Hang gliding still felt new back then, and I had really gotten into it. A close friend was an enthusiast and he had a hanglider. It was a "Dream" trainer made by UP who were based in Southern CA.
there weren't many clubs back then and few hang glider friendly airports so we had to go bandit. Find hills and cliffs via word of mouth from other enthusiasts and just go do it.
One day we drove out on the 101 towards Mt. Tamalpais State Park. There's a ridge there called Bolinas which was ideal for launching. Mount Tam is about 2500 feet and the view is breathtaking.
The weather was perfect, sunny, some cload and a light breeze. Chris stayed to make sure I got a safe launch and then drove down to Stinson Beach where I was to land.
I loved flying, I was made to fly. As I soared over the tall pines that flank the slopes of the mountain the most amazing thing happened: a flock of wild geese took up formation around my rig, forming a lovely V either side of me.
It was the most incredible thing, these lovely birds with their neck stretched out were flapping effortlossly alongside me as if I were a bird just like them. I held my course as long as I could, because I didn't want the moment to end, but I was losing hight and needed to turn windward. As I turned the lead goose on starboard turned its head to look at me.
And then they flew on.
This is a microlight, but the pic very similar to my experience.
Other times gliding over the Pacific I've seen whales and lots of dolphins but nothing had ever been like this. I told Chris when I landed at Stinson, but he said he hadn't seen it. He was probably still driving when it happened.
Back then I was not yet aware of God's plan for me, nor had I taken Yashuah as my Saviour, so I did not appreciate the significance of the event. That was to come later
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After I had discharged myself from the place they had sent me I would often feel down, and after I was born again in 2004 Satan's attacks on me increased in frequency and intensity.
One lovely summer day I felt the need to get out and I found myself once again at Stinson Beach. With my back to the hills and facing the ocean I was reminded of those wonderful days when I used to hangglide.
As I stood there, my feet in the warm sand, my hands in my pockets, I heard the voice of God. A voice I know well now.
"Turn around my son" it said. "Turn around"
I slowly turned around. Nothing. Beach, people, road hills, all normal.
"Look up" it said.
I lifted my gaze, and had to narrow my eyes against the brightness of the clear sky, and then, as if out of nowhere three geese came swooping down, inches over my head! I felt the wind of their passing and got such a surprise I toplled over backwards inot the sand. because of the slope of the beach I even did a backwards roll!
People standing by had seen it and they ran up to me, helping me up, asking if I was alright.
You can imagine their confusion to find I was laughing and laughing. I was drunk with joy. The Lord had given me a sign, by sending His geese to me at that same place He was showing me that He had been with me all these years, even back in the 80s when I knew Him not.
"Thank you Lord, thank you!" I shouted out loud. At last I could give Him thanks and praise for the events of 20 years before.
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