Pollution warning sign on Coronado Beach, California. July 2022.

The coastal areas of southern San Diego County have been marred by polluted waters recently. The estuary of the Tijuana River close to the California/Mexico border has more continual pollution problems, which affects areas like Imperial Beach more regularly. I’ve been no stranger to the warning signs calling attention to water pollution – though not on Coronado Beach.

My plan was to visit Coronado Beach in the early morning, when the tide was low. The sands on the beach grow longer and the shallow water makes a pleasing reflecting pool for the iconic Hotel Del Coronado. This plan was quickly dashed as soon as I set foot on the beach. The warning signs were hammered into the sand at all entrances - and I wasn’t keen on getting sick.

I stuck to the pathways near the Hotel Del Coronado, capturing a few photos. Even with a dreary, overcast sky the hotel is a majestic subject. The beach itself had a very moody feel… monochromatic to a fault, the Point Loma peninsula sitting shyly in the morning atmosphere that would not burn off for another couple of hours.

Sunrise did arrive, although that’s a generous use of the term. It was bright enough for me to see a sandbar that I could traverse and capture the reflection photos I’d planned. I meandered along the jetty and across the sandbar, careful to avoid areas of sand that might be in my composition. I didn’t want to add footprints to the scene that I’d probably digitally remove later!

**Hotel Del Coronado Reflected**
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The sky did show a tiny bit of color a short while after sunrise. The more modern buildings along Coronado Beach provided an alternative take on the reflection. The streaks of color in the sky helped frame the building nicely and provided some diagonals to add some visual drama to the scene. I’m still not sure about that bit of kelp in the lower right corner … I might remove that with some retouching tools later.

**Coronado Beach Condos Reflected**
Contact Scott to commission a print or license this image.

It was not a stellar morning for photography, and I will admit pangs of sadness about the water pollution situation. Yet I did enjoy the visit to the beach. I do prefer the early visits when the beach is calm, peaceful, and quiet. Well… at least quiet until I was photobombed by some construction equipment hauling loads of seaweed off the beach!

An interesting visit for sure.

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