FIRST RETIREMENT ROAD TRIP ~ Day 1

December 27, 2009 ~

Thank You Lord Jesus for this opportunity to just take a luxury vacation!! Luxury because we are with each other, going and doing whatever we desire.

Today, Sunday, we went to church. Finished packing the last minute things. It started raining out just as we were heading out, but we have sunshine in our hearts!

1:30 pm ~ We are headed to Cindy’s to pick up Lucas, then to Roseburg to have our CHRISTmas with Clint, Bobbi, Deric, Trenton, and Riane.

5:30 Had a nice visit with Clint and his family, exchanged gifts. Deric followed us to Eagle Point. Lucas and him rode together.

Got to Shantelle and Dennis’. Visited, exchanged gifts, ate.

CHRISTmas Day Celebration

WOW, what a blessed CHRISTmas we had celebrating with about 30 family members. Some come from Texas, some from Washington State, who arrived on Monday. Many from different surrounding areas in Oregon arrived early Christmas morning.

The turkey went in the oven at 8:am, pork tender loin went in the smoker at 8:30. About 1:00 potatoes were cooked and mashed, gravy made, veggie warmed up and the table was set, ready to eat at 2:00.

We all gathered in a circle, joining hands for a prayer of thankfulness and blessing on our bountiful meal. We enjoyed our Christmas feast together, cleaned up and laughed, played cards, Scrabble, laughing, visiting and reminising about the good ol' days.

Many of the guest left around 6:pm...hubby and brother watched the Portland Blazer/Denver Nuggets Game...Blazer's won.

A Winter Wonder Playground

CLUB INTRAWEST ~ BLUE MOUNTAIN RESORT IN CANADA

You've been thinking about it all week. Beautifully groomed trails, the crisp air, snow swishing by under your feet. From bunny slopes to double black diamonds, Blue Mountain is Ontario's premier ski and snowboard destination and a unique mountain resort. But skiing and boarding are just part of what makes Blue Mountain such a great winter getaway.
Blue Mountain, Ontarios largest mountain resort, is a four-season recreational facility destination. Blue Mountain Resort is less than two hours north of Toronto and seven miles west of Collingwood, on the southern shores of Georgian Bay on the Niagra Escarpment. The resort overlooks the southern shores of Georgian Bay. In winter, vacationers come from all around to enjoy more than 34 ski snowboarding trails; four terrain parks, serviced by 12 lifts; and a Snow Tubing Park.

The Olympic Torch Relay Comes to Blue Mountain Resort

Live a unique moment in our lifetime as the Olympic Torch Relay passes through Blue Mountain Resort on December 29th, 2009. The Olympic Flame will then continue its journey, visiting 1037 Canadian communities and places of interest before reaching Vancouver, host city of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

Torch Light Parade (Dec 30)

You will be amazed by the stunning display of fire torches winding down the escarpment into a village full of excitement and animation. The festivities begin at 8:30pm with a live DJ, live Fire Dancers begin at 9pm followed byy the Torch Light Parade at 10:30pm, all creating a unique and unforgettable atmosphere for everyone of all ages.

New Years Eve! (Dec 31)

Family Fireworks over the Village Mill Pond 9:00pm
New Years Fireworks on the Mountain 12 midnight

Take the plunge!

One of Blue Mountain's newest attractions is Plunge! – the ultimate water adventure! The indoor water park is inspired by the charm of a traditional Muskoka-style boathouse. Pools, hot tubs, rope swings, docks and slides provide year-round fun. Take the plunge and join the action, or just relax in the comfort of a Muskoka chair in the lounge.

Check out our Newsletter for more fun and savings on your next vacation.

Find your happy place. Just a hop, skip, and a click away.
http://www.sonsearcherstravel.com/

An Unforgettable Holiday In Switzerland

PORTES DU SOLEIL ~ SWITZERLAND

The Portes du Soleil ski area, nestled just south of Lake Geneva and straddling Switzerland and France, claims to be Europe’s biggest ski area.

This little village, built in the traditional style of the Val d'Illiez, will charm you with it's rustic authentic and peaceful surrounding. The resort is situated at an altitude of 1,600m with the majestic Dents du Midi Mountains as a backdrop.

Besides some of the worlds best skiing, there is also a lot to do in summer with the new adventure park, Tennis, beach volley, horseback riding and endless mountain bike trails through the Portes du Soleil domain: great entertainment and sports for the whole family.

At 500m is a nice, typical restaurant and an entertainment park 'Plein Sud'. The runs offered throughout the ski area provide something for skiers of all levels of ability and experience.

Champoussin offers a multitude of activities for everyone:
• Paragliding
• Sledging
• Snowshoeing

Not to mention a goat farm to visit with cheese making demonstrations and cheese tasting to follow, an alpine museum to explore.

If all this is too much for you, you may simply want to have a quiet afternoon in the pool or sauna at the local fitness centre.

The annual winter sledging race is a breath-taking event where competitors hurl themselves downhill on everything from antique hay sledges to sleek modern machines.

The Point Sud Adventure Park:

Their adventure park in the trees, a challenge for body and soul! Evolve through the canopy with various means: ladders, bridges, zip lines and others will produce strong emotions and unforgettable memories.

Although you will of course be totally secured you will undoubtedly get a couple of adrenaline rushes. All that combined with our wild and beautiful forest is an excellent means to get rid of the stress of the city.

These unforgettable journeys will give you unique and breathtaking views of the Alps.

Additional Feartures:
• Cross-Country Skiing:
• Fishing
• Shopping Area

All in all, Les Portes du Soleil is one of the best places to go for an unforgettable skiing holiday.

Bedroom Size: One Bedroom
Max Occupancy: 4
Price: $645 Per Week

These types of savings are available exclusively to our members.

Find your happy place. Just a hop, skip, and a click away
http://www.sonsearcherstravel.com/

Check out the MANY other fabulous places you can vacation year round. http://www.goldcrownresort.com/newsletter.php

Memories for a Lifetime

Welcome to Swan Mountain in beautiful Colorado!

If there's one thing that the Colorado Rocky Mountains has no shortage of, it's great activities.

Summertime brings activities for all ages, boating and fishing on nearby Lake Dillon, white water rafting adventures, horseback riding, hiking, jeeping, golf, at the keystone Ranch Golf Course - a top 50 rated resort course in the U.S. or try the Breckenridge Golf Club, the only municipally owned Jack Nicklaus golf course in the world. Tennis, and miles and miles of bicycle trails. Whichever season you select, you'll always find a variety of activities providing memories for a lifetime.

Situated near Lake Dillon and surrounded by the peaks of the Arapaho National Forest,
this is your passport to unlimited Rocky Mountain adventure.

Enjoy fantastic winter skiing--Keystone is two miles away, and Copper Mountain, Breckenridge, Arapaho Basin, and Loveland Basin are within 15 miles. Enjoy many great activities including tennis, mountain biking, and boating on Lake Dillon.

When comparing the same week and unit size being offered through membership, we were
only able to find availability at this fantastic resort by booking direct. Not including taxes or extra fees, the per night rate to stay here is over $315.00.

You can book an entire week through membership for only $374. This is a 4 bedroom unit for an entire week for about what you'd pay for just one night.

These types of savings are available exclusively to our members.

Find your happy place. Just a hop, skip, and a click away.
http://www.sonsearcherstravel.com/

Pueblo Bonito Mazatlan Beach Resort

This is the original Pueblo Bonito, a warm and welcoming resort beloved for its unique combination of old world charm and modern luxury.

Right on the beach in a lush tropical setting, it is the ideal oasis for enjoyment of all that Mazatlán has to offer.

Escape for an unforgettable getaway to Mazatlán's exciting Golden Zone, where new discoveries abound in this idyllic 400-year-old city. Authentic Mexican style unites with modern amenities; each suite at the Pueblo Bonito Mazatlán comes with an ocean view and amenities to meet your every expectation.

Listen to the sound of waterfalls, relax amidst the tropics around a choice of two, crystal clear pools, walk one of the longest stretches of beach in Latin America, sport fish, play golf, tennis, or any number of nearby water activities. At the Pueblo Bonito Mazatlán, elegance, fine cuisine, and your choice to do everything or nothing at all, awaits.

You'll enjoy an easy walk to the ocean across tropical gardens available right outside your door.

Here is what you'll pay elsewhere when trying to book the exact week and unit size (4 people) being offered through membership...

Expedia
US$ 1,450.96

Travelocity
US$ 1,303.12

Hoteles (. Com)
US$ 1,450.96

Orbitz
US$ 1,347.15

Instead of paying over $186.00 per night for this beautiful suite, you can book it right now through membership for only $689 for the entire week.

That's a minimum savings of over $600.00 on this one week!

These types of savings are available exclusively to our members.

Find your happy place. Just a hop, skip, and a click away
http://www.sonsearcherstravel.com

Splendors of the Sea

Stand in awe before the works of Michelangelo in Italy or Gaudí's distinctive architecture in Spain. Wonder at delicate masterpieces in Oslo's Hadeland Glassworks.

Witness the remains of ancient civilizations in Greece and Turkey.

If you're ready for the vacation of a lifetime, you've found it.

Thousands of windows showcase the world's most memorable coastlines and ports. Whether you're cruising the Inside Passage or docked in Cozumel, you'll never lose sight of the reason you came aboard. This magnificent cruise ship has a seven-story lobby, an 18-hole miniature golf course and a stunning indoor/outdoor pool in a unique Solarium.

Nov. 21, 2009 ~ Dec. 1, 2009

Inside Room $424 ~ Ocean View $615 ~ Balcony $890

Port Charges: $259.00 ~ Taxes: $83.18

*All Prices Are Per Person Based On Double Occupancy

Thousands of windows showcase the world's most memorable coastlines and ports. Whether you're cruising the Inside Passage or docked in Cozumel, you'll never lose sight of the reason you came aboard. This magnificent cruise ship has a seven-story lobby, an 18-hole miniature golf course and a stunning indoor/outdoor pool in a unique Solarium.

Even before you reach your destination, you're going to be amazed at what you see ~ your cruise ship. Royal Caribbean's cruise ships are the most innovative and exciting in the travel industry. From rock-climbing walls on every ship, to elegant dining rooms and relaxing spas, your experience onboard is nothing short of incredible.

Departing From: Venice, Italy

1. Venice, Italy
2. Dubrovnik, Croatia
3. At Sea
4. Corfu, Greece
5. At Sea
6. Cagliary, Sardinia, Italy
7. At Sea
8. Malaga, Spain
9. Cadiz, Spain
10. At Sea
11. Lisbon, Portugal

Check out our Newsletter and enjoy the many vacations offered with our membership.
http://wwwgoldcrownresort.com/newsletter.php?zone=6&vol=70709

Find your happy place. Just a hop, skip, and a click away.
http://www.sonsearcherstravel.com/