Most takeoffs in a small plane from SBA begin with this view of UCSB.
0018 UCSB Takeoff
This end of campus has new buildings that add architectural interest in front of the iconic Storke Tower at upper-left. Of course, this is only a tiny slice of the actual view we get, and it’s degraded by the fact my camera doesn’t do well shooting toward the light. So here’s a look back a moment later, that shows a larger tiny slice that includes Goleta Beach.
0020 Beneath Our Wings
So if you could imagine a panorama taken with a perfect camera of probably ten pix like this, plus 20 more to show more of our vertical angles … well, then you’d have some idea how magnificent it is to fly here. Of course you need to add the motion of waves and the slowly changing perspective as we wander through this 3D miracle. sigh… Wish I could share it more fully somehow. 🙂
A little further along the beach and rotating our view 45 degrees or so to the right, we see More Mesa nestled between glimmering beach and serene mountains.
0021 More Mesa
As for “landings” I like this Hope Ranch waterfront bluff manse that looks like a flying saucer has landed.
0033 Saucer Land
I also enjoy the trail down to a landing at the beach hut, and this is one of the rare estates that actually has a path clear down to the beach. Mixed blessing I’d guess, since some disrespectful beachcombers probably venture up the steps occasionally. Such a lovely property! Later when we were landing, we had completely different and equally fascinating views of the airport area. In between our senses were bathed in a constant unfolding of enJoy-ment as we wandered over paradise. I enjoyed another deeply nourishing sigh just now, recalling a few more moments of this short flight.
Hope your Valentine’s Day has overflowed with Love and Joy as ours is. After our growthful and playful years together, each day brings joy, romance, and ever-increasing Love that expands into all we can perceive.
John & Anne Wiley 
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