Pelicans

Now, you may not share my feelings about pelicans and I have to admit, I had a long talk with myself before posting about them for fear of scaring some of you off but, well, I really like pelicans. Before moving to San Diego I can't say for sure that I ever saw one, much less twenty of them in a row gliding up there in the sky so effortlessly, one not more than a few feet behind the next, all going someplace. I use to joke with people and say, that "they are headed to a party in Pacific Beach" and as much a I'm quite sure that isn't true, I challenge you to disprove it.

The best pelican watching area, in my opinion, is between La Jolla Cove and Bird Rock. A huge flock of pelicans make their homes in La Jolla on the cliffs above the cove just East of Point La Jolla. I have seen quite literally hundreds of them there from time-to-time. Cormorants seem to get along nicely with pelicans so you will see quite a few cormorants there as well. But if you want to see them in flight, go south, anywhere from Nicholson Point to Windansea beach.

The beach is easily accessed from just about anywhere. Find a place to park on Scripps Lane or Ravina Street and head west. When get to the Pacific Ocean, go left. It is only about a mile from Nicholson Point to Windansea. There seem to always be a few pelicans skimming across the edge of a wave. The pics above are all of pelicans gliding just above the palm trees, but I have seen as many riding the airflow off the crest of a wave. If you decide to walk the surface streets back, you won't be disappointed. The neighborhood is beautiful and you will get glimpses of the ocean every now and then. There are also many paths that will take you back to beach if you should decide to end your career as a street walker. (I know, that was bad. I couldn't help myself.)

Brown pelicans like this one are the smallest of the eight species of pelicans weighing in at 6 to 12 pounds. If you enjoy watching these wonderful birds as much as I do, you will want to make sure to spend a day or two on the beach in La Jolla when you RetireInSanDiego.

In parting, I do believe a limerick by Dixon Lanier Merritt is in order.

A wonderful bird is the pelican,
His bill will hold more than his belican,
He can take in his beak
Enough food for a week
But I'm damned if I see how the helican!

Happy Saturday from San Diego

Cabrillo National Monument

The Cabrillo National Monument, or Point Loma National Park as it is referred to by many, is one of those places that you can visit over and over again and never see it all. Not because it is such a huge park but because the beauty of this park is constantly changing.

On the left of the picture above is downtown San Diego with Coronado in the foreground; beyond Zuniga Shoal is San Diego Bay and on the right side of this panoramic pic is Mexico. The road that you see in the foreground leads to a trail that takes you down to the water where you can get closer look at Zuniga Shoal and the hundreds of boats coming and going from San Diego every day.

On this clear day in April the Coronado Islands revealed themselves beyond the new Point Loma Lighthouse. More functional than the old one on the hill, the charm of old lighthouse can't be matched. Standing at the ocean overlook up on the hill, the islands look like you can reach out and touch them. They are actually in Mexican, not US, waters and are frequently obscured by a marine layer.

I have to admit the old Point Loma Lighthouse is what draws me to Cabrillo. It's light shines for tourists now but when built in 1854 provided a sense of security for all mariners near these San Diego waters. The lighthouse keepers were isolated. Today, it's really nothing to drive out Point Loma to the Cabrillo, But back in the day, when the lighthouse was built, it was a full day's journey to get there and another day to get back to San Diego. In 1854 San Diego was the area that we now call Old Town.  You can read about the history of the old lighthouse on Wikipedia, or better yet, visit the Cabrillo National Monument yourself when you RetireInSanDiego. I will share more information about the Cabrillo in future blogs but you need to see it for yourself, stand in the old lighthouse and look out into the Pacific with your own eyes, to get the true sense of it. I'm sure that you will be transported in time back to the days when San Diego was born just like me. How exciting it must have been to part of it.

Happy Wednesday from San Diego.

North Fortuna Summit

Yay!!!   I summited!!! 

Well, it was exciting. Yes, the summit is only 1,291 feet but it was a great hike on a beautiful Spring day. There were lots of birds singing to me all the way to the top and it's still early enough in the year that the wild flowers where out in abundance. In just a few more days all the flowers will be gone.

I was shocked to see how many wild flowers were still in bloom

Yours truly

North Fortuna Summit

180 degree panoramic view, South to West, from North Fortuna Summit

It's probably time for a little more information. Even though this walk/hike starts at about 600 feet for an elevation gain of only about 691 feet, it is 6.4 miles round trip to the summit. Cowles Mt. is only 3 miles. You must carry water and a bite to eat and take a break at the summit to snap a few pictures. My point is, even though this hike may look easier than Cowles Mt. due to such a small elevation gain, don't under estimate the difficulty. Never-the-less, you must try it. Winter is the best time or on a cool spring day when the flowers and birds are out. This is just another reason to RetireInSanDiego. 

"Act" up

Come on, don't be shy. We'll keep this between you and me; for now. You know that you have always wanted to be on stage. You have been an actor all your life, remember; in front of parents and family at the summer picnic when you were a kid; at the company holiday party after you had a few to get loosened up; and don't forget all those times playing Pictionary; and whether you actually wrote it into your bucket list or not, you know it's there. So what are you waiting for? To RetireInSanDiego, that's what.

I'll never forget that fateful day walking around Clairemont Family Days, an annual event in the Clairemont neighborhood of San Diego. Jean and Catherine nonchalantly mentioned as Lauren and I walked by that we looked like we were born actors and as luck would have it, the following week were auditions for a play, written and produced by "Clairemont Act One." After enduring a brief history of the theatre group, Lauren and I made our get-away from these obviously "touched" ladies.

Later that evening we reviewed the day and the conversation we had with Jean and Catherine. Were we doing anything next Wednesday evening? It might be a hoot to drop by, sit in the back and watch the actors audition for the various parts.

This is a picture taken at an audition but not the audition I described below. 

We showed up at the community hall where the auditions were to be held, walked over to the room where several people were sitting behind a row of tables and still more sitting in chairs further back. I quite innocently asked "is this where auditions were being held?" Another woman that I had not seen before said, "Yes! You have a part." Lauren and I looked at each other and weren't sure if we should run or follow through with our plans to "watch" the auditions. Later I would learn that Paula was the lady that called out to us. Paula and Sally wrote the play "Clued In" which both Lauren and I performed in several weeks later. Our first on stage performance.

Lauren and I are in the 2nd row on the left. Jean is in the 2nd row right. Catherine is front, left.

The lovely, talented people that we have met over the years in Clairemont Act One have turned into family. Lauren and I have been involved with several plays; as performers, technical, makeup, working back stage, Lauren as a co-director and house managers, greeters of theater goers at the door while selling tickets. We even sang a few songs at a fund raiser one January a few years ago. I won't lie, opening night just before our first performance I was so nervous I was physically ill. But I love it and can't wait for the next performance, which, by the way is in just a couple weeks. Check it out at: http://clairemontactone.org/. You'll be glad you did.

Stretch yourself. Get out of your comfort zone. Try acting. You know you want to and when you do, I hope to see you when you RetireInSanDiego and make your stage debut.

Please share this post with all your friends and neighbors in San Diego. We are always looking for ways to expand our audience. Are you not in can San Diego, yet? Come down for a visit and catch a performance. There is a seat waiting just for you.

Cowles Mountain

If you want a nice quite walk away from the bustle of the city, don't go to Cowles Mt. I have yet to hike Cowles Mt. when there wasn't a steady stream of walkers, hikers and runners making their way to the top of this mountain.

This pic is looking East out to Santee. It just happened that the marine layer has drifted in this morning.

Now, your experience with hiking is probably much different than mine and people from all over the world view this blog so depending on other "mountains" that you have hiked or climbed, Cowles may leave you disappointed. Cowles Mt. is the highest, closest mountain to San Diego and without climbing stairs, provides it's hikers with the best scenic workout in San Diego. Best of all, you don't have to go far to get there. Its elevation is only 1,593 feet and you start at 656 feet above sea level. So if you are even in just better than poor shape, you can probably make this 3 mile round trip hike with no problem.

This pic is looking South. Those mountains you see are actually in Mexico.

If you find the full moon rising as fascinating I do, you may want to try the full moon hike. Start your hike 30 to 60 minutes before dark so that you can get to the top before the moon rises and enjoy the view. I have made this hike several times and would highly recommend it to everyone. The hike back down is almost more spectacular than watching the moon rise. Why? Because all those folks up at the top have to come back down - in the dark. Almost everyone up there is carrying a flashlight to help keep them on the tail on the way back down. As you descend, don't forget to pause and look behind you from time-to-time. A ribbon of lights mark the trail from the top to trailhead. It's truly an amazing sight. It's these fascinating  peregrinations that make one want to RetireInSanDiego. Why not you?

Looking North, over the antenas, you can barely make out Mt. Palomar. Another fabulous hiking destination.

"ART" in Imperial Beach

ART. Many of us like to think we are artists; those of us that attempt to be artists are rarely commercially successful; and almost all of us that actually get our hands dirty doing it reap rewards that stick with us the rest of our lives. Our refrigerators are covered with the art of our children and grandchildren. Our scrapbooks are filled with these treasured gifts that inspire us, make us smile and bring back to mind irreplaceable memories in our hearts and minds that we would not trade for all the gold in Fort Knox. The spontaneous joy, laughter and tears we enjoy just knowing how profoundly we have touched other peoples lives, I find, difficult to describe. ART.

Looking West

To be among the few that actually get to share art publicly, for the world to see and enjoy, is something of a bucket list item for me. I have made my attempts over the years to be an artist but nothing has really stuck. When I stumbled on this "ART" monument in Imperial Beach California, just south of San Diego, it intrigued me. An art monument celebrating "ART." Cleaver, mesmerizing, quiet and loud. I would love to know how many people walk past this monument without ever realizing it exists. I'm sure that many people look at these squiggly poles and wonder what they are all about. They are about you; they are about ART.  Enjoy!

Looking NorthEast

Looking North

Looking Southwest

Quince Street Footbridge

Do you enjoy walking bridges as much as I do? Then you will want to add the Quince Street Footbridge, aka Maple Canyon Bridge, to your list of walks in San Diego. Located just two long blocks South of Spruce Street, you can quite easily add the Quince Street Footbridge to your walk the same day you visit the Spruce Street Suspension Bridge. Walk South on 1st Avenue two blocks, turn East and in about two blocks you will see this historic trestle. Once crossing the bridge, continue past the far end until you reach Balboa Park.

The Quince Street Footbridge is located on Quince Street between 3rd and 4th Avenues and crosses over Maple Canyon. According to the California Historical Resources Inventory Database this wood trestle bridge engineered by George A. d’Heuecourt and built by Addison M. Young in 1905 is 206 feet long, 6 feet wide and is 60 feet above the canyon floor at it’s highest point. Designated an Historic Landmark October 28th, 1987 this rare, beautifully preserved trestle reminds us of the days when walking was an important, no, necessary part of daily life in San Diego. You can almost hear the conversations of people as they walk the bridge in the morning on their way to work. How thankful they must have been once the bridge was completed, saving each pedestrian several walking miles each week as they walked back and forth to work and home.

                                                                                                                                                                             

Little Italy to the Embarcadero

I intensely dislike paying to park my car; but I love Little Italy, the Embarcadero and other places in downtown San Diego. So the way I deal with it is to park near where I want to go downtown and walk. This way I get some exercise and pay nothing to park my car.

There is a parking lot near the Little Italy Farmers Market where you can park free for two hours. If you are just going to the Farmers Market, that is enough time to get the job done; however, if you intend to do a little exploring before or after visiting the market, two hours won’t be enough time. The solution is easy: park in the Bankers Hill area just above Little Italy. Most the time you can easily find a place to park, for free on the street and walk down the hill to the Farmers Market. Today I’m continuing on past The Market to the Embarcadero.

The City of San Diego installed a fabulous park a couple years ago. You can’t have a park without grassy lawns, restrooms and play equipment for the little ones.  Done!

But San Diego didn’t stop there. They installed spray water fountains which are fun to watch and satisfying to run through on hot days to keep yourself cool. Today, the fountain was getting some regular maintenance and it wasn’t that warm out so I’m sure no one missed getting wet. In another month or two it will be a different story. 

                       

To the West, across North Harbor Drive, is the Maritime Museum of San Diego. It is fascinating not just to tour but to explore all the old ships, submarines, a ferry and the magnificent Star of India. I have been on the Star many times and I never tire of exploring her decks, reading about her travels and imagining what it must have been like to crew this 212 foot ship. She was launched just 5 days before Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address at the Ramsey Shipyard, Isle of Man, in November 1863. A can hardly resist sharing all the facts and trivia about the Star but alas, I don’t want to bore you. That said, if you find the maritime life interesting, visit the Star and the other eleven vessels maintained by the museum when you are in San Diego. If you truly are an “Old Salt” at heart you might even want to volunteer to keep The Star ship shape. I have seen mariners up on the masts hoisting sails and climbing to the crows nest. It’s a bit high for my taste but what a grand experience.

I could spend a day, a week or perhaps more exploring this area of the Embarcadero but I must continue on with my day and get a few chores checked off my list. Next weekend I’m continuing down the Embarcadero to USS Midway Museum. See you then. Aaron

Spruce Street Suspension Bridge

The Spruce Street Suspension Bridge is a popular walking destination for San Diegans and tourists alike. Of course, you have to find it first. It is located in the Bankers Hill, Park West, area of San Diego very near Balboa Park. In fact, if you park on the Northwest side of the park the intersection of Spruce Street and Balboa Park is only about 2 blocks South from the most Northwest corner of Balboa Park; walk six short block West and you are at the bridge. It provides a pedestrian connection between Brant Street and Front Street. The Spruce Street Suspension Bridge was built in 1912 and designated an Historical Landmark by San Diego Historical Resources January 7th, 1977.  

Okay, so there is all the technical stuff about the Bridge that I could dig up. If you know anything else, please don’t hesitate to share in a comment. What I find unique about this bridge is the location. Walk out on the bridge and you are instantly transported back to 1912. You quite literally feel like you are in the middle of a pristine Southern California Coastal Forest. You can spot a house or two but work with me here. Look both North and South, up and down Spruce Canyon. You have to search to find evidence of civilization. People I’ve talked with love this bridge. It gently sways when you walk out to the middle and instantly the noise from the City disappears.

The day I walked the bridge I shared it with a young couple taking engagement announcement pictures near the center of the bridge. I didn’t know they did that anymore, but this couple was, and is, and they were excited to be able to enjoy and share this beautiful location in announcing their engagement to the world.

After a few deep breaths of sunshine fresh coastal air and I’m off, back along Spruce Street to the park and the rest of my day. Oh, by the way, when you plan your walk to the Spruce Street Suspension Bridge, stop for breakfast, lunch or dinner at Jimmy Carter’s Mexican Cafe’. You will walk past it on you way back to your car. The food is great and the atmosphere is bright and cheery. When you RetireInSanDiego, this adventure is not to miss.

 

Explore San Diego. 

Dare to be an adventurer. 

It takes so little effort here in San Diego. 

There are a plethora of things to be discovered just outside your door. The rich history, Landmarks and people are all there waiting for you, when you RetireInSanDiego.