Wednesday, December 9, 2015

A Walk in the Park

San Diego Metro KOA
Chula Vista, CA
December 9, 2015
The warm sunshine and bright blue skies lured us to Balboa Park today. Our reward was an amazing walk among magnificent architecture and pristine gardens. 
For me, any trip to San Diego must include a visit to Balboa Park. This 1200 acre park, ( for info, click here ) includes museums, gardens, performing arts, and recreation opportunities. 

 The Botanical Garden was our first stop. It was built for the 1915-16 Exposition and is one of the largest lath structures in the world.  
The lath structure with the Lily pond and lagoon is one of the most photographed scenes in the park.
The Botanical Building plantings include more than 2100 permanent plants featuring ferns and orchids. It also features seasonal flower displays and it was the poinsettias that stole the show today.














It doesn't matter if you look up...


...or down, you are guaranteed to see beauty!








We did stop to watch a mama duck with her 12 ducklings in the corner of the pond.

What a treat...

  And then there is the flamboyant Spanish architecture...












... and immaculate landscaping.



 We also decided to go to the Car Museum. It was a $6.00 ticket each to enter and we both agreed we wished we had paid the same amount to walk through the Japanese Friendship Garden instead.

 The Steve McQueen exhibit was my favorite.





And the most interesting exhibit was the Louie Mattar's $75,000 1947 Cadillac. It seems Mr. Mattar and two other men drove from San Diego to New York and back (6,320 miles) without a single stop from Sept. 20-27, 1952   

The backseat featured such luxuries as a refrigerator, electric stove, iron and ironing board, TV washing machine, chemical toilet, shower, medicine cabinet, and kitchen sink. 

 There were platforms built all around the car to stand on for servicing. The shiny trailer provided the dining table as well as a reserve tanks for water, gas and oil. Louie also made a second trip from Anchorage to Mexico City, over 7482 miles.

 Oh, we did see a celebrity...

 Until next time, take care and let the good times roll...
HAPPY TRAILS!
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15 comments:

  1. Wanderin'December 10, 2015 at 6:35 AM

    San Diego is one of our favorite places.

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  2. our awesome travelsDecember 10, 2015 at 6:42 AM

    Love Balboa Park there,like you said a must see. That was an amazing trip in 1952.

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    1. Joe and GayDecember 10, 2015 at 8:33 AM

      You would have been amazed George...it was like a mini motorhome!

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  3. Jim and SandieDecember 10, 2015 at 6:59 AM

    Back in the 70's I lived close enough to walk to Balboa Park. But I had forgotten how beautiful it was. I was in my early 20's and didn't appreciate it. That baby pic is adorable.

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    1. Joe and GayDecember 10, 2015 at 8:41 AM

      The ducklings were fun to watch Sandie.

      We sure seem to look at things and appreciate them more at our age don't we Sandie? I took a "tour" of my home town year before last and was amazed at how beautiful it really is.

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  4. Metamorphosis LisaDecember 10, 2015 at 8:21 AM

    Such beautiful shots of one of San Diego's gems! Those ducklings are adorable!

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  5. John and Pam (ohtheplacestheygo.wordpress.com)December 10, 2015 at 8:23 AM

    Our first visit to Balboa Park was at this time of year. It was beautiful:) Hans and Lisa took us on a great urban hike (who knew there were deep canyons running between neighborhoods) that ended in the park. I enjoyed the Dr. Seuss Christmas tree:) Love your celebrity sighting:)

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    1. Joe and GayDecember 10, 2015 at 8:58 AM

      I was just reading about the 65 miles of hiking/biking trails in Balboa. We are having a hard time getting motivated to dust off the hiking boots Pam. The weather is perfect so I am hoping some easy trails will be just what we need.

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  6. Jodee GravelDecember 11, 2015 at 2:03 PM

    It's been too long since I've been to the gardens! Your photos are beautiful :-) The Cadillac is pretty cute!!

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  7. AsTimeGoesByeDecember 14, 2015 at 7:44 AM

    My cousin was stationed in San Diego just before the Gulf War. He still raves about the city & Balboa Park, & many other attractions come to think of it. As for Louie Mattar's car, I just watched an episode of Mysteries at the Museum that featured the car & its historic trip. Did you know that Louie made all of the alterations/adaptations himself?

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    1. Joe and GayDecember 16, 2015 at 10:49 PM

      Cool! We did read that rid bit...it took several years and. Lots of money!

      Delete
  8. AnonymousDecember 15, 2015 at 9:41 AM

    I agree with you Balboa Park is a must when in San Diego. And we will visit them next winter. Love the details of the architecture

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