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Travel Stories, Cruise Reviews, and Cultural Adventures


Sandhill cranes in Stillwater County provide sweeping glimpse of exotic birdlife as they grace us for a time
MIGRATING CRANES THRILL ROAD-TRIPPERS AS THEY SWOOP DOWN FOR A STAY BY FISHTAIL

Christene Meyers
May 29, 20153 min read


Flamingo Hotel's unique wildlife habitat
RIGHT ON THE LAS VEGAS STRIP, LEGENDARY HOTEL HOSTS PARADISE FOR FEATHERED FRIENDS STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER A flightless pelican -- wounded by fishing line and unable to fly -- is among pampered guests at the Flamingo's wildlife habitat. These unusual Asian white-faced ducks whistle not quack. You'll see flamingos in the art at the legendary hotel -- and in the bird habitat. THE BEST KEPT secret on the Las Vegas strip is not the view from a fancy hote

Christene Meyers
Mar 24, 20154 min read


Kiwi country and Down Under Birds of a feather abound
THE ODDITY and variety of the Southern Hemisphere birds has helped biologists define a larger group of mostly extinct birds, many of them flightless. They're called paleognaths, who knew?

Christene Meyers
Mar 3, 20153 min read
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


Glacier Park's wonders to see: surprises impress worldwide visitors and this native Montanan
Glacier Park's beauty reflects millions of years of changing ancient rock formations. Here, summer meets winter as canoes of the warmer season's activities sit idle with early winter snows. Snow has already come to Glacier National Park in northern Montana but melts quickly on warm days. "Today, for the first time in my life, I have seen Glacier Park. Perhaps I can best express to you my thrill and delight by saying that I wish every American, old and young, could have been

Christene Meyers
Dec 16, 20143 min read


Julian, California in autumn is a soothing escape for apple pie, ice cream, laid back Americana
THE APPLE CAPITAL of the world has a nice rhyming nickname. It also offers a get-away both soothing and exciting. Julian, California, a small, quaint mountain town in southern California, offers history, fun hotels, shopping, scenery and perhaps the best fruit pies in the state.

Christene Meyers
Dec 9, 20143 min read


Red Lodge remains fun, artsy, historical stop with great eateries, shops, character
Red Lodge, Montana, offers spectacular scenery and one of the world's most stunning drives.

Cookie & Keller
Nov 7, 20144 min read


Glacier Park - Dance with the bears for your get-away in a welcoming inn with treats
Glacier National Park is widely considered one of the most beautiful places in the United States, often referred to as the "Crown of the Continent". Summer is the most popular time to visit because it is the only season when the entire park is accessible, the trails are snow-free, and all facilities are fully open.

Cookie & Keller
Oct 21, 20144 min read


Fairfield Park Inn Montana: A Peaceful Stay Surrounded by Big Sky Beauty
Nestled in the scenic landscapes of Montana, Fairfield Park Inn offers travelers a relaxing retreat and road trip with easy access to nature, small-town charm, and unforgettable Big Sky views. It’s the perfect base for exploring Montana’s rugged beauty while enjoying comfort and convenience.

Christene Meyers
Oct 17, 20144 min read


Wapiti Valley Wild and wonderful offers adventure, romance, good food and a gorgeous get-away road trip
Wapiti Valley Wild and wonderful

Christene Meyers
Oct 3, 20144 min read


Montana autumn: Breathtaking Beartooths, stunning Tetons call
AUTUMN COMES TO THE NORTHERN ROCKIES OFFERING SPLENDID PHOTOS, SUNNY HIKING, FROST ON THE PUMPKIN BUT WARMTH IN OUR HEARTS At top, the Tetons are in full fall glory and in the Beartooths to the north, photographer Rick Cosgriffe takes aim on autumn. AUTUMN LEAVES BEGIN TO FALL, DAYS GROW SHORTER, SHUTTERBUGS TAKE AIM ON THE GLORIOUS CHANGING SEASON STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER The road to High Chaparral, north of Nye, awaits fall's golden touch. IF, AS t

Christene Meyers
Sep 19, 20143 min read


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


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


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


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


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


Northern California wildlife preserve protects giraffes, zebras and antelope at B Bryan Preserve in Point Arena, California
You might not expect a northern California wildlife preserve along the rugged coastline.
But B Bryan Preserve has been actively committed to the breeding and preservation of African hoof stock for over a decade.

Cookie & Keller
Jul 8, 20144 min read
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