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Travel Stories, Cruise Reviews, and Cultural Adventures


Guess who's coming to dinner? Here are the bear facts on Montana's natural wonders
IT'S THRILLING to be privileged to watch Montana's natural wonders and gorgeous creatures this close to our home and "civilized" life.

Christene Meyers
Sep 16, 20143 min read


Red Lodge retreat: glorious Montana haven with history - Pollard Hotel charms guests
Step into Montana history at the Pollard Hotel in Red Lodge. This beautifully restored landmark combines Old West character, modern comfort, and a prime downtown location near Beartooth Highway adventures. Discover why generations of travelers, adventurers, and history lovers continue to choose the Pollard as one of Montana's most memorable places to stay.

Cookie & Keller
Sep 12, 20143 min read


Sunlight Basin: Scenic highway climbs through fields of wildflowers, gorgeous rock formations
CHIEF JOSEPH HIGHWAY PROVIDES THRILLS, PANORAMIC VIEW OF SUNLIGHT BASIN AFTER CLIMB UP SPECTACULAR BEARTOOTH PASS The aptly named Sunlight Basin is aglow in autumn as the colors change and the air grows crisp and cool. Keller and Nick and Nora pause for a picnic with view near Sunlight Bridge. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER IMAGINE you'd never been to the northern Rockies. What would you expect? Stunning mountains, clouds out of a Hallmark card display,

Christene Meyers
Sep 9, 20143 min read


Cody, Wyoming Travel Guide: Wild West History & the Buffalo Bill Center of the West
Step into the Wild West in Cody, Wyoming -- where rodeos, frontier history, and the world-class Buffalo Bill Center of the West bring cowboy culture to life. Just east of Yellowstone, Cody blends adventure, heritage, and wide-open landscapes into one unforgettable destination.

Cookie & Keller
Sep 6, 20144 min read


Road trip - Reap the relaxing rewards of s with a few pointers
Road trip to the top of the world: last week, up the Beartooth Pass on the famed Cooke City Highway. John Steinbeck had Charley, and Keller has Nick and Nora, below. TRAVEL THE COUNTRY, SEE NEW TERRAIN, ENJOY SURPRISES, AS THE CAR IS YOUR COCOON! STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER JOHN STEINBECK described, when beginning a trip, that delightful sense of the unknown in his engaging "Travels With Charley." He said, “A journey is like marriage. The certain way t

Christene Meyers
Sep 2, 20144 min read


Hunter Peak Ranch Cody Wyoming reminds of homesteading days, a trip back in time
The ranch, located on the banks of the Clark's Fork River, provides a peaceful escape from the challenges of a busy life. A family-operation for over seventy years, the Cary's pride themselves in a well-kept and clean facility, amazing food, a relaxing atmosphere, and clients who return year after year, inviting their friends and family to join.

Christene Meyers
Aug 29, 20144 min read


Cruising tips: What size of ship, which line, which ports?
CRUISE JUNKIES OFFER WAYS TO NARROW THE FIELD FOR THE FIRST-TIME OR INFREQUENT CRUISER Bird's eye view for cruisers: A circle of yachts, large cruise ships and pleasure boats at St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. Crystal's Serenity remains our favorite of 102 cruises on many lines. STORY BY CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER I'VE NEVER MET a cruise ship I didn't like. But there's a world of difference between the small, intimate vessels and the huge "city on water" mega-shi

Christene Meyers
Aug 22, 20144 min read


Tuscany travel guide: Lush landscape, fab food, art wonders delight the senses
Rolling hills, sun-drenched vineyards, and timeless villages—this Tuscany travel guide explores the best itinerary for first-time visitors, from Florence’s Renaissance treasures to hidden countryside gems.

Cookie & Keller
Aug 19, 20144 min read


Beartooth Mountains beauty -- Beauty for all seasons -- and the birthday girl is falling head over heels for the wonder of the Beartooths
Rising along Montana's southern border, the Beartooth Mountains are a spectacular year-round destination for travelers seeking rugged wilderness, dramatic mountain scenery and authentic outdoor adventure.

Cookie & Keller
Aug 15, 20143 min read


Highchap "Remodeling Blues" calls for patience, tact, humor
Sander and saw in hand, Bruce Keller, a summer resident, embarks upon an incredible building journey at High Chaparral. KEEP YOUR EYE ON THE PRIZE AS YOU ENTER A MAJOR BUILDING PROJECT AND, OH, YES, BE NICE TO ONE ANOTHER! Demolition calls for a strong constitution and the knowledge that the chaos will end. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER Highchap "Remodeling Blues" IF I HAD KNOWN the full extent of the disruption, and the decline of my patience and mental he

Christene Meyers
Aug 12, 20144 min read


Major building project: new rooms going up, relationship being tested!
Master builder Bruce Keller, whose specialty is high-end La Jolla, Calif., projects, is spending part of his summer in the Beartooths, helping Cookie with their summer home. REMODELING POINTER: YOU WILL EVENTUALLY HAVE BEAUTY,BUT AT A PRICE! PATIENCE IS A PREREQUISITE Expert framer Tom Giamanco traveled from San Diego to help. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER WAAAAAAAAH. RICKY. I've been making my own personal "I Love Lucy" home movie. I'm thinking of the fam

Christene Meyers
Aug 8, 20143 min read


Why visit Lisbon: alive with art, sailing lore, food, fun and frolic
Lisbon, Portugal delightful city awaiting your discovery and our stay in the renowned Altis Belem Hotel in the Belem district, near famed Belem Tower.

Cookie & Keller
Aug 1, 20144 min read


Sacramento's Old Town offers fun, frolic, history, horses, railroad and food
Sacramento's Old Town offers fun, frolic, history, horses, railroad and food food

Christene Meyers
Jul 19, 20143 min read


Rafting Absarokee Montana: Cookie gets "back on the boat" after two times "bucked" into the waters
A rafting trip with Absaroka River Adventures is one of the best ways to experience Montana's wild beauty. As we navigated exciting rapids on the Yellowstone River, stunning canyon views, wildlife sightings, and nonstop adventure made every moment memorable. The knowledgeable guides balanced fun and safety while sharing local stories and expertise. For travelers seeking scenic thrills and authentic Montana hospitality, Absaroka River Adventures delivers an unforgettable river

Cookie & Keller
Jul 15, 20143 min read


Hearst Castle California coast tour shows off one man's dream -- his eclectic artistic vision
Perched high above the Pacific Ocean, Hearst Castle is a dazzling blend of opulence, history, and coastal beauty. From its grand rooms filled with European art to sweeping ocean views along the rugged California coastline, this iconic estate offers a glimpse into a world of luxury unlike any other.

Cookie & Keller
Jul 11, 20144 min read
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