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!