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Travel Stories, Cruise Reviews, and Cultural Adventures
North Lake Tahoe: Mountain towns of Tahoe, Truckee lure with scenery, sport, dining
WHETHER YOUR ideal holiday is action packed, or simply soaking up the scenery with a cup of tea or glass of wine, you'll find both options -- and everything in between -- in the towns of Lake Tahoe and Truckee
Christene Meyers
Aug 26, 20213 min read
National Parks attract record numbers as Travelers Seek Nature in Road Trips
Lake McDonald in Glacier National Park is the park's largest lake and, many believe the most beautiful, MILLIONS OF TRAVEL-STARVED TOURISTS WORLDWIDE TURN TO PARKS, GARDENS, NATURE EXPERIENCES, OUTDOOR DINING FOR PANDEMIC RELIEF STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers in Grand Teton, seeking relief from isolation. AS THE VEIL of the pandemic slowly lifts, national parks are attracting record numbers of
Christene Meyers
Jun 17, 20214 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
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
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
Grand Teton National Park Autumn splendor: Yellowstone offer splendid day tripping
Towering peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and unforgettable mountain adventures make Grand Teton National Park one of America's most breathtaking destinations. Ride the Bridger Gondola for panoramic views, hike to spectacular Jenny Lake, and discover wildlife, alpine scenery, and outdoor experiences that will make your Wyoming vacation truly unforgettable.
Cookie & Keller
Sep 25, 20204 min read
Sample a taste of Europe right here on the North American continent
A mother whale and her calf in flowers draw the eye to Victoria's famous Hotel Fairmont Empress. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By...
Christene Meyers
Sep 18, 20204 min read
Legoland - Some, not all, Southern California parks, zoos reopen for July tourism
Part of Legoland is open for business and family fun. The park's popular Sea Life Aquarium is reopened, and the rest of the park is planning to announce its reopening soon. Reservations are required, admissions are limited and masks are required. COVID CONSTRAINTS INCLUDE MASKS, DISTANCING, LIMITED NUMBERS, SANITIZING STATIONS AND MORE STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER The new cubs are a big hit at the reopening of San Diego's world renowned zoo, now once aga
Christene Meyers
Jul 3, 20204 min read
Island Packers Channel Islands Whale Watch: Adventure, Eco-Friendly activities also include Hiking, Kayaking, Fishing, Camping
Family operated Island Packers offers spectacular whale watching and many other options for enjoying nature's wonders.
Cookie & Keller
Jun 5, 20204 min read
Oxnard - Gem on the California coast: offers beauty, boating and nature
The view from Channel Islands Hampton Inn is one of a lovely marina, offering spectacular sunsets. The hotel is open for business, minus...
Christene Meyers
May 29, 20204 min read
Flower power by bike: hobby puts a bloom on the isolation of Covid
Ocotillo, or "little torch" in Spanish, is usually a desert plant. This one, outside our home, brings forth bursts of bright red blooms...
Christene Meyers
May 22, 20204 min read
Transplant triumph: Three years after brings reflection, change, gratitude
Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers with their elderly Yorkshire terrier, Nick, ready for a spin on their bikes. Leaving Scripps...
Christene Meyers
May 15, 20204 min read
Guatemala -- Lake Atitlan calls: observe beauty, enjoy the culture, step back in time
This sleepy little corner of Guatemala has been promoting many things to do in Lake Atitlan. It's a wonderful place to get away from it all and relax.
Cookie & Keller
May 8, 20203 min read
Windmills - Finding beauty, peace, comfort as virus sends our world into a tailspin
The village of Zaanse Schaans on the banks of the Zaan river, features tidy houses, working windmills. If you've always wanted to visit...
Christene Meyers
Mar 20, 20203 min read
Palm Springs idyll: nature, dining, music, theater, art, golf and more
Lovely hotels are part of the allure of Palm Springs, here the pool area of the Hilton Palm Springs in the heart of downtown. MORE LAID...
Christene Meyers
Feb 21, 20205 min read
A bus turned hotel means vintage fun for two children of the '60s
Bohemian Bus Beautiful represents a delightful retro-inspired alternative to traditional hotels and hostelries. CONVERTED BUS PROVIDES...
Christene Meyers
Feb 7, 20203 min read
Love affair with dogs has long, proud history of travel, unabashed love
Nick, left, and Nora, dry off after a swim in their "Auntie Robbie's" pool, in spring of 2006. They were born in fall, 2005. Nora, left,...
Christene Meyers
Jan 10, 20204 min read
Autumn Splendor: Around the world in a fall frame of mind
Autumn arrives in the northern hemisphere. Here, Norway's gentle slopes and hills resemble parts of Montana. FIND BEAUTY IN THE INEVITABLE CHANGE OF SEASONS “Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower. “ – Albert Camus STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER The grass was just beginning to turn as autumn began earlier this month with Cookie and Keller in the Netherlands. WE LOVE to travel in autumn. The kids are back in school, the evening air is crisp a
Christene Meyers
Sep 27, 20193 min read
Romancing into our dotage -- light the fire of romance after tragedy
Happy in Barcelona, taking a chance on love. NOT OLD, BUT BOLD, IN LOVE! DON'T LET THE CALENDAR STOP YOU FROM JOY Excited to be touring...
Christene Meyers
Sep 20, 20193 min read
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