Travel Stories, Cruise Reviews, and Cultural Adventures

SAN DIEGO WHALE WATCH OFFERS FINE CLOSE-UP VIEWS OF WHALES AS THEY PASS BY PROVIDING THRILLS FOR WHALE WATCHERS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD.

The countryside around Julian, California, offers fine hiking, fun places to stay, bird watching -- and a peaceful get-away.    Lilacs...

Seattle's lovely bays and inlets provide picturesque harbor for hundreds of boats, photographed near sunset from Candere. IT'S...

Delicate seahorses are one of the stars at Birch Aquarium in La Jolla, California, and a major San Diego attraction. SMALL BUT MIGHTY La...

When the grey whale "breathes," it's through his blowhole, the equivalent of a nostril, a magnificent sound and sight. SETTING SAIL IN...

When Cookie first set eyes on this bridge -- one of several on King's Walkway, not far from Malaga  -- she nearly turned back..... ...but Cookie persisted and joined Bruce Keller and our amiable Viator guide Jose to scale the walkway and survive to climb again. Kings Highway hike near Malaga We recommend the fun and safety of Viator's tour of this astonishing place. RECOVERING COWARD FINDS HER METTLE TESTED  HIGH ABOVE THE TREES IN SOUTHERN SPAIN STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHO

SeaWorld's popular Orca show will no longer be part of the offerings at the internationally famous nature and amusement park.  In its...

Nestled beneath the towering granite walls of Yosemite National Park, the legendary The Ahwahnee—now known as the Majestic Yosemite Hotel—has welcomed presidents, royalty, and Hollywood icons for nearly a century. Opened in 1927, this grand mountain lodge blends Native American, Art Deco, and Arts and Crafts design with breathtaking views of the valley’s soaring cliffs and waterfalls. From elegant dining to fireside storytelling, a stay or visit here offers a glimpse into the

This pretty inhabitant is a  contented resident at Victoria's Butterfly Gardens in Brentwood Bay, B.C.   Favorite fruits of the...

Cookie and Keller enjoy the view from high atop the trees on "Cliffwalk," one of several adventures at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park in...

The majesty and magic of Butchart Gardens in Victoria, B.C., have captivated millions since Jennie Butchart had an idea. GARDENS BORN OF...

A juvenile orca learns how to swim next to his mother, south of Vancouver, near U.S. waters with Wild Whales Vancouver. In Alaska, Juneau Tours offers spectacular whale watching farther north. Juneau Tours offers up close, personal opportunities to see whales, with skilled drivers and guides to get you "there." ORCAS, HUMPBACKS ENTERTAIN, INFORM-- AND EVEN PROVIDE EYE-POPPING ANATOMY STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER Alaska whale watching CAN ONE ever get enoug

A juvenile orca whale -- probably less than a year old -- was the star for passengers in Puget Sound Express. Watching an orca breach was...

Old Piney Dell grew from a mountain cabin to a world class restaurant with old world European service and offerings. WOULD RESTAURANT...

End of summer blue -- not blues -- as we embrace the autumn, and cherished friends and family around the globe.  Fishing time was minimal...

A large statue of Christ is an internationally known landmark of Rio, with Sugar Loaf Mountain opposite it. From Sugar Loaf to...

If you're looking for authentic, old-fashioned fun, a vintage restored town and beautiful scenery, head for Virginia City, Mt. A little...

A lazuli bunting graces us with his presence and a lovely song each morning at High Chaparral. A wren feeds her young as we watch...

Nick and Nora love huckelberry ice cream, a roadie treat in Julian, California which they visit twice a year. "Charley is a mind-reading...