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Travel Stories, Cruise Reviews, and Cultural Adventures
Wild Things: National wildlife refuges offer splendid viewing of birds, animals -- and it's free!
You're sure to find a wilderness preserve or wildlife and bird refuge near you. Check it out for a relaxing, cheap diversion. STORY By...

Christene Meyers
Dec 23, 20143 min read
Julian in autumn is a soothing escape for apple pie, ice cream, laid back Americana
Julian's famous Julian Cafe and Bakery has delicious pies and ice cream flavors. Here, Cookie shares with Nick & Nora. TRY JULIAN,...

Christene Meyers
Dec 9, 20143 min read
How characters are born: making 'Lilian....' real with a pro's advice
QEII lecturer Josh Logan gave tips A poster for "Annie Get Your Gun'' inspired the creation of Lilian in "Lilian's Last Dance." on making...

Christene Meyers
Dec 5, 20144 min read


mixed story...Lillian - Cygnet Theatre:
Cygnet Theater in Old Town is a fantastic night out, with a stop at nearby Hacienda de las Rosas Winery before or after. 'A CHRISTMAS...

Christene Meyers
Dec 2, 20143 min read
'Lilian's Last Dance' on Amazon soon! Hope you enjoy it -- we had fun!
NOVEL TELLS STORY OF EARLY AMERICAN FILM, STAGE STUCK PERFORMERS, LOVE, REVENGE, WITH WORLD TRAVEL AND MORE -- Montana outlaws,...

Christene Meyers
Nov 11, 20142 min read


North Coast Rep - Freud meets C.S. Lewis and theater is never better
NORTH COAST REPERTORY THEATRE OPENS BRILLIANT TWO-PERSON PRODUCTION STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER (and courtesy North...

Christene Meyers
Oct 24, 20143 min read
Queen Mary turns 80 this week, and we're all invited to her birthday in Long Beach
Commodore Everette Hoard welcomes the public aboard the Queen Mary this Friday for an 80th birthday party. HAIL AND LONG LIVE THE LOVELY...

Christene Meyers
Sep 23, 20144 min read
Reap the relaxing rewards of road trips 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...

Christene Meyers
Sep 2, 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,...

Christene Meyers
Aug 22, 20145 min read
Big Sky bounty: At home on the range in northern Rockies summer
BEARS COME OVER THE MOUNTAIN (AND ALMOST INTO THE KITCHEN) WHILE CRITTER, BEAUTY ABOUND This handsome fellow came across the yard at...

Christene Meyers
Jul 25, 20144 min read
Fall forces writer to take flight and nurse her injured wing
PHOTO HOMAGE SPARES THE TYPING, SHARES KELLER'S LOVE OF BIRDS The Absaroka Range is home to many stunning birds, including eagles and...

Christene Meyers
Jul 22, 20142 min read
Sacramento's Old Town offers fun, frolic, history, horses, railroad, food
TAKE A TRAIN RIDE, CROSS A GOLD BRIDGE, TASTE GREEK TREATS AND SPLENDID TAFFY Candy by the barrels awaits sampling in Sacramento's Candy...

Christene Meyers
Jul 19, 20143 min read
Relishing Montana splendor on this holiday weekend
Glass-half-full tale unfolds as California kids adjust to Big Sky travails, delights The fields are green, the horses are happy in the...

Christene Meyers
Jul 4, 20142 min read
Naked truth: Californians take the cake for close-ups with fun, flair
PORTRAITS YIELD JEWELS, CHAR ACTERS ON GOLDEN STATE ROAD TRIP Penelope Margaret Ganner, our great niece, pauses in her Redwood City...

Christene Meyers
Jun 17, 20144 min read
San Diego's Jewish festival delights with classics, klezmer, folk tunes
Yale Strom's violin heats up the Lyceum Monday at the lively Klezmer Summit. Kosher treats await at the Lyceum with world class music,...

Christene Meyers
May 30, 20143 min read
Memorial Day remembrance: Serene Crete cemetery pays homage to horrible WWII conflict
Approaching Crete at dusk, one sees hills of olive trees, and beautiful caves and beaches, with little hint of the heavy casualties...

Christene Meyers
May 23, 20144 min read
Cabo calls -- with wowing rocks, top beaches, glass blowing, shopping and a peaceful mission
BAJA TIP OFFERS FAST GROWING CABO SAN LUCAS, QUIET AND ARTSY TODO SANTOS The approach to Cabo San Lucas is a memorable one, with its...

Christene Meyers
May 16, 20144 min read
Guatemala's colors unfold in pastiche of nature, fabric, cooking
Construction is not sophisticated in Guatemala, but old-fashioned thatching appears to be carefully done. LIFE UNFOLDS IN GUATEMALA WITH...

Christene Meyers
May 2, 20143 min read
Central American trek features Panama Canal, monkeys, sky walking
Jacarandas in all their glory escort our travelers through seven tropical countries The jacaranda accompanied, and perhaps blessed, a...

Christene Meyers
Apr 22, 20143 min read


Spanish explorer sailed into San Diego Bay 50 years after Columbus met the New World
Cabrillo Monument is a lovely day trip. CABRILLO DISCOVERED LAND WHERE TIDE POOLS NOW ATTRACT VISITORS Cabrillo National Monument and its...

Christene Meyers
Apr 11, 20143 min read
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