San Diego, Day 2, part 4b, Old Town Station, San Diego Trolley

The MTS, San Diego Trolley uses this as a transfer stop between two lines. This makes videoing of the trolley a fun and challenging experience. These videos were taken between Amtrak and Coaster service through Old Town Station.

After an afternoon of video, I took a few still pictures while waiting for my ride.

San Diego, Day 2, part 4a, Old Town Station, Coaster and Amtrak

My sister had a few personal errands to do, so she dropped me by Old Town Station.

This station is nothing special. It is today a stop on the Coaster and the Trolley. Only a few Amtrak's will stop, others just pass through. This makes it a good place to watch trains. My train watching included many trolleys, but. my first train encounter was Amtrak Surfliner 572, southbound being pulled by 463.



I was watching the trolley when an unexpected northbound Surfliner came by. It was not on my schedule. I did get into a good position but just as it began to pass, it blew my cap off and I only got part of the train. It was not enough to save. Next was Coaster 651 pulled by 2101 northbound.

The next train was the Amtrak Surfliner 774 pulled by 466



Next was Amtrak Surfliner 587, Southbound pulled by 463.

San Diego, Day 2, part 3, Coronado Beach and Hotel Del Coronado

Next we drove to Coronado Island. We started with a walk on the beach.



What visit to San Diego is complete without seeing The Hotel Del Coronado. It made it most famous debut in the movie Some Likes It Hot. I also remember it a backdrop in the movie the Stuntman with Peter O'Toole.

Later in the week we saw the hotel from Corillo State Park, near the Point Loma Lighthouse.

Coming from the beach, I see the characteristic octagonal tower.

The main lobby entrance is seen here.



 I found this tree very photographic. It is a Dragon Tree, at least that is what the sign says.

San Diego, Day 2, part 2, Ocean Beach and Sunset Clifts

After a walk and getting cleaned up, we headed off to Ocean Beach on the Pacific Ocean. For this East Coast native, this is unique. What fascinated me was the Lifeguard Station and Lifeguard stands. Ocean Beach has the look of the 60's beach and, as my sister says, lived in by aging hippies. The beach has this pier.



After looking at the throw back to the 60's and a drive along the beach, we whent south to Sunset Cliffs

San Diego, Day 2, part 1, Shelter Island

My sister walks, every morning, for about 30 minutes. Her favorite place is Shelter Island. I isn't really an island but a man made peninsula. I was made from fill coming from dredging the harbor. I cheat here and post a picture of a park sign to tell you about it.

I am not a morning walker, just habit. I live in rural east coast southern America and find it hard to get into walking, because I have to drive to a place to walk. So, I took time to take some pictures. Theses are two days worth of Shelter Island pictures. There are hotels along the water but this the use of this area is not limited to tourist. Regular walkers among locals walk here.

San Diego's Skyline

What better place to begin, than to look at the skyline of San Diego, from different locations taken during my visit. As I mentioned in a earlier post, one of the measure of a city is how it rises from the pavement.

From Cabrillo National Park
From Point Loma
From Harbor Island

Final Considerations in Planning

I have done very little detailed work with my travels. Other than airlines, little other has been scheduled. I am visiting family and will let them show me around San Diego and surrounds. I am in the third revision of this information. first was the trip the Oceanside for a day trip to watch Sprinter, light rail. I would watch Coaster, the San Diego commuter rail, while there. Than, I learned that Metrolink, the L.A, commuter rail, came into Oceanside. It would be a nice day trip. However, would it be worth the trip, or should I wait to a future trip.

I had been to San Diego, several years ago, for a funeral, and had no chance to tour. I did get a few, very few pictures, beyond family. I put this for your pleasure.

Downtown Dan Diego from a high place. to the left is Old Town and the airport, not well seen

Even now there are questions and revision and new things to consider in railfanning. One note, I have not planned beyond this train watching, because it is a family visit. I will let them show me around, being natives, they can show me the more interesting points, and faster.