Trains and boats and planes are passing by San Diego: (Dionne Warwick): at Mission Hills.

An earlier time, an admirable era of sacrifice and courage and finally, the reward from a grateful woman.
  San Diego Airport is considered a difficult one to navigate from the air as there are many buildings 'protecting' the runway. It takes additional care and skill to land at this major coastal city. Because of the impediment, we have always been fascinated for at least two reasons: An enjoyment in watching the skilled pilots in action via maneuvering of the aircraft and, that we are often passengers. This you might think gives us a vested interest. No argument coming from our direction other than perhaps some hot air. 

  Recently, we reserved an apartment in Mission Hills. Turns out that the area is in a word: Wonderful. Most of our living, pre-Hikeabout, was in the northern parts of San Diego. While the north is mostly modern, the southern parts of the city are older which give them much character. In addition, this region is covered in canyons, hills, views of the bay, ocean, airport, amongst other sites and sights. As is typical in so many parts of the world, much of the construction is melded into the hills, slopes and canyons. Frankly, living in Mission Hills is uplifting and it's our intention to revisit. (Kindly refrain from mentioning this to the landlord, please.) 

  We have also spent much time in Allied Gardens which is further east. It too, is pleasant and a reminder of a more relaxed and quieter age. Add to the walks we've taken through the neighborhoods, particularly of Del Cerro, one is struck by the beauty of the flower-covered gardens and sidewalks. Add in Lake Murray and the surrounding mountains and, 'Yes', should we be asked whether 'one of us' would prefer living down south. 

  We tend to spend much of our lives walking so this region presents an environment much different from the wilderness physically. Perhaps the similarity with the wilderness, should we be asked to comment, might be that we seem to be living in an age of a 'civil wilderness'. 

    Finally, the original idea behind this blog was to illustrate the downside (maybe) of positioning an airport alongside high-rise buildings. We certainly have experienced an enjoyable share of views of aircraft in somewhat unusual positions viz-a-vie the downtown region. We observe this while trying to master the art of grabbing the camera, facing it toward the plane and attempting not to quiver in excitement.

American Airlines' pilot focused on the runway...we hope.
Some water to keep the flight crew cool.
San Diego: A clean, modern and attractive downtown. Like to see a pilot "fly the gap".
Lufthansa: A Tariff Buster lufts and sneaks over the fence trumping the tower...keeping fares lower. 

 Jen goes walkabout.
Confronted with color and style.
It's Frontier Airlines' opportunity to scare the residents of the building. In flying circles, it's considered dark humor.
More beauty, more color.
Southwest is up...time to come down safely.
Some guys just can't get enough of a lovely woman...(I know). 

American hangs around downtown.
While a nice little penthouse hangs above downtown.
Alaska advertises the palms and beaches of the State...um of Florida. 

You have to wonder whether daring pilots would like to land on the aircraft carrier.

Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey

 That's the Spirit as it competes with Alaska for Florida passengers.