cazalea
[Seiko Moderator]
19346
Sunrise on Soledad
We rose early this morning, hoping to fill up the truck at a Costco Gas Station and make it to the top of the mountain nearby before sunrise. We made it with time to spare; even before the maintenance crew unlocked the gates. So we walked around them to the edge, joining about 20-30 others scattered around, shivering in the cold wind and waiting for the sun.
There's a cross at the top of the memorial, which allows families to commemorate any who have served in the US military (not just those who died in action).
The city, spread out beneath us, was gradually revealed as the light slowly increased. This view is to the south.
Now looking eastward.
To the west is the ocean.
North and west I can almost make out BrandonS taking his son out surfing this Valentine's Day morning, leaving his wife asleep at home (this is in my imagination, of course).
My wife is reading stories of the people. We might put our dads up on the wall someday.
Alert! The sunrise is beginning. Thankfully the camera shields my eyes because it's soon too bright to stare at.
There we go!
As we walk around the monument we notice the colors and textures of the natural foliage around us, underlit by the sun.
Typical placques.
Looking down at La Jolla Shores Beach Club, and a spot that looks like a kayak, and a track across that looks suspiciously like a whale to me.
A bird began to sing loudly, I don't think I've ever captured a songbird with fully-open beak!
A Torrey Pine holds the branches up, loving the sun (in its armpits?)
Another singer who stopped as he spotted me spotting him.
We call this ice plant.
A few more locals.
No shortage of exotic flowers in San Diego area.
Following the sign, we went thatta way.
My eyes lit on this crazy man-made tree at the top of the hill going down to the beach. We turned left instead of taking the 15% incline.
We took a right turn to a very swank neighborhood at the top of Mt. Soledad. After I took this photo, I realized the address was 2001. The house was as suitably "Space Odyssey" as the gate.
This is a different house, but it gives you a sense of the architecture in that mountaintop neighborhood. Stark!
Yet another. I'm getting bored with this.
So were the doves, the only sign of wildlife.
Finally. We came to some homes with color!
At this magnificent stained glass entry we called it a morning, and headed home for breakfast.
Thanks for coming along with us today. We wish you a wonderful Valentines with your loved ones.
When I say Tissot the usual response is gesundheit!
This watch came from a friend who said, "Why don't you see if you can fix this.... or let me say it another way ... it's yours whether you can fix it or not."
Cazalea
Cazalea
Sunrise on Soledad
We rose early this morning, hoping to fill up the truck at a Costco Gas Station and make it to the top of the mountain nearby before sunrise. We made it with time to spare; even before the maintenance crew unlocked the gates. So we walked around them to t...
Thank you
We did this trip to Mt. Soledad three years ago. On that morning I saw this: 6:32 Looked up to the darkest part of the sky to see this 6:34 Then back to the hillside for this three minutes later. 6:37 Unless the clock on my camera is lying to me, it's ama...
