Tag: walking

Discover real magic in beautiful Balboa Park.

Bagpipe player attracts attention of visitors to San Diego's beautiful Balboa Park.
Bagpipe player attracts attention of visitors to San Diego’s beautiful Balboa Park.

Real magic can be found in Balboa Park. Simply enter the place with wide eyes and an open heart.

You’ll find beauty, wonder, warmth, laughter, inspiration, and life as it should be.

All of it is magic.

A few photos…

Street musicians add magic to the park, entertaining both young and old.
Street musicians add magic to the park, entertaining both young and old.
An artist paints the California Tower from the edge of the San Diego Museum of Art's grassy May S. Marcy Sculpture Garden.
An artist paints the California Tower from the edge of the San Diego Museum of Art’s grassy May S. Marcy Sculpture Garden.
A park visitor on roller skates passes through the May S. Marcy Sculpture Court while diners at Panama 66 enjoy life.
A park visitor on roller skates passes through the May S. Marcy Sculpture Court while diners at Panama 66 enjoy life.
A pair of penny-farthing riders head through the Plaza de Panama in Balboa Park on a sunny San Diego day.
A pair of penny-farthing riders head through the Plaza de Panama in Balboa Park on a sunny San Diego day.
Visitor to Balboa Park reads sign describing an outdoor sculpture recently installed in the Plaza de Panama, part of the Art of the Open Air exhibit.
Visitor to Balboa Park reads sign describing an outdoor sculpture recently installed in the Plaza de Panama, part of the Art of the Open Air exhibit.
Street performers in the colorful Plaza de Panama. A child readies for a photo on the splashing fountain.
Street performers in the colorful Plaza de Panama. A child readies for a photo on the splashing fountain.
A street performer will attempt to free himself from inescapable chains at the foot of the reflecting pool.
A street performer will attempt to free himself from inescapable chains at the foot of the reflecting pool.
A large crowd watches some street entertainment. The Botanical Building rises in the background.
A large crowd watches some exciting street entertainment. The amazing Botanical Building stands in the background.
One of many characters that visitors might see during a walk through Balboa Park in San Diego.
One of many unique characters that visitors might see during a walk through Balboa Park in San Diego.
A photography class in world-famous Balboa Park. Students check out their cameras near the Museum of Man.
A photography class in world-famous Balboa Park. Students check out their cameras near the Museum of Man.
The very popular dog park at the west end of the Cabrillo Bridge on a typical, magical day.
The very popular Nate’s Point Dog Park at the west end of the Cabrillo Bridge on a typical, magical day.
People enjoy sports on the broad grassy area at the west edge of Balboa Park.
People enjoy sports on the broad grassy area at the west edge of Balboa Park.
Plucking arrows from a target of Balboa Park's 28-acre Rube Powell Archery Range. I took this photo while crossing Cabrillo Bridge.
Plucking arrows from a target in Balboa Park’s 28-acre Rube Powell Archery Range. I took this photo while crossing Cabrillo Bridge.
A couple enjoys a lovely day during a stroll through the Alcazar Garden.
A couple enjoys a lovely day during a stroll through the Alcazar Garden.
Victorian street act wows a small crowd within colonnade of the Casa del Prado.
Victorian street act wows a small crowd within colonnade of the Casa del Prado.
A glimpse down El Prado past the big fountain, from east to west, through the central part of Balboa Park.
A glimpse down El Prado past the Bea Evenson Fountain, from east to west, through the central part of Balboa Park.
Another beautiful day in one of the most wonderful places on Earth.
Another beautiful day in one of the most wonderful places on Earth.

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A short nature walk along a National City wetland.

Rusty old train tracks are overgrown with wild vegetation, including many California sunflowers.
Rusty old train tracks are overgrown with wild vegetation, including many California bush sunflowers.

I made a cool discovery the other day. A little-known hiking path in San Diego’s South Bay provides a view of a beautiful natural wetland.

According to signs that I saw, the small estuary between Bay Marina Drive, Marina Way, Interstate 5 and the Sweetwater River is a protected wildlife refuge. I believe, after looking at Google Maps, that the water flows from Paradise Creek. But I’m not certain. Perhaps someone reading this knows.

Long-unused train tracks that are partially concealed by vegetation run along the edge of the wetland, and so does a narrow footpath. I didn’t see any signs naming the trail, or any that prohibited a short hike. So I walked down it a bit, enjoying the fresh air and peaceful surroundings.

Information sign near edge of estuary identifies native plants. California Buckwheat, White Sage, Southwestern Spiny Rush, and Black Sage.
Information sign near edge of estuary identifies native plants. California Buckwheat, White Sage, Southwestern Spiny Rush, and Black Sage.
View of National City wetland from observation area south of the Best Western Marina Gateway hotel parking lot.
View of National City wetland from observation area south of the Best Western Marina Gateway hotel parking lot.
Beginning down the footpath on a sunny weekend day.
Beginning down the footpath on a sunny weekend day.
Some eroded sandstone adds beauty to the scene.
Some eroded sandstone adds beauty to the scene.
Prickly pear and chaparral yucca above a green estuary.
Prickly pear and chaparral yucca above a green estuary.
Beyond the sign lies a fragile wetland where native plants and animals are protected. I saw some birds out in the wildlife refuge.
Beyond the sign lies a fragile wetland where native plants and animals are protected. I saw some birds out in the wildlife refuge.
I turned about after a short hike and headed on back to the hotel parking lot.
I turned about after a short hike and headed on back to the hotel parking lot.

UPDATE!

On a later visit I discovered additional signs beside the hotel parking lot. They contain more interesting information.

I learned this wetland is called Paradise Marsh. It’s an environmentally important tidal salt marsh that’s part of the much larger San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge.

Water reflects bright sunlight in National City's Paradise Marsh.
Water reflects bright sunlight in National City’s Paradise Marsh.
Paradise Marsh is a small part of the 2600 acre San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Paradise Marsh is a small part of the 2600 acre San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge
The birds of Paradise Marsh include the Willet, Mallard, American Avocet and the Great Blue Heron.
The birds of Paradise Marsh include the Willet, Mallard, American Avocet and the Great Blue Heron.
For hundreds of years, Native American tribes such as the Kumeyaay, Iapi or Tipai made their homes around the estuaries of San Diego Bay.
For hundreds of years, Native American tribes such as the Kumeyaay, Iapi or Tipai made their homes around the estuaries of San Diego Bay.
A beautiful tidal salt marsh wetland can be viewed in National City.
A beautiful tidal salt marsh wetland can be viewed in National City.

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A beautiful city of silver and gold.

Late afternoon stroll on the pier between Tuna Harbor and Seaport Village. The Manchester Grand Hyatt towers are glowing in a dramatic sky.
Late afternoon stroll on the pier between Tuna Harbor and Seaport Village. The Manchester Grand Hyatt towers are glowing in a dramatic sky.

Late this afternoon I took a stroll through a beautiful city of silver and gold. Here are the photos…

Walking through Seaport Village toward the Marriott Marquis and Marina. The beautiful hotel is shining like precious silver.
Walking through Seaport Village toward the Marriott Marquis and Marina. The beautiful hotel is shining like precious silver.
Late afternoon sunlight reflected off the two silvery sail-like towers of the Marriott Marquis on San Diego Bay.
Late afternoon sunlight reflected off the two silvery sail-like towers of the Marriott Marquis on San Diego Bay.
Blue sky, white and dark clouds, and fantastic patterns created by reflection off the beautiful glass building.
Blue sky, white and dark clouds, and fantastic patterns created by light reflected on the amazing glass building.
White superyachts docked behind the San Diego Convention Center are bathed in late afternoon light.
White superyachts docked behind the San Diego Convention Center are bathed in late afternoon light.
The masts of three large yachts in a row, like vertical beams of light.
The masts of three large yachts in a row, like vertical beams of light.
End of day approaches. The sun sets fire to a glass portion of the San Diego Convention Center.
End of day approaches. The sun sets fire to a glass portion of the San Diego Convention Center.
The sun is almost ready to set over San Diego Bay. Golden light now prevails.
The sun is almost ready to set over San Diego Bay. Golden light now prevails.
The parking structure of the Hilton San Diego Bayfront has turned gold.
The parking structure of the Hilton San Diego Bayfront has turned gold.
A golden pathway through the city. Amazing beauty seen during a late afternoon walk on the bridge over Harbor Drive.
A golden pathway through the city. Amazing beauty seen during a late afternoon walk on the pedestrian bridge over Harbor Drive.

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Sunny photos: Vacation Isle to Hospitality Point jetty.

Many canoes and kayaks were passing under the Ingraham Street Bridge between South Cove and Perez Cove, not far from SeaWorld.
Many canoes and kayaks were passing under the Ingraham Street Bridge between South Cove and Perez Cove, not far from SeaWorld.

My long walk yesterday around Mission Bay yielded lots of photos. I started at Vacation Isle, then headed slowly and somewhat aimlessly to the jetty at the end of Hospitality Point. It was a journey through a tranquil San Diego paradise, on a warm winter day.

My photos feature relatively few people. But I can assure you thousands of folks were out enjoying the sunshine. They were fishing, boating, picnicking, reading, walking, playing sports on the grass… Mission Bay is a really big place.

Radio control model sailboats cross the Model Boat Pond on Vacation Isle.
Radio control model sailboats cross the Model Boat Pond on Vacation Isle.
These fire pits just north of Dana Landing have wood stacked ready for Saturday night.
These fire pits just north of Dana Landing have wood stacked ready for Saturday night.
A casual seat on the dirt with great views.
A casual seat on the dirt with great views.
A heron on rocks, and reflections of boats at Dana Landing.
A heron on rocks, and reflections of boats at Dana Landing.
Gazing from the West Mission Bay Drive Bridge down descending stairs toward Sunset Point.
Gazing from the West Mission Bay Drive Bridge down descending stairs toward Sunset Point.
People return from an excursion out on the Pacific Ocean. The dock at Seaforth Sportfishing is always busy.
People return from an excursion out on the Pacific Ocean. The dock at Seaforth Sportfishing is always busy.
Visitors walk through Marina Village on Mission Bay.
Visitors walk through Marina Village on Mission Bay.
A map by Quivira Basin shows areas off the coast that are protected. Conserving California's Coastal Treasure.
A map by Quivira Basin shows areas off the coast that are protected. Conserving California’s Coastal Treasure.
Kicking back with a best friend on the blue water. In the distance you can see the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina.
Kicking back with a best friend among boats on the blue water. In the distance you can see the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina.
Colorful kayaks await at Aqua Adventures.
Colorful kayaks await at Aqua Adventures.
This tropical party shack seems long abandoned. It stands near the entrance to Mission Bay Marina.
This tropical party shack seems long abandoned. It stands near an entrance to Mission Bay Marina.
A dirt nature trail along the channel that connects the ocean and Mission Bay.
A dirt nature trail along the channel that connects the ocean and Mission Bay.
Rare and Remarkable. This area displays Coastal sand dune vegetation. The native Beach lotus is endangered.
Rare and Remarkable. This area displays Coastal sand dune vegetation. The native Beach lotus is endangered.
Walking along the jetty west of Hospitality Point. This narrow strip of land separates the San Diego River, to the left, from the man-made channel into Mission Bay. One can see a sliver of Ocean Beach, on the left, and Mission Beach, on the right.
Walking along the jetty west of Hospitality Point. This narrow strip of land separates the San Diego River, to the left, from the man-made channel into Mission Bay. One can see a sliver of Ocean Beach, on the left, and Mission Beach, on the right.
A fisherman on land, and two on the water. Across the Entrance Channel lies Mission Beach.
A fisherman on land, and two on the water. Across the Entrance Channel lies very popular South Mission Beach.
Bicycling along. Heading toward the end of the long jetty. It's a beautiful day. One can see forever.
Bicycling along. Heading toward the end of the long jetty. It’s a beautiful day. One can see forever.

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I wrote another short story! I penned it yesterday, during my walk along the bay.

It’s a bittersweet, philosophical, tiny piece of fiction. The sort of thing I like to write. There’s some sadness in the sunshine. The title is Light on the Restless and Small.

If you choose to read it, thank you!

Fun urban art: Walking up Fifth Avenue in Hillcrest.

People of many colors party. Keep going!
People of many colors party. Keep going!

You might enjoy a few photos!

I’ve spotted many colorful examples of urban art while walking up Fifth Avenue in Hillcrest. All of this fun artwork is located between Upas Street and Washington.

Art on the door of Nite Owl Tattoo San Diego, in Hillcrest.
Art on the door of Nite Owl Tattoo San Diego, in Hillcrest.
A painted blonde with cool sunglasses.
A painted blonde with cool sunglasses.
Exotic domes and arches painted on a boring old electrical transformer.
Exotic domes and arches painted on a boring old electrical transformer.
Some colorful street art at Fifth Avenue and Upas Street in Hillcrest.
Some colorful street art at Fifth Avenue and Upas Street in Hillcrest.
Utility box on a street corner is an unusual canvas for an inspired artist.
Utility box on a street corner is an unusual canvas for an inspired artist.
Human imagination turns a dull object into a cool sight!
Human imagination turns a dull object into a cool sight!
An eatery on Fifth Avenue in Hillcrest has a wall bursting with bold, silly images.
An eatery on Fifth Avenue in Hillcrest has a wall bursting with bold, silly images.
Babycakes surrounded by crazy faces, flowers and yummy treats.
Babycakes surrounded by crazy faces, flowers and yummy treats.
Colorful bike locking station invites bicyclists to ride up Fifth Avenue.
Colorful bike locking station invites bicyclists to ride up Fifth Avenue.
Weathered penguin on utility box has some chopsticks held in a flipper.
Weathered penguin on utility box has some chopsticks held in a flipper.
A happy, slowly vanishing image enlivens a walk up a Hillcrest sidewalk.
A happy, slowly vanishing image enlivens a walk up a Hillcrest sidewalk.

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This morning I published a powerful story titled The Drawing of Leaves on my blog Short Stories by Richard! It’s very brief, but moving. You might enjoy it!

A delightfully unusual building in Little Italy.

The delightfully unusual Beaumont Building rises in Little Italy at 434 West Cedar Street.
The delightfully unusual Beaumont Building rises in Little Italy at 434 West Cedar Street.

In my opinion, the most delightfully unusual building in San Diego’s Little Italy neighborhood is the Beaumont Building. The design–especially the two cylindrical towers–is both visually distinctive and impressive. Those mysterious-looking towers make me look up with fresh surprise whenever I see them.

The Beaumont Building was built in 1988. It was designed by Rob Wellington Quigley, whose architectural work can be seen in various places around San Diego. The lattice-domed San Diego Central Library and The New Children’s Museum are two well-known examples.

I often walk past this building, and have taken many photographs over the years. But none of my photos fully capture this very unique structure’s truly amazing presence.

Looking upward near the front entrance to the unique Beaumont Building.
Looking upward near the front entrance to the unique Beaumont Building.
Another photo on a different day of this very cool building in San Diego's always interesting Little Italy neighborhood.
Another photo on a different day of this very cool building in San Diego’s always interesting Little Italy neighborhood.
The two high towers of the Beaumont Building almost appear like antennas, or an over-sized science experiment.
The two high towers of the Beaumont Building almost appear like antennas, or an over-sized science experiment.
An eye-catching sight during a morning walk!
An eye-catching sight during a morning walk!

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More cool murals in San Diego’s Little Italy!

Mural titled I Pescatori by artist Renee Garcia, 2003. Depicts tuna fishermen who lived in Little Italy (many were Italian immigrants) fishing off the coast of San Diego.
Mural titled I Pescatori by artist Renee Garcia, 2003. Depicts tuna fishermen who lived in Little Italy (many were Italian immigrants) fishing off the coast of San Diego.

About two years ago, I posted some photos of public murals that can be spotted in Little Italy, a beautiful neighborhood in downtown San Diego. This morning, soaking in the warm sunshine, I slowly strolled up India Street once again!

Camera in hand, I captured even more examples of fantastic, colorful artwork. Most of these pics were taken on India Street north of Ivy Street.

This painting of two dancers was in the front patio of a shop or cafe or restaurant of some kind--I forget what, exactly. I had to snap a quick pic.
This painting of two dancers was in the front patio of a shop or cafe or restaurant of some kind–I forget what, exactly. I had to snap a quick pic.
Ben-Hur Coffee. A cool old advertisement on the side of an old brick building in San Diego's hip Little Italy neighborhood.
Ben-Hur Coffee. A cool old advertisement on the side of an old brick building in San Diego’s hip Little Italy neighborhood.
Just a fun artistic tile on a building wall that I noted as I walked up India Street this morning.
Just a fun artistic tile on a building wall that I noted as I walked up India Street this morning.
Several murals that together are titled Eredita Italiana. By Yakov Kandinov, 2004. According to a nearby plaque, this is a Precious Cheese Art Mural Project.
Several murals that together are titled Eredita Italiana. By Yakov Kandinov, 2004. According to a nearby plaque, this is a Precious Cheese Art Mural Project.
A portrait of a proud Italian family that might have lived in this neighborhood.
A portrait of a proud Italian family that might have lived in this neighborhood.
One of the grouped murals depicts the historic Our Lady of the Rosary church in Little Italy.
One of the grouped murals depicts the historic Our Lady of the Rosary church in Little Italy.
Looks like someone else was walking up the sidewalk on India Street--and they had wet shoes!
Looks like someone else was walking up the sidewalk on India Street–and they had wet shoes!
Just a fun sign on a Little Italy antique shop's door. The Bungalow Store.
Just a fun sign on a Little Italy antique shop’s door. The Bungalow Store.
A radiant Madonna above the front door of El Camino, a crazy, kitschy Mexican eatery and bar in San Diego's Little Italy.
A radiant Madonna above the front door of El Camino, a crazy, kitschy Mexican eatery and bar in San Diego’s Little Italy.
Many faces of beauty on exterior wall of El Camino.
Many faces of beauty on an exterior wall of El Camino.
Old, faded graphics on wood wall show a troupe of Mexican mariachis.
Old, faded graphic on wood wall shows a troupe of Mexican mariachis.
Colorful application of kitsch on the outside of El Camino.
Colorful application of kitsch on the outside of El Camino.
A large smiling senorita mural looks right at you.
A large smiling senorita mural looks right at you.
A muy guapo caballero in Little Italy!
Caballero muy guapo in Little Italy!

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A warm morning glow in San Diego.

Gazing east through trees into Balboa Park. The California Tower is a dark spike inside a golden sunrise.
Gazing east through dark trees into Balboa Park. The California Tower is a small spike inside a golden sunrise.

Early yesterday morning, the weather was so pleasant that I decided to walk to work. It’s about a four and a half mile journey. I started from downtown San Diego up Sixth Avenue along the west edge of Balboa Park, walked from Bankers Hill into Hillcrest, then finally descended Bachman Place into Mission Valley.

These photos capture the golden glow of a cloudless sunrise. Moving through the warm morning light was a modest adventure in a magical world.

Buildings along Sixth Avenue on Bankers Hill reflect breaking day one early January morning.
Buildings along Sixth Avenue on Bankers Hill reflect breaking day one early January morning.
A warm glow and reflection on the Redwood Bridge Club sign at the west edge of Balboa Park.
A warm glow and reflection on the Redwood Bridge Club sign at the west edge of Balboa Park.
A stately house at Sixth Avenue and Upas Street seems magical.
A stately house at Sixth Avenue and Upas Street seems magical.
Happy orange flowers poke through some bars along the sidewalk.
Happy orange flowers poke through some bars along the sidewalk.
The Tap House has a glowing light bulb on their business in Hillcrest.
The Tap House has a glowing light bulb on their business in Hillcrest.
The sky is gradually brightening above a shadowy Hillcrest alley.
The sky is gradually brightening above a shadowy Hillcrest alley.
A reddish splash in blue water. The fountain in front of Scripps Mercy Hospital.
A reddish splash in blue water. Morning photo of the fountain in front of Scripps Mercy Hospital.
Eucalyptus trees in warm winter morning light. Photo taken while walking down Bachman Place into Mission Valley.
Eucalyptus trees in warm winter morning light. Photo taken while walking down Bachman Place into Mission Valley.
Reflection in windows of the once-proud San Diego Union Tribune building in Mission Valley. The newspaper offices are moving to a smaller location downtown.
Reflection in windows of the once-proud San Diego Union Tribune building in Mission Valley. The newspaper offices are moving to a smaller location downtown.

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Do you like to read original, thought-provoking fiction? Please click Short Stories by Richard.

A short, beautiful twilight walk down Broadway.

Walking east on Broadway from the Embarcadero just moments after sunset.
Walking from the Embarcadero east down Broadway just moments after sunset.

I got off work early today.  So I enjoyed some magical time on the Embarcadero.

Moments after the sun set, thinking of home, I walked from the Broadway Pier east a short distance into the heart of downtown. My lifted eyes were fascinated by the changing light.

High buildings in downtown San Diego change color with every passing minute as my feet and twilight steadily progress.
High buildings in downtown San Diego change color with every passing minute as my feet and twilight steadily progress.
People walking a couple blocks east of the Broadway Pier cross railroad tracks in softening light.
People walking a couple blocks east of the Broadway Pier cross railroad tracks in softening light.
The lights inside two tall office buildings in downtown San Diego begin to make interesting patterns.
The lights inside two tall office buildings in downtown San Diego begin to make interesting patterns.
Looking upward across Broadway as I near the America Plaza trolley station, where I'll catch a short ride toward home. It soon will be night.
Looking upward across Broadway as I near the America Plaza trolley station, where I’ll catch a short ride toward home. It soon will be night.

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Mysterious morning fog in downtown San Diego.

Flags, palm trees and early morning fog on Cortez Hill in San Diego.
Flags, palm trees and early morning fog on Cortez Hill in San Diego.

My walk early this morning was a real treat. Magical, mysterious fog had crept during the night into the very heart of downtown San Diego, where I live. High skyscrapers disappeared into the gray. Please enjoy a few photos…

The historic El Cortez Hotel seems to vanish into the gray morning fog.
The historic El Cortez Hotel building seems to vanish into the gray morning fog.
Many seagulls were enjoying the fog, and were circling over the city streets everywhere I walked.
Many seagulls were enjoying the fog, and were circling over the city streets everywhere I walked.
Skyscrapers aren't scraping so much this morning. They are being softly engulfed by the elements!
Skyscrapers aren’t scraping so much this morning. They are being softly engulfed by the elements!
Looking up toward the unusually thick fog past a San Diego Symphony banner downtown.
Looking up into the unusually thick fog past a San Diego Symphony banner downtown.
An Orange Line trolley heads down a quiet C Street.
An Orange Line trolley heads down a quiet C Street.
Cranes and construction next to several high towers, in a San Diego fog.
Cranes and construction next to several high towers, in a San Diego fog.
The magical, mysterious fog made the forms of buildings seem like abstract things emerging from some other world.
The magical, mysterious fog made the forms of buildings appear like abstract shapes emerging from some other world.
Looking down Kettner Boulevard past Santa Fe Depot and America Plaza into the distant fog.
Looking down Kettner Boulevard past Santa Fe Depot and America Plaza into the distant fog.
A fairly heavy fog made downtown San Diego appear very atmospheric and mysterious this morning. I loved walking through it!
An unusual fog made downtown San Diego appear very atmospheric and mysterious this morning. I loved walking through it!

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