April 25, 2009 we celebrate our 45th wedding anniversary. Can't believe that much time has passed. It's been quite a journey. I guess we're celebrating by picking up our motorhome here in Mesa, AZ and babysitting Kristins kids while they go to Seattle for a getaway. 4 children all grown and married and 14 grandchildren with the possibility of 2 more (maybes). Life is good. We are about to begin our big adventure traveling and seeing Jafra friends across the USA.
See next blog for more details. Our health is good, we are financially comfortable and we look forward to seeing USA in a motorhome.

Want to Hunt for Agates on Roads End, Oregon

http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=XCICA4lrEjg

Click here and have fun looking for agates - you might even see an eagle up close!

My Mecca - My labyrinth - A place close to God

Every time I go to Bryce Canyon it is a spiritual experience for me. 2 years ago as we stopped I noticed that the trail at the sunset point had toppled. Well, as we had the opportunity to come back for another hike through the park I started at the sunrise point and made my way to finish up at the sunrise. they have built an entire new trail which has amazing lookout points and it literally comes up through the walls of the canyon giving you the most unique views.

There is always the feeling that "Spiritual Prophets once walked this place and it was a Temple to them and a place to get close to God" I attest that you can't walk thru this beautiful wonderland without feeling spiritual. I put on my tunes with spiritual music and have the most wonderful time with camera in hand. this day was picture perfect with a clear blue sky and at every turn there was a picture to be taken. This was my first opportunity to do the peek a boo loop which added another 2 miles.

I guess I call this place "my mecca" because it's a place where I can come and commune with my inner soul and feel peace and contentment as I bask in the beauty that Heavenly Father created. I wonder if Moroni came here to ponder - I feel that he did. And what about Jesus Christ? Truly it is one of the splendors of the world. My other mecca is the Sacred Grove - another place where the Spirit is very strong.

Finding Agates on Oregon Coast

One of my favorite things to do while I was on our mission in Lincoln City was to hunt for agates on the beach at Roads End. You can see a video by going to youtube.com and search jafravh and there's a cool video of finding agates and you'll see what one looks like. I have a big bowl full of beautiful agates and when you polish them they just sparkle. during the winter months the beach is full of rocks and when you see an agate it's like finding gold. One problem is that instead of enjoying the beautiful views and the surf you end up with your head looking down all the time because you don't want to miss finding an agates.

I was back a few weeks ago and there was so much sand that had come up on the beach that you could walk around on the sand to the different coves which are usually hidden because of the high surf. Guess this only happens every few years. It was a rare treat. Lincoln City, Roads End Oregon

Llamas Make Great Pak Animals

We met this family who had about 5 children and they all had their llama in tow.
They had camped out for a few days. What a great idea. Think how your children would remember this trip. The littlest one had a saddle on her llama and when she got tired she rode the llama.
Just passing along a great idea for a family vacation. Your children would
be forced to look at nature and talk to each other. Hmmmm - that's a good idea!
No telephones, leave the toys at home

Women Who Do it

I joined a Hiking Group of Amazing Women
We stayed in Lone Pine, Wyoming and took 2 incredible day hikes.
We met a lot of groups who were on their way back from one to two weeks on the trails.
The scenery was well worth the effort

Fall at the Base of Mt Ben Lomond

This is a beautiful time to hike Mt Ben Lomond where the North Ogden Canyon divides. I am so excited because it is finally fall and you can feel it in the early morning coolness. You just know fall is arriving because the evenings get cooler and there is that brisk coolness in the morning. The hike takes you to the very top of the mountain where you sit and have lunch and look out over the great Salt Lake and Willard Bay and I must tell you it is a very beautiful view. The hike is 16 miles so you have to start early in the morning. This picture was taken from the other side which is Lewis Peak hike. It is the most vertical climb in Utah and once you get to the top you have this incredible view. Vickie with her Views.