Just next to the thriving metropolis of La Mesa, CA is the thriving census-designated place of Casa de Oro-Mount Helix (named after the European snail Helix aspersa), home to Mt. Helix, atop of which sits Mt. Helix Park , the “Crown Jewel of East County”.
We live close enough to Mt. Helix that we can see it from our backyard and visit often. It’s an incredible place to watch the sun set over San Diego.
This way to Mt. Helix.
It’s an easy drive; signs are everywhere.
Ancient graffiti on Mt. Helix.
Folks have been active here for a long time, by American standards.
The stairs and seats of the Mt. Helix amphitheater. Bring a cushion….
The “Friends of the Park” sponsor many events in the park’s amphitheater.
One of the many plaques at Mt. Helix.
According to the Mt. Helix Park’s website: “Built as a memorial to Mary Carpenter Yawkey, Mt. Helix Park with its huge outdoor Amphitheatre nestled into the hillside below the magnificent 35-foot-tall Christian Cross crowning this 1,370 foot mountain peak, is one of the most recognized landmarks in San Diego County.”
The Mt. Helix cross, surrounded by a fence crowned with crosses.
Yes, the cross is BIG.
You are probably thinking, “Wait a minute. That’s a symbol of Christianity on public lands, which Article I of the United States Constitution has been interpreted to forbid.” And, although you may be correct, there are a sufficient number of Supreme Court justices who see otherwise, so the cross can stay.
The sun sets, reminding us that the sun is, indeed, yellow.
Okay, but we are here to watch sunsets, so let’s get to it!
Hints of blue color the clouds.
The top of the mountain affords a grand view to the horizon.
The spit of land on the right is Point Loma.
Sometimes the view is unworldly.
The hotels on Coronado can be seen on the thin beach that connects the peninsula to Imperial Beach, CA.
On cloudy days, the sun illuminates the bottom of the clouds just before it falls below the horizon.
The sun colors the sky all shades of red and yellow.
The evening sky favors us with a dazzling display of colors.
Enjoy this slideshow of even more sunsets. 🙂
This long exposure shows the highways stretching to the sea.
Eventually, it becomes dark enough and the lights of San Diego county come alive, outlining the neighborhoods with roads and highways.
Of course, you can always face east towards the Laguna Mountains and watch the moon rise.
Okay, so that’s it. There is little more to Mt. Helix than sunrises and sunsets. However, Mt. Helix is also a wonderful place for photoshoots of your favorite guy or gal, with just the right amount of privacy and scenery.
A red dress to match the red sky.
Feeling blue? Not in this outfit!
This purple skirt is one of my favorites!
A mesh top always brings a smile to a boy’s face.
A long black dress is perfect for any occasion.
This is the famous “little black dress” that every woman owns.
And that’s what we do when we visit Mt. Helix!