Enjoying their Segway's Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers are Segway devotees, thanks to a terrific guide and a beautiful venue. CALM YET EXCITING: FUN IN FLORIDA AS COOKIE CONQUERS HER FEAR OF SEGWAY STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" Confident after her lesson, Cookie takes off, following guide Michael on Riverwalk in Fort Lauderdale. I'D BEEN on a Segway once -- 22 years ago when they were first coming into vogue. It didn't go well. I was with a large group of travel writers in Florida and we didn't have a proper lesson. Midway through, I lost my balance and careened into a ditch. Fortunately it was a small ditch, and not deep. But both my body and my ego were bruised. So I took a break from the this unique two-wheeled mode of transportation, and didn't take the sport up again until recently. Segway fans show how easy it is to find balance, by proper foot placement. HAPPILY, I had a fun, safe experience thanks to Michael, who taught me how to operate and ride my new friend with a thorough 20-minute lesson. He was patient and encouraging and I had an entirely different experience than that first adventure. Bruce Keller, a natural born athlete, was at ease from the get-go. But I needed Michael's assistance. Michael is a terrific guide, here patiently instructing a nervous Cookie. His tutoring gave me courage and calmed my frayed nerves. I can't wait to do it again. He made our Segway experience a treat, and soon I had graduated from the parking lot and back roads to the city's winding Riverwalk. He guided us past glistening yachts, towering skyscrapers, opulent mansions, and celebrity homes in this gorgeous, well manicured corner of south Florida. Michael is a skilled and patient guide with knowledge of his home town, including the rainbow eucalyptus. THE KEY to my success this second time around on a Segway was good coaching. Michael took time to make sure I understood how important it is to balance my feet properly. He gave careful instructions on starting, stopping and turning. Soon I was confident, no longer the cowardly lion of my first experience. ONE MAY choose from several tours. We booked the yacht and mansion tour, which gave us close-up looks of some of the spectacular homes in Fort Lauderdale and a nature park. Other tours highlight the beach, comedy clubs, restaurants. One may also customize a private tour to highlight a specific fancy, perhaps food. Both one and two-hour tours are available, and small groups are welcome. Fort Lauderdale Segway Trek For You? Michael insists one does not need to have experience, balance, or coordination. He complimented cowardly me and I felt good on my machine. "Anyone with reasonable co-ordination can learn it in just minutes," he said. When we return, we'll look into Michael's eco/nature tours. He also offers vespa scooter tours lasting 2.5 miles. Fort Lauderdale's Riverwalk is lovely at dusk with a light rain, photographed from our Segways. Fort Lauderdale's famed 17th Street Bridge forms a dramatic backdrop. SINCE YOU'RE on wheels, you’re obviously going much faster than you would by walking. You are guaranteed to cover a greater amount of space in a shorter amount of time, thus the Segway rider is able to see more of the sights you've heard about, If you’re pressed for time, Michael and his fellow Segway tour guides will tailor a tour to the specific places you want to see so you can customize your tour in a shorter period of time. We can't stress our guide's talents enough. He was simply terrific, and we're tour veterans -- on horses, camels and mules, in helicopters, kayaks and speed boats. Michael knew everyone in Fort Lauderdale, so we were greeted with waves and a friendly "Hi, how are you?" at every stop. THERE ARE a couple stops, for brief rests and a little local lore. We learned about the city's beautiful rainbow eucalyptus trees, gleaned details about the fancy yachts and who owns them, and got permission for a photo shoot on the 17th Street Bridge because Michael knows the bridge operator. Segway riders in Fort Lauderdale keep a safe distance from one another as they transit the pathways. Fort Lauderdale's famed 17th Street Bridge opens to allow tall traffic to enter and exit. He lively commentary and history anecdotes about the city greatly enriched the two hours. We salute him for making sure we saw the hotels, park and museums we wanted to revisit and photograph. He is a proud native of the city and his stories and observations gave us information we'd never find in a guide book. We'd never heard of the rainbow eucalyptus, and Michael pointed one out. It's a beautiful tree with a multi-colored bark. Fun to learn something new. We're Fort Lauderdale fans, Segway devotees -- grateful for Michael! www.segwayfortlauderdale.com (Seven days a week, by reservation.) We have fun with our photographs of bathrooms abroad. Come with us to enjoy our "toilets on the road" yarn with some tips for dealing with the sometimes perplexing protocol of bathrooms abroad. COMING SOON: We're having fun with bathrooms abroad. We've photographed them for years and so we're taking a light hearted look at bathroom protocol while traveling abroad. Look for our tips on dealing with the perplexing protocol of "toilets on the road." Then we commune with the unique art of Salvador Dali, visit Antoni Gaudi's spectacular Guell Park in Barcelona and tour New York City's prettiest places -- Central Park, the High Line and Museum of Modern Art. Meanwhile, remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for a fresh spin on nature, performance, travel, family, breaking news and more: www.whereiscookie.com

Cattle graze contentedly during a thunder storm earlier in the week. The Beartooths frame the scene. CONSTRUCTION CHAOS IS GETTING UNDER CONTROL, WING IS HEALING AND WILD LIFE'S FANTASTIC UNDER THE BIG SKY Berry and currant bushes flower in spring then ripen for fall, ready for the bears and birdies. Hawks are on the watch for food year round, particularly in fall. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" Cookie and Keller load up on fresh corn at a favorite farm near Park City, Montana. THERE'S SOMETHING GLORIOUS about the seasons of Beartooth Mountains beauty. Spring brings buds, birds and bears. Summer means barbecues and visitors. In autumn, mornings are crisp, mid-day is sunny, leaves begin to turn and evening is time to layer up! Winter with its glorious and much needed snow brings moisture and the hope of renewal. Beartooth Mountains Beauty attracts global audience Rising along Montana's southern border, the Beartooth Mountains are a spectacular destination for travelers seeking rugged wilderness, dramatic mountain scenery and authentic outdoor adventure. We love summer in the Beartooths and wait for Park City corn. When it's ready, we're among hundreds to cart home bags! Chokecherries and huckleberries attract bears and birds meaning fun photos. We begin to see snow in the high mountains! While Labor Day signals the end of summer, winter can come anytime. For in Montana, as my grandmother remarked, "We have nine months of winter and three months of company." Pansies love the cooler weather. Beartooth temperatures cover a vast range. High Chaparral -- above the remodeling project -- is green and inviting with a mountain backdrop. All four seasons have their advantages. Spring is prime time for many, summer for others. Ski buffs come from around the country for our winter snow. Each season seems too brief here in the northern Rockies. Bruce Keller's grand construction project, a new solarium, is at the window framing stage. Seasons can linger and present multitudes of wonder. Despite a melancholy mood as fall days grow shorter, daisies, roses and hollyhocks are still gorgeous, the hay is mostly in, wildlife is abundant and the birds and bees are making whoopee while the squirrels salt away seeds and nuts for winter. Bears cruise the neighborhood to fatten up. IT HAS BEEN a glorious, productive time here at High Chaparral in Stillwater County. An exciting, four-room addition begun July 1 is rounding the bend toward completion. Still, I must complain. Briefly. For years, I've begun my birthday celebration on the first day of the month of my birth. So August 1 has signaled "day number one" of Cookie's natal celebration. Bighorn sheep are about to begin mating, here cavorting above Stillwater Mine. Cookie sits down at the piano, beginning a birthday which includes a half-dozen or more parties! The revels continue through Labor Day, but this year I'm short-changed! Labor Day falls on Sept. 1, giving me only a month of celebrating. Normally, I get a month and several days. SO I'M MAKING the most of it. Please forgive the kvetching. The exercise girls threw me a party, and I turned it around a bit, creating a "very, merry unbirthday" party for them, a la the Mad Hatter's song in "Alice in Wonderland." I'm booked to play piano at Montana Jack's Aug. 22 and Aug. 31. And I've begun plans for a family reunion a year from now, if you're out there, family and friends. Tuscany awaits -- coming soon to whereiscookie.com COMING UP: A swing through Tuscany in northern Italy, beautiful any time of year but particularly gorgeous as September approaches. Then our look at California's enticing coastal hotels -- all dog friendly -- plus travel by train and a delightful, all-female "Two Gentlemen of Verona" at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. That's what we're up to. We're committed to making our travels fun, and passing along that enjoyment with tips and useful pointers. We hope you'll enjoy, learn and live and tune us in weekly for a fresh spin on travel, performance, nature, family and more at: www.whereiscookie.com

A trio of sandhill cranes steps lightly across a field near Fishtail, Montana, between recent rain storms. MIGRATING Sanhill cranes THRILL ROAD-TRIPPERS AS THEY SWOOP DOWN FOR A STAY BY FISHTAIL STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" Nestled beneath Montana's endless skies, Stillwater County is a place where nature sets the pace. Each spring and fall, the haunting, trumpet-like calls of sandhill cranes echo across the valleys and wetlands as thousands of these majestic birds stop during their seasonal migration. Combined with breathtaking mountain views, winding country roads, and abundant wildlife, Stillwater County is a destination that rewards travelers seeking authentic outdoor experiences away from the crowds. The sandhill crane takes its name from Nebraska's Sandhills. THERE MAY be no more spectacular sight than the unexpected view of a glorious flock of sandhill cranes putting down in a wheat field -- or taking off! Sandhill cranes in Stillwater County have been visiting near us lately (south-central Montana, about a half-hour from Red Lodge and a few miles north of Nye.) This lovely bird is known in North America and even as far as extreme northeastern Siberia. THE COMMON name of this uncommon bird -- a bit like a Las Vegas showgirl -- refers to habitat like that at the Platte River, on the edge of Nebraska's Sandhills on the American Plains. But this large and beautiful crane also passes through Montana, spends time to nest, reproduce, raise its young and feed, then takes off again. Cranes can be seen in many places, including in our neck of the woods in the Northern Rockies. Finding sandhill cranes in Stillwater County and beyond Found in several scattered areas of North America, sandhill cranes reach their peak abundance at migratory stopover points on the Great Plains. There, they can be seen by the hundreds. They are best found in open, shallow wetlands, marshes, wet meadows, and adjacent agricultural fields. Their chosen topography is flat to gently rolling terrain, ranging from northern tundras and bogs to flat river basins, farmlands, and grassy plains. We often see them near Fishtail, on both ends of town, particularly near West Rosebud Road. We've had the good fortune to view a dozen or so at a time as they stop off there. The early spring gathering of Sandhills on the Platte River in Nebraska is among the greatest wildlife spectacles on the continent, with over a quarter of a million birds present at one time. The overall species is not yet endangered, yet their dependence on key stopover sites makes them vulnerable to loss of habitat in future. Two specific subspecies are endangered: the Mississippi sandhill crane and Cuban sandhill crane. Sandhill cranes in Stillwater County are no sissy birds. The ones in the northern hemisphere migrate long distances (some cross the Bering Straits every spring and fall, en route to and from nesting grounds in Siberia). Those from the southern part of their main breeding range -- in the northern and western parts of the lower 48 states -- migrate shorter distances. Recently, with global warming, the sandhill has begun migrating later in fall and earlier in spring. Some are spending winters farther north than usual. Sandhill crane populations nesting in Mississippi, Florida, and Cuba do not migrate at all. Lucky, birds, to be able to stay put, enjoy the sun and conserve energy! For more travel and nature stories, cruising and train travel tips and performance pointers, check back here often. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for fun road tripping, arts features, music, travel and cruising tips, at : www.whereiscookie.com.

Hollyhocks are in full flower here in the northern Rockies, as autumn approaches. CHILDHOOD MEMORIES OF FAVORITE FLOWER REMIND OF GRANDMOTHER, DOLL MAKING STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" Hollyhocks, a deep pink from a grandmother's seeds, glorious against the Beartooth Mountains. MY GRANDMOTHER Olive loved hollyhocks. She was my mother's mum, and lived next door. Gran taught me to separate and save flower seeds each fall. Revered among her many flowers were the faithful hollyhocks. Dad's mother, Grannie Annie, loved lilacs, too. I remember a large crystal bowl filled with those soft, circular blossoms -- sometimes a clutch of all-whites, other times a profusion of pinks, purples, reds. Sometimes we'd make dollies -- using upside down blooms for skirts and fashioning heads from buds yet to fully open. Add a few toothpicks and a felt marker to "glue" them together and craft faces. Moisten and warm hollyhock leaves and you'll have a poultice to help heal cuts or sooth arthritis. THEY REMAIN my favorites of the old-fashioned plants I've raised here in the northern Rockies, to remind me of my Montana childhood. Hollyhocks -- with their lofty spires -- are my definitive old-fashioned garden plant. These tall, stately flowers used to tower over me in both grandmothers' gardens. I'd look up at them and see faces. "HOW DO you do, little Cookie?" Gran Olive would throw her voice behind the splendid array by the fence. This pollen covered bee is having a field day in a single hollyhock blossom. A bit of hollyhock homework tells me the graceful plant is from Eurasia. Its Middle Eastern heritage makes it versatile as well as pretty. Taken internally, Hollyhock is soothing to the gastrointestinal, respiratory and urinary tracts in the human body. It promotes urination, soothes ulcers and relieves a dry cough. When you have a sore throat, try a cold infusion of hollyhock. To make, simply gather a handful of fresh flowers or leaves (you can use dried) and fill the center of a square of cheesecloth. Wrap the sides up to form a crude tea bag, tie with string or dental floss and drop in a jar of water. Drape the string over the edge and use the lid to hold your "bag" in place. Keep your "bag" submerged, leave out overnight then refrigerate. Use infusion within a day or so. Hollyhock dolls are a family tradition. I'VE SEEN hollyhocks in fancy wedding bouquets and neglected hedges. Cultivated from Egypt to the southern U.S. and elsewhere, the plant with the large showy flowers is usually a biennial. They grow only foliage the first year and flower the next. You can also make a hollyhock doll with a little imagination and a few toothpicks. Look deeply into the hollyhock blossom. Perhaps you see a face. I've been scavenging hollyhock seeds worldwide for decades.There are many varieties of blossoms and several different leaves. Turkish Wild is a rare hollyhock species with elegant, soft orchid, saucer-shaped flowers from May to September. If you allow these gorgeous biennials to clump and seeds to fall, you'll have years of enjoyment. Today, the lofty spires on our Hollyhock plants are covered with large frilled flowers in beautiful colors. Bees love them. So do I. Thanks, Gran. UP NEXT: From hollyhocks, to "Lilac." No, not the plant, but the restaurant in downtown Billings. Farm fresh produce and locally sourced meats pair with homemade breads and gnocchi for fabulous fare. We talk with the inventive Montana born chef and sample the ever changing menu. Sadly, Lilac closed its doors several years ago after eight years several years and an excellent menu. Remember to explore, learn and live, and check us out weekly at www.whereiscookie.com

Vibrant colors in 51 rooms at Park Hotel Tokyo greet guests. Each "artist room" is an unique artistic creation with a thoughtful theme, hand painted by the artist. A biography of each creator is on the wall he or she painted. Story By Christene Meyers Photos By Bruce Keller "The Carpe Diem Kids" Whether one books a themed "art room" as in right photo, or a guest room with tasteful contemporary furnishings, Park Hotel pleases. Tokyo changes depending on where you are. Happily, we were at Park Hotel Tokyo for an immersion in the city's artful culture. The hotel is unique because 52 of its 268 guest rooms are individually designed by accomplished artists. On a return visit, our room had a Zen motif, with a meditation corner and soothing artwork. A striking bronze surreal sculpture, "The God of Wind" by Mikuo Konoki, catches the eye at Park Hotel Tokyo. The dramatic piece takes center stage in the hotel's modern atrium which also features 52 unique artist rooms. Other rooms feature sea motifs, dragons, birds, gardens, bamboo forests, Japan's famous koi, sushi and cherry blossoms. The first "art room" celebrated Japan's ancient sumo sport. From our soothing "Zen Room," we looked down on the streets of Tokyo. As trains zipped below, we were high above the noise. Within easy walking distance, tiny ramen shops were tucked beside towering office buildings. The hotel is in the top section of Shiodome Media Tower, near both Shiodome and Shimbashi stations. Helpful signs guided us to our hotel entrance as we easily walked to subways, gardens, food markets and cultural landmarks. Each room offers attention to detail, as in these raccoons in a bamboo grove. The city of 14.2 million people stretches in every direction, pulsing with motion. Despite the crush of people in subways, streets, malls and markets, a sense of order and harmony prevails. Along with neon, glitz and high fashion, thousand-year-old temples sit quietly in the shadows inviting a closer look. Our skyscraper towered above lovely gardens where we recharged. At Park Hotel Tokyo, art is integrated into every floor. Changing exhibits reflect Tokyo's vibrant and varied culture. Here an eye-catching figurine display of Japanese dolls complements a stimulating city view. In our return visit to Park Hotel Tokyo -- high above central Tokyo's busy business district -- we felt immediately at home. While it has the feel of a luxury property, it blends hospitality with creativity, design, and a cultural storytelling atmosphere. Guests in Park Hotel Tokyo have spectacular views of central Tokyo's trains, streets and skyscraper skyline. A Hotel That Feels Like a Living Gallery The defining characteristic of Park Hotel Tokyo is art. Its art is woven into the identity of the hotel. Everywhere we looked, there were installations, paintings, textures, and thoughtful visual details that reflected both contemporary Japan and traditional influences. The atmosphere feels sophisticated without feeling intimidating. Warm lighting softens the sleek modern architecture. Quiet music drifts through open spaces overlooking the city below. Travelers move slowly through the lobby, often stopping to admire artwork or photograph the skyline through enormous windows. There is energy here, but also calmness, the paradox of the city itself. The hotel's artist room concept carries over into the hallways with art along the way. It feels like a curated exhibition. This produces a distinctly modern feel deeply connected to ancient Japan. Each artistic detail is rooted in culture, subtlety and storytelling. Cookie admires Mount Fuji, featured in this artist room, with bamboo mural and other bamboo forest accents. Seeing Tokyo From Above One of the greatest gifts Park Hotel Tokyo offers is perspective. Literally. Skyline views from the hotel are extraordinary. During the day, sunlight pours across the sprawling cityscape. At night, Tokyo is a sea of light. The city feels endless from above. We often paused to look out the windows. Morning coffee became a skyline viewing ritual. Returning to the hotel at night offered Tokyo's illuminated towers against the darkness. We've sampled quieter neighborhood hotels, with local street life. Park Hotel Tokyo gave us the sensation of floating above the city -- observing it from a calm, elevated distance. That made Tokyo feel less overwhelming and more beautiful. There’s a reason Tokyo is considered one of the world’s greatest urban landscapes. From above, you understand the scale of its design, organization, and endless movement. Our "Zen room" featured a minimalist hallway entrance with bold calligraphy on white walls, and a tranquil meditation corner. Exploring Shiodome & Beyond The location of Park Hotel Tokyo placed us in the center of modern Tokyo energy. The Shiodome District is sleek and futuristic -- towering buildings, pedestrian walkways, classy architecture, easy access to transportation. Despite its modern atmosphere, the neighborhood is walkable and calm. A plus is transportation ease, the ability to move efficiently between different areas of Tokyo. We explored: Ginza’s luxury shopping streets Shibuya’s famous nightlife Asakusa’s historic temples Tsukiji’s legendary food culture Quiet residential neighborhoods Tokyo’s efficient transit system made us feel connected. Park Hotel Tokyo served as our perfect launch point for exploring both iconic attractions and quieter discoveries. And after long days navigating Tokyo, returning to the hotel felt restorative and comforting. We ended the day high above the city lights while the streets continued moving far below. Yoko, dressed in a blue kimono, prepares matcha with a bamboo whisk beside a black bowl. She is calm and focused against a soothing shell wall. A tea ceremony at the hotel is available for guests. The Quiet Luxury of Japanese Tea Ceremony Luxury in Japan feels is not loud or excessive. It's defined by precision and attentiveness. At Park Hotel Tokyo, that philosophy was visible everywhere, particularly at a traditional tea ceremony. Staff interactions were seamless and thoughtful, never intrusive. Every detail was carefully considered -- from presentation of meals to arrangement of spaces within the hotel, to our highlight, a tea ceremony. Japan's subtle approach to hospitality is the reason we return. On this fifth visit, we noticed that service isn’t "drama" in Japan. It’s quietly embedded into the culture. At Park Hotel Tokyo, that translates into an experience that feels calming in the heart of one of the world’s busiest cities. The atmosphere encouraged us to slow down, appreciate details, notice design, lighting, textures, and small moments. In a city as stimulating as Tokyo, that matters enormously. Before heading out for the evening, Cookie and Keller pause by a hotel window, high above busy Tokyo with its maze of skyscrapers. Tokyo Nights and City Energy Tokyo at night glows. From Park Hotel Tokyo, evening views became part of our nightly ritual before heading out to explore. The skyline shifted colors constantly while trains threaded through illuminated buildings below. There’s an excitement to Tokyo after dark. Tiny restaurants hidden underground. Lantern-lit alleyways and ramen shops packed with locals enjoying a visit. Cocktail bars inside high-rise towers. One of the things we love most about Park Hotel Tokyo is the contrast between the calmness of the hotel itself and the vibrant energy outside. We enjoyed Tokyo's lively nightlife, returning to a peaceful retreat. That rhythm quickly became addictive. Explore. Wander. Return. Reflect. The city never truly sleeps, yet somehow the hotel creates separation from the noise without disconnecting from the excitement. Each "artist room" has a unique theme, designed by the artist. Themes range from gardens to mountains, meditation to sumo wrestling. Art, Design, Cultural Identity What makes Park Hotel Tokyo memorable is how successfully it bridges contemporary design with cultural identity. Many luxury hotels in our world travels could exist anywhere. Replace the skyline and the interiors remain interchangeable. Park Hotel Tokyo feels truly Japanese. Not through clichés or exaggerated traditional design, but through subtlety incorporating craftsmanship and theme. Use of space reflects Japanese aesthetics. Nothing feels cluttered. Every object appears thoughtfully placed. The atmosphere encourages grounding, not distraction. The hotel tells a story about modern Japan and culture through architecture, design, and art. Framed Earth collage with colorful flowers and stick figures on a dramatic black background Stillness Inside a Global City Tokyo is often described as “fast,” “crowded” and “electric.” All of those descriptions are true. But we also found stillness. Japan seems uniquely skilled at creating calmness within density. Park Hotel Tokyo embodies that feeling. Despite being surrounded by skyscrapers and transportation hubs, the hotel never felt frantic. For us it was a place to process what we experienced throughout the city. Travel sometimes is exhausting, especially when we are traveling half the year. Without planning, each day can feel overloaded with activities and logistics. But Tokyo rewards travelers who pause long enough to absorb the atmosphere around them. Why Park Hotel Tokyo Is Ideal for Cultural Travelers For travelers seeking nightlife alone, there are endless hotel options in Tokyo. For travelers seeking luxury alone, there are even more. Park Hotel Tokyo combines these elements, appealing to travelers who value both architecture and hospitality, creativity and old-world standards. Staying there encouraged us to see Tokyo differently -- as a destination housing famous landmarks, and a living expression of modern Japanese creativity. The perspective complemented our earlier stay at the Shiba Park Hotel. We recommend a few days at each property, if scheduling allows. Withers Taizan Bonsai is a unique art installation in Park Hotel Tokyo’s Executive Museum Lounge Atrium, was created by artist Shin Suzuki. It represents the Japanese theory that even in aging, there is great beauty. While Shiba Park Hotel introduced us to Tokyo’s quieter cultural traditions, temple neighborhoods, and intimate local experiences, Park Hotel Tokyo revealed the city’s contemporary artistic identity and vertical energy. Together, the two hotels told an enchanting story about Tokyo: Old and new, grounded and elevated, quiet yet electric, traditional and modern. That duality is Tokyo’s greatest strength. A Compelling Gateway to the Rest of Japan By the end of our stay, Park Hotel Tokyo also became a turning point in our broader Japan journey. As our travels continued to Kyoto, Shiba, Nagasaki, Yokohama and South Korea, Tokyo remained central to our fifth Japan visit because of its distinctive contrasts. Tokyo is compelling, impossible to summarize, but Park Hotel Tokyo offers a perspective one doesn't forget -- one shaped by art, skyline views, hospitality and immersion in Japanese culture. The city was transformed from intimidating to inspiring. The property offers a culturally rich luxury experience in Tokyo, with atmosphere. High above the streets of Tokyo, surrounded by art, light and calm, we returned to a favorite hotel. It offered another unforgettable chapter in our journeys through Japan. More information or to book: parkhoteltokyo.com If you're going to Tokyo, we recommend the Tokyo Pass, a digital, smartphone-based sightseeing ticket that grants travelers cash-free entry to Tokyo's top museums, gardens and cultural attractions. It also offers optional unlimited subway rides: mytokyopass.com Three grizzly bears pause on a grassy forest hillside, looking left among pine trees in a calm wilderness scene UP NEXT: If you've always wanted to see a bear in Yellowstone Park or elsewhere in the wilds, we have tips and suggestions for finding bears -- as well as pointers on safety in bear viewing areas. Then with our country's Fourth of July special this year -- our country's 250th anniversary -- we pay tribute to that. Amd we help you navigate the efficient but elaborate transportation system in Japan and use the Tokyo Pass. Japan is a learning experience, but once logistics are mastered, delights unfold. All that and more as we encourage you to explore, learn and live and For new travel stories, tips and unforgettable experiences, follow our journeys at WhereIsCookie.com

A stylish stairway in the lobby at Shiba Park Hotel showcases an extensive collection of books and a serene water feature. This welcomes travelers after a long flight and creates a tranquil and inviting atmosphere. Story By Christene Meyers Photos By Bruce Keller "The Carpe Diem Kids" Tokyo is a paradox of a city. Futuristic skylines shelter centuries-old temples, and nowhere is this happy contrast more enjoyable than at Shiba Park Hotel. The historic lodging offers travelers an opportunity to slow down while enjoying the city's bustling cultural heartbeat. Located in the historic Minato district near Tokyo Tower and Shiba Park, the hotel combines refined hospitality with a keen appreciation for art, literature, cuisine and craftsmanship. We chose it as a thoughtfully curated cultural retreat tucked into a fascinating neighborhood. The hotel's proximity to public transportation is a plus. Here, Keller and Cookie pause in one of the subway system's artful corridors. A Cultural Stay Rooted in Tokyo History Established in 1948, Shiba Park Hotel has always welcomed international travelers seeking a connection to Japan. It evolved from a classic postwar Tokyo hotel into a sophisticated boutique destination offering books, gracious hospitality -- and a decades-old bonsai. The surrounding Minato area reflects Tokyo’s layered history. Ancient temples stand below modern office towers, quiet residential streets open onto bustling train stations and lively restaurants. Nearby landmarks such as Tokyo Tower and the historic Zojoji Temple reflect the balance of modern Tokyo energy and traditional Japanese heritage. A Hotel Designed for Book Lovers and Art Enthusiasts One of the hotel’s distinctive features is its extensive library. Thousands of carefully selected books create intimate reading spaces throughout the hotel -- both in the lobby and on each floor. The collection focuses on Japanese culture, architecture, travel, cuisine, photography, and art, encouraging guests to explore Japan through books while relaxing from touring. Cozy drawing room at the Shiba Park Hotel featuring a well-stocked bookshelf, comfortable seating, and a serene ambiance perfect for enjoying a book with a beverage. The atmosphere feels more like a gallery or salon than a hotel lobby. We sipped tea in its calming space, where elegant wood tones and lovely artwork encourage reflection. My builder/engineer husband admired the quality Japanese craftsmanship -- from ceramics and textiles to changing traditional and contemporary art. It's an immersive Tokyo experience, with books, plants and art adding a meaningful layer that goes beyond sightseeing. Intricate kintsugi repair transforms a tile into a unique piece of art, highlighting its cracks with shimmering gold or brass dust. We participated -- this is Bruce Keller's repair -- a treasured keepsake of the workshop. Discover the Art of Kintsugi at Shiba Park Hotel Tokyo Among our memorable experiences at Shiba Park Hotel Tokyo was a kintsugi class. That ancient Japanese art involves repairing broken pottery with lacquer and gold, transforming damaged objects into something beautiful through restoration. With three ceramic artists in the family, I have many broken vases and platters. Now I can artfully repair them. Participants enjoy a kintsugi workshop, skillfully repairing broken tiles with care and precision. Our teacher explained the kintsugi philosophy, a metaphor for Japanese aesthetics. It embraces imperfection and honors history rather than hiding flaws. It was an immersion in Japanese cultural values: patience, resilience, craftsmanship. This experience distinguishes the hotel from larger luxury properties, offering a personal, culturally connected stay. Refined Dining Inspired by Japanese Hospitality Dining at Shiba Park Hotel Tokyo, we found the same attention to detail that we experienced throughout the property. We enjoyed Japanese cuisine for breakfast -- perfect miso, seaweed, noodles, grilled fish and vegetables for breakfast and international cuisine for dinner, reflecting the balance between traditional Japanese culture and an elegance global embrace. An array of choices for breakfast features several stations, including fruits, vegetables and salad offerings. The buffet included both Japanese and western offerings, from miso to omlettes, pickles, noodles, rice dishes, pancakes, miso, grilled fish, danish, croissants, cereals, cheeses and more. ss emphasize quality and seasonal flavors, while highlighting local traditions and modern culinary techniques. The hotel’s hospitality philosophy incorporates formality with relaxation. Meanwhile, surrounding neighborhoods offer endless culinary exploration. We tried a traditional izakaya and a ramen shop, an upscale sushi counter and a hidden café. In Minato, we found a colorful introduction to Tokyo’s world-renowned food culture. Exploring Tokyo’s Cultural Neighborhoods We enjoyed the hotel’s location as we explored Tokyo beyond usual tourist corridors. The subway system gave us access to temples, gardens, shops and more eateries. A short walk took us to Shiba Park, one of the city’s oldest public parks, while we sped to nearby Hamamatsucho and Daimon via subway. We returned to the elegant Ginza, the historic atmosphere of Asakusa, and visited high energy Nakameguro. While in a central location, the area has a quiet, residential atmosphere and we appreciated the convenience. Visitors Bruce Keller and Christene Meyers interact joyfully with an abstract bronze sculpture featuring a circular void, part of the Marunouchi Street Gallery near Tokyo Station. The piece evokes the style of Henry Moore. Closing Thoughts: Why Book Shiba Park Tokyo If you're searching for more than a standard luxury stay in Tokyo, Shiba Park Hotel offers a cultural immersion in Japanese creativity and hospitality. Its literary atmosphere, artistic touches, kintsugi experience, fine dining and proximity to historic neighborhoods create a calming gateway in the center of a busy city. If you're a first time visitor or are returning to discover more of Japan’s capital city, the hotel provides a culturally rich option. More information or to book your stay: www.shibaparkhotel.com If you're going to Tokyo, we recommend the Tokyo Pass, a digital, smartphone-based sightseeing ticket that grants travelers cash-free entry to Tokyo's top museums, gardens and cultural attractions. It also offers optional unlimited subway rides: mytokyopass.com Park Hotel Tokyo's 50th "artist room" is a collaboration between two well known Tokyo artists, a sculptor and painter. The room is called "Utopia in Japan" and features a soothing parakeets and cherry blossom motif. NEXT UP: Another fine option for your stay in Tokyo is the unique Park Hotel Tokyo, one of the world's first "artist hotels" featuring 50 individually designed and decorated rooms each created by a well known artist. Topics range from samurai to mountains, and guests are surrounded by hand painted original art. The hotel is also famous for its tea ceremony. For more new travel stories, tips and memorable experiences, follow WhereIsCookie.com

Rudolph Valentino inspired the writer's mum's sense of drama. A mother's love of all things theatrical inspires lifelong affection for drama, movies, costumes and the Land of Make Believe "I'm the sheik of Araby (without no pants on) Your love belongs to me (without no pants on) At night when you're asleep (without no pants on) Into your tent I'll creep (without no pants on)......" (Spike Jones, "The Sheik of Araby") STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER and archives SHE WAS always my first birthday caller. She'd burst into the traditional "Happy Birthday" song, always adding in her perfect-pitch mezzo: "Without no pants on. And many more." Ellen Nystul Cosgriffe class valedictorian photo, 1945. The writer's parents, Ellen and Richard Cosgriffe, in the late 1940s. I understood the "and many more" part. Lots of people add that little footnote. Robbie, Ellen, Cookie frolicking on board the QEII. But the "without no pants on" part -- what the heck did that mean? After more than six decades of wondering, I decided to find out as my mother's own Aug. 27 birthday approaches. So here goes: That little addendum, "without no pants on," forever part of our family tradition, refers to the song, "The Sheik of Araby" and mum loved the Spike Jones version. The original song was written six years before my mother's birth, in 1921, by Harry B. Smith and Francis Wheeler who composed it in response to the wild popularity of Rudolph Valentino and his "Sheik" films. Mums was a huge Valentino fan. THE SONG lived on long after Valentino's untimely demise, and Don Albert's band recorded the first parody version with the chant "Without no pants on" between the lines of lyrics. Mum's favorite version by Spike Jones came later. Cookie and her mum, Ellen, had tons of fun, here singing "Side by Side." Fats Waller, Rosey Clooney, and many others besides Jones -- including the Marx Bros and the Beatles -- recorded their versions. Valentino died young, in his twenties, almost a year to the day of my mother's birth. He'd been in that great casbah in the sky for a year when Ellen Betty Nystul, was born Aug. 27, 1927, the only daughter of Gustav and Olive. As a child, she looked much like Shirley Temple with fetching curls and that same precocious talent. She could sing and tap dance, play trumpet and violin. She learned piano in a day, watching her mother, my talented gram, play. She was drum majorette, tap dancer, ballerina (I have her toe shoes, a red pair and a beige.) STILL A TODDLER, she began her lifelong love of theater, costumes, singing. Valentino's sense of style inspired Ellen, and a parody with the famous "without no pants on." When we Cosgriffes were growing up, we entertained in our small Montana town. The late Jim Annin ("They Gazed on the Beartooths" author and city father) often introduced us, "The Countless Cosgriffes." Ellen's memorial was a theatrical family affair. It began with just two Cosgriffes -- "Cookie and Peny" -- and grew to include the whole family. My mother always dreamed we would be a Rocky Mountain version of the Von Trapp family, singing a western "Edelweis" to an enraptured audience. WE PERFORMED cuttings from popular Broadway shows of the day: "Oklahoma" (I was Ado Annie, the girl "who cain't say no") and "My Fair Lady" (my brother Rick was a reluctant Henry Higgins, complete with English accent; we females were the extras -- flower girls in Covent Garden, the hatted Ascot horse-race ladies. Peny was picked to sing "Wouldn't It Be Loverly" to my piano accompaniment. In a sketch from "Annie Get Your Gun," we wore western duds for a bang-up "Doing What Comes Naturally.") Ellen's later years included theatrics and lots of dogs. Mum dressed us alike for our 1964 trip to the East Coast and the New York World's Fair, hoping, I presume, that we'd be discovered by a news photographer from NBC. I remember one of our outfits well: black and white t-shirts, black shorts and smart little red scarves. One afternoon, we walked from our hotel, the Waldorf Astoria, to Rockefeller Center. We sang "Give My Regards to Broadway" on a street corner, to amused New Yorker smiles. Ellen also enjoyed hats and wore this one to her granddaughter's wedding. MUM HAD dyed all our hair red -- hers was already a brilliant henna and my sister Peny had an authentic, gorgeous naturally red mane. Mine was not red enough for mum, so she touched it up a bit. The blondes and brunettes in the family became redheads, too. Daddy wore the t-shirts, but refused to submit to the Clairol bottle! I KNOW Valentino was mum's greatest theatrical inspiration for his sense of style and drama. She saw all his pictures multiple times, knew about his romances on and off the screen. She had a trunk of Middle Eastern costumes -- long flowing robes and scarves. She became an excellent belly dancer and performed her "Dance of Seduction" at her 25-year high school reunion! The writer knows her mother would have enjoyed Cairo's belly dancers. MUM IS responsible for my love of the Middle East. And my passion for costumes, dancing, dress-up and hats. I've played in pit orchestras for dozens of musicals, from "The Fantasticks" to "Man of La Mancha" and "Cabaret," in which I played piano as head of the bawdy Kit Kat Band. (NOT "without no pants on"!) Late last year, I returned to Cairo, where a buxom belly dancer entertained us, slithering up to Keller during a Nile cruise performance. I toured a real casbah! A casbah in Morocco. I've been to several exotic dance performances recently, including a spirited tango show in San Diego and a flamenco production in Las Vegas. I've donned a pirate girl hat on an afternoon sail with Cap'n Keller. "Come to my casbah," mum would whisper to us as little kids. "We shall make beautiful music together." Ellen's last public appearance in 2008, here at a reception with her daughter, left, and Hannelore Carter. THAT INVITATION meant come to the costume trunk. We'd squeal with delight and rummage through mounds of costumes -- orange and green can-can skirts, red and black flapper dresses, Victorian bustles, western skirts. And always hats! We'd decide on a theme, dress up and off we'd go off with mum to a world of make believe -- the casbah. And beyond. At mum's memorial, the clan gathered to tell stories, remember costumes, sing her favorite songs. Cookie and Keller carry on the costume and hat tradition inspired by Cookie's late mother! My mother: what a dame! She was inspired and inspirational. She painted, danced, traveled, lived with gusto. She invented recipes and didn't let a missing ingredient send her to the store. "Improvise," she'd say. No flour for the Thanksgiving gravy? Use pancake mix. Delicious! Everyone raved. SHE WON every masquerade ball in which she competed, whether dressed as a Russian Cossack, Indian princess or French chanteuse. Her prizes: three months of milk from the Columbus Creamery, a radio, 25 pounds of butter, a garbage disposal, 300 feet of garden hose, a free permanent at the hair dresser's! SHE WAS eccentric, no doubt, larger than life, an Isadora Duncan figure living in a small Montana town, surrounded by people who mostly didn't share her sensibilities or sense of drama but appreciated her talent. She yearned to "bust outta this little berg" and she did, saying "Good-bye Columbus" (Montana) to earn New York's Times Square -- Cookie and her mum loved it! advanced degrees and use her own personal struggles and experiences to help others. Although she's been gone five years, I still hear her voice on my birthday phone call. How I wish I could call her on hers and return the compliment. I keep her castanets on my night table and look at them every day. Sometimes I put them on my fingers and click them. "Come to my casbah," they seem to say. Thanks, mum. "And many more. Without no pants on." Santa Catalina is a picturesque destination for our travelers. COMING UP: Travel with us to "26 Miles Across the Sea....." The island of Santa Catalina is waitin' for us! Then we're north to Alaska, with a look at the pleasures of cruising the state's wild coast. Plus a study of the evolution of the Alberta Bair Theater in Billings, Montana, flowers under the Big Sky, Montana Jack's summer offerings and Rio's wonders. Remember to explore, learn and live and check us out at: www.whereiscookie.com

Good-bye Marlee: We will miss your sweet smile, music and precocious wit. SATURDAY MEMORIAL CELEBRATES BRIEF, LOVING LIFE OF MARLEE CLUFF Marlee Rebecca Cluff loved singing and dancing and pushing the envelope. In top photo, near the end of her life, she tried a new hair color. "It wasn't quite what I thought it would be," she confided. "I wanted more purple." Marlee loved to sing and dance, here with her mom's good friend and landlord, James Hayes, on bass. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER TRAGEDY STRUCK in the wee hours of April 7, when Marlee Rebecca Cluff passed away in the Fort Bragg hospital. Hours of CPR and emergency medical attention failed to revive her after she collapsed at home in the wee hours. Her death ended a life of medical challenge resulting from a congenital birth defect which compromised her cardiovascular and pulmonary systems and eventually took her life. Marlee, nine years old, was a brave, bright light , sharing her talents for singing, drawing and dancing with her community and extended family. Everyone who spent time with this charming child admired her talent, wit and courage. RAISED MOST of her life by Lauren Chalece Cluff, a single mom, Marlee weighed less than five pounds when she was born Aug.31, 2006. She endured her first of many surgeries when only eight days old. Another operation was planned this summer, to replace both her damaged pulmonary artery and an overtaxed aortic valve. Home for Marlee was Purple Martin Farm near Point Arena. Marlee’s musical mother sang to her all her short life. Patsy Cline tunes, Billy Holiday ballads and Beatles songs were Marlee’s favorites. She knew many lyrics and 1940s “big band” tunes not familiar to many older musicians. HER VOCAL talents, intelligence and winning personality charmed friends and family at weddings, reunions and many other functions. Marlee’s drawings and jewelry pieces were impromptu gifts cherished by visitors to her home on Purple Martin Farm near Point Arena. She was a second grader at Pacific Community Charter School. Marlee was a thoughtful, bright child who will be missed. AN ENERGETIC tree climber and rain dancer, Marlee loved riding her bike through the forest and farmland. She had a precocious nature and broad interests, embracing astronomy and the constellations. On the last night of her brief life, she described once seeing a rare “moonbow” and proudly showed off the blossoms of a fruit tree blooming on the farm. Survivors besides her mother include her mother’s partner, Kieran Roy Martin, whom Marlee called “my super hero,” her step-sister Aya Martin, aunts and uncles and a grieving extended family on the farm run by Kelle Martin and James Hayes. Marlee is also survived by loving grandparents Richard and Shelly Jones, two sets of great grandparents and hundreds of friends and admirers spanning the generations. Marlee's home in rural Point Arena offered her plenty of flowers to draw. MARLEE'S MOTHER extends “heartfelt thanks to all the first responders for their extreme efforts to keep Marlee alive. After more than an hour of CPR, these wonderful people still didn't want to give up on Marlee. I will be forever grateful for their loving care, and that her last moments on Earth were spent with such caring people." Marlee Rebecca's Celebration of life will be held at the Odd Fellow's Hall in Point Arena, Calif., this Saturday April 16, at 3 p.m., appropriate because Marlee loved the rugged Mendocino coast, and the flowers blooming this time of year. Guests are asked to bring a potluck dish and an anecdote of Marlee's life to share. A live band of locals who loved Marlee will provide dancing music. More details may be found on Aimee Taylor’s Point Arena Update page on Facebook. (Plug in Marlee Cluff.) A FUND to defray medical and burial expenses has been arranged, in lieu of floral remembrances. The Marlee Cluff Memorial Fund, arranged at Redwood Credit Union, is account number: @2647cluf. Donations may also be sent to Marlee Cluff Memorial, c/o Redwood Credit Union, PO Box 485, Point Arena, CA 95468. Call 707 545-4000; 1 800 479-7928 The junk is a revered part of Asian culture. We sample it, and a half-dozen other modes of Asian culture, in the next whereiscookie! COMING UP: The junk is a revered part of Asian culture. We sample it, and a half-dozen other modes of Asian culture, in the next whereiscookie.com! We'll visit Vietnam by bike, Hong Kong by junk, Thailand by tuk-tuk and Japan by bullet train. Come with us to explore Asia with a variety of transportation options. Remember to explore, learn and live, and catch us Friday afternoons when we post for each weekend. Our specialty is travel with a twist -- as we put our own spirit and stamp on each culture we visit.

Wading, not quite walking, on the water, sisters Cookie, left, and Olivia, make their way to the wedding on Beverly Beach. Behind them, sister Misha and family friend Virginia join the wedding party for Kira and Mike. Flower girls sprinkle rose petals along the sand, making way for the bride and groom. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER Gallavant: to go from place to place seeking out entertainment and amusement-- Oxford Dictionary THIS SUMMER -- more than any I've experienced in my decades on Earth -- hits home a profound awareness of the brevity of our spin on this wondrous planet. We're celebrating, mourning, mending, toasting, feasting, seeing fine plays, greeting family, "gallavanting," as my Irish gran would have said, experiencing the joys and sorrows of life. Friends are fighting illness and loss, a brother is just home from the hospital after four surgeries. We've sent cards of congratulations -- for birthdays, graduations and wedding anniversaries. We've also posted a dozen sympathy cards and attended a half-dozen memorial services since the holidays. WE'VE 'WADED in the water,' we're fording the proverbial stream of "Climb Every Mountain," and we're keeping an eye on the raging forest fires in my native Montana. Gathering rosebuds: Newlyweds Kira and Mike. Bride Kira Cosgriffe Hill, right, and from left, Cosgriffe sisters Misha Minesinger, Christene "Cookie" Meyers and Olivia Cosgriffe. We're seeing nine plays in Ashland, at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, a family tradition, and savoring memories of a splendid family reunion surrounding the wedding. Groom Mike Hill, left, and master builder Bruce Keller, dismantle the trellis under which Kira and Mike exchanged vows a few days ago. I'm thinking of a poem my late husband Bruce Meyers taught his writing students. "To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time" has stood the test of time and fits my mood today. Written by English Cavalier poet Robert Herrick in the 17th century, the poem is in the genre of my favorite saying -- carpe diem, Latin for seize the day. Herrick entreated: "Gather ye rosebuds while ye may, Old Time is still a-flying...." FOR US, this two-week odyssey epitomizes his verse. For we are gathering rosebuds. The trip represents a return to our cherished world of travel, after Keller's successful liver transplant of exactly twelve weeks ago. We delighted in the picturesque reunion setting on the beautiful Oregon coast. Niece Kira and Mike love Beverly Beach, their choice for the wedding. (We didn't think we'd make it, until a few days before when Cookie and Keller are celebrating, too. Ten years together, a wedding, and a raft of extraordinary plays in Oregon. Keller helped photograph the wedding. Raised on the ocean north of San Diego, he is most at home near water. excellent scans and bloodwork convinced our doctors we were okay for travel, weeks earlier than originally dictated thanks to Keller's record recovery.) Nick and Nora, above, make themselves at home in favorite hotels, Ashland Hills and Ashland Springs, both pet friendly digs. WHILE WE MONITOR forest fires in Big Sky Country, near Bozeman, we are thankful for safety of our Stillwater County home. I spent the first weeks of my life in Bozeman, with my university-student parents, and we mourn the loss of wildlife and bird habitat in gorgeous Gallatin and Madison counties. Neighbors along the Stillwater say the smoke is horrible. We smell it even here in southern Oregon, where we're based for the Festival plays. We're sad that my native state has had to spend nearly $30 million fighting the blazes. As part-time Californians, we're proud that my adopted state has sent aid. High Chaparral in Montana, is -- knock wood -- free of fire this season, but much of Montana is sadly shrouded in smoke and flames. As a longtime fan of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, I'm thrilled to be back in Ashland -- for the fourth time with Keller. Through the years, the festival has been a balm through good times and sad for the family. I've purchased seats in the Angus Bowmer Theatre to honor both my late husbands, Bruce Meyers and Bill Jones, and am planning to honor my parents' memories there, too. Some of several loved ones' ashes are sprinkled in Lithia Park and Ashland Creek, and memories of my late sisters and our mutual love of theater surround me as I sit in the three splendid theaters, thrilled with each dimming of the house lights. A family reunion, spurred by the wedding of Kira Cosgriffe and Mike Hill. I think of all I'm thankful for: family, fun, birds, friends, the Yorkies Nick and Nora, and of course theater. I am grateful for a life of travel and the arts, for having some talents, and for the ability to be generous, to take chances, to love. I am happy to be again strolling the village of Ashland, reprising dozens of visits. We make our way up the hill to hike around much loved Lithia Park. I listen to bird song, look for deer and squirrels, feed the ducks. THIS BEAUTIFUL PARK opened in 1892, the year of my maternal grandparents' birth. They introduced me to the phrase "carpe diem." And taught me the art of gathering those precious rosebuds! Cookie and Keller today on the grounds of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, celebrating life! NEXT UP: Ashland, Oregon, home to the internationally known Oregon Shakespeare Festival, is thrilling crowds with its stellar season of work in three beautifully designed theaters. Since the late 1950s, it has been part of Cookie's life. We share its wonders next Friday. Meanwhile, remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekends for a unique twist on travel, nature, family and the arts.

Torrey Pines State Reserve: 2,000 acre coastal wilderness protects the rare Torrey pine tree. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" We like braving the highways for fun road trips. One recent stop is highly recommended: Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve reopened on March 1, this year, following a four-month closure for construction upgrades, including enhanced ADA compliance. The popular Del Mar area coastal trails and visitor areas are now fully open with high visitor traffic expected. Key Details for Visitors: Reopening: The reserve reopened after a four-month closure for infrastructure improvements, according to this YouTube video. Infrastructure: Upgrades to trails and facilities have been completed to improve accessibility, notes NBC 7 San Diego. Crowds & Access: Opening weekend saw high attendance and capacity parking. Future Work: Additional improvements for restrooms and infrastructure are scheduled for fall 2026. Rules: No food or drink (except water) is allowed above the beach, no pets are permitted, and the area is "pack it in-pack it out," according to TPSNR. Road trips offer museums, parks, unexpected wonders and side trips that can be uncrowded if you plan to visit off season. Off-season travel offers uncrowded parks and a chance to enjoy wonderful museums without rubbing elbows, here Keller, Cookie and doggie Nick, Jane and Rick on a week day at a virtually deserted Museum of the Rockies. A recent survey conducted by the U.S. Travel Association found that 68 percent of travelers feel safest when traveling by personal vehicle and when visiting outdoor destinations such as parks and the beach. Nearly half -- 45 percent -- of the respondents said they are likely to travel more by car. So road trips are on the agenda this year for many vacationers. With fuel prices rising and unrest in the world, many of us who usually hop on a plane to faraway destinations are staying closer to home, driving so we can enjoy "outdoor" stops. And if Europe beckons, consider a road trip. Safe, clean, and you can be by yourselves when you want. Road trips yield delights, such as this fun display outside a southern Italy restaurant, with Keller and Cookie. THE DECISION to travel with family and friends limits contact with others, a holdover from COVID days. The traveling companions we choose are likely friends and family. Road trips allow the unexpected to occur. We keep our eyes open for entertainment, too, photographing amusing and eye catching billboards and posters. Blacks Beach in La Jolla, California, is a world famous surfing spot. It can be reached from the nearby gliding port. Since we survived the era of coronavirus, avoiding public transportation, crowded waiting areas, and strangers is still considered a safe way to go. For overnight stops, we plan ahead, so we can choose a property by price as well as by published cleanliness standards. Children's Pool La Jolla, Calif., is off limits during Harbor Seal Pupping Season, check the lifeguard signs We're big fans of the Hilton brand when it comes to cleanliness and comfort. www.hilton.com During COVID, Hilton was in the forefront of hygiene procedures, copied by other major chains. There are many Hilton brands from which to choose, all delightful. Paradise Point Mission Bay, San Diego, Calif., is a favorite place to take visitors. Hotels listed on Booking.com is another of our favorite guides to clean, comfortable stays at our favorite Hiltons, and others. We recently enjoyed a pleasant kitchen suite at Winnemucca's Best Western Plus. Sparkling clean room, friendly check-in, top hygiene and a tasty "grab and go" breakfast. The kitchen in the suite allowed us to prepare a simple tasty safe meal without venturing out. Ask about a suite upgrade. Often for a few dollars more, you can book a small kitchen or add a microwave and frig. Road trips offer thrills but sometimes tax patience when traveling in our national parks, here in Glacier. Be prepared to take your time when traffic slows. The bear, elk and maybe a moose are worth the wait. We noticed, too, another option: at recent stays at Hilton hotels in Tahoe and Truckee. Several nearby places -- including pizza parlors and Chinese restaurants -- delivered. We use the Gas Buddy app and Google Maps and Chatgpt to help with fuel prices, routes, and planning. Overall travel costs can be managed more easily on a driving trip, too. We stock the cooler and grocery bag with water, sodas, snacks: cheese, fruit, chips, crackers, protein bars, nuts. NOT ONLY do we avoid extra stops, but we have healthy food we fixed. Nicky the terrier, above, and below with great-niece Penelope take a break on a road trip walk. When it’s time for to stop for a meal, we look for a pleasant park or roadside complex where we can walk Nicky and stretch our legs. Cracker Barrel, Subway and pilot Flying J all have high safety and hygiene practices. Check the websites before you stop to make sure the place looks up to standard. Field workers in central California prepare the soil for planting. Half of the nation's produce comes from here. UP NEXT: Come with us to California's rich farmland as we explore the farm to table phenomenon. We're in the beautiful and fertile central California "salad bowl" and we offer some of our favorite farmer's market shots, taken on this latest trip. Come enjoy the history of California's amazingly prolific central valley, which produces half of the nation's produce. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us each Friday for a fresh look at travel, the arts, nature, family and more: whereiscookie.com

In a picturesque setting near the Pacific, tourists enjoy a dolphin show at popular Sea Life Park in Honolulu. The rare Humboldt penguin is happy at Sea Life Park Hawaii, here taking a cooling swim. OAHU'S BEST KEPT SECRET AWAITS AT SEA LIFE PARK WITH WONDERS OF NATURE STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" Sea Life Park Hawaii is nestled on the sunny shores of Oahu, a must-visit destination for anyone eager to explore the magic of the ocean. Here, visitors can watch dolphins perform incredible tricks, snorkel alongside colorful fish, and learn about conservation efforts that protect Hawaii’s unique marine life. Whether you’re planning a family outing, a romantic day by the water, or an educational adventure, Sea Life Park promises a memorable experience that brings you closer to the wonders of the sea. IT'S 25 MINUTES AWAY from Honolulu, a pleasant ride from the bustle and hustle of Waikiki. But it's another world, a world of wonder, peace and a chance to interact with nature and its beautiful creatures. Daily shark feeding is one of the draws, a popular attraction at Sea Life Park. Honolulu's Sea Life Park celebrates Hawaii's love of the sea and the ocean's magnificent residents. Among its exotic and entertaining residents are dolphins and sea lions, and even some endangered species such as the tiny, rare Humboldt penguin. Bird feeding delights these kids and children of all ages. Waikiki Trolley stops at the park, making it a popular transportation and easy way to get from Honolulu and back. THIS WONDROUS, family friendly place also showcases a fascinating and busy aviary where tourists can feed dozens of hungry parakeets, literally at arm's length. Animal encounters, including the park's award-winning dolphin show, are part of the enticement. If you're planning to dine there, you'll enjoy sampling the food of a Hawaiian legend, Pink's Hot Dogs. The well known eatery makes its home at the park and offers tasty island fare, including curries and fresh fruit. The popular park also offers one of the island's best ranked luaus, complete with authentic entertainment. EDUCATION IS an important part of the park's mission. Families are invited to purchase annual, money-saving passes allowing for reasonable entry fees and multiple visits. We like to take a break from driving, and enjoy the beautiful drive up the hill from Honolulu, so we book the famous Waikiki Trolley's hop-on and hop-off bus. You'll want the Blue Line for this adventure, and don't worry if the trolley is green. The pleasant shuttle is open-air and allows spectacular views of Diamond Head, residential areas and the spectacular coast line on the drive up. Bringing the roasted pig from the umu, these two handsome entertainers smile for the camera. OUR FRIENDLY DRIVER stopped at several viewing points along the way, giving us an interesting preview of what we were about to behold at the park: a marine mammal preserve, bird sanctuary and aquarium. Start practicing your Hawaiian now if you'd like to pronounce the locale correctly: the area is called Waimānalo. It is located in a lush, mountainous area near Makapuʻu Point, north of Hanauma Bay. Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers pause for a selfie on the road to Sea Life Park. Once there, prepare to be delighted with the variety of exhibits, shows and user-friendly activities from bird and shark feeding, to dolphin shows -- one of the best we've seen and we're dolphin show regulars. THE PARK's LUAU is another of the park's attractions. Some folks come for the afternoon activities then stay for the luau, ranked among the islands' best. Of the dozens on the islands, it's the only one that offers games and participation activities. While awaiting the traditional luau feast, people enjoy lei making, fish net throwing and ukulele lessons. The buffet is considered "tops" for its colorful variety of island delicacies and of course the traditional umu-roasted pig -- the word means earth oven and a luau wouldn't be a luau without this delicious main course offering. Bird loving Cookie smiles as a budgie lands on her hand for a snack at Sea Life Park. While you're digesting and listening to live Hawaiian music, you can watch nimble climbers scale coconut trees. Sea Life Park guests are invited to a series of entertaining events and presentations, including feeding of the Humboldt penguins, who know their trainer's cooler container a meal. IF YOU want to partake of the luau, you'll need to drive your car or take a taxi or Uber, because the trolley doesn't operate at night. But if you're making a day trip of it, the Waikiki Trolley is a perfect choice. It's a delightful trip and operates on a convenient hourly schedule. You can time your visit to stay a couple hours or more, and be outside the entrance at the appropriate time. Entrance fees go to supporting the endeavor, and are lower than most marine playgrounds offering similar activities and critter attractions. Adults 13 and older pay $39.99; junior admission, for those 3 to 12 years old, is $24.99. If you're feeling flush, you can also book a dolphin encounter -- we did this for our family party of six on the Big Island at Hilton Waikoloa Village and it was a thrill for all. To touch, observe and swim with them, in a supervised encounter, is $179.99 per person. The park is 20 acres and boasts 2,000 animals. Well worth a day trip and terrific for families. More information to enhance your visit: waikikitrolley.com sealifeparkhawaii.com Roosevelt Arch in Yellowstone National Park, during a spring shower with a double rainbow. UP NEXT: Come along with us on a a trip through Yellowstone National Park. The season is officially underway and the park is more beautiful than ever. If you haven't reserved a space yet, you may have trouble. But we have a few ideas up our sleeve for reserving short-notice rooms, and perhaps staying outside the park. The park welcomed 3.5 million visitors in 2022, and almost a half-million international nature lovers in May of 2023. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for a lively spin on nature, travel, family, performance and more: www.whereiscookie.com

Enjoying a tuk tuk ride in Lisbon, from left, Bruce Keller, Jane Milder, driver Tomas Neves, Christene "Cookie" Meyers, Rick Cosgriffe. All aboard for a fun tour of this lovely Portuguese city. TOURING LISBON BY TUK TUK YIELDS HISTORY, STORIES, FRESH AIR, FUN TIME STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" Lisbon is a city of steep hills, historic districts, and breathtaking viewpoints, making a tuk-tuk tour one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to explore. Whether you're visiting landmarks like Alfama, Bairro Alto, Belém, or Praça do Comércio, a knowledgeable local guide can introduce you to centuries of Portuguese history while navigating the city's narrow streets. Along the way, you'll discover panoramic overlooks, charming neighborhoods, and hidden corners that many visitors miss on foot. Lisbon's seven hills stretch from the city center to the sea, with architecture typical of one of the world's great cities. WE LOVE LISBON! It's a favorite European city. So we wanted to show off "our town" to my brother Rick and his partner Jane during our two weeks together in southern Europe. We did it in style, by tuk-tuk, that time honored transportation mode invented in 1879 and offering close-up views along with a few fun bumps. LISBON OFFERS a wealth of architectural wonders and sea views making it a perfect city to explore by this three-wheeled cart, originally pulled by a person. My dad told lively stories of traveling by rickshaw during his Army days in post WWII China. He became fast friends with his trusty driver, as we have with Tomas Neves, who has shown us around his native city several times. Miradouro das PortaMiradouro das Portas do Sol is Lisbon's most photographed wiewpoint, a central location near the cathedral and castle. Here Rick and Jane enjoy the view as we photograph them.s do Sol is Lisbon's most photographed wiewpoint, a central location near the cathedral and castle. Here Rick and Jane enjoy the view as we photograph them. OUR FAVORITE Lisbon Tuk Tuk Tour is electric and driven -- not pulled - by the amiable Tomas. It is manufactured in an Amsterdam factory, where most licensed electric auto-tuk tuks or rickshaws originate. There are many types of tuk-tuk treks offered by Tomas and a host of other outfits. With over 500 tuk-tuks in Lisbon, tours range from gardens to restaurants, churches and museums. Enthusiasts may concentrate on the oldest part of the city, the Alfama, or the narrow lanes of residential districts. One may also "tuk-tuk" to Lisbon Castle and other popular destinations including Lisbon's famous Cathedral, the Convento da Graça, the National Pantheon, Jardim São Pedro de Alcântara and the lively Thieves' Market. Tomas took us to the Graça Viewpoint at the Igreja, where Rick and Jane enjoyed the view and took selfies. Most tuk tuks accommodate two to four people but some such as this one are larger and can accommodate six or seven. OUR TWO-HOUR Lisbon Tuk Tuk Tour focused on highlights, with Tomas providing entertaining commentary and stopping wherever we saw a photo opportunity. Because it's a city built on seven hills, its neighborhoods spread out from the city's historic center, blending into one another, to the Belém area near the water. Some tours focus on history, others on architecture, others on food. So you can tailor your tour to your interests. Lisbon's famous Cathedral, the Se de Lisboa, is one of the stops driver Tomas always includes. The tuk tuk is a wonderful way to savor a city. On an earlier tuk tuk tour, we sampled flavors of Portugal, with typical sweets and chocolate cups. Lisbon's sights are muted and lovely on a sunset cruise. A tuk tuk tour then a relaxing cruise are a fine pair. Typically, the two-hour tuk tuk tours focus on a specific area of the city, usually the Alfama and historic area. A half-day tour allows one to see more of the city and get more detailed information about the main attractions. A full-day tuk tuk tour will cover most of the major attractions, most likely taking passengers to Belem which is a bit outside the center. The longer tours also give time to go inside museums, churches and gardens rather than just driving by, which we did this last time. Lisbon is a city of majestic architecture and many fountains. During themed tuk tuk tours, you’ll visit the main landmarks of the city but with a special focus. Passengers can choose from desserts to art to national heroes, museums and more. WHETHER YOU see Lisbon by tuk tuk or walking tour, or taxi ride, you won't want to miss Mosteiro dos Jeronimos. As one of Lisbon’s must-see sights, it is Belem's undisputed architectural showstopper, an impressive honey-stone Manueline cloisters inside a UNESCO-listed 1495 monastery. On the nearby riverfront, another famous sight is the tower, or torre of Belem. It's an imposing fortress which epitomizes the excess of the Age of Discovery. We climbed to the top for splendid views over the Tagus River. Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers took a tuk-tuk tour then hopped on a sunset cruise, framed by Lisbon architecture. OUR GUIDE Tomas knows where to find the best views for photos. He drove us to historic places, waiting patiently and helping us plan the next stop. As one of the oldest cities in western Europe, there are more stops than possible in a single tour. So Tomas helps narrow the field, describing how his city has evolved through various occupations, wars and conquests, asking which aspects interest us most. HE EXPLAINED that the region was home to the Celts -- founded by well traveled Phoenicians around 1200 BC, making it 400 years older than Rome. These educated people established a settlement called Ulissipo, and became successful merchants, traders and colonizers until they were conquered by the Greeks and Carthaginians. TOMAS IS rightly proud of Lisbon. As Portugal's thriving capital city it maintains its strategic geographical position at the mouth of the Tagus, the longest river in the Iberian Peninsula. After a tuk tuk ride, we recommend Tagus Cruises, which takes it name from the famous river. Consider Lisbon by boat and tuk-tuk. For tuk-tuks, contact Tomas Neves: tomasneves95@gmail.com TripAdvisor offers many tuk-tuk tours. Or contact Lisbon's tourism office at: www.visitlisboa.com/ For a fun cruise: taguscruises.com A Lisbon tuk-tuk tour offers a memorable introduction to one of Europe's most captivating capitals. From historic landmarks to scenic viewpoints and authentic local neighborhoods, it's an enjoyable way to experience the city's unique character. If you're looking for a relaxed and informative sightseeing adventure, a tuk-tuk tour is an excellent addition to your Lisbon itinerary. UP NEXT: We continue our look at Puerto Rico, where the government has stepped up its tourism in the last year and is spending millions to attract us. It's more than coffee, casinos, rum and beaches. After leaving Ponce recently, we headed into the El Yunque rain forest, the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System. Then, a visit to seductive San Juan, with adventure, night life, fine dining and an inviting old town and gorgeous hotels and resorts. If this destination sparked your wanderlust, there’s plenty more waiting for you explore more travel stories and inspiration over at WhereIsCookie.com