Travel Stories, Cruise Reviews, and Cultural Adventures

Remembering 'Uncle Cog' for his wry wit, Harry A. Cosgriffe, above right, poses with his siblings, circa 1930.From left, Richard (the writer's father), twins Nancy and Mary, Harry. "Uncle Cog" was the oldest child, but outlived his three siblings. In left photo,Cog with his daughters,"my girls," he called them,Susie, Colleen and Kathleen. attention to detail and devotion to family In left photo, Cog with his daughters, "my girls," he called them, Susie, Colleen and Kathleen

GLIDING BUFFS are fit, trim and healthy looking. And if you're looking for a romantic adventure with your sweetheart, you can fly tandem. What a thought! Keller could nudge me to consciousness if I fainted from terror.

Make your journey fun, safe and smooth sailing when you're traveling with four-footed pals

HORSE HAS BEEN AROUND LONGER THAN WE THOUGHT STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER and JANE MILDER This scene, of horses in pasture framed by the Crazy Mountains, epitomizes the grandeur of Big Sky Country to many Montanans. No horsing around. The horse goes back farther than we imagined. So an homage seems in order. With Fourth of July parades and the horse the star of the rodeo, we have new scientific information about his history. But first, allow me so

Jazzercise was born in California. This group works out in San Diego. That's Debbie Walters in the center, one of Cookie's Jazzercise coaches

A delightful San Diego experience. Sailing onboard Jada a classic sailing Yacht

Expert tango dancers move with the music at Pampas Argentine Grill. STORY: CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER Is there a dance more...

Tucked along the shores of Mission Bay, Paradise Point Resort & Spa offers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. With affordable sailboat rentals, inviting aquatic amenities, and the lively Barefoot Bar & Grill for sunset gatherings, it’s a can’t-miss destination for anyone visiting San Diego.

STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER Sailing on the Californian is as close as I'll get to "going down to the sea in ships." Fortunately, we went "down" in the best sense of the word: out into the Pacific Ocean and safely back. For this sailor -- with hundreds of hours on small sailing vessels and nearly 100 large-ship cruises -- the pride of San Diego's Maritime Museum feels like the real sailing deal. Getting the sails ready then putting them back after the sai

Bruce Keller and his mother, Jean Keller, board a harbor cruise at Oceanside, where Jean taught Keller to paint as a lad. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS RECENT PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER, and CM "The Carpe Diem Kids" It's always a bit melancholy in our home on the second Sunday in May. Both Keller and I are orphans now. We remember lavish brunches, parties, cruises, corsages and other merriment when we think of our mums. We had similar celebrations, albeit thousands of miles and s

San Francisco: Where Every Hill Leads to a Story Few cities capture the imagination of travelers quite like San Francisco. Perched between the sparkling waters of the Pacific Ocean and the vast expanse of the San Francisco Bay, the city offers a blend of history, culture, and iconic scenery that feels almost cinematic. For visitors arriving for the first time, the moment the red towers of the Golden Gate Bridge appear through the morning fog is unforgettable—a welcome to one

A visit to Alcatraz Island is more than just a trip to a former prison—it’s a journey through history, mystery, and unforgettable views of San Francisco. From the scenic ferry ride across the bay to the immersive cellhouse tour, discover why Alcatraz is one of the most unique and essential stops for any San Francisco itinerary.

STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER Last Saturday's "starter kit" talked prices and posed questions to ask yourself when planning a cruise. Cruising offers value, variety, safety and more... you pack and unpack once! Recapping: *Are the ship and amenities more important than ports? Prefer to sail the Norwegian Fjords or wander the streets of a Sicilian village? *Must you have an ocean view or balcony? Happy with a cheaper, inside cabin? What's your budget?

Arslan's plates are pretty, the prices are reasonable, and the quality remains high.This is a place where the chef talks to you while he warms your lamb, sautes your onions and heats your pita bread!

Dreams inspire trip, tattoos; roadies set off with a poem POEM by CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS by BRUCE KELLER This week, twin dreams came down to us with travel forecasts bold. Our vision puts us on the road (We're doing what we're told.) Midlife crisis? Call us nuts. For sticks and stones don't phase us. We're grabbing gusto, bucket listing, singing, playing, praise us! We've bought twin Harleys, new tattoos so on the road we