Seiko

BTW, that is NOT a date above 6 o'clock, it's a Seiko quartz symbol.



We decided to go to Balboa Park. Here's the approach to the iconic bridge across the Cabrillo Freeway.

Balboa Park was originally called "City Park," but was renamed after Spanish explorer Vasco Núñez de Balboa, in honor of the 1915 Panama-California Exposition, held in the Park that year.  

Balboa Park was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1977. It is maintained by San Diego Parks & Recreation Dept.

Our intention was to walk on sidewalks, concrete or asphalt, and not in the post-rainstorm mud. Little did we know how hard it had rained! And how our parks are maintained.

We resolved from that point on to only look UP and think POSITIVE, and not look down and think negative. Luckily there was plenty to see. Like Gabriel blowing his horn from the top of the Abby Building.



And the tower in the middle of the park, built for the 1915 Panama-America Exposition, and the threatening clouds...



An enormous construction crane towers over Park Boulevard, where they have torn down a wing of the Episocopal Church to build a residential tower.



Looking way up! Did you ever wonder what the driver is doing up there? Looks like he is texting his girl friend, of course.



We are getting closer to the tower.



Now on the bridge, making our way over to the plaza, and showing off her watch.



Jumping off is not allowed (unstated, but implied).



The tower's details are becoming clearer as we approach. As the tower website proclaims:

Constructed for the 1915 Exposition, this structure is an architectural hybrid of different styles, including Baroque, Plateresque, Churrigueresque, and Rococo, with Gothic details.  Designed by Bertram Goodhue, who included intricate ornamentation, arched arcades, carvings and busts, and colorful tile adorning the tower and domes, the building is reminiscent of the Spanish-Colonial churches in Mexico that inspired him.



Still looking up - my neck is getting stiff.



Lowering my camera a few degrees for a rest!



Then back up!



We walk a bit, looking straight eastward down the Prado to the new fountain 100 yards away and the old fountain 300 yards down the road. I only had a few seconds before people, dogs, and trucks blocked the view.

Statue of El Cid, donated by the Spanish Historical Society eons ago.



More details of the tower as we are walking back to our car.



Dates -- fruit out of reach.

And a blue heron. What's he doing in the middle of the park, miles from any water?



Grooming himself.



Annoyingly, not staying still for a moment.



Finally the profile pose.



What my wife was seeing while I took a dozen shots of the heron.

Thanks for walking with us this morning, wearing a dressy Seiko.



"Things are looking UP," said the bread and donut stacker.

Cazalea

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