hikers.Starting up the 1.5 mile trail. The footing is stony in many places. This day it was also muddy due to recent rain.Pausing for a moment to look back down at the staging area.Another hiker, starting up toward the summit, appears to be prepared. A nearly 1000 foot climb is entailed. One should wear sturdy shoes and bring water. There is no shade.Looking westward as we ascend into a beautiful San Diego sky.Looking to the south, one can see the Mission Trails Golf Course and Lake Murray.A group hikes up the trail.The top of Cowles Mountain is on the left. First we will climb up that rise on the right.Rescues are often made on this trail due to its popularity. Many urban hikers aren’t prepared for this fairly strenuous trek. I spotted a few emergency markers which are used to locate people in distress.Up, up we go! The climb is relentless, with only a few short level stretches.As we climb higher on this clear day, it’s possible to see farther into the distance. I can barely detect downtown San Diego at the horizon.Many hikers had dogs, who enjoyed the hike, too. The scrubby vegetation and exposed boulders are common in the mountains and hills around San Diego.A better look at shining Lake Murray, a popular fishing destination.Rounding a corner, we can now see to the southeast. The nearer cone-like peak is Mt. Helix in La Mesa.As we continue toward the summit, the Barker Way Trail leads off to the east.Looking again to the southwest, toward downtown San Diego, very faint in the far distance.A zoomed photo. Downtown skyscrapers rise beside San Diego Bay. The Point Loma peninsula can be seen, as well.The trail zigzags among interesting rocky outcrops near the summit.A far view from high above San Diego. Looking to the southeast, I see prominent San Miguel Mountain. My hike earlier in the day (see the previous blog post) was a bit north of that mountain in East County.Once we cross this rocky expanse, we will be at the summit of Cowles Mountain, highest point in the city of San Diego!Plaque at the summit. Cowles Mountain is the dominant feature of Mission Trails Regional Park. It was named to honor George A. Cowles, a pioneer leader of San Diego County in the 1870’s.Sign shows sights from the south to the west, including distant Tijuana, Los Coronados Islands (which I could just barely see), the Silver Strand, Point Loma, Mission Bay and Mount Soledad.A second sign shows mountains from the north to southeast, including Mt. Woodson, distant San Jacinto, Palomar Mountain, Cuyamaca Peak, the Laguna Mountains, Otay Mountain and San Miguel Mountain.To the north, antennas rise from Cowles Mountain into the sky. I could see the Pacific Ocean coastline stretching into the distance in the northwest.Looking north beyond the antenna station. Highway 52 below descends from Mission Trails Pass east into Santee.Gazing northeast toward Santee and Lakeside and nearby mountains. At the very center is El Cajon Mountain.Gazing to the west one can see Mount Soledad, and distant office buildings in University City (also called the Golden Triangle) and Sorrento Valley. The ocean is a thin blue line.Sitting high in the sky, taking in some amazing views.
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This blog now features thousands of photos around San Diego! Are you curious? There’s lots of cool stuff to check out!
Here’s the Cool San Diego Sights main page, where you can read the most current blog posts. If you’re using a small mobile device, click those three parallel lines up at the top–that opens up my website’s sidebar, where you’ll see the most popular posts, a search box, and more!
To enjoy future posts, you can also “like” Cool San Diego Sights on Facebook or follow me on Twitter.
Cool map made of colorful words shows different neighborhoods, lakes, beaches and parks in San Diego.
I was walking through the Horton Plaza shopping mall this morning when I spotted this awesome map of San Diego decorating one side of a vendor’s cart. It shows our city’s neighborhoods using their colorful names! It’s so cool I had to take a picture!
I’m not sure whether this graphic is available for purchase, however. The vendor hadn’t opened yet. If I recall, they were on the ground level not far from the Jessop’s Clock.
Ready to board the small Pilot boat, one of many historic vessels at the Maritime Museum of San Diego. We’re going to enjoy a short harbor cruise!
A couple months ago I went on a short tour of San Diego Bay on the Pilot, a historic vessel owned by the Maritime Museum of San Diego. When you buy a ticket for the museum, you can pay a little extra and enjoy a fun look at San Diego’s harbor in the open air aboard the Pilot. I recommend it!
Come with me and get a small taste of what you’ll experience. Obviously, these few photographs are no substitute for the ocean breeze, sunshine and sparkling blue water.
A plaque indicates the 1914 Pilot Boat has 82 years of service and has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places. For decades it helped thousands of ships safely enter and exit San Diego Bay.Captain of the Pilot is getting ready to pull away from the floating museum.Here we go out onto San Diego Bay! I see Californian, the official tall ship of the state of California, to our left.It’s a pleasant day out on the water. We head initially in the direction of Shelter Island and Point Loma.We’ve turned southward and pass the ships of the Maritime Museum. Part of San Diego’s skyline is visible in this photo.There are two big cruise ships in port today. Some of these ships are larger than downtown buildings!Out toward Point Loma many sailboats are participating in a regatta.We’re continuing south and now I see the second cruise ship by the Port Pavilion.We’ve passed the USS Midway. Just enjoying the blue water and sunshine.Yay! We get to slow down to photograph sea lions sleeping on a harbor buoy.Beautiful sailboats were tilting in the breeze and many passed so close we could hear the canvas flapping.Looking south as we approach the Coronado Bay Bridge. Way off in the distance I see Mexico. Nearer, to the right, is a part of Coronado–the Naval Amphibious Base where Navy Seals train.Under the bridge we go, while looking east at two Navy ships.Shortly after passing under the bridge, we turn around and head back north near the shipyards. I see BAE Systems Ship Repair’s huge dry dock. These two friendly passengers were visiting San Diego.Back north of the Coronado Bay Bridge, now passing the 10th Avenue Marine Terminal.A magical look west toward sails, clouds and the descending sun.Here comes a speedy sailboat behind us!The handsome Manchester Grand Hyatt buildings. One can observe San Diego from two large windows on the 40th floor. They are in the tower on the right. This Hyatt is the tallest waterfront hotel on the West Coast.Our tour guide points toward Seaport Village. I see the silvery Marriott Marquis to the right.I love the G Street Pier and the fishing vessels that dock by it. Just beyond is Tuna Harbor. Sometimes I post photos of lobster traps and other cool stuff piled on this working pier.This harbor tour is going fast! We’re already passing under the immense bow of the USS Midway aircraft carrier museum.Some guys watch us from the end of Navy Pier near the USS Midway Museum.We’ve returned to the Maritime Museum of San Diego. There’s the beautiful Star of India, oldest active sailing ship in the world, one of our city’s prized gems.And here’s HMS Surprise. If this replica Royal Navy frigate looks familiar, you might have seen Russell Crowe walking her decks in the great movie Master and Commander.It’s the distinctive County Administration Building.About to tie up near the museum’s restored Swift Boat. I went on a ride aboard the Swift Boat some time ago. We went further south in the bay on that tour and got a good look at many active Navy ships.While I linger at the museum and check out lots of cool nautical stuff, the Pilot takes off on another fun tour. Should you visit San Diego, I recommend buying a ticket!
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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!
You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of fun photos for you to share and enjoy!
This is the first weekend visitors to the Star of India can walk on the beautiful new poop deck!
We all are a part of history. Sometimes it’s hard to remember that.
The people at the Maritime Museum of San Diego are contributing to history by restoring the main deck of the world-famous Star of India. The poop deck is finished! Visitors can now enjoy the beautiful new wood deck and varnished helm and imagine putting to sea steering the romantic wheel. On a historic tall ship that is now 153 years old!
The beautiful new wood deck underfoot is meant to last another 50 or so years. The bench along the saloon’s skylight will be sanded and varnished next.The 1863 Star of India is a world treasure. Its amazing, varied history includes circumnavigating the globe 21 times. It’s the oldest active sailing ship in the world!A visitor rang the ship’s cheerful bell while his friends talked near the binnacle and helm.The helm’s new varnish is still drying! In my dreams I command this amazing tall ship while standing at the wheel!A super nice Maritime Museum docent showed me how the steering mechanism works. The two opposing screw-like worms were made with amazing precision over 150 years ago!The port side of the main deck has been caulked! Now just to sand and apply several layers of sealing protection.The people at the Maritime Museum of San Diego are working hard to keep an important part of world history alive.The finished main deck on the starboard side. Soon the entire ship’s deck will be shiny like new!Folks enjoy a sunny San Diego day on the newly restored poop deck of the historic tall ship Star of India.
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This blog now features thousands of photos around San Diego! Are you curious? There’s lots of cool stuff to check out!
Here’s the Cool San Diego Sights main page, where you can read the most current blog posts. If you’re using a small mobile device, click those three parallel lines up at the top–that opens up my website’s sidebar, where you’ll see the most popular posts, a search box, and more!
To enjoy future posts, you can also “like” Cool San Diego Sights on Facebook or follow me on Twitter.
Cool San Diego Sights! 