Today was too nice of a day to stay indoors so I decided to take a walk. I wanted to go somewhere I hadn't been before, so I got in the car and drove to the Discovery Museum in downtown San Jose. That wasn't my destination, it just had a cheap parking lot that cost only $5.00 for a day pass.
I purchased a day pass at a little after 1p.m. and then took off by foot on a journey around the Guadalupe River Park and Gardens. I had a map that listed several points of interest and I made it my mission to see 1-14.
I completed my task in about 1 hour 38 minutes.
It was fun and educational at the same time. I saw a few items not on the detailed map (like homeless people) but I'm sure they had some history to tell as well.
I would recommend this trail for anyone who wants a fairly easy walk (from Discovery Museum to HP Pavilion and back) and likes public art. I had no idea we had so much art to see in downtown San Jose. Surprises at almost every corner!
 |
| Big shoes to fill! |
 |
| Monopoly in the Park |
 |
| Parade of Animals |
 |
| Veterans Memorial |
 |
| Okayama, Japan Sister City Plaza |
One of the most interesting facts I learned today was about the Muwekma Ohlone Tribute. The Native Americans, who once lived along the Guadalupe River, are honored with animal sculptures important to their tradition on the Park Avenue Bridge. These include the Coyote, the Hummingbird, and the Eagle. The four flags that fly from atop the bridge represent the past and present governments of the area: Spain, Mexico, California and the United States. According to the Muwekma Ohlone creation story, the Coyote was the father of the human race who was responsible for creating people and teaching them how to live properly. Hummingbird was wise and clever. The Eagle was a leader.
I don't usually like insects, but I had to admit these sculptures were pretty cool.
 |
| Wildlife of the Guadalupe River |
 |
| View of Jackie's Condo while on the trail |
 |
| Vietnam War Memorial |
Another Art piece celebrates the Costanoan-Ohlone Peoples, especially the Tamien Ohlone Indians who inhabited the land along the Guadalupe River where the sculpture is located. The Weavers' Gifts is a site-specific artwork composed of four elements: the names of the 54 Ohlone tribal groups who inhabited California in the late eighteenth century, inscribed on pre-existing grant seat walls; a four-foot high carved-granite basket representing a functional and creative part of the Ohlone culture; a five-foot high carved granite mortor, broken to represent broken tradition; and a stone representation of an unfinished coiled basket inlaid into the paving with inscribed text that speaks to the history of the Ohlone people.
 |
| The Weavers' Gifts |
Near the HP Pavillion is the Five Skater's Art Piece depicting Peggy Fleming, Debi Thomas, Brian Boitano, Kristi Yamaguchi and Rudy Galindo.
A trip through history wouldn't be complete without paying homage to the rich soil in this valley. I found the Remembering Agriculture art piece that recreates the distinctive shapes of farm buildings. These structures include a water tank tower, a windmill, a barn and small shed.
One last piece of art worth mentioning was at the Center for Performing Arts. I'm not sure what it is named.
As I was heading back to the parking lot, I looked back in time to see a plane fly overhead. I'm not quite sure what creature was adorning the Discovery Museum. I'm kind of partial to the yellow rubber ducky!
Now that I've mastered this part of the Guadalupe trail, I think next time I will go check out items 15 and 16, and then the Guadalupe Gardens and Heritage Rose Garden.
With tired feet but a new sense of the importance of San Jose I say Adios!
Sylvia
