John & Anne Wiley

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.

I believe that deep friendship has a sacred quality, in the sense that our very identity and sense of meaning in life is closely interwoven with interpersonal intimacy. Family carries bonds of closeness over our entire lifetime together, yet at least until maturity lacks the element of conscious choice.

Friendships that arise from consciously choosing each other and the process of exploring our deepest true selves together, this seems to me a powerful co-transformation accessible to those willing and able. This week we flew with adventurous and fascinating new friends, and the very next day went on an extended soul journey in playful and wide ranging conversation with an old friend. I cherish all that friendship awakens in me, and how it expands my enjoyment and appreciation of family.

All this comes to mind as I look at this pic of the Carrizo Plain’s iconic Painted Rock from our flight. A place where over millennia, friends and families have probably gathered.

0245 Place to Ponder

This area abounds with beautiful hidden gardens. Some are in yards protected by high walls and/or hedges, so few people ever see them.

0070 Symmetry

Many of the walled gardens have some sort of symmetry. A mandala, a labyrinth, or often boxes and rows like this one in Montecito. Nearby are many breathtaking natural gardens, like Tangerine Falls.

0077 Tangerine Falls

With so little rain this Winter, it’s nearly dry. Even so, by all reports it’s Eden on the trail in and at the base. Of course, that hike is also reputed to be less than an idyllic stroll in the woods. But on this flight we noticed this garden perhaps even more enchanting, and a quiet pool still filled with sparkling water.

0080 Zen

This garden of Zen so close to town is very easy to reach. With a helicopter to lower you down a long cable. Seriously, I wonder how many people have ever been here. Maybe we’ll fly closer next time to look for trails and a better angle for pix. Meanwhile I’m musing on the secret gardens within. How high are my walls, and how daunting the paths into the psyche? With continued effort, will I more often open the gates to share the places most precious? For me, sharing our Garden is the essence of life. That is why sharing the joy of flight so expands the moments aloft.