A Stormy Day

Today is one of those rare Southern California days with rain, thunder and lightening.  I know it's a normal occurrence in most parts of the country, but it disrupts our day here in Coronado.

The Coronado Ferry

The Coronado Ferry runs between San Diego's Broadway Pier and the Coronado Ferry Landing.  It runs every hour, leaving San Diego on the hour, and leaving Coronado on the half hour.  The fare is $3.75 each way, and kids under 3 years old are free.  It's still a relaxing way to commute in and out of Coronado, and harkens back to the days prior to the bridge, when ferries churned the water of the bay transporting passengers and their cars to the old Coronado terminal at Orange Avenue and First Street.

Dog Days Of Autumn

We're in the middle of a heatwave here in Southern California, and everyone is trying to stay cool.  I went for a walk at Tidelands Park this afternoon hoping to find a refreshing breeze, but found this adorable Black Labrador instead.  Her owner graciously let me take her photograph, and told me at times her tongue hangs out so far it hits her in the face when she runs!  I wish her luck staying cool.

Did you know most homes in Coronado do not have air conditioning?  That is because the ocean breeze usually moderates the temperature, and because many of us live in older (pre-war) beach cottages that were built for carefree, no-frills island living.

A New Perspective

A change of perspective can make all the difference... this morning I hopped off my bike and crawled under the ferry pier in Coronado to shoot San Diego from a new angle.  I like it, regardless of the strange looks I drew from early morning dog walkers. 

Do you remember the scene in "Dead Poets Society", where Mr. Keating (Robin Williams as the teacher) has his uptight students stand on his classroom desk to remind them to look at life in a different way?  It's a lesson that deserves revisiting now and then.

My favorite line from the movie -

Mr. Keating:  I always thought the idea of education was to learn to think for yourself.

Nolan:  At these boys' age?  Not on your life!



Parachutes Over Coronado

The Coronado Speed Festival is happening this weekend on North Island N.A.S.  Today's opening ceremony began with a spectacular show by the U.S. Navy Parachute Team, the Leap Frogs (shown here).  The car race started within minutes of these photos being shot, but I think the parachutists are definitely worth showing you.

The Shade Tree

Is there anything better than a cool shade tree to sit under on a hot, sunny day?  I plopped under this beauty while watching my son's soccer game earlier today.  Although I shot many happy and blurry pictures of the game, I think the view from under this leafy canopy is the nicest to share with you.  A view like this on a lazy Saturday at Tidelands Park is one of the true simple pleasures in life.

When was the last time you laid under a under a tree, watching the sunlight dappled leaves and smelling the breeze?

Reflection

I found these palms gently swaying in the evening breeze on the Coronado Golf Course the other night.  In this pleasant setting I was lulled into a moment of peaceful contemplation, when I heard a man bellow "Fore!" followed by "Lady, you're gonna get hit!"

This quote by Confucius seems appropriate, since I really do strive to learn through reflection, but still discover wisdom the hard way sometimes.

"By three methods we may learn wisdom:

First, by reflection, which is noblest;

Second, by imitation, which is easiest;

And third, by experience, which is bitterest."

~ Confucius

Have a wonderful weekend!

Harvest Moon w/ Music

I hope this couple had a thoroughly romantic evening under the "super" harvest moon last night.  *Here's* the music that should have accompanied the evening.  It's Neil Young's "Harvest Moon".  Play it and be transported to a bonfire by the sea.

In the second picture, the lifeguards were shutting down for the evening, and I got this pic as finished their duties.

Okay, my link didn't change colors as it was meant to, so click on the word "Here's" above to play music!

Harvest Moon

I caught the most dreamy harvest moon on the rise tonight, coinciding with the last day of summer.  Really spectacular... don't just sit there, go outside and look!

Speaking of which, did anyone else love hearing the old Neil Young song "Harvest Moon" in the movie "Eat, Love, Pray"?  I had that song stuck in my head for days.  If you don't remember the song, just google it - you won't be sorry!  Tres Romantic.

Morning Mist

The song says, "...it never rains in Southern California."  Except when it does.  This morning there is a fine mist falling, and it feels refreshing!

I had the beach all to myself when I took these pictures to show another side of our usually sunny little island.  When I turned around I found this bench dedicated to the memory of Connie from her friends and family.  Alone in the morning silence, I pondered who Connie was, and what a special person she must have been for her family and friends to give this bench to the community in her honor.

The Coronado Library

John D. Spreckels, then owner of the Hotel Del Coronado, built the Coronado Library in 1909 and gave it to the City of Coronado and it's residents.  It has been remodeled and expanded since then, but still has it's classical revival spirit.

Hidden behind the library is a real gem, Second Hand Prose, a non-profit used book store which supports programs at the library.  This is an enjoyable and inexpensive shopping experience, not to be missed!

San Diego Skyline at Night

I shot the San Diego skyline from Coronado tonight while playing with my new camera.  It's not the clearest shot, but you get the idea.  The night is lovely.

The Firehouse Grill

My family and I just had lunch at the new Firehouse Grill, located on the site of the original Coronado Firehouse, established in 1892.  The restaurant has a vintage firehouse theme, but brings these two shiny muscle cars to the mix.  Really fun!

Oh yes, and lunch was delicious too.

Flamingos and Ducks

Flamingos and ducks live in harmony at the Coronado Island Marriott Resort.

This handsome duck boldly waddled up to see what I was doing this morning. 

Up In The Air

I snapped this shot of two balls in the air while watching soccer practice this afternoon at Tidelands Park.  You can see the tops of high rise buildings in San Diego, across the bay.

Hotel Del Coronado

Yes, I've photographed the Del before, but it's signature red shingled roof keeps me coming back.

Life Guard Mobile

Coronado life guards keep an eye on our long stretch of beach in this nifty red Subaru.

Concert In The Park Finale

The final 2010 Concert in the Park was last night, bringing out many residents to move to the intoxicating zydeco music of the Bayou Brothers.

Someone in the crowd was blowing bubbles, creating a playful, serene ambiance.

Friends

Good friends

A warm sandy beach

Hours to relax

Laughter fills the air.

The Dragon Tree Story

This exotic tree is over 100 years old, and was a backdrop in the Marilyn Monroe movie Some Like it Hot, filmed at the Hotel Del Coronado in 1958.  Some like it Hot is such a fun weekend movie, why not watch it and look for this unusual tree!?

The Dragon Tree is native to the Canary Islands, but has taken nicely to our Southern California weather.

Dining Al Fresco

I took this photo last month at Sapori, a fabulous Italian restaurant on Orange Avenue in Coronado.  It's a lovely spot to dine outside and watch the world promenade past, although a few stop to gaze at the enticing dishes being served!

Signs of Coronado

Here is a glimpse of the signs of Coronado.  As you might have guessed, we consume large quantities of lemonade and homemade cookies, and have a diverse collection of children's pets.  Life is good... I just hope this little turtle found it's way home safely.  But a lost turtle notice is much less alarming than the occasional LOST SNAKE signs posted around the island.  Ewww!

The Dinghy Landing

Row, row, row your boat...

Some Coronado residents literally live on the water, using these dinghies to paddle from boat to land.  Not a bad commute, huh?

Labor Day Concert

The Coronado Community Swing Band was in fine form last night at the Labor Day Concert in the Park.  The night was cool, and the swing music irresistible.

Star Pine Tree

The Coronado Rotary Club planted this Star Pine in 1936 at Rotary Plaza, which is located at the intersection of Orange Avenue and Isabella Avenue.  It serves as the village Christmas tree in winter, and provides welcome shade in the summer.

Weekend On the Water

Living near the ocean and bay provides endless opportunities for year-round water recreation.  I like this shot because you can see San Diego Metropolitan Transit System's landmark clock tower, near Padres Stadium (Petco Park) across the bay from Coronado.

Picnic For Two

This couple started their Labor Day weekend with a romantic picnic at Tidelands Beach.

Absolute bliss.

The Beach Cruiser

Bikes are a part of daily life here in Coronado, so you find yourself checking out bicycles the way teenagers inspect cool cars.  Your bike says something about you, and this little beauty is singing my name!  Okay, so I have a perfectly serviceable bike that plugs along year after year (after year), but a girl can dream.

What type of bike do you ride?

Foggy Morning

It's foggy this morning in Coronado, but the marine layer should burn off soon.  I caught the Cabrillo pulling into dock as I rode my bike through the Ferry Landing earlier today.  For information on taking the ferry across the San Diego Bay, visit http://www.sdhe.com/san-diego-bay-ferry.html. 

Coronado Farmers' Market Finds

While shopping at the Coronado Farmers' Market on Tuesday afternoon, I met this sweet little dog named Gracie.  She is a Maltese/Yorkie mix (a Morkie), with a friendly, huggable disposition.

Yes, daisies and onions are an unusual combination, but as I purchased both from my favorite vendor, Tino, I decided they were pretty enough to be blog-worthy.  Hope you agree!