Tag: walking

A fine Saturday walk through the Gaslamp.

A little before noon, I enjoyed a fine walk through the Gaslamp Quarter, mostly down Fifth Avenue.

A lot of people were about for a late Saturday morning. So many exciting events going on today.

The World Cup. Taste of the Gaslamp. The Etsy market at Horton Plaza Park. People out on a walking tour, learning about the Gaslamp’s extraordinary old buildings and lively history. And the tourists, the workers, and downtown residents like me.

Enjoy this small slice of life in San Diego.

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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!

Simple sunshine and happiness in Balboa Park.

What a crazy week. I was so busy tracking down Comic-Con trolley wraps, I didn’t have time to sort through photographs I took in Balboa Park last Sunday.

When I finally reviewed the photos this morning, I noticed they all had a wonderful something in common: simple sunshine and happiness.

Balboa Park never grows old.

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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!

A favorite garden, so close to perfection.

Today I enjoyed one of my favorite places. I took a slow walk through the Japanese Friendship Garden in Balboa Park.

Beauty is cultivated and revered in this very special garden.

It’s almost like heaven–so close to perfection.

After strolling along the clear stream in the Lower Garden, I headed up out of the canyon and paused for a few moments in the Exhibit Hall. I sat on a bench, near a window overlooking the Dry Stone Garden. Several participants in an afternoon Japanese Tea Ceremony were quietly practicing.

Refinement and elegance.

Deeper meaning.

A joy for life.

So close to perfection.

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This afternoon I also enjoyed a visit to Balboa Park’s lush Botanical Building. When I got home, I used my computer to convert photographs of plants and flowers into colorful oil paintings!

You’ll find those images on my other website Beautiful Balboa Park. To see those unique “oil paintings” you can click here!

Photos from recent walks around San Diego.

A couple walks along Broadway in downtown San Diego.
A couple walks along Broadway in downtown San Diego.

This long, lazy weekend I’ve been sifting through my computer, searching for fun photos that I haven’t used yet. I discovered a few that I’d like to share.

These photographs are in no particular order. All were taken in the vicinity of downtown. I snapped them during recent walks down from Cortez Hill, where I live.

You might see why I love San Diego.

Buildings in East Village reflected in the glass windows of the headquarters of Sempra Energy.
Several buildings in East Village are reflected in the glass windows of the headquarters of Sempra Energy.
Looking up at the fantastic dome of downtown's Central Library.
Looking up at the fantastic dome of downtown’s Central Library.
People enjoy the grassy hill in the Park at the Park, near the statue of baseball hitting legend Tony Gwynn.
People enjoy the grassy hill in the Park at the Park, near the statue of baseball hitting legend Tony Gwynn.
A banner hanging on a lamppost near the Gaslamp Quarter landmark sign shows a fun photo from San Diego history.
A banner hanging on a lamppost near the Gaslamp Quarter landmark sign shows a fun photo from San Diego history.
I'm not sure if this is a fluffy llama or alpaca. It stands guard in front of Inka's Bar and Grill in the Gaslamp.
I’m not sure if this is a fluffy llama or alpaca. It stands guard in front of Inka’s Bar and Grill in the Gaslamp.
The Art of Dr. Seuss is now showing at The Chuck Jones Gallery in the Gaslamp.
The Art of Dr. Seuss is now showing at The Chuck Jones Gallery in the Gaslamp.
People play in the fun, splashing fountain at Horton Plaza Park.
People play in the fun, splashing fountain at Horton Plaza Park.
Colorful new banners have recently appeared around Cortez Hill. Very cool!
Colorful new banners have recently appeared around Cortez Hill. Very cool!
Morning photo of the handsome old World Trade Center building, once home to publisher Harcourt Brace Jovanovich.
Morning photo of the handsome old World Trade Center building, once home to publisher Harcourt Brace Jovanovich.
Some guys ride their bikes down Fourth Avenue through Bankers Hill.
Some guys ride their bikes down Fourth Avenue through Bankers Hill.
Bright red bougainvillea on a building's balcony in Little Italy.
Bright red bougainvillea on a building’s balcony in Little Italy.
Sunlight on the side of the Hilton San Diego Bayfront.
Sunlight on the side of the Hilton San Diego Bayfront.
A few days ago I spotted a couple in Tuna Harbor having their engagement photos taken by the water.
A few days ago I spotted a couple in Tuna Harbor having their engagement photos taken by the water.
Tourist souvenirs on a vendor's cart on the Embarcadero.
Tourist souvenirs on a vendor’s cart on the Embarcadero.
The Admiral Hornblower and another boat pass near the bow of the USS Midway Museum, recently deemed the best attraction in California.
The Admiral Hornblower and another boat pass near the bow of the USS Midway Museum, recently deemed the best attraction in California.
Enjoying San Diego bay from the end of Broadway Pier, watching the Maritime Museum of San Diego's restored Swift Boat pass on by.
Enjoying sunny San Diego Bay from the end of Broadway Pier, watching the Maritime Museum of San Diego’s restored Swift Boat pass on by.

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Thank you for visiting Cool San Diego Sights!

If you are the curious type, you can click around my website. There’s lots of fascinating stuff to explore!

(For those who follow the Cool San Diego Sights blog on Facebook, keep in mind your news feed shows only a fraction of what I post. So there’s probably a bunch of stuff on this website that you haven’t seen yet!)

Images from a Memorial Day weekend.

Late light reflects from the Marriott Marquis onto San Diego Bay near Seaport Village.
Late light reflects from the Marriott Marquis onto San Diego Bay near Seaport Village.

So far this Memorial Day weekend I’ve enjoyed short walks through several favorite places. I’ve done a lot of sitting, reading, writing, eating ice cream, enjoying sunshine. And I’ve taken photos, of course. I always carry my little camera in hand. So why not?

Here are some random images. The first eight photos are from Friday evening along the Embarcadero. They are followed by photos from Saturday and Sunday.

Another beautiful day at Embarcadero Marina Park North.
Another beautiful day at Embarcadero Marina Park North.
Kites fly above Donal Hord's sculpture Morning.
Evening kites fly in the remaining daylight above Donal Hord’s sculpture Morning.
Sunset clouds reflected in the still water of Marriott Marina.
Sunset clouds reflected in the still water of Marriott Marina.
Many downtown buildings reflect light magically.
Many downtown buildings reflect light magically.
A fine Friday walk by the water to begin the long Memorial Day weekend.
A fine late Friday walk by the water to begin the long Memorial Day weekend.
A bright moon above tinted clouds.
A bright moon above tinted clouds.
Leonardo Nierman's sculpture Flame of Friendship catches the sun's last rays as the lights come on at the San Diego Convention Center.
Leonardo Nierman’s sculpture Flame of Friendship catches the sun’s last rays as the lights come on at the San Diego Convention Center.
Artist Pete Tillack creates stunning new artwork in front of Michael J Wolf Fine Arts in the Gaslamp Quarter.
Artist Pete Tillack creates stunning new artwork in front of Michael J Wolf Fine Arts in the Gaslamp Quarter.
Three sailboats pass the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) aircraft carrier docked at Naval Air Station North Island.
Three sailboats pass the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) aircraft carrier docked at Naval Air Station North Island.
A bunch of happy people on the ferry to Coronado waved at me from beneath the ship's American flag.
A bunch of happy people on the ferry to Coronado wave at me from beneath the ship’s American flag.
Looks like some folks enjoyed a tour of the USS Midway Museum during the Memorial Day weekend.
Looks like a family enjoyed a tour of the USS Midway Museum during the Memorial Day weekend.
Many people were out on Sunday enjoying the San Diego sunshine.
Many people were out on enjoying the San Diego sunshine.
A restored PCC streetcar of the San Diego Trolley's Silver Line passes near Kansas City Barbeque. A huge inflatable Uncle Sam is out for the Memorial Day weekend.
A restored PCC streetcar of the San Diego Trolley’s Silver Line passes near Kansas City Barbeque. A huge inflatable Uncle Sam is out for the Memorial Day weekend.
In Balboa Park, at the International Cottages, a big food festival was underway on Sunday. Yummy smells filled the air.
In Balboa Park, at the International Cottages, a big food festival was underway on Sunday. Yummy smells filled the air.
Colorful dancers grace the outdoor stage at the International Cottages.
Colorful dancers grace the outdoor stage at the International Cottages.
San Diego Civic Organist Raúl Prieto Ramírez greets people up on the stage at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion after the Sunday concert.
San Diego Civic Organist Raúl Prieto Ramírez greets people up on the stage at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion after the Sunday concert.
A dapper Marine and his new bride head for a stretch limousine in Balboa Park.
Marine and a new bride head for their stretch limousine in Balboa Park.
Street entertainment delights a crowd in Balboa Park's Plaza de Panama.
Street entertainment delights a crowd in Balboa Park’s Plaza de Panama.
The WorldBeat Cultural Center had lots of colorful flowers out on the sidewalk beside Park Boulevard.
The WorldBeat Cultural Center had lots of colorful flowers out on the sidewalk beside Park Boulevard.
Many flags fly proudly on the Memorial Day weekend near the Veterans Museum and Memorial Center. Including the POW/MIA flag. You Are Not Forgotten.
Many flags fly proudly on the Memorial Day weekend near the Veterans Museum and Memorial Center. Including the POW/MIA flag. You Are Not Forgotten.

Today I published two new stories on my website Short Stories by Richard. They’re both very quick reads.

Handling a Harpoon and White Marble touch upon some of life’s deepest mysteries.

Everyone out there have a great Memorial Day!

Richard

Cool art and history in Solana Beach.

A woodie with surfboard under palm trees and a shining sun. This mosaic greets people walking down the sidewalk in Solana Beach.
A woodie with surfboard under palm trees and a shining sun. This mosaic greets people walking down the sidewalk in Solana Beach.

During my visit to Fiesta del Sol in Solana Beach last weekend, I walked around the area of Lomas Santa Fe Drive, South Cedros Avenue and Highway 101 searching for cool sights.

I found some colorful art and images of local history which I’ll now share!

Nearby Fletcher Cove was named after “Colonel” Ed Fletcher, who developed Solana Beach and contributed in the early 20th century to the history of San Diego. As businessman and politician, he was the driving force behind many important accomplishments. He created Lake Hodges and other area reservoirs; he built the plank road through the desert that connected San Diego to Yuma, Arizona; he helped save Balboa Park’s temporary buildings from the 1915 Panama-California Exposition from destruction; he raised money to purchase land for the Naval Training Station on Point Loma; he also acquired a statue of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo that was a gift to California from Portugal–an iconic sculpture that now stands at Cabrillo National Monument overlooking San Diego Bay.

A fascinating electrical box at the corner of Pacific Coast Highway and Plaza Street contains photos of Solana Beach’s origin and early history.

Grill in sidewalk marks historic U.S. Route 101 (also known as Pacific Coast Highway) where it passes through Solana Beach.
Grill in sidewalk marks historic U.S. Route 101 (also known as Pacific Coast Highway) where it passes through Solana Beach.
An electrical box celebrates the origin and early history of Solana Beach in San Diego's North County.
An electrical box celebrates the origin and early history of Solana Beach in San Diego’s North County. Pictured on the right is Ed Fletcher.
Fletcher Cove opened on July 4, 1925, giving Solana Beach easy access to the shore. A celebration was held that included horse races along the sand.
Fletcher Cove opened on July 4, 1925, giving Solana Beach easy access to the ocean. A celebration was held that included horse races along the sand.
Early photo of Solana Beach, which was developed by Ed Fletcher as a commercial center for nearby Rancho Santa Fe and Del Mar.
Early photo of Solana Beach, which was developed by Ed Fletcher as a commercial center for nearby Rancho Santa Fe and Del Mar.
Old photos decorating the electrical box were provided by the Solana Beach Civic and Historical Society.
Old photos decorating the electrical box were provided by the Solana Beach Civic and Historical Society.
Horses race along the beach as the opening of Fletcher Cove is celebrated.
Horses race along the beach as the opening of Fletcher Cove is celebrated.
Cool mosaic artwork on Pacific Coast Highway shows marine life in the nearby ocean.
Cool mosaic artwork on Pacific Coast Highway shows marine life in the nearby ocean.
An octopus.
An octopus.
A graceful fish.
A graceful fish.
Another beautiful fish made of small ceramic tiles.
Another beautiful fish made of small ceramic tiles.
Nostalgic artwork on an electrical transformer on South Cedros Avenue shows people on the deck of a luxurious ship.
Nostalgic artwork on an electrical transformer on South Cedros Avenue shows people lounging on the deck of a luxurious ship.
More cool street art decorates a utility box on Lomas Santa Fe Drive in Solana Beach.
More cool street art decorates a utility box on Lomas Santa Fe Drive in Solana Beach.
Lose your dreams and you will lose your mind.
Lose your dreams and you will lose your mind.

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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 photos for you to enjoy!

Sunlight, smiles, and colorful Urban Trees.

Cool public art is now located at Ruocco Park, right next to Tuna Harbor on San Diego Bay.
Colorful public art is now located at Ruocco Park, right next to Tuna Harbor on San Diego Bay.

During my early evening walk along the Embarcadero today I noticed that four Urban Trees sculptures owned by the Port of San Diego have recently been moved from the front of the Cruise Ship Terminal to Ruocco Park.

I was taking photos of the play of sunlight on boats and buildings, and snapped a few pics of these public sculptures as I walked past them. At the time it didn’t occur to me that I’d devote tonight’s blog post to these images. But I like how they turned out!

Perhaps you recognize these sculptures. I’ve shown them two or three times over the years on Cool San Diego Sights. The Port of San Diego acquired a number of these Urban Trees sculptures for their public art collection, and they are moved about every so often. Urban Trees was a series of public art exhibitions along the Embarcadero years ago, before I began to blog.

Smiley face on a pedicab heads toward four Urban Trees. The Port of San Diego public sculptures were recently moved from the Cruise Ship Terminal to Ruocco Park.
Smiley face on a pedicab heads toward four Urban Trees just before sunset. These unique Port of San Diego public sculptures were recently moved from the Cruise Ship Terminal to Ruocco Park.
Orange Tree, by artists Guy and Ellen Mayenobe, 2007. Originally exhibited on the Embarcadero during Urban Trees 4.
Orange Tree, by artists Guy and Ellen Mayenobe, 2007. Originally exhibited on the Embarcadero during Urban Trees 4.
Closer photo of late sunlight on A Different But Loving Pair, by artist Cecilia Stanford, 2005. Originally exhibited during Urban Trees 2.
Photo of late sunlight reflecting from section of A Different But Loving Pair, by artist Cecilia Stanford, 2005. Originally exhibited during Urban Trees 2.

For a more complete look at A Different But Loving Pair, click here.

A dog plays with someone near the base of Fish Tree, by artists Zbigniew Pingot and Toby Flores, from the Urban Trees 2 waterfront exhibition years ago.
A dog plays with someone near the base of Fish Tree, by artists Zbigniew Pingot and Toby Flores, from the Urban Trees 2 waterfront exhibition years ago.

You can see all of Fish Tree by clicking here.

Like crystals shining in the sun. The top of Tap Root and Growth, by artist Christopher Lee, originally exhibited during Urban Trees 3.
Like crystals shining in the sun. Looking up at Tap Root and Growth, by artist Christopher Lee, originally exhibited during Urban Trees 3.

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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 photos for you to enjoy!

Spring flowers shine in the May gray!

An overcast May gray day.

After work I walked through Balboa Park. The clouds were gloomy, no sun in sight. But the park’s many spring flowers were reservoirs of light.

I found shining beauty wherever I turned.

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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!

Do you love Balboa Park? Follow my special blog which I call Beautiful Balboa Park!

Cool sights observed during several walks.

Sculpture of a winged cherub sits above a service entrance to the Horton Plaza shopping mall on Fourth Avenue.
Sculpture of a winged cherub sits above a service entrance to the Horton Plaza shopping mall on Fourth Avenue.

Whenever I walk around town, my eyes are constantly roving, searching.

During the past few days I spied a variety of cool sights. Many were familiar but observed with fresh eyes; others to my eyes were entirely new.

Almost all of these photographs were taken in downtown San Diego. If you read the captions, you’ll note that one photo was taken in Mission Valley.

Every day is a new voyage of discovery.

Late light on Pacific Soul, a fantastic new sculpture by Jaume Plensa.
Late light on Pacific Soul, a fantastic new sculpture by Jaume Plensa.
Light fixtures mingle with reflections. Magic in one window of Urban Lighting.
Light fixtures mingle with reflections. Magic in one window of Urban Lighting.
Magic Shop San Diego and a street lamp that seems to have mysteriously materialized inside their store.
Magic Shop San Diego and a street lamp that seems to have mysteriously materialized inside their store.
A colorful Rabbitville bunny inside a window of the Hilton Gaslamp.
A colorful Rabbitville bunny that celebrates San Diego inside a window of the Hilton Gaslamp.
Lucha Libre masks peer down from an upper level of Petco Park.
Lucha Libre masks peer down from an upper level of Petco Park.
Cool ornamentation on a building at the corner of Fourth Avenue and E Street.
Cool ornamentation on a building at the corner of Fourth Avenue and E Street.
Looking up at one of the geometrically fascinating, glass Pacific Center towers in Mission Valley.
Looking up at one of the geometrically fascinating Pacific Center towers in Mission Valley.
Ornamental detail at entrance to the elegant 1928 San Diego Trust and Savings Bank Building, now home to Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Downtown.
Ornamental detail at entrance to the elegant 1928 San Diego Trust and Savings Bank Building, now home to Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Downtown.
Late light on San Diego's iconic 1938 County Administration Building.
Late light on San Diego’s iconic 1938 County Administration Building.
Gazing straight up toward the roof of the 1929 Samuel L. Fox Building at Sixth Avenue and Broadway.
Gazing straight up toward the roof of the elaborate 1929 Samuel L. Fox Building at Sixth Avenue and Broadway.
A tangle of rope inside the window of Crab Hut on Broadway.
A tangle of rope inside the window of Crab Hut on Broadway.
Stained glass windows add character to the Goorin Bros. Hat Shop - Gaslamp.
Stained glass windows add character to the Goorin Bros. Hat Shop – Gaslamp.
Medallion-like relief sculpture of explorer Cabrillo's galleon San Salvador on a corner of the 1924 John D. Spreckels Building.
Medallion-like relief sculpture of explorer Cabrillo’s galleon San Salvador on a corner of the 1924 John D. Spreckels Building.

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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!

Fun street art along Fenton Parkway!

A funny sea lion on an electrical box on Fenton Parkway in Mission Valley.
A sea lion greets people who walk down the sidewalk. Humorous street art on Fenton Parkway.

I’ve noticed an increase in the amount of street art along Fenton Parkway in Mission Valley. A variety of electrical boxes have been painted, and others appear to be works in progress.

There’s so much fun street art now, I figured I’d post some photos! These photographs were taken late today during a short walk between the trolley tracks and Friars Road.

Enjoy!

Another side, and another happy sea lion!
Another side of the same box, and another happy sea lion!
This box appears to be a work in progress. One side has an elaborate moth completed.
This box appears to be a work in progress. One side has an elaborate moth completed.
Surfer girl street art on another electrical box. She's on her surfboard awaiting a perfect wave.
Surfer girl street art on another electrical box. She’s on her surfboard awaiting a perfect wave.
A girl and dog overlooking the ocean at sunset.
A girl and dog overlooking the ocean at sunset.
The ocean in this street art seems to be populated by all sorts of odd prehistoric creatures!
The ocean in this street art seems to be populated by all sorts of odd prehistoric creatures!
This fun scene was created by imaginative art teacher Anna Farrell.
This fun scene was created by imaginative art teacher Anna Farrell.
Another colorful side and another toothy monster.
Another colorful side and another toothy monster.
A cool bird of prey painted by artist Rachel Dipasupil Alberto. I believe it might be an osprey.
A cool bird of prey painted by artist Rachel Dipasupil Alberto. I believe it might be an osprey.
These prickly pears seem to be growing beneath the nearby shopping mall's palm trees!
These prickly pears seem to be growing beneath the nearby shopping mall’s palm trees!
A very cool eagle or hawk near the intersection of Fenton Parkway and Friars Road.
A very cool eagle or hawk near the intersection of Fenton Parkway and Friars Road.
A stunning image on another side of the same box. Thousands of motorists enjoy seeing this colorful artwork as they drive east down busy Friars Road.
A stunning image on another side of the same box. Thousands of motorists enjoy seeing this beautiful artwork as they drive east down busy Friars Road.

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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 photos for you to enjoy!