late afternoon at the Lake

This scene is late enough in the afternoon, that the lanterns and Necklace of Lights have already turned on.  Since it's redesign a few years ago, the Lake has become incredibly popular for walking, picnicking, and general people gathering.

Skywatch Friday: lights around Lake Merritt

Our weather pattern is the same these days:  overcast mornings, intermittent sunshine by 11AM, blue skies from the afternoon into the evening.  The high fog returns again late at night.  So here is a typical sky shot at dusk.  Meanwhile our graceful Necklace of Lights creates a pretty light around Lake Merritt.  Rain predicted for this weekend.  Fingers crossed.  Linked to Skywatch Friday.

night view of the Lake

A recent night view of Lake Merritt looking east.  The Necklace of Lights adds magic to the scene.

love our lake day

Sunday was Love Our Lake Day celebrating the (almost) completion of the renovation of the Lake Merritt area thanks to citizens' support of a bond issue several years ago.  The big deal is the reconfiguration of the the roadway west of the lake and the upgrading of the flow of water between the lake and the estuary.  There was entertainment around the 3 mile circumference of the lake, streets were closed to bring out bicycles, and a dedication ceremony.  Tons of people showed up.  More photos to follow.

Weekend Reflections: Lake Chalet

The Lake Chalet, a relatively new restaurant, sits in a beautiful spot on the shore of Lake Merritt.  On a morning walk around the lake, we popped into the bar just to have a look.  The silver balls immediately caught my eye et voilà.  Then I noticed all the other reflections at the bar!  I hear it's a lively spot during happy hour.  It would be a pleasure to sit on their dock at sunset as the Necklace of Lights begins to shine.

Skywatch Friday: lake at dusk

Lake Merritt at dusk with the Federal Building in the background.  The Necklace of Lights is beginning to glow along the lake front.  A close inspection reveals there's more than a 100 birds in this shot.  Still no rain, which is not a good sign.  For more sky views from around the globe, visit Skywatch Friday.

Weekend Reflection: Lake Merritt

Another evening shot of Lake Merritt with the Necklace of Lights.  Submitted to Weekend Reflections and SOOC Sunday.

Theme Day: Reflections

Here we are at Lake Merritt again, this time looking north.  The Necklace of Lights can be seen in both the foreground and background.  The pointed-roofed building in the middle of the photo is the Tribune Tower, the former office of our local newspaper.  It was previously featured here.  Click here to view thumbnails for all participants in this month's Theme Day.  I'm also linking this post to Weekend Reflections.  Have a great 4th of July weekend.

Weekend Reflection: Veterans Memorial Building

I'm still traveling so this is from the archives.  Once more around the lake, my friends.  The white building is the Veterans Memorial Building, built in the 1930s, at the NE end of the Lake Merritt in the Adams Point neighborhood.  To the building's left is the narrow, little park I showed you where Glen Echo Creek runs above ground for a couple of blocks.  Hard to believe, right?  Especially since traffic zooms around this area like crazy.  The VM is now primarily a meeting place for various community groups, including the American Legion, a dance studio, and a senior center.  It also has an auditorium that is occasionally used for performances.  The most recent has been Battle of the Salsa Bands 2.  Rumor has it that the Grateful Dead had a concert here early in its career.  Visit Weekend Reflections for interesting photos from around the world.  I'm also linking to Monochrome Weekend for the first time.

ABC Wednesday: S is for silhouette

Here's a shot toward the western side of Lake Merritt from the eastern Embarcadero.  The building with the little cap and flag is the county courthouse built during the 30s.  To me the exterior has a post-war Stalinist vibe---all squat and bulky without much grace.  Happily, there are many deco grace notes inside.  The indoor public spaces are faced in marble, architectural details have stylish deco profiles, and there's deco lettering on signs.  (I think I've just talked myself into photographing the interior).  The buildings to the right represent some of downtown.  At the far right you can spy a bit of the Necklace of Lights.  Even at sunset, the lake draws lots of strollers.  For more S photos from around the globe, click ABC Wednesday.

ABC Wednesday: N is for Necklace of Lights

Like a string of luminous pearls, the Necklace of Lights encircles the three mile shoreline of Lake Merritt.  Wikipedia reports that the necklace, featuring 126 lampposts and 3,400 bulbs, was first lit in 1925. The lights were turned off during WWII and finally reinstalled in 1985.  It is a pleasant stroll in the evening under the soft lights.  For other contributions to ABC Wednesday, click here.