Before we get to this week’s hike, I need to repeat myself. As I’ve said time and again through this series, the trails along the gorge are not well maintained. It’s part of the trail system’s charm, feeling like you’re deep in nature, yet still within a short walk of the car.

Although the views are stunning and the workouts are great, I’d be hesitant to take trips with small kids in or near the gorge unless you have a system in place where each child has a parent to hold hands or stand close by.

Even then, I’d be worried sick if I took my 8-year-old girl into the gorge. And I’d hardly call myself a worrier.

The tragedy that took place just off the Whirlpool trail had me misty-eyed Thursday morning. Just a few weeks ago, I stepped foot in the same spot where Magdalena Lubowska apparently slipped into the rushing river on Wednesday, lured by what is one of Western New York’s most surreal experiences. To put it simply, the lower Niagara is spectacular. The Whirlpool Trail, which doesn’t offer great views of the water near the whirlpool because of thick woods, has a number of spots that beg you to come down to the river’s edge. I’d be lying if I said that’s not the best part of the trip. But extreme caution needs to be taken near the water. This isn’t Fantasy Island, where engineers have figured out how to make the experience both exhilarating and safe.

OSHA has no jurisdiction over Mother Nature.

But on to this week’s journey, which was the most well-traveled gorge trail, at least at the north end. The Niagara Gorge Rim Trail starts down by the Artpark Rim Trail, although you’d have to hike into the gorge, then head downstream to get there. In other words, there’s no way to do the whole trail one-way unless you dropped into the gorge by parachute. So in the interest of full disclosure, I only did the final two-thirds of the trail, starting just north of Whirlpool State Park.

This trail is really two hikes — the northern part along a dirt trail through the top of the gorge, and the southern and most popular part a leisurely walk on pavement through the falls area.

In and around Whirlpool State Park the views are great, but of course, the action really gets hot as you get closer to the falls. After the Niagara Gorge Discovery Center, the trail is paved and takes you under the Rainbow Bridge along the former connection of the Robert Moses Parkway. It’s a strange window into history since the road is in perfect shape, but has long been out of use.

When you re-emerge, you’re inundated with tourists. While this is a great spot to walk, and the path would be good for biking or jogging, you’d be taking your life into your hands if you tried to speed through as foreign families hammed it up for pictures.

One of my guilty pleasures is taking in the symphony of different languages. You invariably catch some Chinese and Japanese — although I can’t tell the difference — and expect a healthy dose of German, French and Italian. It’s a great reminder of the falls’ international renown. Just because we forget to take in the wonder doesn’t mean it’s lost any of its appeal elsewhere.

I happened to catch a great day and the water at the falls was perfect. Almost shiny and green. I walked the footbridge to Goat Island, and headed over to Luna Island, which was four deep along the Bridal Falls. This is the best spot to take photos of the American Falls because the sunlight shines from the south and hits it perfectly. Although it looks just as spectacular from the other side, the light messes up your snapshots. What you see with your eye doesn’t translate to the tiny screen on your digital.

From Luna Island, I trudged up the stairs and headed to Prospect Point, which I hadn’t done in years. It’s worth every step. And although I realize this is a free plug, I was incredibly jealous of the couples sitting on the deck at the Top of the Falls restaurant who were enjoying a perfect view along with a quick bite. I keep saying I’ll do lunch their soon, then hesitate because I don’t want to pay for the parking. Does it come off the restaurant bill? More homework.

At the point, the trail officially ends, although I headed upstream along the pavement for one of my favorite parts of the trip. While about a thousand tourists stood at Prospect Point, I was virtually alone after walking a few hundred yards to the south. I think a single jogger and a happy couple biking were all that passed on the road to Three Sisters Island.

Although this trail is easy, it’s long. If you’re going to do it, I’d suggest dropping one car off near Niagara University, and another near the Red Coach Inn. It’s rarely secluded, but worth the bother. There’s a reason people fly from all points on the globe to see the falls — and this trail heads through the epicenter.

Expect to see lots of people, and lots of great natural sights. But most importantly, do it safely.

‘GORGE’-OUS
• TRAIL: Niagara Gorge Rim Trail
• WHERE: Ends at Prospect Point along Horseshoe Falls
• SKILL LEVEL: Easy
• DISTANCE: 6.2 miles one-way
• WHAT TO SEE: Views of the Whirlpool and along the American, Bridal and Horsehoe Falls.

My wife came into the living room this morning telling me that she thinks something is wrong with Latara. True enough, upon closer inspection, she wasn't breathing!

There were no signs of her struggling. It seemed she just dropped dead almost like a heart attack. As though she did a DEAD BUNNY FLOP and died straight after. She was eating well this morning and she even greeted me when I place hay in her bowl.

I was just contemplating on her future for the herd.

Till we meet again sweet girl! I missed you already.

It was a beautiful day, July 12, 1997.  I had finally moved into my home and decided it was time for me to adopt a dog.  Dad and I had walked into Haven Humane Society to "just look around".  As I was walking down the last isle I had heard "puppies", cute puppies all six of them.  There was one little girl who gave me that look of "please take me home with you".  The rest was history.

In 1999 I had to design a website (as my thesis) with a product that the public could download for free so I put my "graphic artist" skills to work and created free downloadable animated email stationery for Outlook Express.  I had to come up with a name for my website so I titled it, "Email Stationery & Graphics Pawed by SwisBeagle" after my precious babygirl Murphy my Greater Swiss Mountain dog.  SwisBeagle became world known as did Murphy, after all it was her website and her pawing that created the email stationery.  She became a household name and became a beloved friend to so many fans all over the world.  Murphy would receive so many gifts from strangers.  She entered into the lives of many.

Murphy had many names; Mermee, babygirl, Sweetie girl, SwisBeagle, Murphy Ann, Swissy, Applepandowdy, Pretty girl and Child of fur just to name a few.  She was always there for me through good times and bad.  She never talked back to me and was such a good protector and best friend.

She never complained when I dressed her up for Halloween or Christmas.  She kept me warm at night and gave me unconditional love as I with her.  She was my child with fur.

On this day, August 14th, 2008 at 6:30am she walked into Grandpa's bedroom and then proceeded to my bedroom only to find me not there so she climbed the steep steps of the stairway to one of the upstairs bedroom where Stace my twinsister was sleeping.  Stace's Beagle "Socks" was sleeping on the bed and my little baby boy Eddie aka Doodle was sleeping on the floor.  Murphy laid down next to Doodle and went to sleep.  It was only minutes later that Eddie my little Belgian Tervuren started to cry and pawed at Stace while she slept to wake her up.  Stace woke up and looked at Eddie as he walked over to Murphy and put his little nose and paws on Murphy.  Stace couldn't wake Murphy.  Murphy entered into Rainbow Bridge and was met by my mom who had passed away just two months ago.  I can only think that somewhere Over that Rainbow Murphy is wagging her tail because she was now with my mom (her Grandma), Chrissy, Joey, and Joyce.

I can no longer fear death because I know that when it is my time to go I will see her again.

I will miss her heavy breathing on my legs as she begged for food at the dinner table, I will miss her loud barks at anything that made a sound, I will miss her snoring, I will miss her following me around where ever I go, I will miss her warm furry body as she laid next to me while watching TV in the winter, I will miss her eating her favorite grass, I will miss giving her massages every night, I will miss trying to trim her toe nails and her "show of the teeth with her growl" as I attempted to do so, I will miss talking her for walks, I will miss watching her as she played with Doodle, I will miss her tail wagging whenever she saw me, I will miss her laying in the hall, I will miss her more than anyone or anybody.  I loved her more than life itself...she was after all my babygirl, my daughter, my child with fur, my best friend, my companion.

I think Murphy knew she was going to Rainbow Bridge, she had taught Eddie (I call him Doodle) the do's and don'ts around the house, where to patrol and who to bark at.  Murphy and Doodle were inseparable best friends.  Doodle looked up to Murphy as a mother figure and Murphy treated Doodle like her son.  They were so cute together.  They were never far apart from eachother and I am glad that Doodle was there with Murphy when she passed.  We will never know if Murphy had a heart attack or passed because she was so depressed that Grandma had passed two months prior.  The fact that I haven't been home this week didn't make it easier to the little girl.  I feel somewhat guilty that I wasn't there for her when she passed, but God needed her more than me I guess.

God rest her little soul.  I can only be comforted by the thought that she is with my mom now and she is not suffering.  She surpassed her age span by four years.  I loved that little girl!  I will miss her so much!!!!

Goodbye my sweet little angel and as we prayed together everynight I will say it to you this last final time:

"Now we lay us down to sleep, we pray the lord our souls to keep, if we should die before we wake, we pray the Lord our souls to take.  I love you Murphy...wOOf"!

Rainbow Bridge - Remembering our Deceased Pet

Lens about Rainbow Bridge and Pet Loss.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown..

There is a bridge connecting Heaven and Earth. It is called the Rainbow Bridge because of its many colors. Just this side of the Rainbow Bridge, there is a land of meadows, hills and valleys with lush green grass.

When a beloved pet dies, the pet goes to this place. There is always food and water, and warm spring weather. The old and frail animals are young again. Those who have been maimed are made whole again. They play all day with each other.

But there is only one thing missing. They are not with their special person who loved them on Earth. So each day they run and play until the day comes when one suddenly stops playing and looks up. The nose twitches! The ears are up! The eyes are staring! And this one suddenly runs from the group!

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. Your face is kissed again and again and again, and you look once more into the eyes of your trusting pet.

Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together, never again to be separated.

My friend Kim D (Lady Gypsy.net) first told me about the poem when my kitty Target passed away.  I've seen different art prints for it, but the best I ever saw was at a crafts and art show in Cape May.  It was a beautiful, the best I've seen to capture the feeling in the poem.  Unfortunately, I couldn't get it then or the name of the artist, and I never found it again.

Until yesterday when we went to the Collingswood Crafts and Fine Arts festival.  Suddenly, there was the artist, with the original painting and the print:

I am so happy that I finally have this.  You can see more by the artist, Bill Bell, and get one for yourself if you like.

I have to say that I'm glad there's people in the print who have more than one pet waiting for them on the bridge.  I began to think they'd be suspicious of me, like I'm some kind of jinx for pets.

As for the idea that some have that animals don't go to any form of "Heaven", I have only this to say:

"If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went." - Will Rogers

A soothing day.  Just what I needed.

My heart breaks all over again every time I read a post like this since I lost North on the road last year. It was the hardest thing I've had to deal with knowing it could so easily have been prevented. North was an astounding cat he was 9 years so although many felt he'd lived a good life I know he could have made double that age.

He will be forever missed and I am so sorry North that we had to learn the hard way!

Deb Decker shared this incredible story of love and healing for her kitty as he transitioned. It is so true that our connection to them helps them as they move from this plane to the other. And the blessing of being able to stay connected to them in a healthy way really is the best of the best. Thank you Deb for sharing this wonderful story!  Carla

"When Bud--my beloved international-winning Havana Brown show cat that I helped bring into this world--was diagnosed with liver failure, I worked very hard with Carla and my holistic vet to first try and heal him. But the damage to his liver was too great from the tainted food he ate (it was kitten food on the Menu Food recall) despite his young age.

We all knew that he would soon leave us and I had one choice: to help make Bud's transition as peaceful as possible for him, and with as little guilt on my part for not being able to save his life.

Bud was what I called an "ugly ducking". I was there with Bud when he was born on September 3, 2006. From day one I started to talk with the babies (six little brown kittens!) and found that each had it's own "voice". Bud was the shy one who ended up displaying his "Siamese roots" by eating holes in my wool yoga blanket, toys and other non-cat-food items. While the others went off to either a show home or pet home, I had Bud--who was a roly poly "ugly duckling". He was short-legged and had a round little belly. Now looking back we know it was the food that bloated out his liver. When the food recall was announced to my horror I had the packets of food with the tainted lot number. This was the type of kitten food I raised his mother on so my litter was raised on it too. He was a picky little cuss - except for his taste in wool, string and hair - so the only thing he would eat was the pouch food. In other words, his poor liver was getting nothing but poisons when I thought he was getting a nourishing diet.

After he got off the food, he slimmed down into a "gorgeous swan" and soon became the youngest of his breed to claim the # 1 alter worldwide! And then while at the large international show, he got sick. And it was down hill from there.

It was through journeying that I learned from Carla at workshops that I was able to help Bud--and myself!--to get through all of this. I always journeyed with Bud before a show, and sometimes during a show if I felt he had a "question" or needed some help with a situation (i.e. a cat at the show, a judge, maybe that new fangled toy he saw!). He was really a funny little boy. A true showman....and a diva! He won the hearts of many judges, breeders and exhibitors. Oh, and spectators too. We'd be at a show and he'd say in his cute little voice "what is up with that cat crying?" So journeying with him as a kitten had allowed us to have an open communication during his (short) life. And that also allowed us to move through his illness, and eventual transition.

When we realized he would not make it, I journeyed to help him with this. He was young, and he loved his mama Gwendolyn so much. He didn't want to leave me either. But he sure didn't want to leave his mom. Gwendolyn, Prissy (an old dog that had passed away years ago) and Spatz (my first cat that Carla met!) were there to help out. Bud was not ready, and it took a while for him to realize that his life on earth was really meant to be short, and he had bigger things to do once he crossed over.

Three days before he was to pass away, I heard him clickity clack into the office (I didn't trim his nails at the end...why?) and then his sweet voice say "I know it's almost time..." then he jumped into the window and watched the Blue Jays and Cardinals eating suet and seed. He turned his big eyes at me and said "I love you, and I'm ready."

The morning of December 6, 2007 I woke up. He was in his bed, but I could tell he was not doing well. So I put him on the bed...Gwen crawled up next to him and started to bathe him...and I put my hand on his side and started to journey. We called circle and not only did my power animals come in, but his angels, guardian spirits and power animals came in too. And then my cats and dogs who had passed over, including his three sisters who had died at the ages of 3-7 days. His sisters were crystal keepers and they brought a gorgeous crystal for Bud. Prissy -- my old Schipperke who was so fat she had to have a Mallard duck to fly around on in the heavens--brought the mate to her duck for Bud to ride when he was ready to cross over. Spatz was there to help along with my grandmother. And Butch, my old Angora who was a head in the crystal palace, showed Bud that he was to do healing work on animals, and help lost animals get home. He had a wonderful mission ahead of him. And as Butch said with his Cheshire smile "You'll be the best cat in the biggest cat show ever!"

With that I heard a long sigh....and I opened my eyes to see Bud gone. I wrapped him up, held him, blessed him, and told him to soar on the back of his new winged friend and I would see him. (Spatz also informed me Bud would go through a 14-day transition period so he could adjust to his new role and spiritual body.)

Although I still miss the little diva....by journeying from the first sign of illness through his transition, I know that Bud has a bigger role to play. He has shown me his healing work and it's funny to hear Prissy (who still works with him) jump his butt because he's just doing a young brash "kid thing". I know I now can call on Bud to help out at the shows (he still comes and hangs out and calms his mom down if she's in the ring) and he has even helped me and the other cats and dogs.

Knowing he is happy, and is playing a role in helping others, has given me a sense of peace. I didn't carry--nor do I carry--the guilt that I fed him food (that I thought was good for him! who knew it was poison for my baby?) I still cry at times, don't get me wrong! But the minute I do I think "why?" and then I'll hear him say "because you like to stroke my chin".

So you know what I do? I close my eyes, and meet him in our favorite place next to a gorgeous, babbling stream....and I stroke his chin."

in order to get to coronado iland yoo hav to go ovr a majical bridj in the sky

unforchoonatly evn tho it is very high and shaypd like an arch it is not the famus rainbow bridj and so i did not get to see pooh bear the kitty on the other side of it howevr i did see a grate big beech

unlike most beeches this wun allowz dogs to run and play off leed me and tucker wer so eksited that we kept pulling on the leed and becuz mama stops wawking wen we pul it tuk us a long long time to get to the beech trixie got their at least a week ahed of us and then had to wayt for us to ketch up

[wpvideo 6oZuIAD8]

"What is the holdup already???"

at long last we finaly reechd the beech ware off in the distans from dog beech yoo can see the hyooj fortres nown as the hotel del coronado as yoo can tell from the spires and turrits this fortres is inhabited by elvs and pikseez and prinsesses of varyus sorts however we didnt go their so i didnt get to meet them

wunse we arrivd tucker wuz verry puzzeld becuz wile this is kleerly sum sort of dog park it is not feeesta iland and normaly wen we ar in the car for this long and get owt at a playse with dogs and water it meenz we ar at feeesta iland

[wpvideo IR9vwmuC]

"Where am I?  This isn't Fiesta Island!  I'm confused!  Where's mom?  Where's Trixie?  Who are all these people?  I'm old and befuddled!"

it turns owt that wile feeesta iland sits in sumthing calld mishun bay coronado dog beech sits in sumthing calld the passific oshun wich is much much biggr and is full of things calld wayvs

and the thing abowt wayvs is that they chayse yoo

[wpvideo jv7Os0vc]

Ocean 1, Vizslas 0

[wpvideo njtGckDp]

Ocean 2, Vizslas 0

[wpvideo v058VaKi]

"Is the ocean still there?"

[wpvideo wwJNAZX6]

"I still don't know where the heck I am!  Mommmmmmm!"

[wpvideo zyekP0Qq]

Ocean 2, Vizslas 1

[wpvideo Ai7VrSLD]

Ocean 3, Vizslas 1

[wpvideo ro5GFY2W]

Ocean 4, Vizslas 1

[wpvideo h41YP93J]

Ocean 5, Vizslas 1 (seeing a pattern yet?)

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Ocean 6, Vizslas 1

[wpvideo G97VIJDc]

Ocean 7, Vizslas 1

after we wer dun at dog beech mama and dada tuk us to a neerby owtdoor shopping senter ware they got sum greek fud frum an owtdoor cafe and then we wanderd arownd the areea for a littel wile as yoo can see we got a gud vyoo of sandy eggo from across the harbor

hay wot is that stuf stikking owt of the grownd?

egad!!!!! this is kleerly sum sort of top sekret gofer fasility cleverly hidden in the middel of a shopping senter behind a chayn fense and sum hedjes!!!!! there nef ... nefari ... there evil plan to tayk ovr the wurld is mooving forward evn as we speek! forchoonatly i hav menny mor peepul in africa and elseware hoo ar trying to send me lots and lots of munny so soon i will be abel to retreev the gofer broke from undergrownd and continyoo with my mishun to thwart the vast rodent konspeerasy ok bye

The past few days have been a lot of fun, since I finished school.  Two days ago I went to a place called Kouenji, it was pretty nice, quiet, and full of really good looking restaurants, without so many extremely tall buildings.  There I tried a pretty good peach flavored alcohol drink.  Yesterday I had Mr Donut donuts (macha "green tea" flavor) for the first time, had some iced coffee with soy milk at a really nice cafe nearby, then went to a wonderful Choral Performance at the Tokyo Opera House.  After that Jannis, his girlfriend Yuko and I went to a really great Indian restaurant in Shibuya.  From there we went to do Karaoke (on Saturday night... a time I would avoid if possible).  It was however an incredibly good time.

Today I met up with my conversation partners, for a not quite last time (hopefully).  I had a message from Jin who usually organizes it that involved something with a coven of witches.  So I didn't really know what that was about, and still don't clearly... unfortunately we didn't meet up with the coven, maybe they're in China right now?  I'm not sure.  Anyway we met at Shibuya and ate at a good but expensive cafe called Cheesecake Cafe or something of that sort.  I had a really amazing salad and a tiny pudding for breakfast there :-D  After that we chatted for a long while and eventually Jin and I went to Minato Mirai for the Fireworks show that they put on there this time every year.  We went to a building there on the floor of some japanese language school I think called IUC.  I don't know what it stands for though.  Anyway it was a few floors above the ground maybe 5-6 so we had a wonderful view from the outside balcony.  It's similar to the view from Odaiba except from the other side of Rainbow Bridge.  The fireworks were spectacular.  After that we fought the masses and returned to Shibuya, and I came back to Sancha.  I tried some Gobou, which is apparently burdock root.  It's interesting, but I think the ones I bought were a little moldy so I did not eat them all.  Now I will eat for the 2nd time today (seriously eat) my last pouch of curry with my last bit of rice.

We are still so sad. We are losing so many friends to the bridge.

=*(

Alas, life changes especially when you are young. The young lady moved to the northeast to be with a boyfriend and for whatever reason, Bo could not go so he went to her dad and became his best friend.

We heard this week that Bo was hit by a car and killed. It seems that the father had the habit of letting Bo out into the front yard off-lead to do his morning elimination and true of hounds, he caught a scent, and ran into the street.

It doesn't matter how much the dog loves you, it doesn't matter how in the past the dog has stayed by your side, it only takes one time. Please don't let your dog off lead in a environment you can't completely control. Even if you always use a lead, teach your dog a rock-solid emergency recall.

The Niagara Falls (consists of The Horseshoe Falls, American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls) are massive waterfalls on the Niagara River, shared by the USA and Canada. Famed as one of the world's most famous spectacles, the Niagara Falls are unmatched for their sheer vastness and volume of water; not even by the Victoria Falls!

We drove from Chicago (Illinois) to the Niagara Falls (New York). Along the way we stopped at beautiful parks, lakes and scenic small towns. We spent a night in Holland, Michigan.

We reached the Niagara Falls just in time to watch the Falls Fireworks and Illumination Show. It was an awe-inspiring sight to see the massive falls illuminated in coloured lights over the darkness of night added by the thundering sound of water pounding down the falls.

Early the next morning we headed to the Prospect Point to see the American Falls. We saw the Rainbow Bridge over the Niagara River and also Canada across the river.

Then we drove across a bridge over the rapids to the scenic Goat Island. The whole area is under Niagara State Park. The park is so clean and beautiful, flowers blooming in flower beds and in the trees, leaves had started to change colour since autumn is just a few weeks ahead.

From the car park, we were greeted by the sound of the falls. Walking towards the Terrapin Point, I was speechless for I've never seen such a spectacular sight in my whole life. My little brother, Ahmad Ali was so excited to see a few full rainbows all at once in the morning mist below us over the Horseshoe Falls.

We walked to Luna Island across a beautiful bridge to have a close look at the Bridal Veil Falls. Along the way, we saw the Cave of the Winds; but it was too dangerous for us to go down to the cave for Ali was just 3 years old at the time. And for the same reason we couldn't go aboard the Maid of the Mist Boat Tour of the American and Horseshoe Falls.

Connected by bridge to Goat Island are three small islands named Three Sisters Island. Next to the third Sister Island is an even smaller island named Brother Island. Three sisters and a little brother - just like me and my siblings! What a coincidence.

Subhanallah. Allah is the Greatest as only Him can create such a great creation. No rides on theme parks could ever match the feelings of standing by the Niagara Falls. And no words can ever justify the awe-inspiring sight and sound of the Niagara's water, plunging into the their turbulent rapids! [It can fill up one million bathtubs in one second!!!]

I pray to Allah that I can visit Grandpa Jan in Toronto and have a chance to visit the Niagara Fals from the other side of the river - Ontario, Canada.

Both Corlee and I are very sore from all the walking and subway-riding, and luggage-carrying-while-walking-and-riding-the-subway that we have done so far. And, it took us three days, but we finally realized just how much it costs to ride the fun, confusing, infuriating subway. And, by cost, I don't mean in stress, I mean subway fare is 160 - 310 yen per each one way trip, per person.

But, otherwise, yes. We are having a good time. Of course we are: we're in Japan!

Anyway, here are some photos of the trip so far. Sorry about the sudden overload.

You know, these are a lot heavier than they looked on my bed that night...

Hanging out at ATL before our flight. We only got to the gate three hours early...

Our huge plane.

Us kids, pre-20-hour flight.

Waiting for our connecting flight in Seoul Incheon International.

We are ridiculously entertained by little things like this radio speaker in the ceiling of our room at Holiday Inn Tobu Narita.

Corlee looking at me funny on the Narita Express.

Waiting for several hours until we can check into our hotel. Yes, we had all of our luggage with us.

It's all about two wheels.

Our hilariously tiny, empty room at the rickety Taito Ryokan.

Corlee taking a picture of Rainbow Bridge.

Yeah, they ripped us off on a lot of things...

But Odaiba was cool, anyway.

And, no one does Toys R Us like the Japanese.

Another great view from Odaiba.

Everybody loves McDonaldo!

No? How about Denny's?

The entrance to Senso-ji, or Asakusa Kannon-ji, which was really close to our hotel.

Yes, a very cool temple. Plus they had this five-storied pagoda.

I don't have any pictures of Akihabara...? Wtf is wrong with me? Oh well, here's a nice one of Tokyo Big Sight, as we were back at Odaiba that night.

Rainbow Bridge was even cooler at night.

But, actually, it was the boats that I liked.

A nice, scenic ride on the bullet train to Kyoto this morning.

Seriously, it only took us 2.5 hours! But it was so smooth!

Have I mentioned how awesome the signs are? I loved this one, which was everywhere on the sidewalks in Tokyo. (Corlee took this)

Another cute one, here in Kyoto. I have no idea what it's for, but a turtle! With cones on its back! wtf?! (Corlee also took this)

And, just now, at our new hotel in Kyoto. Which is fabulous. (She took this too. Obviously.)

NORTH - 4th from Left

25th September 1998 - 30th August 2007

North was Star's brother he was a very special cat and had the ability to charm even the hardest hearted non-cat lover. There was rarely a moment that North wasn't by my side he wanted to 'help' with everything and be sure he wasn't missing out. He loved everyone and everything and was only too happy to accept all the additions to the family which included Whistler and both the children.
Tragically he was hit by a car last year, not long after our move to Ireland. He made it back into the house and died very soon after with all the family around him. He is sorely missed and always will be. His presence will be with us always and we know he is playing happily over Rainbow Bridge where he will stay forever young and full of fun.

WHISTLER - 5th from Left

24th February 2003 - January 2004

Whistler came to us very young from a friends litter. He was full of life and we always suspected had feral blood as he had a very wild streak. He used to leap up onto the table where we were eating, grab his chosen treat, growl at us and run off - even as a tiny kitten. His favorite steal was duck from the Chinese takeaway. We couldn't keep him in as he just pawed at the locked cat flap until he worked the catch out!
We will never know what became of Whistler but suspect he got out roaming and got lost. Obviously we have considered all the dreadful possibilities but we like to believe he is roaming near where we used to live 'The Wild Cat of the Heath'.

Aw - that picture is so sweet, makes my heart do a flip - not least because the ginger cat on the left reminds me so much of Plymouth, who I lost a few years ago when he passed away aged 13 :( If I could have one moment back in time, it would be a cuddle with Plymouth. His fur always had the aroma of baby powder and was so soft - I doubt I will ever encounter another cat who cuddles like a human again, my whole life. He was so special and I loved him so much. I have my memories though :( and his death cannot ever take them away from me.

I am quite ill today :( and am so unwell that I am unable to make dinner, so I am ordering an Indian take-out.

Wish Plymouth was here to cuddle me better, he was so good at letting me know he loved me. He was my baby and my best friend x

Unfortunately my pictures didn't turn out as well as I had hoped but below are some of the better ones, enjoy! If you'd like to go to Odaiba then I recommend taking the Yurikamome line from Shimbashi station, the view on the train itself is quite impressive!

Am I the only on who finds this hilarious?

I'm sick of The Korean. (aka my car).  It's just too small for me. He's a four cylinder, but bless him, I drive him like he's a six. I have a lead foot. And my old car was a V6. And then I got him. I still drive like I've got a V6, and most times it just doesn't work. 
Not to mention he's hideous. I hate gold cars. And the body isn't that attractive. When you put the two together, you get fugly. He'll be paid off next year and I'm going to get a Mustang GT! Vrooom. Now there's muscle under the hood. With zero gas mileage. But hey, I can cut my driving time in half.

Tessa and I are discussing going to a taping of "Maury".  It would be soo boss. We want to go to either "I'm Here For the 20th Time Find My Baby's Daddy" or "I'm 11 and Have Had Sex With 100 HIV Positive Guys". And don't forget "I Used to Be a High School Reject, But Now I'm HOT!". I have no idea where his studios are but I feel a road trip coming on!

My Ralphus is experiencing VERY rapid weight loss :( He's no spring chicken either. I think the rainbow bridge is getting closer and closer... Poor Delilah is going to be lost. I supposed I need to get her little sister or brother. But I hate to be "replacing" Ralphus. It just sounds cold and morbid. Gah

I just heard another friend-of-us, Lilly, cross the bridge this afternoon. I wish she is happily. But this is curious "Some of us friends cats die in the days Wednesday, Thursday and Furryday! That is so strange!

I promess Lilly, I will make a memorial for you, soon

-Stella

Please keep the foster and adoptive families in your prayers and kiss your fur babies because you can. And especially lift Lisa in your prayers, because she grieves heaviest of all of us.

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.

There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.

There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.

The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

Only three days in and I have seen natural arches, Anasasi Ruins, and slot canyons. One of our stopping points had us tucked into a spectacular dead end cul-de-sac off of the Escalante Arm. It was a perfect base camp for exploring the sites and casting a few lines

Today we’re headed up toward one of the seven natural wonders of the world, Rainbow Bridge. I look forward to the change in scenery. There is word that the weather is to shift from sunny skies and 90* temperatures to cooler thunderstorm ridden days. Variations in the weather may offer up more dramatic skies to photograph. I don’t know though, I’m pretty content with the way everything has been thus far. Only time will tell.

It’s now Saturday and we’re a mere five hours from being back in Boise. These last six hours of driving have allowed me to reflect on the last half of Lake Powell adventure.
The weatherman’s predictions ultimately came through and left us with a crisp 45* morning when we decided to jet to Rainbow Bridge. The skies proved to be dramatic as hoped. Wispy clouds lingered against the lightly snow dusted Navajo Mountain in the background as we made our way to massive natural arch. Our boat was the first to arrive at the National Park docking site, which, made for a pleasing change to the typical overcrowded famous park sites. The hike was short and sweet, S-curving up the river channel that over time carved the arch out. I had seen numerous pictures and postcards of the miraculous sight but never seem to do justice to the real thing. The Bridge rose regally through the same fog that we had seen on our drive in. I eagerly busted out the camera to snap some shots of the spectacle. My stomach dropped as the battery flashed rapidly before going dead… I couldn’t fathom how the battery could have gone out so quickly. I took the battery out and gingerly placed it into my pants to give it some warmth and what do you know, a solid twenty-minute session of pictures were cranked out. High-five to the old crotch warmer. The time spent up at the arch was definitely one of the major highlights of the trip for me. One natural wonder of the world down, only six more to go.

Our return journey had us heading back toward the marina that we originally put in at (Bullfrog Bay) as four people from the group were departing a day earlier than the rest. Stormy skies and harsh winds made the push up the canyon a difficult one. We took refuge at a nice nook in Annie’s Canyon. It was a tight squeeze but provided ample shelter, cliff jumping, bouldering and fishing all in one package. I was able to hike up to one of the ridge-lines to get a better-elevated perspective of our spot.

The next night and day we occupied ourselves with various outdoor activities when the weather permitted and opted for some friendly indoor competition in the form of Yahtzee, Hearts and Golf. As the final night grew near, we made a last minute decision to make it as close to the marina as we could to save time and daylight on our journey back. Steep sheer cliff walls gave way to rolling sandy hills as we neared Bullfrog Bay. Our stopover point was setup without any tribulations. Consistent rain showers prevailed throughout the night echoing a soothing sound on the roof of the boat. For some reason this sound was so welcomed that I spent the better part of the evening listening to the pitter patter instead of sleeping. The following morning came quickly and I was sad that this was to be the end of my time at Lake Powell. Our drive back has left me with fond memories to add to my book of life.

Thanks to everyone who made this trip so rad. I was able to meet some great people, really get to know others

We did a new meditation last night and it took us up extremely high. I don't recall ever going that high in meditation before. Perhaps that in part, accounts for my feelings of strangeness today. No doubt some potent energies are flowing through my system as a result. This meditation is aimed at building the antahkarana - the rainbow bridge - between the brain/lower mind (mental unit), the soul and ultimately the higher mind (manasic permanent atom). This is linking the personality, the soul and the Spiritual Triad (which is itself the reflection of the Monad).

The Phoenix conference focussed a lot on the Monad - that highest spiritual aspect of ourselves. I can't quite conceive of that level of abstraction still being in the process of establishing contact with my soul. Still it seems to be coming to me - I am finding myself in circumstances where it is discussed and invoked so it must have some bearing on my current level of spiritual development.

It is all very scientific (which is what draws me to this particular approach and tradition). There is the Science of Meditation, the Science of Service and the Science of Right Human Relations etc. There are Laws, Rules and Principles that guide the way. It is technical and detailed and I grasp only about 1% of the whole, nonetheless, it fascinates me.

I love the group endeavour and have been so glad to get back into a group again. It has been years since there were any such groups in my area. Now, it seems it will be short-lived. Perhaps we can continue to meet as a group without our facilitators but it will not be the same. Still, everything happens for a reason.

Much is going on around me - on subjective levels if not in actual physical plane fact. No wonder I feel unsettled. Invitations to Darjeeling, high level meditations, impending loss of group dynamics etc. I continue to practise my esoteric meditations every day.  And the group energy in Phoenix was very intense and high level too. We are also coming up to the second Wesak full moon festival (next Tuesday). Wesak is the spiritual high point for my tradition and this year there are two of them (in Taurus). I can't expect to not be affected by all this.