Yes, condors! The California kind! These are the endangered ones. I actually got to see 2 of them flying when I went to Pinnacles National Park last week.

Pinnacles National Park is a fairly small national park about 30 miles from where I live in California. It takes about 45 minutes to get there due to the very curvy roads on the way there.

I arrived at 8 a.m. at the trailhead. It is a two mile hike up the mountain. Scott’s Peak, to be exact. Donning my backpack, I started up. The trail is a section of the High Peaks Trail. It goes up about 1200 feet in those 2 miles. I stopped a few times. Sometimes to rest, sometimes to take pictures. But I was determined to get to the top.

I recognized some things along the trail. I have hiked it before. And there are always new things to see. God puts His creation on display out there! There is no cell signal and you are mostly alone except for you and God. I use the time to talk to Him anyway.

I did make it to the top of the peak. There is a small bench and a bathroom (not with running water) there too. I took a brief rest and lots of pictures from the top. Then the usual scan for condors. I did not see any condors. And I had brought my binoculars for just such an occasion. But I did not see any.

And so I started down the trail. Back the same 2 miles but a different perspective. I took a few pictures here and there as well. The flowers were just beginning to bloom which made for a pleasant hike down. Unfortunately, though, I did not see any condors. Finally, I made it down.

I got into the car and while resting a minute, I saw a lady with a camera looking up. That is always something to investigate. And so I did. She was taking pictures with her extremely large lens pointed toward the sky. Flying above her were two California condors. I grabbed my binoculars and had a good long look. Yes, it was exciting! Yes, it was even thrilling! I have gotten to see an endangered species.

That made my day and my trip even though I didn’t get any pictures of the condors. And that’s how God should be in our lives. He should be the focus; He should be the excitement in our lives! Let Him into your heart and experience all the blessings He can give!