San Diego Harbor

One week ago, Hunter and I went to see the USS Midway, presently docked in San Diego Harbor. The east side of the harbor is known as the Embarcadero, which is also home to the Star of India, the Berkely, and several others of note and worth touring. For my 16th birthday, I went to see the USS Constitution (the Connie) which was in San Diego at the time - and yes, they had ships AND a harbor back then! What they also had close-by was the original San Diego Police Department, which was an interesting design and set-up but which was moved a few years ago. I don't know if it's the original building or the location I appreciate, or the fact that the PD bulding has been famous for years and featured in many TV shows and movies, but it's (the move) a sore subject with me and one best addressed on another blog for you later.

ANYWAY, I've seen the Star of India and I've partied on the Berkely and recommend them for touring. The Berkely and several others will take people out for bay tours for several hours. (You can't sail anywhere on the Star of India - it's solidly in place.) You'll get to see Coronado Island and Bridge up close. I remember taking the car ferry across to Coronado Island while the bridge was being built!

There is also (presently) the smallest military submarine in port, able to be boarded and toured, the Surprise.

I couldn't help but add for your enjoyment a photo of a bench decorated with tiles individually painted by children at the Children's Museum. There are many more of these little personal touches at the Embarcadero and all over San Diego (not to mention the sea smell, which you know I love!)

Finally, we boarded the USS Midway, which opens at 10am most mornings, BTW. The cost was $18 for me and $10 for Hunter, who is a veteran. Let me just tell you up front, it was worth it. You not only see ship stuff, but items are readily and easily marked and explained with large signs, and they cleaverly have fake officers and sailors located in cool places doing important things. It doesn't sound like a big deal, but it really helped to get a feel for the different jobs and the living conditions for all the men in such a small space. Even many children would be able to understand what was going on here.

(The last two are actually Hunter, who is a real person  : - )

But the most impressive things are the sight of the ship from the outside and the site of the ship in the harbor itself.

The paintings of the planes on the side count the actual number of enemy planes shot down from this ship. Another little history lesson: the Midway (ship) was actually named after the battle of Midway, not the other way around. I will admit my ignorance in this area. I asked one of the docents working there if the ship was used in the making of the movie. As Ryan would say, I felt "crunchy" after learning of my gaff. BTW, the docents were plentiful, very well versed, friendly and helpful. Special shouts out to Bill, Larry and Jerry. There is a wide variety of planes on the top and many of them can be entered by tourists. The tour of the captain's and navigator's areas are awesome. I also asked Jerry if the Midway could ever be used again in case of emergency: the answer was NO. It can be moved but pretty much everything that makes it a battleship is now useless.

Probably my favorite part was the location where the ship is situated - perfect for seeing the entire San Diego Harbor and more. The photos below are a continuation from south to north, although I can't put them next to each other on the blog.  The photos start with San Diego where the Coronado Bridge starts, where it joins Coronado Island (although it's not really an island); the photos continue westward to the northern end of Coronado, the southern end of Harbor Island, and up to where Pt. Loma joins the mainland of San Diego again.

On the top photo, in the top/left corner is Seaport Village, another favorite place of mine.

I a couple of days I will present the Mission Inn, in Riverside, in all its Christmas glory...

Hunter and I had a very good time and hope you are able to come see this feast of history and culture in the future!