Review of Delta Connection flight from San Francisco to Los Angeles in Economy

I fly because it releases my mind from the tyranny of petty things - Antoine de Saint-Exupery.
The flight was just one of many connecting SFO-LAX in a small plane that lasted a little over an hour, yet despite its ordinary character, it offered me an appreciation of the miracle of flying that in these modern times we often take for granted. Of course, having a window seat helps to increase this feeling of wonder exponentially.
I checked in at the self service kiosk and got my boarding pass. As an aviation enthusiast I love airports and flying. The rush of adrenaline is always present when you are about to take a flight, whether you are in F or Y, on a long trip or short one. The excitement is there and you can feel the butterflies in your stomach. Flying takes me away from insignificant preoccupations and allows me to experience bliss. An indispensable companion to the enthusiast is the camera. In a lot of ways it is the perfect travel partner - silent and accommodating making for memorable trips.
The flight was full and the gate area was crowded with people from nearby gates. The crew was hanging around the gate counter and it seems that today's flight was slightly delayed due to inbound. Our flight finally arrived at the gate and the departure time was changed to 12:00P now.
I spotted a pilot deadheading on this flight.

The pilot for our flight did some preliminary check and I took the opportunity to take some shots.

Pretty soon it was time to board and this was done quickly. While walking inside the jetbridge the pilot came up and I positioned myself right behind him.

Upon boarding the FA positioned at the door was handing out bottles of water to each passenger which was a nice touch. Once everyone settled and the door closed, we taxied to the runway.
A DL mainlines next to us

Take off was smooth and since I had a window seat I took some more shots of the landscape below. Up here you can truly appreciate the diverse scenery of the Bay area and realize how beautiful this corner of the world is.
Taking off from SFO

SFO

Crystal Springs reservoir in the peninsula, not far from where I live.

Once we reached cruising altitude the inflight service began. Our sole FA did an excellent job. He was attentive, professional and highly efficient. To my surprise there was a choice of snacks on this flight. According to the DL website on flights that are under 449 miles or 1.5 hours only 1 snack item is available. This flight was 1.5 hours and about 338 miles. The FA passed around offering Sun chips, peanuts, granola bars or peanut butter cookies. This was followed by a beverage service.
Snack

We encountered some slight turbulence on a clear day close to LAX. It never ceases to amaze me what a big sprawling metropolis the LA area is.
Arriving into LAX

My plane at the gate

Changing of the guards

My flight arrived pretty much at the scheduled time so kudos to the pilots for making up some time.