I visited the beautiful city of San Diego over a period of five days in October of 2009. I had the pleasure of staying with a friend who owned a condo in the Mission Bay area.
Below you will find descriptions of all of the sights I visited during my trip.
Balboa Park:
This massive 1,200 acre park is comprised of dozens of different sightseeing opportunities including the San Diego Zoo. It would take literally days to explore all of the park's nooks and crannies so make sure to set your sightseeing priorities. Land for the park was originally set aside back in 1868 by the civic leaders of San Diego. The park later hosted the 1915-16 Panama-California Exposition during which many of the buildings and museums we see today were built for. The park held yet another world's fair in 1935-36 in which even more structures and gardens were added.
I had visited the zoo many years prior as a teenager and wasn't impressed so I opted not to visit during this trip. Instead, I hit some of the sights I was more interested in including the Botanical Garden, Museum of Photographic Arts, and the Japanese Friendship Garden.
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| Balboa Park |
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| Balboa Park |
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| Balboa Park |
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| Balboa Park |
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| Balboa Park |
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| Balboa Park |
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| Balboa Park |
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| Balboa Park |
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| Balboa Park |
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| Balboa Park |
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| Balboa Park |
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| Balboa Park |
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| Balboa Park |
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| Balboa Park |
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| Balboa Park |
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| Balboa Park |
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| Balboa Park |
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| Balboa Park |
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| Balboa Park |
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| Balboa Park |
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| Balboa Park |
Balboa Park is home to several different gardens, the most famous being the Botanical Building which is set beautifully behind the park's popular Lily Pond. The Botanical Building is home to more than 2,100 plants including a gorgeous collection of orchids.
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| Botanical Building at Balboa Park in San Diego. |
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| Botanical Building at Balboa Park in San Diego. |
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| Lily Pond at Balboa Park in San Diego. |
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| Botanical Building at Balboa Park in San Diego. |
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| Botanical Building at Balboa Park in San Diego. |
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| Botanical Building at Balboa Park in San Diego. |
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| Botanical Building at Balboa Park in San Diego. |
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| Botanical Building at Balboa Park in San Diego. |
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| Botanical Building at Balboa Park in San Diego. |
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| Botanical Building at Balboa Park in San Diego. |
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| Botanical Building at Balboa Park in San Diego. |
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| Botanical Building at Balboa Park in San Diego. |
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| Botanical Building at Balboa Park in San Diego. |
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| Botanical Building at Balboa Park in San Diego. |
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| Botanical Building at Balboa Park in San Diego. |
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| Botanical Building at Balboa Park in San Diego. |
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| Botanical Building at Balboa Park in San Diego. |
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| Botanical Building at Balboa Park in San Diego. |
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| Botanical Building at Balboa Park in San Diego. |
Being an avid fan of photography, anytime I have the opportunity to visit a museum dedicated to one of my favorite hobbies I jump at the chance. This particular museum contains of more than 7,000 photographs in its collection representing the entire history of photography. Along with the permanent collection, visitors are also able to tour the ever-changing traveling exhibits
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| Museum of Photographic Arts at Balboa Park in San Diego. |
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| Museum of Photographic Arts at Balboa Park in San Diego. |
Japanese Friendship Garden:
This small and peaceful garden originated as a tea house during the 1915-16 Panama-California Exposition. It features a koi pond, bonsai exhibit, ceremonial gate along with several lovely meandering paths.
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| Japanese Friendship Garden at Balboa Park in San Diego. |
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| Japanese Friendship Garden at Balboa Park in San Diego. |
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| Japanese Friendship Garden at Balboa Park in San Diego. |
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| Japanese Friendship Garden at Balboa Park in San Diego. |
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| Japanese Friendship Garden at Balboa Park in San Diego. |
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| Japanese Friendship Garden at Balboa Park in San Diego. |
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| Japanese Friendship Garden at Balboa Park in San Diego. |
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| Japanese Friendship Garden at Balboa Park in San Diego. |
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| Japanese Friendship Garden at Balboa Park in San Diego. |
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| Japanese Friendship Garden at Balboa Park in San Diego. |
Crystal Pier:
This lovely and picturesque pier is located along The Strand, in Mission Beach. The pier is most famous for being home to the Crystal Pier Hotel, which is situated directly on top of the pier. The small yet cute cottages, built in 1930 can be rented out although reservations during the summer time are recommend at least a year in advance!
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| Crystal Pier |
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| Crystal Pier Hotel located on Crystal Pier. |
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| Crystal Pier Hotel located on Crystal Pier. |
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| Crystal Pier Hotel located on Crystal Pier. |
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| The view from Crystal Pier. |
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| The view from Crystal Pier. |
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| Crystal Pier |
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| A seagull enjoying the views from Crystal Pier. |
Mission Beach/The Strand:
The community of Mission Beach is built on a sandbar between Mission Bay and the Pacific Ocean and spans approximately two miles of ocean front. I enjoyed a leisurely stroll with my friend after leaving Crystal Pier along the Strand, which stretches several miles between both Mission and Pacific Beach. The Strand is San Diego's quintessential beach area.
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| View of Crystal Pier from Mission Beach. |
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| The Strand along Mission Beach. |
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| Beautiful condos located along Mission Beach. |
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| The Strand along Mission Beach. |
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| Fancy homes located along Mission Beach. |
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| Flower located along Mission Beach. |
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| Flower located along Mission Beach. |
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| Fancy homes located along Mission Beach. |
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| Fancy homes located along Mission Beach. |
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| Fancy homes located along Mission Beach. |
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| Fancy homes located along Mission Beach. |
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| Fancy homes located along Mission Beach. |
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| Fancy homes located along Mission Beach. |
Sunset Cliffs Natural Park:
Located south of both Mission and Ocean Beaches, this is a wonderful park to visit as the sun sets when the sandstone cliffs glow a bright and beautiful orange.
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| Sunset Cliffs Natural Park in San Diego. |
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| Sunset Cliffs Natural Park in San Diego. |
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| Sunset Cliffs Natural Park in San Diego. |
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| Sunset Cliffs Natural Park in San Diego. |
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| Sunset Cliffs Natural Park in San Diego. |
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| Sunset Cliffs Natural Park in San Diego. |
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| Sunset Cliffs Natural Park in San Diego. |
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| Sunset Cliffs Natural Park in San Diego. |
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| Sunset Cliffs Natural Park in San Diego. |
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| Sunset Cliffs Natural Park in San Diego. |
Mt. Soledad Veterans Memorial:
Mount Soledad is home to the prominent military landmark of the Mount Soledad cross. While there is much controversy regarding the memorial, I visited purely for the amazing views it provided of the surrounding area.
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| The view from Mt. Soledad Veterans Memorial. |
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| The view from Mt. Soledad Veterans Memorial. |
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| Mt. Soledad Veterans Memorial. |
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| The view from Mt. Soledad Veterans Memorial. |
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| Mt. Soledad Veterans Memorial. |
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| Mt. Soledad Veterans Memorial. |
Gaslamp Quarter:
This historic neighborhood of San Diego was named for the gas lanterns that once lit its streets. The 16.5 block is listed as a historic district on the National Register of Historic Places. Most of the buildings in the neighborhood were constructed during the Victorian era and are in excellant condition. The Gaslamp Quarter is full of restaurants, bars, and lots of nightclubs.
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| Gaslamp Quarter in San Diego. |
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| Gaslamp Quarter in San Diego. |
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| Gaslamp Quarter in San Diego. |
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| Gaslamp Quarter in San Diego. |
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| Gaslamp Quarter in San Diego. |
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| Gaslamp Quarter in San Diego. |
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| Gaslamp Quarter in San Diego. |
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| Gaslamp Quarter in San Diego. |
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| Gaslamp Quarter in San Diego. |
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| Gaslamp Quarter in San Diego. |
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| Gaslamp Quarter in San Diego. |
William Heath Davis House:
Within the Gaslamp Quarter is the William Heath Davis House, which is the oldest surviving structure in the neighborhood. This was a saltbox-style home that was shipped from all the way around Cape Horn from New England and assembled in San Diego in 1850. The museum is open to the general public for tours so I decided to stop by during my stroll through the Gaslamp Quarter. For some reason, I didn't snag a photo of the exterior so all I have to show is interior shots. My visit occurred close to Halloween and the house was decorated with lots of cobwebs and such.
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| William Heath Davis House in the Gaslamp Quarter of San Diego. |
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| William Heath Davis House in the Gaslamp Quarter of San Diego. |
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| William Heath Davis House in the Gaslamp Quarter of San Diego. |
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| William Heath Davis House in the Gaslamp Quarter of San Diego. |
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| William Heath Davis House in the Gaslamp Quarter of San Diego. |
Old Town San Diego State Historic Park:
This popular park contains multiple historic buildings of San Diego from the period 1820 to 1870. The area on which Old Town stands was the original heart of San Diego until the 1860's when development began in the present-day downtown San Diego. I found parts of the park to be quite touristy and tacky, but I did enjoy visiting many of the historical structures and I do think that all first-time visitors should stop in during their time in San Diego.
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| Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. |
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| Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. |
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| Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. |
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| Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. |
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| Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. |
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| Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. |
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| Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. |
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| Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. |
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| Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. |
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| Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. |
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| Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. |
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| Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. |
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| Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. |
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| Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. |
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| Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. |
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| Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. |
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| Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. |
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| Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. |
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| Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. |
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| Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. |
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| Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. |
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| Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. |
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| Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. |
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| Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. |
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| Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. |
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| Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. |
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| Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. |
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| Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. |
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| Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. |
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| Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. |
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| Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. |
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| Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. |
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| Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. |
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| Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. |
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| Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. |
Whaley House:
This historic two-story Greek Revival house is located within the Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. The building was the home of Thomas Whaley and his family and also served as Mr. Whaley's general store, a county courthouse, and a commercial theater. The home was built in 1857 and was at its time one of the finest homes in Southern California. The Whaley House's biggest claim to fame though it that it has been listed as being one of the most haunted homes in the country.
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| Whaley House at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. |
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| Whaley House at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. |
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| Whaley House at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. |
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| Whaley House at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. |
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| Whaley House at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. |
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| Whaley House at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. |
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| Whaley House at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. |
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| Whaley House at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. |
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| Whaley House at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. |
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| Whaley House at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. |
USS Midway Museum:
The USS Midway was one of the longest-serving aircraft carriers in US history. The ship was completed in 1947 and was finally decommissioned in 1992. The ship finally made its way down to San Diego in 2004 where it has sat since as a museum. I found it fascinating to be aboard the massive ship and to be able to explore so many of its nooks and crannies.
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| USS Midway Museum |
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| USS Midway Museum |
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| USS Midway Museum |
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| USS Midway Museum |
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| USS Midway Museum |
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| USS Midway Museum |
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| USS Midway Museum |
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| USS Midway Museum |
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| USS Midway Museum |
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| USS Midway Museum |
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| USS Midway Museum |
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| USS Midway Museum |
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| The menu from the final meal aboard the USS Midway. |
La Jolla Presbyterian Church:
I saw this beautiful church from a distance as I was driving into La Jolla and had to stop to take a few photos since I found it to be so photogenic.
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| La Jolla Presbyterian Church |
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| La Jolla Presbyterian Church |
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| La Jolla Presbyterian Church |
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| La Jolla Presbyterian Church |
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| La Jolla Presbyterian Church |
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| La Jolla Presbyterian Church |
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| La Jolla Presbyterian Church |
La Jolla:
This beautiful neighborhood is one of San Diego's most affluent. The area is well-known for its fancy restaurants, lavish shopping, and gorgeous shoreline. Although I didn't have quite enough time to explore any of the stores in La Jolla Village, I did make sure to stop for multiple photo ops along the coast and at La Jolla Cove.
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| La Jolla |
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| La Jolla |
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| La Jolla |
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| La Jolla |
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| La Jolla |
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| La Jolla |
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| La Jolla |
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| La Jolla |
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| La Jolla |
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| La Jolla |
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| La Jolla |
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| La Jolla |
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| La Jolla |
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| La Jolla |
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| La Jolla |
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| La Jolla |
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| La Jolla |
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| La Jolla Cove |
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| La Jolla Cove |
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| La Jolla Cove |
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| La Jolla Cove |
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| La Jolla Cove |
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| La Jolla Cove |
Seals in La Jolla:
In addition to the beautiful beaches, ritzy stores, and fancy restaurants, La Jolla is also well-known for the many sea lions which use Casa Beach as their favorite resting spot. Seals are very territorial, especially during the pupping season so the beach is no longer the most ideal place for people to swim at. Additionally, if an exhausted seal is approached by a human on the beach they will likely flee into the water which can lead to premature births and deaths of seal pups. Because of this, there is significant controversy about the appropriate use of the beach. A non-profit organization called
SealWatch San Diego maintains a daily presence at Casa Beach to protect the seals from intentional and unintentional harassment. The volunteers docents help inform visitors the appropriate distance to stand from the seals. I made sure to visit the seals from a very far distance during my trip as I definitely did not want to disturb them.
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| Seals in La Jolla |
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| Seals in La Jolla |
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| Seals in La Jolla |
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| Seals in La Jolla |
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| Seals in La Jolla |
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| SealWatch San Diego non-profit organization in La Jolla. |
Birch Aquarium at Scripps:
Located atop a hillside overlooking La Jolla Shores Beach, this aquarium was established back in 1903 with a mission to provide ocean science education, to interpret Scripps Institute of Oceanography research, and to promote ocean conservation. Although it was smaller than I originally anticipated, I still thoroughly enjoyed my time at the aquarium and thought that it was very well done though it is more so geared towards children.
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| Birch Aquarium at Scripps in La Jolla. |
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| Birch Aquarium at Scripps in La Jolla. |
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| Birch Aquarium at Scripps in La Jolla. |
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| Birch Aquarium at Scripps in La Jolla. |
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| Birch Aquarium at Scripps in La Jolla. |
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| Birch Aquarium at Scripps in La Jolla. |
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| Birch Aquarium at Scripps in La Jolla. |
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| Birch Aquarium at Scripps in La Jolla. |
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| Birch Aquarium at Scripps in La Jolla. |
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| Birch Aquarium at Scripps in La Jolla. |
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| Birch Aquarium at Scripps in La Jolla. |
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| Birch Aquarium at Scripps in La Jolla. |
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| Birch Aquarium at Scripps in La Jolla. |
Cabrillo National Monument:
On the southern tip of the Point Loma peninsula is Cabrillo National Monument which is a 144 acre park that features tide pools, the Old Point Loma Lighthouse, a museum, and a wonderful view of downtown San Diego. The monument was named in honor or Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, who discovered San Diego Bay in 1542.
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| Cabrillo National Monument |
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| Cabrillo National Monument |
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| The view of downtown San Diego and the San Diego Bay from Cabrillo National Monument. |
Unfortunately my visit to the tide pools of Cabrillo National Monument occurred during high tide so I was unable to view any of the sea life I had been so looking forward to seeing. Make sure to check the tide levels before you visit! However, the disappointment that came with not seeing the tide pools was completely lost with the amazing scenery of the area.
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| Cabrillo National Monument |
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| Cabrillo National Monument |
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| Cabrillo National Monument |
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| Cabrillo National Monument |
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| Cabrillo National Monument |
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| Cabrillo National Monument |
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| Cabrillo National Monument |
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| Cabrillo National Monument |
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| Cabrillo National Monument |
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| Cabrillo National Monument |
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| Cabrillo National Monument |
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| Cabrillo National Monument |
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| Cabrillo National Monument |
Unfortunately, during my visit the exterior of the Point Loma Lighthouse was covered in scaffolding and tarps due to a renovation. However, touring the inside of the lighthouse and its keeper's quarters was fascinating. Although the lighthouse was built in 1855 it is still in excellant condition.
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| Point Loma Lighthouse at Cabrillo National Monument |
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| Cabrillo National Monument |
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| The staircase inside of Point Loma Lighthouse at Cabrillo National Monument. |
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| Point Loma Lighthouse at Cabrillo National Monument |
Torrey Pines State Reserve:
This coastal park is located north of San Diego and consists of plateaus with cliffs that overlook Torrey Pines State Beach. The park features over eight miles of trails one of which I walked along before eventually heading down to the beautiful beach.
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| Torrey Pines State Reserve |
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| Torrey Pines State Reserve |
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| Torrey Pines State Reserve |
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| Torrey Pines State Reserve |
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| Torrey Pines State Reserve |
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| Torrey Pines State Reserve |
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| Torrey Pines State Reserve |
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| Torrey Pines State Reserve |
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| Torrey Pines State Reserve |
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| Torrey Pines State Reserve |
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| Torrey Pines State Reserve |
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| Torrey Pines State Reserve |
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| Torrey Pines State Reserve |
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| Torrey Pines State Reserve |
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| Torrey Pines State Reserve |
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| Torrey Pines State Reserve |
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| Torrey Pines State Reserve |
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| Torrey Pines State Reserve |
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| Torrey Pines State Reserve |
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| Torrey Pines State Reserve |
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| Torrey Pines State Reserve |
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| Torrey Pines State Reserve |
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| Torrey Pines State Reserve |
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| Torrey Pines State Reserve |
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| Torrey Pines State Reserve |
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| Torrey Pines State Reserve |
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| Torrey Pines State Beach |
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| Torrey Pines State Beach |
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| Torrey Pines State Beach |
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| Torrey Pines State Beach |
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| Torrey Pines State Beach |
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| Torrey Pines State Beach |
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| Torrey Pines State Beach |
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| Torrey Pines State Beach |
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| Torrey Pines State Beach |
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| Torrey Pines State Beach |
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| Torrey Pines State Beach |
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| Enjoying my time at Torrey Pines State Beach. |
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| Torrey Pines State Beach |
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| Torrey Pines State Beach |
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| Torrey Pines State Beach |
Mission Bay Park:
I was fortunate enough to be able to stay with a friend during my time in San Diego. She had a beautiful condo that overlooked Mission Bay which is located within the 4,600 acre Mission Bay Park. This is the largest man-made aquatic park in the country that was originally a salt marsh consisting of mudflats and was dredged in 1944 to create the park that we know today.
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| Mission Bay Park |
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| Mission Bay Park |
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| Mission Bay Park |
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| Mission Bay Park |
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| Mission Bay Park |
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| Mission Bay Park |
Mission San Diego de Alcala:
The first Franciscan mission in California was founded in San Diego in 1769. The current structure on the site of the mission was reconstructed in 1933 after years of disuse and neglect and is now a National Historic Landmark. I found that the stark white-washed adobe walls of the building contrasted so beautifully against the bright blue skies.
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| Mission San Diego de Alcala |
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| Mission San Diego de Alcala |
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| Mission San Diego de Alcala |
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| Mission San Diego de Alcala |
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| Mission San Diego de Alcala |
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| Mission San Diego de Alcala |
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| Mission San Diego de Alcala |
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| Mission San Diego de Alcala |
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| Mission San Diego de Alcala |
Hotel del Coronado:
This beautiful beachfront luxury hotel (often referred to as "The Del") opened in 1888 and has been hosting guests ever since. The hotel is one of the oldest and largest all-wooden buildings remaining in California and has been designated a National Historic Landmark. When the hotel originally opened it was the largest resort hotel in the world. Although I didn't have an opportunity to peek inside, apparently visitors can partake in a tour of the hotel with a docent from the Coronado Historical Association on certain days of the week.
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| Hotel del Coronado |
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| Hotel del Coronado |
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| Hotel del Coronado |
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| Hotel del Coronado |
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| The beach in front of Hotel del Coronado. |
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| Hotel del Coronado |
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| Hotel del Coronado |
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| The beach in front of Hotel del Coronado. |
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| The beach in front of Hotel del Coronado. |
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| Hotel del Coronado |
Silver Strand State Beach:
Located at the base of the tip that makes up Coronado Island, this seven mile beach connects Coronado Island with Imperial Beach to the south. I read that this beach tends to be much less crowded than other beaches in San Diego due to its out of the way location on the island. During my quick visit, there didn't appear to be a soul anywhere in sight even though it was still quite warm out!
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| Silver Strand State Beach |
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