Botanical Building and Lily Pond, Balboa Park

This spectacular building is the Botanical Building at Balboa Park, built for the 1915 Exposition. According to www.balboapark.org, it's one of the most photographed spots in the park. Ok, so I'm trite. It's still great. Inside was a great orchid exhibit.

Fun on a Sunday at Balboa Park

Balboa Park was full of people enjoying the very warm day. Some looked like they had come from church. The fountains are always kid magnets.

There's an artisan village at Balboa Park. This lady (below) was a glass blower.

Balboa Park Carousel

The carousel is one of our must go to places, whether we ride or just watch. It's one of the few carousels that still offers a gold ring for a free ride.

Today, the boy shown below was compelling. He really wanted that golden ring
!

In this first picture (above) the carousel is not moving yet. He's working on his form.

Reach for it!

Got it!

And here's the ticket for the free ride. Even the giraffe seems to be celebrating!

Balboa Park Organ Concert

We went, as always, to the Sunday afternoon outdoor organ concert at Balboa Park. It was such a beautiful day; and we knew it would be even warmer inland at the Park.

The Spreckels Pavillion was built in 1915 for the Panama-California Exposition and deeded to the city. The organ now has 4518 pipes in 73 ranks. That means something to organ people. To me it means there are a whole lotta pipes. The smallest one is the size of a pencil. I forget how big the largest is. There is an outdoor concert here every Sunday, rain or shine. If it rains, the console is kept right next to the pavillion. There is a metal wall that slides down over the pipes and the console when not in use. For more info, see http://www.sosorgan.com

Carole Williams, the Civic Organist for San Diego and Lyle Blackington, Curator of the Spreckels Organ

Fred at the Spreckels Organ console.

Balboa Park, San Diego, CA. The America's Cup! No, just a remote control sailboat in the fountain at Balboa Park. I always get the urge to create a tidal wave when I see one of these....