A break in the wall on Mission Beach’s three-mile long boardwalk provides both an entrance and an exit for this pair of fully clad visitors ending a morning walk along a chilly beach. The beach itself is empty, and the woman at right seems to be shielding her body against the brisk wind. They are surrounded by clashing symbols of order and safety – a litany of beach rules and regulations proclaimed by the city of San Diego incongruously decorate the elegant early 20th century lamppost. A utilitarian lifeguard tower dominates the beach beyond, while the ravages of weather and time itself have reduced an ancient “no alcohol” warning to a red smear on the entrance wall itself. These visitors seem unaware of all of this. They simply want to go home.