Would you like some salt with your fries?

Jan 11, 2021,10:51 AM
 

We walked along the eastern edge of San Diego harbor this morning, next to the South Bay Salt Works, one of the oldest businesses in the state. They have been operating here under various names since 1871.

The skies were clear and cool as we walked along the road. Some of their equipment looked 150 years old, but then what ferrous metal could survive 15 decades of immersion and exposure to salt water?



It was fairly bright but the sun won't be "up" for another half-hour. (A very small half-hour)


We tried to use the tracks to avoid getting into the mud.



There are roughly two dozen ponds into which the sea water flows then is progressively evaporated.





The structures in the distance make up the Silver Strand Training Complex South, a training center for US military special forces.



We walked south past the salt pools and then back along the road near the freeway. That gave us a higher vantage point of the somewhat scruffy neighborhood.



My distance tool says the Coronado Cays homes are 2.5 miles west from the salt mountain, and the tip of Point Loma in the distance is 10 miles away.



A short distance up the road we came across this fun set of South Bay Metal Bikes. 



My wife couldn't resist.



I couldn't resist my wife.








Then we came to Cogswell and this nifty, dually, almost-Monster Truck. Wouldn't Cogswell be a great name for a watch repair business? Yes, Sir, your cogs are well!



The crows were not impressed by the truck.



Now we have made it around the loop, the sun is rising, and sparkling off the pile of salt.



Mrs C says it looks like icebergs.





We drove south a couple miles to reposition our vehicle, and got another perspective on the salt ponds.



What a great lens my camera has!



We refrained from completing a circuit of the 57-acre Otay Riparian Environmental Landscape Restoration project, which was even more incredibly boring than its name.



A dedicated bike trail goes across the corner of the bay on its way to the Silver Strand.



I found this wreck in the bushes, and mounted it on the post to warn: Abandon hope, all ye cyclists who break down here!


As high in the weeds, a hawk waits for breakfast to reveal its furry head, somewhere below.


Climbing back into the truck, a final image of the Seiko - right on time.



Believe it or not the entire 21-jewel movement is smaller than the balance wheel of this other watch I am working on!



Thanks for making the journey with us today.

Cazalea


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What is the scale for the last photo? How much...

 
 By: Ronald Held : January 11th, 2021-11:30
Does seasalt need to be edible?

Smaller than a dime

 
 By: cazalea : January 11th, 2021-12:48
...  

Might not easily read the dal. (nt)

 
 By: Ronald Held : January 12th, 2021-11:26
NT.

Not all their products are for human consumption

 
 By: cazalea : January 11th, 2021-13:15
Some for industrial use, some for livestock, some for cooking, etc. no need to salt our roads...

All good to know. (nt)

 
 By: Ronald Held : January 12th, 2021-11:26
NT.

Gee that is one tiny movement!

 
 By: patrick_y : January 11th, 2021-13:07

Size of her smallest fingernail

 
 By: cazalea : January 11th, 2021-13:20
...  

Definitely an impressively small movement!

 
 By: patrick_y : January 11th, 2021-20:59
Very cool indeed!

I learned today from my friend Tom that San Diego's only watch factory was near the salt works

 
 By: cazalea : January 11th, 2021-16:00
Inland and ways and the building is gone, but perhaps it will provide substance for another walk soon!

Funny story

 
 By: Tim_M : January 11th, 2021-16:59
Years ago during my Navy years, I rode a major road bike loop from NAS North Island to Alpine, spent a day in the mountains, and then came back after dark with minimal lighting. As I looped south along the water to ride down the bay and up the other side ... 

Ouch!

 
 By: cazalea : January 12th, 2021-04:31
Is that where the phrase “rubbing salt in his wounds” came from?