We’re thinking about flying up to Lake Isabella. We’ve flown there several times since it’s a nice hop from SBA. Once we even walked into the edge of town. First problem is that as of noon, SBA is reporting 400′ ceiling in mist. Not ideal flying weather, and well below our minimum. Another problem is that as of noon, L05 (Kern Valley Airport) on the lake shore is reporting 88F with a forecast high of 90. Should we hope for enough clearing at SBA to get out, prepare ourselves for a hot time, and then chance a return to fog at SBA this evening that would mean landing at Santa Ynez and finding a way to get home? What would you do?
2010/06/06
2010/06/05
In the Garden
Today was idyllic in the Rose Garden. Families at rest and at play, with raging colors and aromas all around.
6670 Running In Roses
Is it because of all the rains and crazy winds this Spring, or is the start of Summer always so intoxicating here where the seasons all overlap?
6671 Catch
How many generations have played here, and how many more will follow?
A tall tree stands guard as if to keep the low clouds off the distant shore from engulfing this garden of delights, but will allow the mists to approach in the night to nourish and refresh.
6667 Sentinel
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2010/06/04
Everyday Miracles
So often when we fly the ethereal permeates us. This seems to happen most often when flying the SB area, so close to the center of things. Today the weather forecast was a little discouraging, so we talked about waiting for a better day. It couldn’t have been. Immediately after takeoff, once we climbed above the haze, puffy white clouds added notes of paradise along the coast or clinging to hills. The stuff of dreams.
6635 Cloud Shroud
We did keep close to home in case clouds moved over the airport again forcing us to land at Santa Ynez and take a bus or cab home. Also, the winds were pretty strong at the ridge line though turbulence was mild when we stayed high enough.
6645 Shapes & Textures
Over in the valley it was clear, and we enjoyed the timeless symmetry of the dance between agriculture and ranching.
6646 Gaviota Gloom
Turning back toward home, what was probably a close and somewhat gloomy day at Gaviota Beach was for us a glorious soft work of art.
6659 Toward the Gate
Minutes later, looking back along the coast toward Point Conception, the magic of it all was nearly unbelievable. We could well imagine how the Chumash people believed this to be the “Western Gate” where souls pass to the paradise of Similaqsa. To fly is to dream. To dream is to live.
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2010/06/03
Long & Short
Today we had a short flight that seemed much longer, flying slowly out to Carpinteria and back. Not much more than half an hour on the clock, but it feels like a journey of several days in dreamtime. I’ve sent some words & pix from the outbound flight to Edhat (I might add a link to the page, but you could also use this) and also put two more on my Photo Page. Coming back, we had a look at the demolition of St. Francis Hospital where so many people entered and left the community of Santa Barbara.
6619 St. Francis Demolition
I hope our medical care won’t suffer from the lack of competition, and it’s strange watching from above as this landmark vanishes at the same time as Cottage Hospital nearby is getting a major expansion.
Another large construction project is going on at our home airport of SBA. The new long terminal will still have much of the short charm we’ve long enjoyed here, but things will be much more comfortable for everyone who works there and hopefully more streamlined for the passers through.
6625 KSBA Expansion
After leaving Tripp, we drove to SB Mission and it had an especially magical feel. People were quietly talking, almost reverent strolling quietly amid the amazing chalk art works of “i Maddonari” as an early summer frisbee toss coexisted with people lying and sitting on the grass out front.
6626 Mission Moment
The people-watching there is almost as remarkable as the chalk art, and will be for weeks as the crowds ebb and flow with vacations and weekend visitors.
6634 People & Art As Art
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John & Anne Wiley 
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