Tag: walking

Early morning photos of a walk down Eighth Avenue.

Sunrise in downtown San Diego. Photo taken from Eighth Avenue and A Street.
Sunrise in downtown San Diego. Photo taken from Eighth Avenue and A Street.

Early yesterday morning I walked down Eighth Avenue, from the top of Cortez Hill to Petco Park. Here are a few random, interesting photos…

Blue Sky apartment tower under construction in downtown San Diego.
Blue Sky apartment tower under construction in downtown San Diego.
Cool street art visible from Eighth Avenue, south of Broadway.
Cool street art visible from Eighth Avenue, south of Broadway.
Early morning activity in front of Lucky D's Hostel.
Early morning activity in front of Lucky D’s Hostel.
Some faded utility box artwork on a sidewalk in San Diego's East Village.
Some faded utility box artwork on a sidewalk in San Diego’s East Village.
A boy jumps rope on one October morning in a downtown San Diego parking lot.
A boy jumps rope on one October morning in a downtown San Diego parking lot.
Birds in a row atop a street lamp. Bright clouds as day begins.
Birds in a row atop a street lamp. Bright clouds as day begins.
Surveyors have begun their work early in a parking lot beside Market Street. Another utility box with colorful street art.
Surveyors have begun their work early in a parking lot beside Market Street. Another utility box with colorful street art.
The recently completed Sempra building, just north of Petco Park, reflects clouds and blue sky in the morning.
The recently completed Sempra building, just north of Petco Park, reflects clouds and blue sky in the morning.
Worker inside old brick building that is being renovated. Cool posters in windows advertise Underground Elephant.
Worker inside old brick building that is being renovated. Cool posters in windows advertise Underground Elephant.

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A beautiful, hidden fountain forgotten by time.

Looking north at steps that lead down from the quiet, stately Balboa Park Administrative Building Courtyard.
Looking north at steps that lead down from the quiet, stately Balboa Park Administrative Courtyard.

A few weeks ago I meandered about Inspiration Point in Balboa Park. Walking slowly, pausing often, going nowhere in particular. Just seeing what I might see.

At the south edge of the Balboa Park Administrative Courtyard, I stood and gazed down the hill toward a corner of downtown San Diego. You might remember my blog about the courtyard. It’s a place that very few people know about. It’s peaceful, green, a bit of heaven. A place of solitude.

As I stood, I glanced down some steps leading toward a seemingly unremarkable patch of trees. A dusty lot next to the trees contained dozens of parked city Park and Recreation trucks. I wondered to myself if the public was permitted to walk down those steps, into what appeared to be a city work area.

This mysterious path seems to lead to a jumble of trees and a dusty parking lot full of city Park and Recreation trucks.
This mysterious path seems to lead to a jumble of trees and a dusty parking lot full of city Park and Recreation trucks.

Then I saw the blue among the trees. Was that water?

No sign indicated I couldn’t investigate. So I did.

And what I found took my breath away.

Beautiful Bird of Paradise in a section of Balboa Park where the public almost never goes.
Beautiful Bird of Paradise in a section of Balboa Park where the public almost never goes.
Entering a magical hollow in the trees, where a shining blue pool and small fountain await.
Entering a magical hollow in the trees, where a shining blue pool and small fountain await.

The trees seemed a forgotten oasis. At their center shined a lonely pool and a small fountain in the form of a child. The cherub seemed to be holding open the mouth of a carp, or perhaps reading a book–I don’t know.

The strange fountain appeared to occupy a magical place, entirely removed from the surrounding world.

What was it?

An email to the Friends of Balboa Park, an organization whose office is in the nearby Balboa Park Administration Building, provided a bit of information.

The person who replied parks her car in the lot not far from the pool and fountain, and she was completely amazed. She’d didn’t know of its existence.

Ranger Kim, who also works in the building, and who knows volumes about the history of Balboa Park, indicated that the fountain was left over from the 1920’s when the U.S. Navy built a large hospital campus in the immediate area.

In the 1980’s, the land was given to the city in exchange for acreage in Florida Canyon, where the new Naval Medical Center San Diego was built. The buildings from the 1920’s were eventually demolished, except for a Navy chapel, the administration building and its stately courtyard, and a nearby medical library and auditorium building. Today the chapel contains the Veterans Museum and Memorial Center; the administration building contains Balboa Park’s headquarters.

And, of course, magic remains where very few people go: a small fountain that healed spirits at the old Navy complex. A beautiful, hidden fountain forgotten by time.

The lonely fountain is in the form of a child. A few empty benches surround the tiled pool.
The lonely fountain is in the form of a child. A few empty benches surround the tiled pool.
This fountain is left over from the Navy hospital campus built in this area in the 1920's.
This fountain is left over from the Navy hospital campus built in this area in the 1920’s.
The figure seems to be holding open the jaws of a fish, or perhaps reading a book.
The figure seems to be holding open the jaws of a fish, or perhaps reading a book.
A beautiful, hidden fountain forgotten by time.
A beautiful, hidden fountain forgotten by time.

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Sunshine in paradise: a walk about Mission Bay.

The sun glows behind a pair of palm trees at the edge of Mission Bay.
The sun glows behind a pair of palm trees at the edge of Mission Bay.

Late this morning I headed to the Pacific Islander Festival, which took place in the grassy Ski Beach Park near the center of Mission Bay. I’ll get my photos ready and blog about it shortly!

On the way to the festival and afterward, I took a long, leisurely walk. Mission Bay might be the best place in San Diego for an easy saunter through sunshiny paradise.

When I say Mission Bay Park is a paradise, that’s no exaggeration. Grassy parkland, beaches, islands, resorts and marinas are found everywhere you go, whether by foot, bicycle, roller skate, car or boat. Its 4,235 acres make it the largest man-made aquatic park in the nation. Roughly half land and half water, what was originally a lagoon at the mouth of the San Diego River has been transformed into one of our city’s most popular destinations. Especially during the summer.

But summer is over and the crowds have thinned. Perfect for a quiet, thoughtful walk.

Here are a few random pics…

A fisherman rows a kayak near sailboats docked at Paradise Point Resort on Vacation Isle.
A fisherman rows a kayak near sailboats docked at Paradise Point Resort on Vacation Isle.
Mission Bay Park is the largest man-made aquatic park in the United States. Its 4,235 acres is a wonderland of blue water, islands, beaches, resorts, marinas, and tree-shaded grass.
Mission Bay Park is the largest man-made aquatic park in the United States. Its 4,235 acres is a wonderland of blue water, islands, beaches, resorts, marinas, and tree-shaded grass.
Skateboarding over the Ingraham Street bridge between Vacation Isle and Dana Landing. A seagull on every lamp post!
Skateboarding over the Ingraham Street bridge between Vacation Isle and Dana Landing. A seagull on every lamp post!
Looking down from the bridge. It's a quiet Sunday after Labor Day, and few people are about. Mission Bay is a perfect place for a long, sunny walk in San Diego!
Looking down from the bridge. It’s a quiet Sunday after Labor Day, and many benches are empty. Mission Bay is a perfect place for a long, sunny walk in San Diego!
Light reflected on water and shore rocks form a contrast.
Light reflected on water contrasted with shore rocks.
A small pleasure boat glides through South Cove and is ready to pass under the Ingraham Street bridge.
A small pleasure boat glides through South Cove and is ready to pass under the Ingraham Street bridge.
A colorful sail and reflection on smooth water at the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Marina.
A colorful sail and reflection on smooth water at the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Marina.
Just fishing on a Sunday by the bridge north of Quivira Basin. It crosses over Mission Bay Channel and leads to nearby Mission Beach.
Fishing on a Sunday by the bridge north of Quivira Basin. It crosses over Mission Bay Channel and leads to nearby Mission Beach.
Broad blue water and folks recreating on Mission Bay. Every type of small boat you can imagine can be spotted on any given day.
Broad blue water and folks recreating on Mission Bay.  Kayaks, paddle boards, peddle boats, sailboats, windsurfers and fishing boats can be spotted on any given day.

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Introducing a small world full of beauty.

Rainbow Sorbet
There are beautiful things everywhere.

This world might be small, but it’s overflowing with beauty. I see it on every walk. Every day.

So I thought I’d start a new blog called A Small World Full of Beauty.  Click the link!

My new blog will concentrate on two of my favorite things–photography and writing. I hope that it will inspire you.

Come along! I’m about to go outside! What will I find?

Preparing for another delicious day in Little Italy.

Typical early morning deliveries in Little Italy include kegs of beer and boxes of spirits.
Typical early morning deliveries in Little Italy include kegs of beer and boxes of spirits.

Another early morning stroll. Today: through Little Italy. Trucks were lined up on India Street, delivering to many popular restaurants. You like Italian? You like a friendly neighborhood with history and character? This is the place to go.

Food delivery truck advertisement promotes San Diego Restaurant Week, September 20-27.
Food delivery truck advertisement promotes San Diego Restaurant Week, September 20-27.
Pulling the dolly up a ramp, getting ready to retrieve potatoes and other fresh ingredients for a tasty Italian meal.
Pulling the dolly up a ramp, getting ready to retrieve potatoes and other fresh ingredients for a tasty Italian meal.
Plaque in sidewalk on Date Street declares A nickel will get you on the subway, but garlic will get you a seat. Old New York Proverb
Plaque in sidewalk on Date Street declares: A nickel will get you on the subway, but garlic will get you a seat. Old New York Proverb
A second plaque further down the sidewalk proclaims Las cosas claras y el chocolate espeso. Ideas should be clear and chocolate thick. Spanish Proverb
A second plaque further down the sidewalk proclaims: Las cosas claras y el chocolate espeso. Ideas should be clear and chocolate thick. Spanish Proverb
Little Italy street banner shows actor Danny DeVito enjoying a drink.
Little Italy street banner shows actor Danny DeVito enjoying a drink.
An umbrella and chairs that will soon be arranged for casual alfresco dining.
An umbrella and chairs that will soon be arranged for casual alfresco dining.
Lady inside Little Italy eatery is busy preparing for another delicious day. Buon Appetito.
Lady inside Little Italy eatery is busy preparing for another delicious day. Buon Appetito.

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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Early morning activity in downtown San Diego.

Delivery man with fresh bread awaits morning opening of restaurant in the Gaslamp Quarter.
Delivery man with fresh bread awaits morning opening of restaurant in the Gaslamp Quarter.

I woke up earlier than usual today. During the summer it’s pleasantly cool outside at daybreak, so I decided to take a long walk.

The city, at the six o’clock hour, had just begun to blink open its sleepy eyes. But a few signs of life were already evident downtown.

Here are photographs of early morning activity that I snapped while meandering randomly about, before I finally boarded the trolley for work…

Life in the city stirs into action as another weekday begins in downtown San Diego.
Life in the city stirs into action as another weekday begins in downtown San Diego.
City employee checks parking meters before the streets become much busier.
City employee checks parking meters before the streets become much busier.
Brad Perry, of KUSI News, had finished a segment on Good Morning San Diego when he spied a silly guy with a camera walking by.
Brad Perry of KUSI News had finished a segment on Good Morning San Diego when he spied a silly guy with a camera walking by.
A dog also noticed that same curious guy, who just sauntered on by down the sidewalk.
A dog also noticed that same curious guy, who just sauntered on by down the sidewalk.
Early morning commuters await separately at the Convention Center trolley station.
Early morning commuters wait separately at the Convention Center trolley station.
One guy has most of this quiet patio to himself as he enjoys a morning read and coffee. A hungry dog peers into the doorway.
One guy has most of this quiet patio to himself as he enjoys a morning read and coffee. A hungry dog peers into the doorway.
A lone jogger heads down Martin Luther King Jr. Promenade while many San Diegans are still in bed.
A lone jogger heads down Martin Luther King Jr. Promenade while many San Diegans are still lying in bed.

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Sailboats fly before the wind on blue San Diego Bay.

Sailboats fly before the wind on blue San Diego Bay.
Sailboats fly before the wind on blue San Diego Bay.

I’m getting some photos ready for a blog I’ll post in a couple days. But this image seemed perfect for a sunny blue Sunday. So here it is!

Now it’s time for an afternoon walk…

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Trades That Shaped the West live on in Old Town.

A ship's purser greets the friendly wheelwright in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park during Stagecoach Days: Trades That Shaped the West.
A merchant ship’s purser greets a wheelwright in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park during Stagecoach Days: Trades That Shaped the West.

This afternoon I took a short easy stroll through Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. My trusty little camera captured some interesting photos of history come to life!

During summer Saturdays, Old Town hosts a cool event called Stagecoach Days. Each weekend there’s a different theme. Today it was Trades That Shaped the West.

As you might imagine, I witnessed historical reenactments of working life in San Diego when the town was a small outpost of civilization surrounded by mostly undeveloped wilderness. In those days life was often difficult, but the people were from hardy stock. Let’s see a small sample of what 19th century San Diego might have been like…

Stagecoach Days, Celebrating the West on the Move, is open free to the public. The weekly event is held on summer Saturdays in Old Town's historic central plaza.
Stagecoach Days, Celebrating the West on the Move, is open free to the public. The weekly event is held on summer Saturdays in Old Town’s historic central plaza.
Preparing an old Stanhope Park Phaeton, parked with other buggies and carriages in front of the Robinson-Rose House Visitor Information Center.
Preparing an old Stanhope Park Phaeton, parked with other buggies and carriages in front of the Robinson-Rose House Visitor Information Center.
A ladies basket trap carriage, circa 1900. This simple horse-drawn vehicle was often used for comfortable country travel, complete with wicker basket seat.
A ladies basket trap carriage, circa 1900. This simple horse-drawn vehicle was often used for comfortable country travel, complete with wicker basket seat.
The wheelwright had many tools on display and explained how wheels in the 19th century were skillfully created of wood and iron.
The wheelwright had many tools on display and explained how wheels in the 19th century were skillfully created of wood and iron.
A welded ring of bent iron would be expanded with heat, then placed around the wheel's ash wood circumference.
A welded ring of bent iron would be expanded with heat, then placed around the wheel’s ash wood circumference.
A cool woodworker demonstrates and provides the names of his many tools to the delight of watching kids.
A cool woodworker demonstrates and provides the names of his many tools to the delight of watching kids.
A sneaky peek into the blacksmith shop behind Seeley Stable Museum before the event officially begins outside in the plaza.
A sneak peek into the blacksmith shop behind Seeley Stable Museum before the event officially begins outside in the plaza.
A patient blacksmith bangs away on some hot metal as he fashions a thin, pointed nail.
A blacksmith bangs away on some hot metal as he fashions a thin, pointed nail.
This sliver of red hot iron with some hammering will be turned into a nail with a flat head, ready to be used for 19th century construction.
This sliver of red hot iron with some hammering will be turned into a nail with a flat head, ready to be used for 19th century construction.
These folks in historical costume are busily preparing some biscuits, a common food in the early days of San Diego.
These folks in historical costume are busily preparing some biscuits, a common food in the early days of San Diego.
A smiling someone is tending the campfire. What's cooking?
A smiling someone is tending the campfire. What’s cooking?
Looks like a bubbling stew!
Looks like a bubbling stew!
Printing press demonstration underway at the San Diego Union Museum print shop in Old Town.
Printing press demonstration underway at the San Diego Union Museum print shop in Old Town.
Wells Fargo employee, from the agent’s office museum in the Colorado House, helps Old Town visitors into a stagecoach for a photograph.
Wells Fargo employee, from the agent’s office museum in the Colorado House, helps people into a stagecoach for a photograph.
Of course, a good historical reenactment of the Old West requires lively music and enthusiastic dancing.
Of course, a good historical reenactment of the Old West requires lively music and enthusiastic dancing.
Two ladies prepare to dance the polka.
Two ladies prepare to dance the polka.

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Another ordinary summer day on the Embarcadero.

A pleasure boat, two sailboats, one catamaran--everyone is out on glorious, blue San Diego Bay.
A pleasure boat, two sailboats, one catamaran–everyone is out on glorious, blue San Diego Bay.

Here are some photos taken today during my walk. Nothing too earth-shattering. Just sunshine, birds, people, water, boats, music, love, life . . . and Chewbacca, Tom Cruise and Captain Ahab. Ordinary stuff.

Gull takes flight near fishing pier at Embarcadero Marina Park South.
Gull takes flight near fishing pier at Embarcadero Marina Park South.
Folks relax as they listen to a small concert by a Seaport Village fountain.
Folks relax as they listen to a small concert by a Seaport Village fountain.
These talented kids playing classic rock tunes in Seaport Village form the band Gen-X!
These talented kids playing classic rock tunes in Seaport Village form the band Gen-X!
Chewbacca is hanging out with a Star Wars buddy near the USS Midway Museum.
Chewbacca is hanging out with a Star Wars buddy near the USS Midway Museum.
Looks like Tom Cruise has shore leave after landing his Top Gun fighter jet on that big aircraft carrier docked there behind him!
Looks like Tom Cruise has shore leave after landing his Top Gun fighter jet on that big aircraft carrier docked there behind him!
Two enjoy the sparkling water beside the Cruise Ship Terminal.
Two enjoy the sparkling water beside the Cruise Ship Terminal.
Students prepare to board the Star of India. A cool Moby Dick Marathon Reading is coming next weekend to San Diego's historic tall ship.
Students prepare to board the Star of India. A cool Moby Dick Marathon Reading is coming next weekend to San Diego’s historic tall ship.
Throwing a rope as Maritime Museum of San Diego's restored Swift Boat returns from a harbor cruise.
Throwing a rope as Maritime Museum of San Diego’s restored Swift Boat returns from a harbor cruise.

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