top of page
Travel Stories, Cruise Reviews, and Cultural Adventures


Triton's New yacht in town -- book a dreamy boat trip to sail San Diego Bay
NEW YACHT OFFERSCOMFORT, BEVERAGES, VIEWS Up, up, up goes the main sail, above, as the Triton crew readies the yacht for a...

Christene Meyers
Feb 18, 20214 min read


Flagship's Whale watching is at its best with Marietta
A grey whale's breech brought gasps and cheers this week aboard Flagship's Marietta in San Diego. The family owned company offers a...

Christene Meyers
Feb 11, 20215 min read


"General Hospital," long running soap opera, features a pair of gifted Montana actors
Veteran actors Jeff Kober, left, and Wally Kurth, have both been in the profession for decades. They have more in common than that, though. Both are native Montanans and now share billing on one of the daytime TV's most enduring and popular dramas,"General Hospital." 'GENERAL HOSPITAL' IS BACK TO FILMING AFTER COVID QUARANTINE BUT IT'S MASKING ON THE SET BETWEEN SHOOTS In 1994, actors Wally Kurth and Rena Sofer were married in real life. Sofer played the lively character of

Christene Meyers
Feb 4, 20216 min read


Presidential inauguration's music, poetry enhance a historic day
Lady Gaga's moving rendition of the National Anthem set the tone for a day of musical celebration. Music highlighted the inauguration,...

Christene Meyers
Jan 20, 20214 min read


Palm Desert Living Desert Zoo and Gardens offers splendid global flora, fauna
Discover the beauty of the California desert at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Palm Desert. From up-close wildlife encounters to stunning desert landscapes and botanical gardens, this unique attraction blends conservation, education, and adventure—making it a must-visit stop for travelers exploring Greater Palm Springs.

Christene Meyers
Jan 15, 20214 min read


'Jeopardy!' ends an endearing era with Alex Trebek's January 8 finale
Alex Trebek with one of his Emmy awards. He received "Outstanding Game Show Host" Emmy seven times, and was presented with the 2011...

Christene Meyers
Jan 8, 20215 min read


Yellowstone Park in winter: greet 2021 with nature's delights in an uncrowded wonderland
Experience the wonder of America's first national park, Yellowstone National Park. From the world-famous Old Faithful geyser to colorful hot springs, dramatic canyons, and abundant wildlife, Yellowstone offers unforgettable adventures for every visitor. Watch bison roam freely across vast landscapes, hike scenic trails, and discover breathtaking natural beauty at every turn. Whether you're seeking outdoor recreation, photography opportunities, or a peaceful escape into nature

Cookie & Keller
Jan 1, 20213 min read


Hummingbird hurrah! Let's hear it for this tiny, tenacious bird
I've rescued hummingbirds from cats' paws and Yorkies' jaws. I gently directed one from the rear of the garage when he flew in then couldn't find his way out. (I used a large red silk scarf to guide him.) This week, we helped a hummer recover from a fall on our patio. He has returned several times, to thank us -- we think.

Cookie & Keller
Dec 11, 20203 min read


Motorcycle madness: Evel Knievel's fame lives on in Idaho Visitor Center
Butte, Montana, native Evel Knievel tried a jump in this spectacular canyon in Twin Falls, Idaho. Jumpers enjoy a tamer form of...

Christene Meyers
Dec 4, 20204 min read


Best Road trip - Montana to California wonders - stopping to 'smell the roses'
Road trip wonders -- stopping to 'smell the roses' from Montana to California. We relish stopping to admire the landscape, perhaps exploring a bluff or bridge we haven't noticed before. We smell the roses, as Keller says, "as we stroll through the garden of life."
Often we pull over to give ourselves and the dog a break. This leads to taking a few photos, studying a roadside plaque or grabbing a milkshake at a newly discovered diner.

Cookie & Keller
Nov 27, 20203 min read


Elephant Seal Rookery California enhance Road Trip on Central California coast
On a rugged stretch of California’s central coast, thousands of northern elephant seals gather in a spectacle of sound, size, and survival. From thunderous battles between dominant bulls to the quiet bonding of mothers and pups, this unforgettable stop along Highway 1 offers a rare glimpse into one of nature’s most dramatic wildlife scenes.

Cookie & Keller
Nov 20, 20205 min read


Farm to table: California's fertile central valley feeds the country
Cookie shops for produce on an annual autumn road trip, here at a stand in the San Juaquin Valley. THANKS TO FARMERS, WORKERS, FINE WEATHER, IRRIGATION FOR YEAR-ROUND BOUNTY OF PRODUCE STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" Rows and rows of farmland being worked meet the eye near Bakersfield. DRIVING THROUGH California's Central Valley gives the tourist time to reflect on the importance of this fertile stretch of land and the hard working m

Christene Meyers
Nov 6, 20203 min read


Rocky Mountains Autumn splendor: northern Rockies nature is at its showy best in early fall
Autumn colors out our window make a beautiful photo: chokecherries, wild rose, ornamental willow, aspen. POETS PAY HOMAGE TO COLORFUL FALL IN FULL GLORY NOW IN MONTANA Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers on a walk near their Stillwater home. "Life starts all over again, when it gets crisp in the fall..." --F. Scott Fitzgerald STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" Editor's Note: This piece is timeless -- except for the COVID references.

Christene Meyers
Oct 23, 20203 min read


Road trips Torrey Pines State Reserve and other stops offer peaceful time, uncrowded parks, spectacular scenery, laughs along the way
Whether you're headed east of west, it's freeing to be off and driving on a road trip, Tips and recommendations included below
While our American goldfinches have fled Montana, we found this one in a rest stop farther south in Nevada.

Cookie & Keller
Oct 16, 20204 min read


Buffalo Bill Dam near Cody boasts spectacular views, history
Towering above the Shoshone River west of Cody, Wyoming, Buffalo Bill Dam is one of the most impressive engineering achievements in the American West. Visitors can walk across the dam, explore fascinating exhibits at the visitor center, and enjoy breathtaking views of Buffalo Bill Reservoir and the surrounding mountains. It's a must-see stop for travelers heading to Yellowstone National Park or exploring Wyoming's scenic landscapes.

Cookie & Keller
Oct 9, 20204 min read
bottom of page
