In Denmark the Maypole tradition is all but extinct. Originally, a real tree was used as dancers greeted the spring. Happily, we found a Maypole where the tradition is still observed, last spring south of Funen in Denmark. May Day is celebrated in a popular London pub, with outdoor baskets outside and more flowers inside. Baskets remain through summer. HAPPY MAY ! ENJOY SPRING FLOWERS, SMELL THE ROSES, MAKE WAY FOR PLEASURES OF THE SEASON STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER 'The Carpe Diem Kids' SO MUCH has changed since last May Day. We celebrated the holiday in Denmark, then toured the Baltic and other countries of Northern Europe. We looked forward to treasured time in Montana with family and friends, and back in southern California, went about our busy routine of plays, concerts, fund raisers, dinners out. This May Day basket carries spring flowers, and is left on the door of a friend, a custom dating back centuries. Bruce Keller photographed this bottle brush bloom today in La Jolla, Calif. Have a happy blooming May Day! We didn't realize how critical to our sanity were those pleasures --the treasured holidays, and the discipline of working on our shared and separate projects. IN THE last spring of her life, my mother and I reflected on our family's May Day tidings. We remembered the May Day baskets she supervised when we were kids. Under her artistic tutelage, we cut colored construction paper into four sides and stapled the pieces together, then made handles of strings of doubled ribbon. We put stickers on the baskets, filled them with candy and flowers, placed them on our neighbors' doorsteps or hung from the door knob, rang the bell -- then ran. Such innocent, sweet fun. Thousands demonstrated in Istanbul's Taksim Square. THROUGH THE years, various events and situations gave May Day new meaning. Besides a time to welcome the change of season (spring in the Northern Hemisphere, autumn in the Southern), the day became associated with workers and labor. May Day tidings with a political spin In the 19th century, particularly in western countries, the day came to represent labor movements for workers rights. In the U.S., May Day demonstrations resulted in the eight-hour work day. We've photographed May Day demonstrations in Cairo, Istanbul and Athens, and because Keller and I have such happy memories Our garden boasts an array of blooms this spring. These are "basket bound" for an elderly pal. of making May Day baskets as kids, we are making one this year, both to remind of our childhood days and take our minds off Covid. Although it's too early for hollyhocks in Montana, there are jonquils and tiny blossoms on the hillsides, and this photo from last summer to remind of our home. WHILE WE are cutting and stapling, we're playing an audio tape about the history of the holiday, always celebrated on May 1. May Day goes back to Roman times as a festival of flowers. Even then, people made small baskets filled with treats or flowers to give secretly to friends and neighbors, just as we did in the 1950s. Beltane in Edinburgh means a large bonfire and offerings of food and drink to the fairies, all "good witches." In Germanic countries, the Festival of Flora, the Roman Goddess of flowers is celebrated. Were it not for Covid, our English cousins would be celebrating May Day, too, crowning a May Queen and having a dance around the maypole, as our Scandinavian cousins would be doing. A windy sail last May Day off the coast of Funen. THE EARLIEST May Day documentation I could find predates Christianity. In Pagan cultures, the tradition of the Celtic celebration of Beltane is celebrated today, a holdover from Pagan times. Most pagan celebrations were either abandoned or evolved into Christian holidays during the conversion of Europe. For my cousins in Edinburgh and Dublin, Beltane remains a day of celebration. Some claim to be Wiccans and consider themselves "good witches. The fire they light today celebrates Beltane and honors fertility and abundance, of special significance to Wiccans. My friends take part in the same customs their ancestors did, making offerings to the fire of food and drink for the "aos si" -- elves or fairies. Pronounce it "ees shee," or the older Celtic form "ays sheeth-uh," the term for a supernatural race in both Irish and Scottish mythology. WHATEVER your pleasure or belief, enjoy the day. The ruins of Guatemala's proud Mayan culture await next week. UP NEXT: Readers are wondering when they'll be back on the road with our columns and we're asking ourselves the same question: when will we be traveling again? We'll resume our regular travel columns next week, on May Day, with a visit to magnificent Mayan ruins in Guatemala, a trip we took just before Covid halted our travel -- and yours. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us Fridays for a fresh look at travel, nature, food, the arts and more: whereiscookie.com

Adobe ranch house, gardens, hiking trails, history await visitors to San Diego's treasured Los Penasquitos   The ranch house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, as the Johnson-Taylor Adobe Ranch House.'' Thistle is abloom in glorious purple on a hiking trail. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER NOT FAR  from the bustle of city life, the sounds of airplanes taking off and the hum of traffic and commuter trains ,  a quiet and restful haven awaits in southern California. Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve is a wonderful place to spend a morning or afternoon -- hiking, biking, picnicking, learning about a historic part of southern California. Nubian goats are part of the fun for school kids and families.   Egg-laying chickens entertain city kids and archaeological digs are ongoing, finding new information about the long history of human habitation at Los Penasquitos.  ITS ROOTS GO  deep and way back. For as long as 12,000 years, the Kumeyaay people lived in beautiful  Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve in the Los Penasquitos Canyon, attracted to the artesian spring, plentiful food and  other abundant natural resources.. School outings are welcome to walk around the 1800s adobe house and grounds. IN 1769 SAN DIEGO  was founded by Spanish soldiers and priests and a mission was built nearby.  Fast forward to 1823, when Capt. Francisco Maria Ruiz was granted 4,000 acres by the first Mexican governor of California. From this land grant, two small adobe buildings rose up. The ranch remained in the family through battles and droughts. Even after changes of owners and bank foreclosures, the place survived, through incarnations as a cattle ranch and lemon farm. Thoroughbred horses galloped there for a time and the Alvarado, Johnson, Taylor and Mohnike families took turns at farming and other enterprises.  A wood barn and other buildings arose, surrounded by wild flowers and many birds and mammals . The views along the hiking and biking trails are wonderful in "Little Cliffs." Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve... WHERE IS THIS  wonderful place? Most San Diegans know Interstate 15, which forms the eastern boundary of Rancho Peñasquitos, with Carmel Mountain Ranch on the far side. Los Penasquitos means "little cliffs" and one can imagine the thrill of early explorers looking upward to the screech of hawks. We loaded up our bicycles, and headed out, picnic and Yorkshire terrier in tow.  Leashed dogs are allowed, but when we biked, we made sure Nick and Nora had plenty of water and were comfy in the shaded car with open windows. Then the four of us lunched under a massive oak tree 50 yards from the ranch house. SCHOOL KIDS were also enjoying an outing, and sat attentively while a staffer explained the history of the home, and the rich variety of wildlife.  Snakes were shown to the students, with an explanation of which ones to watch out for, since rattlers inhabit the rocky terrain. The city of San Diego operates Los Penasquitos, with gardens, hiking trails and historic home. WE WERE delighted to discover that remains of the prehistoric culture can still be found, with artifacts and fossils in the ranch house named after those lovely "little cliffs" on the hills.   A plaque denotes Rancho Santa Maria de los Penasquitos, with parts of the original walls. The ruins of stalwart structures of adobe are fascinating, and the splendid canyon and walking trails wind through 4,000 acres of the Penasquitos and Lopez canyons.  It's one of  the largest urban parks in the United States .  THE PRESERVE  has an exciting history. In 1823, when Ruiz was awarded his acreage -- it was as thanks for his service as Commandant of the San Diego residio. The land -- at the eastern part of the Canyon -- extended into Sabre Springs and up to Rancho Bernardo. Ruiz spent many years in loyal service to Mexico, and this splendid canyon was his reward. He built a one-room adobe casa there in 1824.   THREE OF the walls of his revered home remain in the main ranch house conference room.  What a thrill to visit, and realize you're standing in the oldest remaining private structure in San Diego. Community gardens and many other attractions await, including a waterfall cascading through volcanic rock; a streamside forest of giant California live oaks; groves of majestic sycamore trees; a year-round stream populated by Pacific tree frogs, crayfish and large mouth bass;a freshwater marsh hosting many aquatic birds including great blue herons, egrets and mallard ducks and more; mule deer, bobcat, coyote and raccoon along with other mammals. www.sandiego.gov/park-and-recreation/parks/osp/lospenasquitos NEXT UP:   A toast, and a seaborne salute to Flagship Cruises. Flagship's boats are known for their elegance and spirit of fun. The operation has been entertaining people in southern California for decades, with elegant dinner cruises and fantastic whale watching treks. Sail the high seas with us, remembering to explore, learn and live. And don't miss Stillwater Protective Association's July 16 fundraiser, with a lively country band, fine food, drink and company, and an opportunity to support a grassroots organization that watches over the land for all of us. More next week at whereiscookie.com

Delicate seahorses are one of the stars at Birch Aquarium in La Jolla, California, and a major San Diego attraction. SMALL BUT MIGHTY La JOLLA AQUARIUM CHARMS WITH ITS FINE COLLECTION, EXCELLENT DISPLAY, WITH USER-FRIENDLY CONSERVATIONISM SHOWING OFF LOCAL SEA WONDERS Beautifully kept tanks and carefully planned exhibits give up-close viewing. Here, a 30-pound grouper glides through the waters. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER WE DRIVE past Birch Aquarium in La Jolla several times a week, so last weekend was the time to check it out. We had curious and photogenic guests -- our niece and her young precocious three-year-old. Anemone, abalone, sea urchins and kelp make a fine, natural display. So the four of us stepped into the wonderland of this small, beautifully curated aquarium. Our great-niece, Peny Ganner, enjoys Birch's water-driven play. From the moment you enter the door, you'll feel the privilege of keeping company with the exotic sea creatures that make their home along the Pacific Coast of southern California. The kelp forest attracts a stunning variety of life that gives this part of the country its diversity of fishes and invertebrates. YOU CAN mingle with this appealing diversity: sharks, starfish, anemone and sea horses, sharing the learning and the appreciation with kids, grandchildren, neighbors, friends. It's a wonderful family outing. We took our niece, Amarylla, and her youngster, our great-niece Peny, and had a marvelous afternoon, both indoors and outside. Hands on exhibits include this shark display for fun photo possibilities. Here three generations of ocean lovers: from left, Peny and Amarylla Ganner and their "Auntie Cookie," Christene Meyers The Birch Aquarium in La Jolla is located on a pretty perch on the bluffs of La Jolla, where the world famous University of California San Diego does its Graceful jellyfish float and flit about, to the delight of visitors. groundbreaking research through Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego. Birch Aquarium is all about public outreach, education and creating a savvy "next generation" of conservationists and aware consumers. A continuing list of creative programs both inside the aquarium and around the city is offered for schools and kids of all ages attracts hundreds of ocean lovers. Next week, observe grunion spawn on La Jolla beaches, and watch them hatch during a special presentation. An exhibit, "Feeling the Heat," teaches about climate science and global warming. OUR NIECE, Peny, was fascinated by the interactive tide pools and exhibitions for all things under the sea in an oceanside building. We spent a leisurely two hours walking through the exhibits, returning to enjoy the whales, jellyfish and gorgeous seahorses, all among the most popular exhibits. A tank of sardines greets you in the lobby of Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego. San Francisco aquarium charms, too Our time there was particularly fun because we represented three generations and the age range of our fellow ocean admirers followed suit. at play inside he aquarium. We've also appreciated and enjoyed Birch Aquarium's participation in the wonderful Flagship whale watching adventures from downtown. Each year, we join Flagship's daily gathering of tourists and locals to embark on a thrilling journey to watch migrating whales. The experts are always knowledgeable and enthusiastic and Birch Aquarium at Scripps provides the experts. IF YOU ARE lucky, you can also watch the whales from Birch Aquarium's ringside viewing area. Right outside the aquarium, Birch has designed a lovely area to watch the longest mammal migration in the world, when approximately 20,000 gray whales pass San Diego on their annual 10,000-mile round-trip journey from the Bering Sea to the lagoons of Baja ... Penelope Margaret Ganner enjoys the whale sculptures and pools near the entrance to Birch Aquarium, 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, Calif. Candere Cruising of Seattle provides unique water experience with Captain Dylan designing a custom made day at sea. UP NEXT: If you're planning a visit to the other end of the west coast, the Pacific Northwest, Candere Cruising can provide a spectacular, tailor-made tour of Seattle. From cocktails, to browsing the neighborhoods of Seattle's waterways, Captain Dylan can design an unforgettable day on the water. Remember to enjoy, explore and learn and catch us each weekend for a unique approach to nature and the arts. whereiscookie.com

November's Guy Fawkes Day celebrates a plot's failure with bonfire, fireworks, merriment STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER & CM "The Carpe Diem Kids" Guy Fawkes Day offered a dream come true opportunity for Bruce Keller, who lit the bonfire in Yorkshire, UK. Guy Fawkes Day celebrates the failure of a 1605 plot to overthrow the King and blow up Parliament. It has largely lost its political connotations and is now a day of social gatherings, a meal, fireworks and, of course, a bonfire. MOST AMERICANS don't know much about Guy Fawkes or the day that honors his failed plot centuries ago to overthrow government. But it's a big deal in England, and we were in Yorkshire for last year's merry celebration. Guy Fawkes Night -- also known as Guy Fawkes Day, Bonfire Night or Fireworks Night -- is an annual commemoration observed on Nov. 5, primarily in Great Britain. It celebrates the failure of a 1605 plot by zealous Catholics to blow up Parliament and assassinate King James I who they believed was persecuting their people. Bruce Keller lights the flame to burn an effigy of Guy Fawkes, whose 1605 plot failed. IN YORKSHIRE, the holiday has a tinge of irony because that's where the rebel who gave the event its name was born. My husband, photographer Bruce Keller, was fascinated by the party preparation. Our host, Sue Speight, made sugary sweets and tasty chili. But what intrigued Keller most was the fire. Like many lads, he was a childhood pyromaniac, who accidentally ignited his back yard. Hearing that the celebration involved a bonfire, he was thrilled. He was invited to set the blaze of piles of trash, paper and wood scraps contributed by neighbors and topped with a straw-filled effigy of poor Guy Fawkes. Friends and neighbors gather for fireworks, sparklers, supper, sweets and beverages in the Speight barn. The finale: burning of Guy Fawkes. IN ITS EARLY days, the event was designed to reinforce anti-Catholic sentiment and the power of the Protestant state. Effigies of Guy Fawkes and the Pope were traditionally burnt accompanied by anti-Catholic sermons in Church. Today, that's gone and the festival has largely lost its religious and political connotations. We enjoyed plot toffee, new to us, a brittle and savory rich dark toffee, broken into pieces and traditionally served only on "Bonfire Night." Our host, Sue Speight said, "It's a chance to gather, to bring together neighbors and generations, have a nice meal and a bit of fun. We had Sue's delicious chili, but sometimes the celebration includes hot pork pies and those famous mushy peas. For dessert, we enjoyed Sue's parkin, a succulent ginger and syrup cake. We also had her excellent plot toffee, a brittle candy broken into pieces and served only on Bonfire Night. Bonfire Night host Sue Speight, right, with guests Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers. IN LONDON and other UK cities, public events are held in major parks like Alexandra Palace and Battersea Park. And while the focus is now on community celebrations with food and fireworks, villages also host smaller, local events to share the history of the plot to blow up Parliament and assassinate the king. This failed plot sparked the tradition, which Parliament established in 1506 as a day of public thanksgiving. Guy Fawkes was a devout Catholic, whose plot didn't produce his desired effect, but did spark a centuries old holiday with sweets and bonfires. ******************************** Lisbon's bustling Mercado is a colorful place to visit, with a bounty of fresh produce, here peppers. UP NEXT: Lisbon's allure. One of the world's great seaports, this old, intriguing city has a wealth of wonders to explore, from markets to museums and more. We take you there, in a tuk-tuk, that fun and leisurely way to get to know Portugal's capital city.

GLORIOUS DECORATIONS, LIGHTS ENTERTAIN THOUSANDS OF INTERNATIONAL VISITORS WHO ENJOY THE DECOR -- MAKE RESERVATIONS AHEAD FOR YOUR VISIT Mission Inn is aglow and magical this time of year in Riverside, California STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" Cookie and Keller pause in front of the historic hotel. FOR THREE DECADES, the historic Mission Inn in Riverside, Calif., has lit itself up for the holidays to the delight of thousands of appreciative onlookers. People book rooms -- often a year or two in advance -- so they can bunk, dine and stroll happily among the splendidly lit decorations for a few days. This year, the famous hotel has more than five million lights ablaze. Carriages, beautifully decorated, and well tended horse's offer beauty and entertainment. The lights accent displays ranging from classic Biblical scenes to tableaux from the beloved "Nutcracker" ballet, to a fanciful Santa with reindeer and elves. THE Mission Inn magic traces back to 1874 when a when a Wisconsin civil engineer arrived in Riverside. C.C. Miller began work on an inspired water system, and with his family, started a small boarding house in the center of town. A docent tour takes guests into lobbies, alcoves Handsome, merry nutcrackers and friends provide color as they line the balconies and walkways. The inn was popular with travelers and its reputation grew. The Miller family accented it with their own art collection. In 1902, Miller's son Frank Augustus Miller changed the name to the "Glenwood Mission Inn" and started a much grander vision enlarging the grounds and adding buildings, in a variety of styles, He continued the expansion until he died in 1935. THE YOUNGER Miller's architectural flair resulted in an eclectic structural blend drawn from a variety of influences. His study of historical design periods, revivals, influences, and styles created today's delightful property. Mission Inn Magic spotlights its Spanish mission-style design. The inn is the crowning jewel of a charming downtown which includes galleries, museums, bistros, taverns and a performing arts center. The inn is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is a State of California Historic Landmark, and is a member of Historic Hotels of America. Tours of the property are available through the Mission Inn Foundation, which operates the enterprise. Along with architectural styles and furnishings from around the world, the inn contains dozens of entertaining stories, which docents colorfully share.. /www.missioninn.com/ Bright pastels dot the rocky terrain which rises from the sea in Monterosso. UP NEXT: Ah, Cinque Terre. Five villages of heaven on Earth. Gorgeous pastels, picturesque villages, water, flowers, pleasant people, fabulous seafood. Sounds too good to be true. But this lovely array of small, welcoming towns is a favorite of Cookie and Keller. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly when we post a fresh spin on travel, performance, nature, family and more. Check back often and use our pieces for travel and entertainment tips around the world.

Peggy Sue's diner is a classic '50s diner, with fine food and a treasure trove of movie memorabilia collected by its owners. Dine with Elvis, James Dean, Marilyn Monroe, John Wayne and many others from the movie glory days of the 1950s. Peggy Sue Gabler was a Hollywood actor in the 1950s. Her husband, Champ, worked nearby at Knott's Berry Farm, Los Angeles. The couple developed the diner as a colorful way to share their extensive collection of movie memorabilia MOVIE MEMORABILIA SPICES UP THE LONG DRIVE BETWEEN LOS ANGELES OR SAN DIEGO AND LAS VEGAS STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" Actor James Dean leads the way to the colorful restroom. Behind the Dean manikin are photos of him with Marilyn Monroe, and other classic Hollywood portraits. IF YOU ARE old enough to remember the colorful diners and coffee shops of the 1950s, you'll find yourself in nostalgia heaven at Peggy Sue's '50s Diner near Yermo, Calif., an original roadside attraction built in 1954. Turn your mental clock back 60-plus years, to the movies, fashions, food and fads of the day. Prepare your taste buds and sharpen up your sense of humor. Hit the I-15 and take the Ghost Town exit near Yermo. You'll be at Peggy Sue's, where friendly smiles and speedy service begin your journey into the past. Take your pick from nine counter stools and three boths. Have a look at the hot pink menu, place your order, then enjoy the ambiance and a pleasant overload of movie memorabilia. At Peggy Sue's diner PERHAPS YOU'LL choose the Marlon Brando mushroom cheese burger, or the Buddy Holly bacon cheese burger. Maybe you fancy a Patti Page tuna melt or John Wayne's barbecue sandwich. Gary Cooper's ham and cheese on rye is tasty and Fabian's French dip charmed photographer Keller, who wandered around the place with his cameras for over an hour. Peggy Sue's is pure fun, with a capital "F." Set in the shadow of the Calico Mountains, the diner was built from railroad ties and held together with mortar from the nearby Union Pacific Rail Yard. Portraits of many Hollywood stars -- most of them signed -- cover the walls at Peggy Sue's. Our planned "quick stop" turned into a two-hour journey down Memory Lane with a leisurely lunch and enjoyable self-guided tour. A fun little gift shop sells all manner of memorabilia, posters, signs, and many fun road-trip souvenirs. Peggy Sue's waitresses greet you in colorful pastels reminiscent of the 1950s diners where a good burger and piece of pie were standard fare. The place induced such a happy reverie that we plan to return each time we drive through the desert on our frequent forays to and from Las Vegas. The imaginatively decorated diner is a love song to the 1950s, crafted by a California couple whose enthusiasm for Hollywood and show business is contagious. The Duke has plenty of wall space at Peggy Sue's. The ladies restroom offers this surprise! A mural, all in good fun. CHAMP AND PEGGY Sue Gabler came to Yermo from Southern California in 1981, and rescued the diner which was falling into disrepair. After careful restoration, they opened it in 1987, using their memorabilia, imaginations and elbow grease. The result is a kitschy "not to miss" place to stop for fine fare and nicely preserved movie souvenirs and effects. Peggy Sue's Diner is a 10,000-square-foot '50s fantasyland with Tinseltown memorabilia and many famous customers. For us, it livens up the tedious drive between Los Angeles or San Diego and Las Vegas. IT'S A THROWBACK to another time. This '50s style diner entertains with remarkable memorabilia, friendly service and fine fare. And yes, chicken fried steak, great burgers and meatloaf appear, along with homemade pie and sodas fresh from the fountain. This treasure is in Yermo, California. Editor's Note: Peggy Sue's 50's Diner,a popular roadside stop on I-15, is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a gift shop and diner menus, pizza parlor and more. Opens around 7 a.m. Check the website: peggysuesdiner.com Cookie (aka Christene Meyers) prepares for an assault on LEGOLAND with her niece, Amarylla Ganner, and great-niece and nephew, Peny and James Ganner. UP NEXT: Get ready for LEGOLAND! Rest up folks, because it's going to be a hectic, lively ride. We took to the famous amusement diversion recently, with our niece and her two enthusiastic youngsters. We rode rides, admired all the Legoland characters, stayed in the lovely nearby Hilton Garden Inn, walked miles and came back happy -- and exhausted. Tips on taking kids to the engaging site, and more. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us Fridays when we post a lively look at travel, the arts, family and nature. Check regularly for travel tips at whereiscookie.com

Enchanted families have the rare experience of being up close and personal with dolphins in Hilton Waikoloa Village's acclaimed Dolphin Quest program. Participants may help feed the mammals, swim with them, watch them play and bond with them in unique ways. Enchanted families have the rare experience of being up close and personal with dolphins in Hilton Waikoloa Village's acclaimed Dolphin Quest program. Participants may help feed the mammals, swim with them, watch them play and bond with them in unique ways. GETTING UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH ONE OF NATURE'S STARS OF THE SEA -- ENJOY DOLPHINS FROM A BOAT OR 'IN PERSON' WITH A SWIM STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER 'The Carpe Diem Kids' Dolphins are very intelligent and bond with the highly skilled trainers. They know each other by name and develop close relationships. IF YOU YEARN to connect with another species, and have watched in wonder the joyful antics of dolphins, there's no better place to bond with these playful and intelligent creatures than a dolphin encounter at Hilton Waikoloa Village's Dolphin Quest. We watched these graceful and friendly mammals recently with a few dozen other hotel guests during their regular morning play time near the resort complex's stylish Makai Tower. WHAT A THRILL. What a treat. Their eyes seem to express their love of humans, and their faces actually seem to smile as families gather on the shore of the lagoon to watch, then walk into the waters and commune for a thrilling half hour. As preparation, we did some homework on Dolphin Quest, which operates in Bermuda, Oahu and on The Big Island. It was at that operation on the Kona Coast where we experienced the dolphin magic during a week-long stay. Skilled trainers work with the dolphins each day; their care is meticulous. THE PROGRAM was developed by compassionate veterinarians specializing in marine mammals, and its founding premise is all about connecting humans with these fascinating, intelligent creatures. A primary goal is to educate the next generation to appreciate and nurture them. There are other dolphin experiences in the world, but this one gets top reviews for its focus on quality animal care and education. Training programs ensure that staff are committed to loving care of the animals and the program's mission: to enrich the lives of these wonderful dolphins and foster respect and appreciation for marine life. We watched on the lawn as families gathered for the experience. It's expensive -- but every single person we chatted with after the session was thrilled. "Once in a life time," said one beaming grandmother. She treated her daughter, son-in-law and three kids and said "It's the best money I ever spent. Absolutely worth every penny!" While parents, grandparents, aunties and uncles bring their little ones into the water, photographers wade in, too. For the money, a 45-minute experience includes a briefing session, then a half-hour with the dolphins, to touch, play and perhaps help with feeding. The group is limited to six, so you're able to join another small family if you are only two or three, or you can book the private six-maximum experience. Individual tickets start at $269 for the 45-minute session (there's a pre-dolphin briefing then a half-hour with them.) There's a 30-minute possibility starting at $230, for kids only, highly supervised by the well trained and congenial staff. We watched hosting parents, grandparents and aunties take photos from the side lines, delighting in watching their progeny so excited in the water. WE WERE SO captivated by the experience that we watched it part of each day for a week, from our ringside balcony seats in Makai, at Hilton Waikoloa Village. The lush landscape of blooming plumeria, orchids, bougainvillea and palms makes a beautiful backdrop for the dolphin experience. Twice a week, early morning, before the Dolphin Quest experience begins, trainers work with the beautiful mammals, while guests at Hilton Waikoloa Village enjoy and learn. ANOTHER HAPPY person, father of a young daughter, said it was "an extraordinary bonding experience -- for all of us: for me with my kid, for each of us with the dolphins. It was quite magical." Photographers join the group at a respectful distance, recording the experience for souvenir photos, which are an additional cost. Special needs children and adults with disabilities are also happily accommodated on an individual basis. The staff goes out of its way to tailor each experience, so everyone is happy and gets what he or she is looking for. Extraordinary customer service and great awareness of COVID protocol, hygiene and safety have made the program a rollicking success. If one thinks about the benefits of the time with these graceful, affectionate creatures, it's a worthy investment of time and money. Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers saw dolphins with a Body Glove cruise and swam with them at Hilton's Waikoloa Village. The Big Island offers dolphin fun galore! And can one really put a price on something that accomplishes so much in so little time? The smiles tell it all. On both human and dolphin! To swim with dolphins: dolphinquest.com/health/ reservations@dolphinquest.com Hilton Waikoloa Village is at 425 Waikoloa Beach Drive, Waikoloa, HI 96738 To enjoy Kailua-Kona's natural wonders from the sea, consider Body Glove Hawaii. The excellent operation offers fabulous outings -- snorkel and sea life sightings -- and a fun, educational dinner cruise to the Captain Cook Monument. Fine food, cocktails and a crash course in the island's colorful history. We took our family of six, saw dolphins and whales. 12 thumbs up! bodyglovehawaii.com Keller and Cookie, ready for take-off, for a bird's eye view of Kauai, here with Air Ventures at the Lihue Airport. UP NEXT: Hawaii's magic is timeless -- we've proven that in over a half-century of visits. This trip takes us first to quiet, lush Kauai, "the garden isle," known for its verdant landscapes, pleasant people and tranquil surroundings. And there's nothing like taking it all in by air. We head for the Lihue Airport to hop aboard a state of the art air van, with Air Ventures Hawaii. What a thrill to see the beauty of this lovely island from on high. Remember to explore, learn and live. Catch us weekly for a fresh spin on travel and more: www.whereiscookie.com

Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth, both behatted, on a royal outing celebrating her 90th birthday. The couple has sustained a long, loving partnership through many ups and downs in country and family. WHY THE ROYAL FUSS? POMP, PAGEANTRY, THEATER, TRADITION, FAMILY - AND LOTS OF HATS Four generations of Windsors mark the line of succession to the throne. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER, CM & Archives Princess Elizabeth became Queen Elizabeth on June 2, 1953, here with Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, greeting the happy throngs. (They will celebrate their 71st wedding anniversary in November of this year.) 'WHY DON'T you write about your fascination with the Royal Family?" my partner and fellow travel writer-photographer Bruce Keller asked me. "You've seen more royals than most Montanans -- probably more than most Americans. And you adore the royal family and all the pomp and circumstance." I do love "my royals." I've met the Queen Mum and her granddaughter, Princess Anne, the Queen's only daughter. I perfected my curtsy in July of 1977 when I was invited to a four-day celebration of Queen Elizabeth II's 25th year on the throne. (Knees bent, one foot slightly in front of the other. No problem.) Princess Anne meets gentle giant actor Richard Kiel, who stood 7 feet, 2 inches. He played the character Jaws in the James Bond film, "The Spy Who Loved Me." Princess Anne represented her mother, QEII, at the 1977 screening in London. SO WITH the spotlight on the wedding and honeymoon of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, I offer a few thoughts on my enduring affection for the royals -- and all things pomp and circumstance. My love affair with them began when I was a toddler, on June 2, 1953. I remember it well. Queen Mum: Beloved and always "hatted" The occasion was Queen Elizabeth's coronation -- the first to be televised. I sat on my mum's lap (yes, we called her mummy, not mama), holding my grandmum's hand. We were glued to the set, along with 27 million others in the United Kingdom and twice that many Americans. Our three generations joined a fascinated global retinue -- my mother, her mother, I and my infant sister. It all seemed splendid. I asked if the Queen's gown, cape and jewels were heavy. "Yes, they probably weigh half as much as the Queen," mum replied, "for "Elizabeth is a small, elegant woman, don't you know." AS PRINCE Harry takes actress Meghan Markle to be his wife, it will be very theatrical. "That's why you love all this," my Keller chides. "It's your theater background." Champagne toast: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle earlier this year. He's right, of course. What could be more theatrical than centuries-old coaches made of gold, tiaras that weigh more than my Yorkshire terriers, oversized hats, soldiers, horses and endless parties, receptions, concerts and, yes, curtsies. Not least: family. Meghan is changing the royal family and the way it views things. She's divorced, her mother is a proud woman of color. She's American! I've written magazine and newspaper articles about meeting "my two" memorable royals in July of 1977. I was invited by United Artists and the Silver Jubilee to cover the celebration during Queen Elizabeth II's 25th anniversary as monarch. Princess Diana and Prince Charles at their wedding in 1981, leaving St. Paul's Cathedral which offered more seating than Westminster. The United Artists film, "The Spy Who Loved Me," was part of the festivities and Princess Anne attended in her mother's place. I remember her as gracious and beautiful, in a satin gown. She daintily shook hands with Sir Roger Moore, who played Bond, and Richard Kiel, who played his nemesis, Jaws. (Kiel's hand was huge, so Princess shook only a finger. My photos proved that.) Later, I met Queen Mum at a reception. Queen Elizabeth II in 1984, purchasing souvenirs in Wyoming. She bought some fishing hook ties for Philip. I AROSE EARLY to watch Princess Diana marry Prince Charles, and sadly visited the tunnel in Paris where she met her fate. When in 1984, Queen Elizabeth II came to Wyoming to look at horses, no reporters were allowed. It was a private visit. Both she and Prince Philip liked Wyoming. An expert rider, the Queen inspected thoroughbreds, rode, hiked and kept a low profile, calling it a private vacation -- no interviews. She did go shopping in Sheridan, dispelling the myth that she carried nothing in her purse. Friends who saw her at Ritz Sporting Goods in the small western town, said she paid cash for her souvenirs, including fishing hook ties for her beloved husband, Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Glenda Jackson as Queen Elizabeth I. She based at the Wallop family ranch in Big Horn and visited the nearby Bradford-Brinton Museum. Her hosts were her friend Lady Porchester, nee Jean Margaret Wallop, a Big Horn, Wyo., native and sister of another prominent Big Horn personality, Sen. Malcolm Wallop. The beloved late Queen Mum hoisting a pint at a pub in Odeon Square during Silver Jubilee. EVEN BEFORE I became a film reviewer, I saw every movie I could about the royals-- particularly Queen Elizabeth I and later Queen Elizabeth II. My favorite QEI actress is Glenda Jackson, although Judi Dench made a magnificent older royal. Bette Davis had just the right amount of grit to give her QEI the proper feistiness. Dame Judi Dench as Queen Elizabeth I. Many actors have played the famous royal. As for the reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II has spent over 65 years on the throne and has been fodder for pop culture ever since I watched her put on that first crown -- little Cookie sitting glued to the family's first television. She has been the subject of many impersonations -- including some irreverent ones by Monty Python and many others. The Queen is said to have a good sense of humor -- she'd have to. Cookie and Keller met the Queen Elizabeth when she sailed into Long Beach. That's the ship, not the sovereign. An avowed "cruise junkie," Cookie has fond memories of many QEII sails. MY FAVORITE ship by far is the now retired Queen Elizabeth II. I crossed the Atlantic on her seven times and sailed the Norwegian fjords and Mediterranean on her. The new Queen Elizabeth is lovely, too, but my heart yearns for the days of dinner in the Queen's Grill, and an interview with Kevin Kline or Josh Logan, two of many celebs I interviewed on that venerable ship. I'd love to interview the Queen -- or at least meet her -- but if not, I've had a good life with "my royals." I wish Harry and Meghan my own royal best. A fabulous ensemble interacts with an appealing gaggle of puppets in the smash hit "Avenue Q" at New Village Arts. NEXT UP: It's been a year of ups and a few downs, since Bruce William Keller had his successful liver transplant. Several hundred readers want to know how it's gone so -- not known for wall flower protocol -- "Nurse Cookie" tells almost all, including how Keller is doing ("fabulous," he says) and how she nearly lost her nurse's cap. Tune in and remember to explore, learn and live. BEST BET: "Avenue Q" at New Village Arts Theatre in Carlsbad, is the most refreshing musical to come down the recent theatrical pike in our prolific, play-loving corner of southern California. Human actors sing, dance, tease and experience life along with a gaggle of charming, hand-operated puppets. We saw the Broadway production and loved it. But the intimate staging at New Village Arts puts the audience close-up and personal in a way the larger house couldn't. An extraordinary cast of strong voices carries out AJ Knox's snappy direction. The winning ensemble is backed by Nina Gilbert's fine musical quintet to share appealing stories and life lessons. Our opening weekend audience was captivated: SRO with cheers and a standing ovation! The storyline follows the denizens of a sketchy New York neighborhood but their problems are universal and tenderly told -- loneliness, money woes, confusion of goals and need for purpose. Don't miss it. newvillagearts.org

The Butchart Gardens dates back over 100 years with an international clientele. GARDENS BORN OF AN EXHAUSTED QUARRY DRAW INTERNATIONAL CROWDS TO A BEAUTY THAT SPEAKS ITS OWN LANGUAGE Keller and Cookie near the end of a flower filled and delightfully enchanting Butchart day. A staff of 50 gardeners maintains Butchart Gardens. Here one of their rakes. (30 work the grounds and 20 staff the greenhouse.) STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" The majesty and magic of Butchart Gardens in Victoria, B.C., have captivated millions since avid gardener and conservationist Jennie Butchart had an idea that evolved into a world famous attraction. THE GREAT Samuel Johnson's line about London applies to the world's most beautiful garden, too. Johnson said, "When one tires of London, one tires of life." And when one tires of the spectacular Butchart Gardens in Victoria, B.C., one should probably tidy up his affairs. You don't have to be a gardener yourself to appreciate beautifully placed flowers and beauty at Butchart Gardens. In a half-dozen visits to these gorgeously planted and immaculately tended gardens, I've never been disappointed. Butchart Gardens lifts the spirits, buoys the soul, delights the eye. Hanging begonias are in their glory at Butchart Gardens. I've seen magnificent azalea gardens in Maine, gorgeous desert gardens in Arizona, spectacular fields of perfectly poised marigolds in Brazil. The Japanese Garden at Butchart has, by tradition, lots of trees and meticulously manicured plantings shrubs. Singapore has beautiful botanical gardens and Shanghai and Kyoto have breathtaking gardens of native plants and shrubs. WHAT MAKES Butchart Gardens special is that it incorporates gardening techniques and planting themes from around the world, a global bouquet in a magical 55-acre spread. Visitors pose for photos as a way to remember the beauty at Butchart. Pioneers Robert and Jenny Butchart came to the place in 1904, attracted by rich limestone deposits he planned to quarry for Portland Cement. The enterprise made him a millionaire many times over. But Jenny's idea was equally lofty. A gardener and chemist with a fondness for plants, Jenny wanted to beautify her husband's exhausted quarry. She received his blessing and plied her unending curiosity about what would grow best where to establish a series of theme gardens which now attract millions of visitors worldwide. When her husband's quarry was exhausted, Jenny Butchart had a eureka moment, about which Cookie, far right, and millions, approve! THE FIRST of her gorgeous gardens was a "sunken garden," devised to pretty up the quarry after the limestone had been removed. Enterprising and determined, Jenny brought in tons of topsoil by horse and cart. Robert, pleased and proud of his wife's creativity, encouraged the project's expansion. The Italian garden followed -- supplanting a tennis court -- then a Japanese garden on the seaside, and breathtaking rose garden, with favorite varieties from around the world. As the Butcharts traveled the world, they brought back plants and ideas: a piazza with a waterwheel, artful Mediterranean garden and more themes evolved. The Butcharts named their estate "Benvenuto" -- Italian for "welcome"; today Butchart honors its name as it has done since Jenny had her idea in 1904. Part of the family still resides on the property -- which now boasts restaurants and an array of sculptures. Fountains, lilies and poppies, marigolds, petunias and more grace the Italian Gardens. Through the years, a concert pavilion, carousel, fireworks area and fountains were added. Unique gifts grace the place, including a stunning Dragon Fountain from the People's Republic of China and Victoria's sister-city, Suzhou. WE FLEW in to the gardens on our fist night in Victoria, a treat aboard Harbour Air, which the latest generation of Royals just flew. Towards sunset, we 10 passengers landed in Butchart Cove, a pretty walk away from the dining room where half of our group stayed for a leisurely dinner after deplaning Harbour Air. It was exciting to see these gorgeous gardens from the air by dusk, then to drive to Butchart the next sunny day. A SUNSET dinner cruise package includes the plane ride and Butchart dinner, through Harbour Air. A fun blend of seaplane adventure and gardening charms, worth the $100. Butchart is Victoria's number one tourist destination -- and you'll see why. UP NEXT: While we're in B.C., we have a look at a new favorite hotel in Vancouver, as we highlight this exciting west-coast port city, which rivals Seattle and San Francisco for spectacular scenery, parks and museums and plenty of entertainment for the tourist. We also take a spectacular dinner cruise, for sunset over the skyline of Vancouver. Vancouver's skyline is framed by a spectacular British Columbia sunset. Remember to explore, learn and live, and catch us weekly for a fresh look at artful, nature driven travel and arts pieces with a twist. Tell other intelligent life about whereiscookie.com

Ready for her close-up aboard an ice cream inspired steed is Penelope Margaret Ganner at the Museum of Ice Cream. There are several in the U.S. and Animation and old-fashioned fun are part of the attraction, here with Christene "Cookie" Meyers, right, and her niece Amarylla Ganner, on old-fashioned dial-ups. SPRINKLES POOL, ICE CREAM MEMORABILIA, TREATS, GAMES, NOSTALGIA AND LOTS OF PINK MAKE FOR FUN FAMILY OUTING IN SEVERAL ICE CREAM MUSEUMS STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" James Brian Ganner is adrift in sprinkles in one of the Museum of Ice Cream stops. It's a pool of non-edible sprinkles for kids of all ages. A Museum of Ice Cream experience brings out the kid in children of all ages Who likes ice cream? Apparently, people from all over the world shout, "We do! Make mine a double scoop." So we queued up with locals and visitors from Europe and Asia for a two-hour journey into the history, mystery and fun of ice cream at the Museum of Ice Cream's colorful New York venue, in SoHo. New Yorkers take to the fun, diving into a bouncy "pool" in one of many immersive exhibits. THERE'S A LOT of theater in an ice cream museum. They operate in several cities across the United States and in Singapore. Plans are to open more soon. One just opened in Las Vegas and another is nearly ready for Los Angeles ice cream aficionados. There are several smaller ice cream museums around the U.S., -- not part of the same chain. So check your destination to see if there's one around. They're great fun -- not really museums at all, but rather entertainment venues geared to family fun. From the moment you show your tickets and progress into the line, you're front and center for a bit of edible theater. First, you must have an ice cream name. Our party of six came up with some doozies: Keller was Peppermint KK. I was Cookie Monster Mocha. The rest of our clan signed in as Mint Chocolate Chip Daddy, Apricot Amarylla, Peachy Peny and Jelly Bean James. We took a fun family journey into the magic, mystery and joy of ice cream at the colorful venue. There's a lot of theater in these museums, from the moment you show your tickets and get in line for the first of of several interactive exhibits. Pink is a major color at the ice cream museums, with large sculptures, all in the theme of ice cream. Here Uncle Keller, Auntie Cookie" Peny and James pause during the two-hour ice cream immersion. The Museum of Ice Cream experience has its roots in New York where the concept was born. The Big Apple is famous for innovation and entrepreneur Maryellis Bunn is the brains behind this ambitious endeavor. She is founder of Figure8, Inc., the parent company of the Museum of Ice Cream. She pioneered the imaginative user-involved extravaganza with ice cream and candy themed exhibits, all brightly colored, in a maze of rooms containing a rock-candy cave, a unicorn, and the fabled swimming pool of rainbow sprinkles which made its way to the venue we chose. The exhibits are tailored as backdrops for selfies, and social media sites promote the exhibit. Tickets are not cheap and must be purchased in advance for specific time slots online only. There's ice cream and sweet treats all along the way. I asked about the term "museum" and was told it was chosen because the word is time honored, something people understand, identify with and would perhaps give it a try. One of the activities is a funny-face selfie camera that puts interesting adornments on people, here our family. THE TREATS are plentiful as there are tasting stations along the way: your choice of several samples. We enjoyed peach and mint chip mochi, popsicles of several flavors, cotton candy (pink of course), delicious fruit sherbet and ice cream cones, then at the last munchy stop, hot chocolate served in an old-fashioned '50s soda shop with whipped cream topping. The museums offer treats to cap the day, here samples of hot chocolate with cream. ALTHOUGH these ice cream places are not teaching institutions as are typical museums. But there are nods to ice cream's history with plaques and data about ice cream and its beginning. Ice cream has a time-honored past -- dating back hundreds of years to the Chinese and Romans, who used snow to ice the mixture long before refrigeration. The crowds are largely family-oriented -- grandparents and parents taking their kids on an outing, or great-aunties and uncles such as ourselves treating the family to a fun afternoon. Lots of pictures were taken; everyone had a cell phone. Instagram photos were in vogue. If you go, plan to just "roll with it" and rediscover your inner child. If you do, you'll enjoy it. Boston, Chicago, Miami, New York, Las Vegas and Singapore are ready for you, and more ice cream museums are in the works. museumoficecream.com Balboa Park in San Diego is a beloved urban park -- one of America's largest. It offers museums, a zoo, gardens, eateries, fountains and walking paths to attract international visitors and devoted locals. NEXT UP: Balboa Park is a beloved urban park, one of America's largest and a tribute to the vision of its founders, who conceived of the idea more than 150 years ago. Come with us to visit this San Diego wonder, with magnificent gardens, hiking and walking paths, a theater, concert venue, buskers, food aplenty, a green belt, a veritable 17-museum mecca, and the world famous San Diego Zoo. Meanwhile, remember to explore, learn and live and catch us each week for a fresh spin on at travel, nature, family, the arts and more.

An enthusiastic sportsman does a flip from a wakeboard behind a ski boat on Lake Tahoe. The beautiful background of mountains and trees forms a picture-perfect shoreline. Views from hotels in the Lake Tahoe area usually have spectacular views of lake, water,    ONCE THE FIRES ARE CONTAINED,  TAHOE AND TRUCKEE OFFER ACTION, OR PEACEFUL GET-AWAYS -- BY LAND, LAKE  MOUNTAINTOP -- STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS Eateries satisfy every taste, and many offer views of the spectacular water.  PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER A breathtaking sunset before the latest fires near Lake Tahoe draws the eye to the lake and surrounding woods, now in a blaze of fire and smoke. 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 in North Lake Tahoe and everything in between in the towns of Lake Tahoe and Truckee. Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers take in Lake Tahoe at least once a year. here, they are in the woods near the lake. TAHOE IS KNOWN for its steep granite cliff sides,  towering mountaintops, plus crystal-clear waters. This enticing combination earns the Tahoe area an international reputation with boaters, sailors, and water sports enthusiasts of all kinds.  The North Lake Tahoe area features a large, beautiful freshwater lake in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, straddling the border of California and Nevada. As in Vegas, the south shore casinos are open 24-7, but in Tahoe you'll likely have a view of the mountains -- not the wall -- when you take a break from the blackjack table.  Dining options abound from American to Chinese, Japanese to Vietnamese, and Italian, Greek and Thai. With a nod to its place in the west, you'll also find plenty of burger and steak options. IF YOU'RE looking for glitz, glamor and nightlife, the south shore of the lake is where you'll want to locate. The casinos are clean and most have smoke-free areas.  While there is not the multitude of shows one finds in Las Vegas, there's plenty to choose from -- comedy, live music, variety, and some decent bands for dancing. A stately home  in Tahoe's Incline Village. THE SIGNIFICANT difference between north and south Tahoe is in the bars and restaurants.  The south shore has plenty of both, many with live music.   The north is quieter, more laid-back, home to a more sedate community of full-time residents and wealthy "second home" people.  Tourists who stay here seek a more scenery-oriented country vacation experience. North shore towns are are smaller and more sedate, with businesses and eateries closing earlier than in the south. Small towns such as Incline Village offer beautifully landscaped residential areas and some palatial  private homes, many with boat houses and staff to run their high-end digs.  The scenery is spectacular. Fans of winter and cold-weather sport  will find plenty of options in that area, too.  LAKE TAHOE  is known for its beaches and ski resorts. Truckee is known for its logging, ice harvesting, the Emigrant Trail, and the tragic journey of the Donner Party, which spent a horrific winter struggling to survive and starving in the Sierra Nevada. We discovered new detail about their fascinating story at the well designed Donner Memorial State Park museum and Pioneer Monument. Hit the casinos or plan a dinner cruise on a river boat. Read a book with a view of the lake. Take to a rental boat, or grab your binoculars and take a bird watching hike. The area offers something for everyone. For more information or to help plan a stay: www.visitinglaketahoe.com UP NEXT : As summer winds down, we're celebrating labor as we've witnessed it these past months of  pandemic purgatory. Labor Day, 2021, is a time for us to express our gratitude to all those who have bravely entered into the work force -- whether in medicine and science, or at hospitals, hotels, malls, restaurants and transportation venues. Celebrating those who labor -- from taxi drivers to front-liners, up next at www.whereiscookie.com   Meanwhile, remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for a fresh spin on travel, the arts, nature, family and more.

San Diego venue plays host to international adventurers A gorgeous, golden afternoon brings out gliders galore to the famed Torrey Pines Gliderport north of San Diego, Calif. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER WITH THOUGHTS of Peter Pan -- or Sally Field in "The Flying Nun," -- I gazed, spellbound, as a 40-something man took flight. Folks bring chairs and watch the gliders. Our venue was the world famous Torrey Pines Gliderport San Diego, an historic flight park on the ocean's edge, founded in 1928. My "glider guide" was my partner, Bruce Keller, who has more tricks up his sleeve than a Las Vegas magician. Safely on terra firma, these gliders expressed elation at their experience. "I had no idea you knew so much about gliding," I gulped, as we walked to the edge of a cliff and he began to explain wind currents and sail plaining, describing all the necessary gear: reserve chutes, harnesses, helmets and more. He knows his stuff. I KNEW Keller spent years navigating the azure Pacific out his back door. He snorkel's, scuba dives, sails and swims. This fella understands wind, so I should have guessed he also has a handle on flying through the air with the greatest of ease. The Torrey Pines Gliderport in San Diego is an amazing sight, cherished by locals and a popular destination for tourists. Keller has admired it for years and takes pride in its global attraction. The Torrey Pines cliffs could be dangerous, but skilled gliders navigate them artfully. On our several visits together, we heard French, Italian, German and Japanese, along with the usual English and Spanish spoken in San Diego environs. Gliders float high above the Pacific, and see wonders beneath and all around. We watched as certified instructors coached people from their twenties well into their seventies in the art of flying high by the clouds. I GOT A crash course in paragliders and hang gliders. Hang gliders have solid wing structures and an aluminum frame, creating a V-shaped wing that resembles a stealth bomber. Paragliders have soft wing structures -- no internal frame. Once inflated, they take on an elliptical shape. TORREY Pines, a gorgeous, much photographed and well used scenic area in north La Jolla, is also a favorite of golfers -- you've seen televised tournaments there if you're an aficionado. The park is also beloved as a fundraising venue. Many films and commercials have been shot there, because of the stunning scenery. I watched in wonder as advanced gilders soared over the cliffs and ocean, sweeping magically, then eventually landing in one piece, with a graceful downward or sideways motion. The art is in moving their bodies to bend with the wind and navigating the way they want to. Wind conditions, of course, play a major role in the success of the adventure. Skilled gliders learn how to determine when the wind is best for prime soaring. I THINK of myself as a fairly gutsy gal, but I fear I haven't the courage to soar with the hawks. For now, I'm content to watch and sigh, eyes heavenward, as the Torrey Pines gliders show me their stuff. I'm no cliff hanger, except as an appreciator. And count me in as a fan of the Cliff Hanger Cafe at Torrey Pines Gliderport, which serves up yummy sandwiches, soups and salads. If you're braver than this reporter, you can hire certified instructors at the venue, or give a gift A glider lands with grace and ease at Torrey Pines Gliderport, which has been beloved since 1928. certificate to a loved one. Call 858 452-9858 or go to www.flytorrey.com GLIDING BUFFS are fit, trim and healthy looking. And if you're looking for a romantic adventure with your sweetheart, you can fly tandem. What a thought! Keller could nudge me to consciousness if I fainted from terror. Landlocked for now, Cookie may some day soar with the gliders. Could Nick and Nora come along? I long for the courage to brave it, for it looks like a wondrous pursuit -- the clouds close enough to touch, birds, whales and seals to enjoy, and the Pacific shimmering below. This past spring, we saw the migrating grey whales here, enroute to the Baja to give birth. For now, I'll do my flying in a 747. And my sailing in a boat. But maybe sometime I'll glide! If not in this life, then in the next! "Uncle Cog," Harry A. Cosgriffe, atop his favorite horse at his Crazy Mountain ranch. COMING SATURDAY: A tribute to a special uncle, as we attend his classic Montana send-off memorial. "Uncle Cog" was beloved by many and a weekend celebration to honor his memory included music, prose, flowers, food, dancing, reminiscing, tears and laughter. That's this July at www.whereiscookie.com Then we look at a family's challenge and rewards of nurturing a baby born with a birth defect. It truly takes a village! Plus more travel tips and photography pointers. Tune us in Wednesdays and Saturdays and remember to explore, learn and live.