Happy Fourth: Let's kick our holiday up a notch, learn something new

San Diego's Patriot Jet Boat is a fun red, white and blue adventure. We suggest doing something a bit
new this Fourth of July week, perhaps mixing the traditional with a new event to promote thinking.

STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS

PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER

  

A family hike included talk about the Constitution. L-R: Bruce
Keller, Christene Meyers, Rick Cosgriffe, Connor Brocious.

I'M AS PATRIOTIC as the next guy or gal, but with the political tensions, shootings, riots, demonstrations and general unrest in our imperfect but glorious country, I'm up for something new this Fourth of July week.

Talking with young people this summer, I realized how little they know about American history, the crafting of the Declaration of Independence, the background of the founding of the United States. They're ready to jump in to the "No Kings" protests, as I did years ago to protest the war in Vietnam.  But what do they really know? Let's get some dialogue going. Let's learn something.

It can be a refresher course for adults, too.

From left: Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton
and our first president, George Washington.

What to know about "No Kings" click here

IS IT POSSIBLE, I wondered, to make learning fun, to take the "Gen Z" kids back to school without them knowing it?  To get them thinking, going to the library, looking at books again, offering an alternative to a life with strictly the internet and social media for company and resource? Sure, we all need modern technology, but let's use it to enrich not replace, and to broaden our understanding.

First, have everyone agree to put down  devices for a few hours to explore a new outdoor activity with conversation and dialogue, a 

San Diego put on a fine
 

history lesson in disguise. Why not combine the usual barbecue with a hike, biking, boating or raft outing, or a camping day or two, to get away from technology? During a quiet moment or stop for a meal or snacks, have a few questions jotted down and get conversation going on the country's founding. No dissertations, just highlights and questions to promote thought and dialogue:

*What did we not like about the tyranny of the monarchy?

* What is a democracy?

A protest against the War in Vietnam from the
writer's archives. Mingle fun with learning by
generating a discussion about our sacred rights:
freedom of religion, to assemble, to speak out.
 

What amendment allows protests, free speech

* What is the Bill of Rights?  The Constitution? The Amendments and how they were instituted? The Gettysburg Address and Emancipation Proclamation and how they shaped Civil Rights. 

* Why is the Civil War essential to understanding American history?

Don't preach. It's a turn-off. Make this fun. The idea is to get dialogue going, to pique interest and appreciation of our freedoms.

A scene from "Gettysburg," one of a host of excellent films
to give young and old background of U.S. history. 

Our founding fathers challenges, click here

HOW ABOUT a family/friends game in someone's back yard? I grew up with miniature golf and it was so much fun -- cousins, neighbors, several generations. Baseball, pickleball, basketball, badminton, volleyball. Then when everyone is unwinding, let the discussion begin.

Macy's Fireworks Display is one of the nation's largest.
Fireworks remain a staple part of our celebrations.

Why we separated from Britain, click here
In writing this article, I'm learning more about our history. The Declaration of Independence is a wonderful document to re-read. It can easily be printed out and used to begin a dialogue.

Civil War series by Ken Burns, click here

Then there's nothing wrong with barbecues, parades, block parties, fireworks displays, outdoor concerts. All part of Americana. Watching a film with historic background or political overtones is a great capper to the day. Ken Burns' brilliant, award winning Civil War Series is tops. Many more:
 Suggestions for Fourth of July movies

FIREWORKS ARE beloved by me and my clan.  They still come into play: Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks light up New York City from the East River. The Montreal festival -- the world's largest fireworks competition -- is on now,  featuring pyrotechnic companies from around the world: L'International des Feux Loto-Québec overlaps our Fourth. It began June 26 and continues to July 31.

Democracy in action
is this classic about
politics, corruption
and ethics, 1939.

Macy's fireworks details, TV time

Washington, D.C. continues the U.S. Capitol's patriotic tradition of a stunning fireworks extravaganza on the National Mall.
Other much anticipated Fourth Fireworks shows are planned in Boston, Philadelphia, Chicago, Portland and our home base of San Diego. We've  seen thrilling Fourth of July fireworks displays. Parades and fireworks in Honolulu and Las Vegas, Lake Tahoe and Reno thrilled us. Many cities around the world sponsor Fourth of July festivities, often staged by expats. Paris, London and Sydney host free fireworks shows to entertain hotel guests and other visitors.

Wherever you are -- U.S. or elsewhere -- whatever your citizenship, make it a fun, learning week. Then continue the knowledge buzz into the year.

Miss Demeanour's is a Brisbane treasure, with delicious
brunches, burgers and live music. A fun haunt on a food tour. 

UP NEXT:  Take a bite of Brisbane.  This exciting, historic Australian city has a wonderful enterprise, Delectable Tours, which features unique eateries and a delightful walking tour with flair and appeal. You'll walk the streets where Australia's first penal colony was settled, tasting delicious fare prisoners might only have dreamed of:  marinated olives, family made pad Thai,  grilled cheese with fragrant aperitifs, chickpea falafel, tasty raw salmon and gorgeous tiramisu with soothing mint tea. Enterprising owner Jamie-Lee Howard shows off her city with pride. You'll stop at hidden haunts, combining her lively history lesson with delectable bites. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for a fresh slant on travel, food, family, performance, nature, the arts and more. Please share the links:      

Click here for more on fun travel

Goats galore in Maui: enterprise yields quality tours, cheese and more

Owner Jay Garnett of Surfing Goat Dairy in Maui has his hands full.  After decades in the corporate
world in his native Canada, he took over the enterprise in 2023. He is involved in all aspects of the
growing operation -- from customer service to tours, goat health, cheese manufacturing and more. 

CREATIVE ENDEAVOR WITH GOATS IS PERFECT FIT FOR ALBERTA BORN ENTREPRENEUR 

STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS 

Bruce Keller smiles as a young goat tries 
to munch on his colorful Hawaiian shirt. 

PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER 

IF YOU LOVE goats, you will be in billy goat heaven at Maui's lively Surfing Goat Dairy.

It's an appealing place to spend a few hours. We toured with manager-owner Jay Garnett, who bought the business from a German couple in 2023. They retired, leaving a legacy of goats, surf boards, and a successful dairy which Garnett is expanding in creative ways.

The project came together as Garnett was recovering from a polo accident and had time to research his plan to make a life change. Doing his homework, he found the Maui place for sale and began negotiations. The rest is history.

GARNETT IS hands on -- literally.

He feeds the goats, delivers their babies, arranges tours, caters lunches and tastings, sweeps, milks, shovels poop and repairs what needs fixing. He is an idea man, people oriented and constantly expanding the business.

Maui goats are delightful tourist attractions.

He works with the dairy's veterinarian to give the guys and gals their vaccinations. His intuition and eagle eye -- call it goat ESP -- can detect if one of the herd needs attention, doctoring or other special care. He has assisted in delivering hundreds of kids -- including several sets of twins and even triplets.  He also acts as chief  marketer for the dairy's fabulous goat cheese and goat truffles.

Check out turtles, wildlife in Hawaii

HOW DID the place its catchy name?

Two contented kids.

A catchy logo beckons.

"The German couple who started it in 1999 shared two interests -- goats and wind surfing. The name was catchy and it fits the spirit of island life," says Garnett, who owns and manages the place 

with a small group of Canadian investors.

He took over the enterprise a few years ago, with high hopes. He also admits to a sentimental attachment to Maui, where he was married 30 years ago. 

Moving to the verdant slopes of this beautiful part of Hawaii, he has made it grow by goat leaps and bounds.

The original owners retired nearby and Thomas and Eva Kafsack, occasionally come to visit and keep an eye on the progress of their pet project, Garnett says. "Eva considers the goats her children."

She, like Garnett, likes to hand-feeds the goats, and Garnett has learned as Eva did to be midwife, helping deliver the newborns in birthing frenzies when the females go into labor en masse.

"They tend to give birth at the same time, so the place can be really jumping," Garnett says. He recalls one birthing period when he  

helped deliver more than two dozen kids over a period of just a few hectic, demanding hours.

Garnett, 53, is a man of broad and varied interests. He has had his hand in myriad businesses -- coffee growing, online grocery operations and liquor imports. He once helped a cannabis company go public.

The subtle flavors of the Surfing Goat Dairy
cheeses have won acclaim and awards.

He got into the goat business because it interested him. "It has so many facets," he said. "I like doing whatever needs to be done on the farm. Every day is new 

Jay Garnett is always on the go, here making sure
tourists are entertained as he plays with the goats.

-- always something different. He demonstrates this by excusing himself from the goat pens to step behind the counter and arrange catering plates for a reception.

SURFING GOAT Dairy is nestled near Kula, on the slopes of Haleakala in what is called "Maui’s Upcountry." Maui’s largest commercial dairy is known throughout the islands. "We are a culinary and ag-tourism haven where visitors are welcome to experience the magic of cheese-making," says Garnett.  We joined a couple tours, part of the interactive goat experience. Our trek around the grounds included watching workers in the dairy, visiting the truffle counter, sampling delectable goat cheeses, playing with the kids.  The dairy has won awards for its gourmet goat cheeses, always in high demand. "And we're proud of our gourmet truffles," says Garnett.  "We're committed to quality, flavor, and the spirit of aloha."

The subtle flavors, he says, are developed from the combination of uncommon breeds and the rich land that nourishes them.

Surfing Goat Dairy offers appealing, entertaining
tours, award winning cheese and delightful viewing.

GARNETT IS also making structural changes to improve the property, expanding the existing store, increasing its offerings and building space for new products. The unique goat cheeses are popular all around the area, with much of the business going to restaurants and eateries.
"We're always looking at new products, new markets," he says.

Maui aquarium one of world's finest
MORE THAN 25,000 tourists came to the farm last year. We also visited nearby attractions -- the Aliʻi Kula Lavender farm and Ocean Vodka. The changes Garnett is making will increase tourism for his enterprise, he hopes, adding a tasting area and sprucing up the reception space. He combines

An impressive array of
truffles awaits visitors.

 his sharp eye and creative instincts with a love of nature, all of which add appeal. His busy staff is on the go and he supervises. Someone is always planting flowers, tidying up the space. The intention is to pump up the user friendly angle. "I'm people oriented. I think what I would like to see if I were visiting a place for the first time," he says, between wrestling a playful goat into a pen and instructing tourists on the proper way to pick up a young kid." (Use both arms and always support the critter's frame.)
It's a magical place, sure to open your heart and mind to the wonderful world of goats.
Click here for more on the dairy

  

Fireworks on Oahu, a Fourth of July tradition. Waikiki Beach is aglow.

UP NEXT: Fourth of July fun is on tap. Celebrations, parades, barbecues, reunions, shenanigans, fireworks and more are planned next week as our country -- and Americans in other parts of the world -- celebrate the Fourth of July week. Tourists hit the road, families gather and people relax and celebrate our country's official birthday. Pride in the heritage of our great nation can be felt and seen and the USA is not the only place where fireworks celebrate our Fourth of July. Ex-pat enclaves, like the one in Paris, have fireworks celebrations, too. We'll take you to some of them as we live, laugh and learn.  Check us out for a fresh weekly spin on travel, nature, performance and the arts. Please share our links with like minded people:

 Click here for more whereiscookie.com

Big Bus pleasures: wonderful worldwide way to hit a city's high spots

 

Photographer and Big Bus fans, Bruce Keller and Christene Meyers enjoy a return to Sydney, Australia. They used Big Bus Tours to reacquaint themselves with the city's top stops and architectural wonders.

BIG BUS TOURS FILL THE BILL WHEN YOU WANT TO SEE A FAMILIAR OR NEW CITY  

STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS 

Tokyo's splendid cherry blossoms, on a hop on-hop off
Big Bus Tours expedition. Easy to hop off for photos.

PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER 

BIG BUS means large fun, wherever in the world you step aboard.

We enjoy this inventive tour option in many cities around the globe and heartily recommend it. It's great for both newcomers to a place and those returning to a familiar town and simply wanting a refresher course on its high points. Either way, it's enjoyable and you're sure to learn something new.

THE MEETING places to board are always near familiar landmarks-- hotels, parks and gardens, markets, museums, government

Barcelona is a beautiful city served by Big Bus. 

buildings, cruise terminals, stadiums, castles, cathedrals, concert halls. These are determined by careful research of the places tourists frequent.

The tours can help you tick off your bucket list -- whether it's Barcelona's Sagrada Familia cathedral you want to see, Big Ben in London or the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Tall buildings, centuries old castles and monuments, modern shopping centers, famed concert halls, museums -- Big Bus hits them all. 

ONE HOPS on to the bus -- always in a central location in many major cities worldwide. Keep the ticket for future boardings. There are several pass options; the two-day ticket is our favorite. We've walked a couple short blocks from our hotels to board 
Big Bus in Sydney, Singapore, New York, Paris,

Radio City from the second story of Big Bus.

Barcelona and London-- favorite familiar cities. Big Bus covers the world-- from Darwin, Dubai and Dublin to Las Vegas, Prague and San Francisco.

If you love a city and are returning, it's a great
option.  If you're new to a city, Big Bus is even more important in giving you grounding. It is a wonderful tool to help orient you so you can decide where you want to spend time or return. If you have only a couple days, Big Bus helps you hit the high spots.

DRIVERS ARE courteous and helpful, the buses are kept clean, WiFi is free, and a lively narrative unfolds in many languages. Just plug in your complimentary headphones or bring your own, select the language channel and you're in business.

The buses wind through a city, stopping at a variety of well known places. A map allows passengers to hop on and off, see the nearby attractions, grab a bite or a beverage to recharge and reboard from the same stop at specific intervals. Usually, we've waited less than 15 minutes.

Keller and his nephew, James Ganner, hop off
to enjoy San Francisco's Vaillancourt Fountain,
and a stroll around the Embarcadero. 

IN SINGAPORE, we hop off at the magnificent Botanic  Gardens. In Sydney, we hop off at Bondi Beach and the Opera House, or in San Francisco, Fisherman's Wharf and the Embarcadero. However, you don't have to hop off at all. Many people simply stay on the bus and enjoy the loop -- usually a couple fun  hours. Often there are two loops -- distinguished by different colors.  Well designed maps help you make choices for your hopping off.

It's a great way to people watch, and enjoy the city's neighborhoods, landscape, shops.  You'll cross major bridges, glide past government buildings, explore ethnic neighborhoods and learn colorful detail.

Big Bus Tours officially goes back more than 13 years to 2011. But its history in tourism dates back further than its founding. The merger of two popular companies resulted in worldwide expansion as Big Bus Company of London and Les Cars Rouges of Paris blended. Both are proud of their longer histories: Les Cars Rouges dates to the late 20th Century and Big Bus has decades of history in the bus and sightseeing tour business.

BESIDES THE CITIES mentioned here, many more cities are served by Big Bus Tours, including such diverse tourist destinations as Abu Dhabi, Chicago and Vienna. 

Tourists hop off Big Bus to see Marina Bay Sands,
 a Singapore landmark-- casino, parkway and more.

In the United States, besides hitting the famous spots of the Big Apple, Big Bus Tours operates in Boston, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., and many other cities. Big Bus is our preferred bus tour. It's user friendly, comprehensive, reliable, and you're sure to meet like minded fellow travelers. We've met folks on Big Bus who've become longtime friends, and fellow travelers. 

 www.bigbustours.com/

To book a tour or for more, click here:

Photographer Bruce Keller smiles as a young kid
munches on the flowers of his shirt. Hard to resist.

 UP NEXT: Goats galore in Maui. We explore a unique and fascinating enterprise, the Surfing Goat Dairy. Meet the charming kids, the elderly lady goats, the big daddy who has dozens of girlfriends. Learn how a Canadian man's desire to do something different developed into a flourishing enterprise. And check out the fabulous goat cheese and truffles created by the milk of these healthy, adorable and affectionate creatures. In the coming weeks, we'll explore a delectable food tour in Brisbane, and mingle with koalas and kangaroos in more rural parts of Australia.  Meanwhile, remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for a fresh spin on travel, performance, nature, family and more at www.whereiscookie.com

For a taste of the goat story, here's a link:

Preview of Maui's goat dairy, click here 

Ships sail California's southern shores for education, entertainment

 

Sailing on American Pride is an experience of bonding with the crew and fellow passengers, while
enjoying the splendors of sailing on a classic vessel.  Here captain Jeremy Schmich, right,
gives a hearty thumbs up with sailor and photographer Bruce Keller on a Long Beach sail. 

STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS
PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER

THERE ARE MANY pleasures in stepping aboard the American Pride and her "twin brigantines." Chiefly, these three vessels keep the old-time sailing spirit afloat and are educating youth on the importance of our oceans.

Adrian Cerna is a devoted student of
pirates and shares his knowledge in
 stories about the colorful sea bandits.

The ships have the look and feel of that colorful bygone era when clippers and windjammers sailed the sea, vying for dominance in global trade, defending their turf with warfare. They are classic beauties and those who step aboard become part of a legacy of learning and wonder.
One hears the sounds of the sails as they unfurl, and watches enraptured as the shoreline fades. There's an exciting rush followed by a feeling of serenity as these ships cut cleanly through the waters off Long Beach, California. Being on board is a memorable experience for lovers of the sea and sailing.

AMERICAN PRIDE, the official tall ship of Long Beach, is a 129' three-masted schooner berthed in the city's picturesque Rainbow Harbor. The vessel serves as a marine education platform for youth, a floating classroom providing education and opportunities.

At the moment she is on hiatus, being refurbished. She'll be back. Meanwhile two other ships continue her mission of education and public participation. Twin brigantines - Irving Johnson and Exy Johnson -- were designed and built in San Pedro as educational sailing vessels. At their launch in 2004, they were named the Official Tall Ships of the City of

Los Angeles, an important collaborator.

Lifelong sailor Bruce Keller was invited to the helm where he
 took the wheel for a few special moments, a thrill for him. 

LONG BEACH and San Pedro have long boasted an enthusiastic sailing community. The sailing bug hit the area big time in 2018 when Los Angeles Maritime Institute acquired American Pride, already named the official Tall Ship of the city. Soon, the Children's Maritime Institute was formed as their Long Beach division to educate students on man's crucial connection to the sea.

Shortly before American Pride went in for repair, we were invited aboard with an enthusiastic group of fellow sailors, mainly adults. Young people sail her  on special outings sponsored by the non-profit Institute, which owns and operates the vessel.

The thrill of sailing shows on the faces of
school children, learning the ropes of sailing.
--photo courtesy of Children's Maritime Institute

An excited crew member said she's witnessed impressive growth in children as they immerse themselves in the sailing field trips. "They step aboard as complete novices, and you see the confidence grow as they literally learn the ropes." 

So while they enjoy a fun outing, it is also a serious learning experience as young sailors study marine biology, environmental science, navigation, teamwork, and, naturally, the art of sailing.

On our shoreline sail, everyone on board was passionate -- from the captain to crew to us lucky passengers.  We met a recently engaged couple from Los Angeles, checking the boat out for their wedding reception.

ONE LONG married couple from Long Beach were out for a regular Sunday sail.  The wife said, "We come to celebrate being alive on these ships."  They held hands, smiled and relaxed, enjoying time together on a lovely afternoon. 

Twin brigantines, Irving Johnson & Exy Johnson
 were built in San Pedro as educational sailing
vessels. They are official tall ships of Los Angeles.
                        --photo courtesy of Children's Maritime Institute

Each year, hundreds of school kids come aboard. Says Liz Reinhardt, director of development and a devoted backer, "As a non-profit, we are dependent upon our wonderful community support." Grants and corporate support help the Institute and the older Los Angeles Maritime Institute insure that no child be turned away because of lack of funding. 

Captain Jeremy Schmich observed, "These popular sailing field trips are important. We teach young sailors marine biology, environmental science, navigation, teamwork, and how to sail. So many benefits..."

THERE IS still time to register for or inquire about this summer's activities. On tap are a day camp out of Rainbow Harbor, and both five and 12-day sleepaway camps departing from downtown San Pedro.

On a breezy day, deckhands and passengers collaborate on
hoisting the sails. It's good to bring layers on any sail.

Monthly Sunset Sails continue, too, inviting the community to "come aboard our tall ships, sit back and relax or take part in helping the crew set the sails," says Reinhardt. 

Tickets must be purchased in advance for two  upcoming sails: Father's Day Sunset Sail on Sunday, June 15, 6-8:30 p.m., ($60 and $30 for children 12 and under) and a special July Fireworks Sail on Saturday, July 5,  7-10 p.m. ($75 and $30.) 

 Private charters may also be booked, offering a relaxing venue for team building, Reinhardt says. "We happily book  corporate events, family celebrations, photo and video shoots and more."

American Pride in her glory at full sail. She can hold 100
passengers and six crew;59 passengers can overnight on her.

Volunteers are welcome and can be trained as deckhands and earn sea time, she explained.   

FOR LIFELONG sailor Bruce Keller, an afternoon on American Pride provided "a satisfying and peaceful sailing experience that promotes love of the sea. What a thrill to help set the sails. A top notch time." 

Public weekend sailings help fund and promote the youth education arm. The program's focus is to foster a love of sailing and personal confidence building in young sailors.  "For me, as a kid, sailing changed my life and gave me confidence both on land and sea," said Keller.

Free deck tours, hands on activities and more shoreline sails are planned. The Long Beach and Los Angeles ports and institutes collaborate on myriad events. Their unique sailing programs are enjoyed by tourists and residents from all over southern California and beyond. The people we met emphasized twin pleasures: relaxation for sailors and the opening of doors for youth. Reinhardt is proud that under-resourced schools and communities in the Los Angeles area benefit from the generosity of donors who support the program.
"Some of these kids have never been on the sea, so it's

Lovely sunset view from American Pride.

 mind opening," said a woman who sponsors her grandkids for summer programs. "It teaches them so much: not just sailing but self reliance, co-operation, learning about the environment and doing their bit to save our precious oceans."

A CAPSULE OF the colorful history of American Pride: She was built as a two-masted "schooner-dragger" -- an eastern rigged trawler known as Virginia -- and spent 40 years as a commercial fishing vessel. She was completely restored in 1986, when she acquired her third mast, renamed Natalie Todd and operated as a charter boat out of Bar Harbor, Maine. In October 1996, the American Heritage Maritime Institute purchased her. She transited the Panama Canal to her new home in California. She operates under Children's Maritime Institute, the Long Beach division of Los Angeles Maritime Institute. The mission: sailing training, maritime education and living history sharing.

More information on scheduling , tours, rental options, summer camps, and the two upcoming weekend sails June 15 and July 5:

https://lamitopsail.org

www.childrensmaritime.org

Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers on a stop with
Big Bus Tours in Sydney, Australia, a recent trek for the two.

UP NEXT: Big Bus beckons.  We take Big Bus Tours on our worldwide jaunts. The time honored agency operates out of many major U.S. and other famous cities.  We enjoy lively narratives, friendly drivers, easy "hop on and hop off" options, free WiFi and more in both a new city or cities we know and love and are revisiting.  Come along to explore in Sydney, Singapore, San Francisco, Tokyo, New York and more, hopping on and off in as we explore, learn and live. Join us weekly for a fresh spin on travel, nature, family, performance and more:

www.whereiscookie.com

More on Big Bus Tours, click below

City Cruises offers smooth sailing, tasty fare, elegance, beautiful sights

"Endless Dreams" offers endless pleasures, when one enjoys a City Cruises/Hornblower occasion.
A variety of options are available to celebrate a birthday, holiday or just a lovely time on the water in many locations.  Pictured is a popular yacht about to leave for a festive Sunday brunch in Newport.

STEP ABOARD CITY CRUISES, FORGET YOUR TROUBLES, DINE, DRINK, BE HAPPY ON A SPECIAL DAY OR JUST BECAUSE

STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS

PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER

Lifelong sailor Bruce Keller and Christene
"Cookie" Meyers on Endless Dreams.

WE LOVE City Cruises. What a delight to step aboard an immaculate vessel, be greeted with a glass of champagne, enjoy a leisurely meal, live music and fabulous scenery.

If you're a devotee of all things ocean related, you know that the venerable Hornblower Cruises was rebranded a few years ago as City Cruises/City Experiences.

Rest assured, Hornblower's superb service and time honored classiness still exist. We recently verified that, celebrating an anniversary with friends in Newport.

As we boarded Endless Dreams, the sun was shining and spirits were high. More than 100 fellow revelers booked an entire deck of this classy ship for their private birthday party. We checked in -- next to John Wayne's famous Wild Goose -- enjoying the festive decor of gifts, flowers and balloons. Everyone was dressed to the nines as we hopped upstairs to find our table.  Live music greeted us as we surveyed the picturesque harbor with lively company. The gifted guitarist took requests, keeping the party mood going. 

The Newport shoreline is a wonderland of yachts,
lovely homes, condos, people enjoying the water.

CHAMPAGNE and mimosas in hand, we lingered over our appetizers -- tasty shrimp cocktail for me, perfect, rare ahi with aioli for Keller. We strolled the deck to admire the yachts and homes on the shore before sampling an elegant buffet, a bountiful selection of hot and cold entrees. Highlights were lovely rare beef, succulent salmon, artful salads, appealing side dishes. After another stroll, we approached a lavish dessert table of truffles, mousse and more delightful decadence. Friendly waiters kept everything pristine and fresh. The operation showcases quality produce, seafood, meats and desserts, with special regional touches by each city's chef.

One may leave the pretty table at any time to view
 scenery on the open decks, then return at leisure.

Setting the scene for the repast is important, too. The operation is equally proud of its beautifully kept, state-of-the-art luxury yachts, each with its own features and emphasis on pampering. 

HORNBLOWER Cruises is a familiar name to lovers of the yachting experience for dinner and harbor tours. We've been Hornblower fans for decades and the operation's rebranding to City Cruises/City Experiences encompasses many of the same cities with loyal Hornblower loyalists: San Francisco, New York, and other cities where dining cruises and ferry services exist and operated long before the 2021 rebranding. 

Whale watching delights on City Cruises

San Francisco on a perfect City Cruises evening, lights aglow.

Hornblower/City Experiences has grown to provide a sea loving variety of  services in 18 cities with over 100 sophisticated vessels. "City Experiences by Hornblower" offers myriad water and land based experiences, even overnight cruise opportunities, and ferry services including a delightful history-based trip to Battery Park and Liberty Island in New York. We've done that twice.

The view topside is a splendid one, with pillows
and libations, a pleasant breeze and conversation.

WE CHOSE our latest journey in Newport from many offerings and several ports near us, deciding on the festive brunch. We can highly recommend the operation's offerings in New York, San Francisco, Sacramento, Chicago and southern California cities including our San Diego base. We joined Illinois friends for a lovely evening cruise along the Chicago River, and in the Bay Area, we've cruised past Alcatraz Island and the Golden Gate Bridge, dancing to a jazz trio. Highlights of our New York forays include a dinner cruise with the Statue of Liberty and Tower One as our backdrop. In Washington, D.C., we chose a river outing as the perfect way to view the iconic monuments.

LUNCH AND dinner cruises are typically three hours. We've enjoyed them in New York and San Francisco, as well as in southern California ports. With each experience, we're made to feel special, served with courtesy, enthusiasm and impeccable manners.  Staff are carefully chosen for professionalism and personality. When I accidentally left my new prescription glasses on a deck table, our waitress and the booking manager tracked them down.  A crew member had thoughtfully rescued them.

ALL PARTY sizes and a range of budgets are available. Guests may book a section of tables, a full deck or a private charter, as our birthday celebrants did in Newport. Father's Day specials are available in several cities to treat a special dad,  grandpa, husband, brother or friend.

To book click here: https://www.cityexperiences.com/city-cruises/

cityexperiences.com

CLICK HERE FOR MORE


 

Christene "Cookie" Meyers and Bruce
Keller enjoy a shoreline sail on American Pride,
the official tall ship of Long Beach, Calif.

CCOMING UP: Ahoy from Long Beach and San Pedro, where three stately tall ships are keeping old-fashioned sailing alive and well, sharing the wonders of sailing with children of all ages. Both pleasure crafts and sailing classrooms, two twin brigantines in San Pedro and a three-masted schooner in Rainbow Harbor in Long Beach, California, serve as a marine education platform for the youth of southern California and offer special "sunset sails" for the public. You can book a Father's Day sail June 15, and a July Fireworks Sail Saturday, July 5. Find out more about these classic vessels and see how they keep afloat and provide children with unforgettable learning time at sea.

Twin Brigantines are continuing educational
sailings and public events, including two for
Father's Day and the July Fourth holiday.

Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for a fresh spin on travel, performance, nature and more. Please share this column with like minded people. Below is a link for more on Los Angeles Maritime Institute's work in schools and the public: 

 

Click here for more on the above

 

Two award winning aquariums offer insights into life under the sea

The Aquarium of the Pacific's beautiful Lookdown Fish are one of many engaging displays. We visit
it and Maui Ocean Center, another fine aquarium, in today's post about the creatures of the sea.

TAKE YOURSELF INTO A WORLD
OF UNDERSEA WONDER AT FABULOUS CALIFORNIA, HAWAII AQUARIUMS

A life-size whale greets school children and families at
the spectacular Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach.

 

STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS

PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER

ONCE YOU'RE hooked on aquariums and can't miss a museum devoted to underwater wonders, you're a sea fan for life.  You never ignore an opportunity to get close to the creatures and life in the mysterious depths and alluring shadows of the sea.

We find pleasure in the grand ones -- like the fabulous Monterey Bay Aquarium-- and we've spent equally engaging time at tiny, impressive facilities devoted to the ocean, such as Hilo's fine Pacific Tsunami Museum.

The impressive Aquarium of the Pacific awaits
in Long Beach, with magnificent exhibits and
convenient nearby parking with plenty of other
enticements from shopping to dining in the area.

TWO RECENT finds merit our attention. They should both be on a "must see" list if you are a devotee and anywhere near. They are the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach and Maui Ocean Center in Hawaii.  

First, we take readers to the Long Beach facility.  It's an enormous, eye-popping place, with well marked exhibits guaranteeing a fabulous outing for all ages. We mingled on a week day with tourists, local families and school groups. It's a delightful learning sanctuary for singles and couples, too.  It features shows at many major exhibits. One offers a chance to mingle with and feed birds in the lorikeet forest.  We enjoyed the seal and sea lion exhibits featuring these magnificent creatures who live throughout our coastal waters. There's a shark lagoon with two touch pools, and children were enamored by these.

Frogs are front and center at Long Beach facility,
 a colorful array from around the world. You can 
paint your own virtual frog in Pacific Visions.

The aquarium offers an attractive outdoor space overlooking picturesque Rainbow Harbor. Times of the shows are announced and posted so you can plan your time.

        Visit Tsunami museum

The place, like the one in Maui, is dedicated to preservation.  It  hosts a modern veterinary hospital with holding tanks and animal habitats.  Experts are on hand to care for displaced or injured creatures.

 The splendid tropical reef habitat is the Long Beach aquarium's largest exhibit, with 350,000 gallons of saltwater. We spent nearly an hour watching fish, rays, sea turtles and sharks glide among the coral. This is a star of 100-plus exhibits and 19 major habitats, including a gallery devoted to southern California and Baja coasts. Among our favorite is the impressive penguin habitat with the playful Magellanic ones we saw recently on a trip  

The penguin exhibit at the Aquarium of the Pacific
has a fine penguin habitat and breeding program.

 off the South American coast. It's wonderful to see these beautiful creatures carefully tended and increasing under human care.

WE ARE devoted "frog fans," so the frog nursery completely captivated us.  We admired the flash red and black poison dart frog and learned that his venom is produced by the food he eats.  We were charmed by the Kaiser's Mountain Newt, endangered due to habitat degradation and fish predators. The place is a living classroom. You're certain to come away better educated about our fellow planet dwellers.

The aquarium offers great location, easy parking,

At Maui Ocean Center, artful scenes divide the
exhibits. This one was painted by communication
manager's daughter for a high school project, one
of the ways the aquarium involves and educates.

fabulous displays. Harbor Breeze Cruises in Long Beach has a partnership with the aquarium. Take advantage of that, to explore the ocean. It's an intriguing, world class facility. The smaller, equally dedicated Maui facility is noteworthy, too. Read on.

*  *  *

A FEW THOUSAND miles across the Pacific, Maui Ocean Center is also an impressive facility. It features more than 60 interactive exhibits, including a nursery bay and a turtle lagoon where you can get close-up views of favorite marine life. We visited on a Sunday afternoon, surrounded by families learning about Hawaii’s diverse underwater world. 

Children of all ages peered at sea jellies, tropical reefs and a shy, corner-dwelling octopus, with nicely marked and pleasant outdoor trails to get you from one exhibit to the next. The place features over 11,000 animal species and more than 50 exhibits, showcasing the diverse marine life found in the Pacific. We were charmed by this aquarium for its originality, color, devotion to the sea and imaginative exhibits, enhanced by artwork created by locals.

Diver and Ocean Center staffer, Paul, shows
visitors how coral is grown and preserved
to insure it is not lost in these times of
threat to the oceans and coral.

THE PLACE is a riot of color.  From the vibrant colors of tropical fish to the sleek sea otters, we found an opportunity to learn at every corner.

In the coral reef lab, Paul explained how coral is incubated and reproduced to replace damaged or lost coral when necessary. Discovery, learning and educating the next generation are the bywords here.

The artwork is gorgeous, too, in this lovely facility near Wailuku.  Naturally, it focuses on Hawaii's unique marine life -- right out the door. 

"We think it's a great place to learn about the ocean’s beauty up close, with the shores right outside," says communication director Mike Morris. He emphasizes conservation and education goals of the aquarium. "We make a visit both fun and educational."

Maui Ocean Center is smaller than its Long Beach

Visitors to Maui Ocean Center will find pleasures
once inside the entry.  Guests are still outside
for many of the exhibits. There's a tunnel, too,
with sea creatures swimming above. 

  counterpart, but shares an equally interesting variety of inhabitants. There are colorful fish, beautiful sea turtles, sharks, rays and an impressive living reef exhibit, which showcases Hawaii's unique corals while preserving and growing replacements.
With exhibits aimed at awareness, it's fun to see children expanding their knowledge, asking questions, beginning to understand the importance of keeping the oceans healthy.

 WE ENJOYED an interactive experience featuring the humpback whale. It's a 3D "Sphere Experience" which transports guests into the underwater world of these fascinating, once endangered gentle giants. 

  

Jellyfish are well represented at both aquariums,
and both emphasize conservation and education.
Here, two graceful jellies seem to enjoy the day. 
 
 

Maui facility also pays homage to the indigenous culture and its connection to the ocean. “Hawaiians and the Sea” beautifully explains the historical and cultural significance of the ocean in Hawaiian society.

The Long Beach aquarium
collaborates with Harbor
Breeze Cruises for a lively
harbor tour. The operation
also offers whale watching.

 Like the Aquarium of the Pacific, Maui Ocean Center offers an artful entry. 

And once inside, you're "outside and in the sea" with a wealth of exhibits to entertain and educate about our precious oceans.

 Tickets, more information:
aquariumofpacific.org 562 590-3100

harborbreezecruises: 2seewhales.com; 562 432-4900

mauioceancenter.com 808 270-7000

Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers
enjoy an afternoon on the water aboard Endless
Dreams. They booked a Sunday brunch cruise
with City Cruises, which offers many options
 for special occasions or "just because" out of
various ports in southern California and beyond.
 

COMING SOON: With summer in full swing, so many options lure the traveler to explore, learn and enrich life. We're climbing aboard a beautiful yacht for a brunch cruise around picturesque Newport, California, then we spend an afternoon on the American Pride, a graceful three-masted schooner berthed in Rainbow Harbor in Long Beach. It is a proud California vintage sailing vessel, dedicated to education.  Then we hop on Big Bus to tour Singapore and Sydney, visit koalas and kangaroos in Lone Pine, Australia, and return to America to explore New York's lovely Central Park as it blossoms out with its summer cloak. We'll also head to New York's High Line to explore its gorgeous gardens and repurposed space, then head to Bermuda for a dive into its famous caves. Meanwhile, consider a City Cruises brunch or dinner cruise for a special occasion this summer, and remember to explore, learn and live. Catch us weekly for a fresh spin on travel, waterborne adventure, performance, the arts, family, nature and more.