A pilot writes:

I have to say that my favorite cross flight is the short (25
miles) milk run from the Topa Topa range in Ojai to Santa Barbara during strong
Santa Ana days (here is a link to a photo tour by a local paraglider instructor:
http://www.flyaboveall.com/nord1.htm -- click the pictures to advance the
tour).


What makes it so special to me is the section of the route depicted in the third
frame. That high point that you see is called White Ledge, and it marks the east
end of "The Pass," our major obstacle when flying in and out of Santa Barbara.
Flying from Ojai, pilots need to be at least 300 ft. Over White Ledge before
'comfortably' continuing on into The Pass. Unlike the pilot taking the picture,
we normally go through this section not much higher than the top of the range,
so as you can see, you have to 'step up' as the terrain gets higher.


Also, as you can see, there is a dearth of LZs, making it that much more special
when you do make it through.