Boats

Tomorrow is the Daily Photo's theme day and the theme is paths and passages. I thought I'd show you the view from the path that looks toward downtown. The above photo is of an inlet of San Diego Bay near Point Loma.

In any language

I thought this sign was funny - if you did not understand the red bar over the image of the fish, then we are going to tell you again in several languages: NO FISHING! And of course, you guessed it, I saw someone fishing. I'm not worldly enough to know which languages are posted on the sign (I got the image, English, Spanish, then I'm lost), anyone know?

Playground at Children's Museum

Slightly less well-known is this little enclosed playground, which is located just across Island Ave. from the New Children's Museum. Honestly, because it is enclosed by a fence on all sides (including the top!) you would only find it if you happen to be walking along the Martin Luther King, Jr. walking path - which isn't the most often traveled path (although it should be!). It is a fun stop for any age kid to go climbing around on!

What the...?!

The tree pangolin is new at the San Diego Zoo and although they don't have a set exhibit space, they come out and visit once in awhile for special events. And boy, can they draw a crowd. This animal was very interesting looking - looks like an anteater with scales with a long snaky tail, and it is a mammal! The zookeeper said that the scales feel like Lee Press-On Nails, not exactly warm and fuzzy. Read more about these creatures here.

Antler & horn collection

I learn something new every time I visit the San Diego Zoo. Currently they are in the process of constructing a new exhibit called the Elephant Odyssey and because of the construction, the bus tour takes a detour through the Zoo's garage and passes by this wall of antlers and horns. The sign says, "Antlers are shed each year. Horns last a lifetime."

Almost life size

There are actually two topiary elephants at the entrance of the San Diego Zoo, but this photo only shows one of them. I think this one looks very green and full, thanks to the little bit of rain we have been getting.

A natural blue

There is a small aviary for hummingbirds and other small birds at the San Diego Zoo near the Wegeforth Bowl. Many people that visit might miss seeing this cute blue headed bird (not sure of its name) because the aviary is kind of tucked away. It is a nice place to sit in the shade and watch these small birds zoom around, sometimes just inches from your head. Happy Anniversary to my love bird!

The birds

This peaceful bird sculpture decorates the median on West Washington Street and welcomes visitors to Mission Hills.

La Mesa First

This one is for Aaron G in Australia who first told me about Mario's de La Mesa. I happened to be in La Mesa and remembered your old church, La Mesa First United Methodist Church, its bell tower is a landmark in the area.

San Diego Marriott Hotel & Marina

I know, I know, what am I doing posting a photo of a hotel?! Truth is, I simply thought it was pretty. This fountain is located at the edge of Children's Park which I posted about last week.

Over the last 15 years a lot of work has been done along Harbor Dr. - seems like all of it for the tourist industry. Harbor Dr. runs along the bay water across from Coronado. The convention center is right next door to this hotel, with Petco Park a short walk away. It's beautiful, and I'm glad that so much work has gone on in that location.  I'm not complaining that it's geared towards tourists - as a resident, I get to go there too!

View of Spring Valley

We have some incredibly high freeway overpasses here and sometimes they offer a spectacular view. Here is where the 125 turns into the 54 freeway and overlooks the neighboring community of Spring Valley.

Go Tritons!

This is the latest sculpture to be installed on the University of California San Diego campus. It depicts the school's mascot and was created by Manuelita Brown. The sculpture is located in front of the newly expanded Price Center (where the bookstore, food court, and many student services are located).

One more from the MLK Jr parade

Sometimes if the parade slows to a halt, a group will stay in place for a few minutes or more. We got to hear and see a short performance by the Lincoln High School marching band as they played and marched in place in front of us. What a work out for the band members, especially with the super warm weather we are having! Happy Martin Luther King Jr Day to you!

Raise your hands in the air

The Martin Luther King Jr Parade features marching bands, drill teams, floats, dance performances, and local community organizations. The above photo shows members of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity.

MLK Jr parade

We went to the Martin Luther King Jr parade this morning. It is held downtown near Petco Park. This green car was a real highlight, it literally hopped down the street. I'll show you a few more photos of the parade in the next few days.

Transmission lines

Can't live without our power - can you even imagine a day/week/month/year without your computer?

Funky Hilly Park, Downtown, San Diego

Near the end of Island Ave., there's a small artsy park - little grass-covered hills are geometrically placed, with dirt paths around them, and trees shooting up. It's a really interesting place. I don't know the name of it, but it is located on Island Ave., between Front & First Ave. At the opposite end of the park is a big, relaxing fountain. It really is a beauty. Does anyone know the name of this park?

Get on the bus

Okay, I'm done torturing you over the awesome-ness of the Chula Vista Nature Center. I hope the photos have inspired you to visit the center and help them stay in business. One highlight for my kids was taking the 5 minute free shuttle ride (that is how preserved this place is) to and from the center. Cool bus, but go figure why kids love bus rides.

Birder venue

The above photo, taken at the end of one of the trails at the Chula Vista Nature Center, is where the water goes directly into San Diego Bay. You can see the hills of Tijuana on the right and although you can't see it in this photo, if you were standing at this point and looked across the bay you would see the sand-spit of Silver Strand State Beach.

Lots of critters

The Chula Vista Nature Center's exhibits show a full spectrum of animals from the bay, to the marsh, to the uplands. As well as these Moray eels, we saw jellyfish, seahorses, lots of different fish, snakes, sharks, rays, and many birds. One bonus for me about their exhibits is that they were built with young children in mind - all the tanks and terrariums have steps/platforms to allow the little ones to be eye to eye with the creatures. What a relief, I didn't have to hear "pick me up" constantly!

Walking trails and a view!

The land where the Chula Vista Nature Center is today was once occupied by a kelp processing plant, a cottonseed oil company, farmland, and was a film location for the movie "Attack of the Killer Tomatoes". In the above photo you can see concrete remnants from the kelp processing plant in the foreground and in the background you can see the Coronado Bay Bridge and downtown San Diego.

Hoot

One of the most special things about the Chula Vista Nature Center is that there are several opportunities to get up close and personal with the animals. There were a few docents walking around showing off some of the birds from their exhibits - here is the Great Horned Owl.

Chula Vista Nature Center

We are all feeling the effects of the tightening economy, and unfortunately the Chula Vista Nature Center is on the chopping board. (Chula Vista is a neighboring city to San Diego.) Last weekend was the first time I visited the center and I was completely impressed by the exhibits and the breathtaking natural surroundings accessible by walking trails. Over the next few days I'll show you some highlights. Click here to learn more about what is being done to save the center.

One last look...

I really wish we had holiday lights up more often. They're so fun. I know, I know...lights are so...last month! Sigh.

Well, here's one last look back, before I trudge unforgiveably into the January light-less dolldrums. These lights were up at my favorite location in Point Loma. And yes, those are decorated palm trees in the background.

Very sparkly

The Tin Smith shop in Old Town has some spectacular star lanterns, mirrors, big and small decorative stars and angels, and lots more made from tin.

Aiy yai yai yai

Are ashtrays old hat these days? Obviously from this photo you can see that they are still selling San Diego sombrero souvenir ashtrays in Old Town!

Cocks

Here are some colorful cocks for sale at a store in Old Town. I have a friend that had a small collection of figurine frogs and she said her collection grew and grew because people thought she liked frogs a lot. She only likes frogs a little. Same thing happened to my cousin with Betty Boop, but she doesn't even like Betty Boop. Do you have a serious collection or an unintended collection of tchotchkes?

It's hard...

Now that I see this photo as a thumbnail, I am thinking that this is one of those places where seeing the mural (in Pacific Beach) in-person has much more impact. The mural says, "It's hard to remember to live before you die. It's hard to remember our lives are such a short time."

Night and day

I thought this was an interesting mural at a liquor store in Pacific Beach. Click here to see another surf themed mural at a liquor store.

Round the bend

I've always wanted a great photo of this corridor where the 5 & 52 freeways intersect, but then I would have to get out of my car to do that. The Coaster train runs along here and there is a bike path called the Rose Canyon Bicycle Path that goes up into the La Jolla/University Towne Centre (UTC) area. Click here for the map of the bike route.

Best of 2008

Can you believe it's 2009?! I surely cannot. It seems we were just putting up the best 2007 photo, doesn't it?

I selected this photo because as I was scrolling through it's the only one that stopped me cold. Perhaps that's a weak criteria, but there you have it. This photo was taken for theme day, numbers, the first day in May, 2008.

I hope you rang in the new year happy, healthy & safe. Here's to another year of health, wealth, good cheer and more daily photos. Oh, and don't forget to start writing '09 on your checks (if, in fact, you still write checks, that is).

Others are also participating in this daily photo theme day. Check them out by clicking here: