A group of singles 31-45 from across the northwest arrived in force at the Astoria chapel on September 18 for a weekend of social and spiritual fulfillment. Friday started with a dinner and dance. In true pioneer fashion the good folks from Salem who were preparing dinner fought through freeway traffic caused by the largest accident in the last 10 years, and dinner (sans potatoes) arrived and was a real treat and hugely popular.

Saturday dawned bright and sunny after a lot of worry about the variable weather on the oregon coast. We're sure it was just for us that the weather was so fantastic. The group participated in the annual SOLV cleanup, collecting untold bags and buckets of debris and jetsam on the beaches. We convened at the chapel for lunch and for the kickoff of the conference by Professor Clyde Williams of BYU.

Brother Williams spoke of taking an eternal perspective, which allows us to put all of our experiences, good and bad, into a context of understanding.

"The nearer man approaches perfection, the clearer are his views, and the greater his enjoyments, till he has overcome the evils of his life and lost every desire for sin; and like the ancients, arrives at the point of faith where he is wrapped in the power and glory of his maker and is caught up to dwell with Him" - The prophet Joseph Smith

Then it was off to workshop and activities. And there were so many to choose from! Br. Williams presented "Insights I missed the first 50 times through the Book of Mormon". Other workshops included topics on communication, creative writing techniques for your journal, broadening your musical diet, financial planning, and scriptural story telling.

Activities included a walk to the famed Astoria column, a visit to the Maritime Museum, beach volleyball, a tour of Fort Stevens, kayaking (brrr!), a hike around the Astoria area, and most popular of all: a tour of the sites from the movie "The Goonies", making us all wish for a map to hidden jewels and treasure.

Time for dinner and off to campfires on the beach. the weather was great, the stars were out, and with the assistance of one good brother many people got their first view of the night sky through a telescope. The smores were delicious and the fellowship strong.

On Sunday we joined the Sacrament services of the Astoria ward, swelling their numbers by a considerable margin, then said goodbye over brunch while overlooking Astoria.