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The Jacksonville Inn offers elegant, boutique style digs. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER THE ENTIRE  town of Jacksonville Oregon is on the National Historic Register. Jacksonville, Oregon, may be a small town known but it's known for its large atmosphere and broad appeal. Its trees, flowers are orchards handsomely groomed and abundant. The food is tasty and varied. Fruit and cheese are stars, with vineyards and tastings galore. The people are smart, friendly and welcoming. "Could you direct us to the closest winery?" we asked. "I'm going that way," the man in the truck motioned. Come on, follow me." WE RENTED a car to cap our week of play-going at nearby Ashland's Oregon Shakespeare Festival.  I'd remembered a long-ago concert at the world famous Britt Festival and knew that Jacksonville was a pleasant, half-hour drive away. Jacksonville sports several fun coffee houses. IT WAS A  pastoral journey down memory lane, through land glorious with fruit tree blossoms. As we entered the pretty town, we felt immersed in its history. At every turn are proudly maintained homes, churches, public buildings. More than 100 historic structures stand in the town founded in 1852.   Horses, dogs and cows seem content. Yet the landscape trumps everything in this breathtakingly beautiful town in southern Oregon. JACKSONVILLE  got its start during the "gold fever" days, for it was here that the Pacific Northwest's earliest gold discoveries occurred. The woods and world class music are part of  the Britt Festival's appeal. The front-and-center Jacksonville Inn welcomed us with its Western antiques and old-fashioned ambience.  The Inn has served several U.S. Presidents and is proud of its restaurant's carefully chosen menu. There are plenty of eateries, cafes and coffee shops, B&Bs, shopping and attractions, including a vintage trolley which will take you around in leisurely and colorful fashion. ONE OF THE  town's stand-outs, perhaps its most colorful offering, has put Jacksonville on the map.  It's the Britt Festival, a star of my youth, a musical extravaganza played out in a lovely wooded area right on the edge of town.  Last season's offerings ranged from  Cindy Lauper to Jeff Bridges, Michael Franti, REO Speedwagon, Kenny Loggins to the Doobie Brothers. Southern Oregon is full of unusual, fun small businesses, such as Gary West Artisan Smoked Meats. Yummy. Jacksonville's charming City Hall. WHILE YOU'RE  in a southern Oregon frame of mind, consider a trip to the coast.  Winchester Bay is one of the busiest fishing ports and you can book a scenic or sport fishing journey.  There are plentiful vineyards, and delightful shopping all along the way. Southern Oregon is generating tremendous interest among companies looking for a laid-back lifestyle in a setting where they can also compete. San Francisco is seven hours south and Portland five hours north! Medford offers direct flights to both cities. While in southern Oregon, you'll feel small-town charm with big-city appeal! COMING SOON : A world famous festival unfolds in nearby Ashland, at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Three unique theaters and a creative roster of plays charm visitors from all over the U.S. We blog about places, cruises, hotels, the hundreds of plays we see and the actors who perform in them. Let us know what you'd like to read about in our world travels: www.whereiscookie.com  Remember to explore, learn and live.  And please tell your friends.

Each of the nearly 3,000 victims of the 9-11 terrorist attack is remembered with a rose on his or her birthday.    The sound and sight of running water provide comfort and reminder to family, friends and visitors at the new Tower One memorial in New York's financial district. The new tower stands proudly where the Twin Towers were. RISING FROM THE ASHES, NEW TOWER REFLECTS AMERICA'S SPIRIT   Bruce Keller pays his respects at the stone slab monuments in the 9/11 Memorial Glade. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" THE HORRORS of September 11, 2001, will never vanish. But the beautiful new tower, sturdy stone slabs, soothing water and engraved names of victims help ease the pain of atrocities committed by terrorists on that sunny autumn day 20 years ago.  We've twice visited the new One World Trade Center and are moved by the reverence people pay as they view the main building of the rebuilt World Trade Center complex in Lower Manhattan, New York City.  One WTC is the tallest building in the United States, the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, and the sixth-tallest in the world. Its 104 stories tower a symbolic 1,776 feet above sea level, providing a symbol of hope for many U.S. citizens and people around the world. One World Trade Center celebrates America. It honors our country's endurance and spirit and is nicknamed 1WTC. For many itstands for the unwavering optimism of our country, which continues to look forward and dream big. The stone slab monuments, named the 9/11 Memorial Glade, recognize "the health impact of 9/11 that caused cancer, death and disabilities." Many have perished or are still suffering from their contact with smoke and toxic debris. Earlier visit recalled As a reminder of the horror: On a perfect autumn morning, September 11, 2001, members of the Islamic extremist group Al Qaeda coordinated four attacks using hijacked commercial airliners in the United States. Four planes crashed, killing scores of innocent people going about their normal lives. One World Trade Center stands a symbolic 1,776 feet high, representing American spirit.   Family and friends of the martyred victims take photos or shoot film. First, the two iconic towers fell. The Pentagon sustained major damage from a third plane. A fourth plane went down in Pennsylvania, diverted by a heroic group of passengers.  Nearly 3,000 victims lost their lives. Countless more suffered immediate injuries and long-term health issues. Memorials sprung up and lasted for months on the streets of New York. Visitors to the new monument also leave flowers and notes which are archived at the new museum. ON OUR SECOND visit a few weeks ago, we paid our respects in preparation for this week's solemn 20th anniversary of the attacks. We saw parents, children, spouses and friends gently touching the beautiful granite engravings, surrounded by flowing water. Many wiped tears. According to architect Michael Arad, the pools represent “absence made visible.” Although water flows into the voids, he said, "They can never be filled." The sound of the cascading water makes the pools a place of tranquility and contemplation separate from the bustling noises of the city. Names of the 2,983 people killed in the 2001 and 1993 terrorist attacks are inscribed on bronze parapets edging the pools. Nearby, the 9/11 Memorial Museum's permanent collection extends the moving experience.  One sees an unsettling repository of material evidence, primary testimony, and historical records. Again, many people were weeping. THE 9/11  attacks changed America, and the world, forever. May we long remember. Consider CityPass, which gets you around in New York and many other venues the water, at bargain prices:    Click here to book CityPASS The Fox Theater may not look quite like it did in 1931, but the Billings, Montana, landmark is celebrating an expensive renovation. UP NEXT: When the Fox Theater was built in 1931 in Billings, Montana, it was one of the last of the great art-deco Fox theaters built in the United States. It has undergone another transformation -- with more than $13 million behind the project.  This weekend, lovers of live performance celebrate the remodeling and the building's 80th birthday with a grand, gala "reopening." Headlining the show is Broadway star Kristin Chenoweth, with a street party following. Meanwhile, remember to explore, learn and live and catch us each week for a fresh spin on travel, nature, family, the arts and more:    www.whereiscookie.com .  Share the link.

BEAUTIFUL SUNDIAL BRIDGE IS THE CENTERPIECE FOR YEAR-ROUND RECREATION, ART, NATURE VIEWING, FABULOUS DINING The Bridgehouse Bed and Breakfast in Redding is a unique B&B. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER I'D NEVER SPENT time in Redding, Calif., but the opportunity seemed too good to miss when our travels took us to Mount Shasta for a friend's 60th birthday party. Dara Engelhardt and Logan Engelhardt are part of the family enterprise that is Gironda's Restaurant and Bar, a fun find in Redding. We spent time on their houseboat, enjoying the water and their family, took a side trip to our beloved Ashland, Oregon, for an all-female production of "Two Gentlemen of Verona," and had a night to indulge ourselves before heading to the Redding airport for our flight back to San Diego. Keller found a fabulous Bed and Breakfast, and I located a delightful Italian restaurant. They were only blocks apart -- conveniently -- and each equaled anything we've sampled in the Americas or Europe. Who knew? REDDING'S MAIN  attraction is Keller, in silhouette, pauses at the base of the Sundial Bridge in Redding. the spectacular Sundial Bridge at Turtle Bay, which crosses the lovely Sacramento River in the middle of town.  Locals are rightly proud of the bridge, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.  Designed by renowned Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, the 700-foot long steel, glass and granite walking bridge is a lively local landmark and a conduit to hiking and biking trails and the river's own National Recreation Trail, a 10-mile path running along both sides of the mighty Sacramento.  We walked a half mile or so, and enjoyed an Italian ice from a young vendor working her way through college to be a kindergarten teacher. THE THRILL  of finding a first-rate Italian restaurant near our B&B was as exciting as discovering the bridge. In fact, our whole "Redding experience" was one delightful surprise after the other. Gironda's Restaurant and Bar is a family operation and Colton and Terri Engelhardt have cultivated a loyal local clientele and a steady stream of appreciative tourists.  Their ambitious menu includes tasty appetizers such as crispy calamari and steamer clams, fried raviolis and artichoke and spinach dip (all fantastic). THEN CHOOSE  your entree from a delightful offering of pastas, beef and chicken entrees, pizzas, salads, raviolis and more than a dozen vegetarian entrees. Gironda's, a family run Italian restaurant, is a huge hit, a real find.  If you love Italian and homemade sauces, you won't do better in this part of California, or for that matter, in Italy! The eggplant parmesan was, the best we've had anywhere -- zesty, with just the right combo of veggie, sauce, cheeses and spices. The Engelhardts maintain a family spirit which engenders loyalty, quality.  Rich creamy desserts can be sampled, and labeled! Cookie reads up on her next day's schedule before retiring at Bridgehouse. Artful touches abound on the patio and indoors at Bridgehouse Bed and Breakfast in Redding, Calif. SERVICE IS attentive but not intrusive, the decor and background music are welcoming and subtle and the food is superb. Happy hour extends from 4 p.m. on and we toasted with a fine, inexpensive carafe of the house red wine. Our servers, Katie Bramblett and Amy Pick, were cordial and helpful and although we arrived late -- and lingered -- we were never rushed.  Yummy homemade desserts include a classic tiramisu, a wonderful lemon berry mascarpone crumb cake and a creamy family recipe cheesecake. THE NEARBY  Bridgehouse Bed and Breakfast is a cozy eight-room, two-house enterprise run by country music fan Janelle Pierson, who has decorated her artful hallways and music room with signed posters of her favorite singers.  The homes are handsome and welcoming, appointed with flair and thoughtful regard for all the amenities one expects in a high-end boutique hotel. REDDING IS  suffering from a serious drought, like much of California, so the yards and gardens are dry.  Still, the lovely McConnell Arboretum and Botanical Gardens are impressive and this pretty town has everything a larger city offers, plus a small-town friendly feel. Parks, theaters, galleries, restaurants, mining and railroad history, flowers, wildlife and bird watching are plentiful, and nearby sites beckon, such as the 1945 Shasta Dam, the largest center overflow dam in the world. THE WHISKEYTOWN National Recreation area is eight miles west of the city and offers additional opportunities for water sports, hiking, biking and horseback riding. Other noteworthy bridges include Stress Ribbon, the state's first significant pedestrian bridge.   B Bryan Preserve in northern California is helping save endangered species.                        * UP NEXT : Point Arena, California, offers the charm of a laid-back northern California coastal community, with an unusual wildlife preserve nearby. Come with us to the B Bryan Preserve which raises and nurtures endangered African wildlife.   We're about travel with a sense of fun and adventure.  Join us at: www.whereiscookie.com

The High Line in New York is a wonderful place, born of a grassroots effort to save a derelict elevated train track. It is now a much visited park with walking paths, art and lush landscaping. NEW YORK'S HIGH LINE OFFERS RESTFUL OASIS IN A BUSTLING CITY STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers pose in one of the viewing areas of the popular High Line. IF YOU are ready to herald the arrival of autumn, there's no prettier place than New York's beautiful High Line. Created out of the remains of an abandoned New York Central Railroad viaduct, the High Line is a happy example of a successful grassroots effort. Nearly 30 years ago, the neglected tracks were slated for demolition, so neighbors on Manhattan's West Side organized to save them.  Thinking outside the box, they drew financial support to create a spectacular oasis in one of the world's busiest cities. Today's High Line stretches nearly 1.5 miles, offering locals and tourists an artful stroll along scenic walkways and unique viewing platforms. We admired both changing and permanent art installations along with hundreds of attractive plants. Strollers walk along what was once an elevated train track used for shipping goods to factories. High Line wonders, history THE HIGH Line has a colorful past.  It opened in 1934 as part of the New York Central Railroad's West Side Line, replacing street-level tracks known as "Death Avenue" because of frequent accidents involving pedestrians. The "High Line" elevated freight trains above the streets to higher ground, transporting goods directly to factories and warehouses, many of them in the Meatpacking District.     Pausing to admire the landscape of New York's stunning High Line is Christene "Cookie" Meyers.  FRIENDS OF THE  High Line was founded in 1999 by neighborhood residents Joshua David and Robert Hammond who began the non-profit for the High Line’s preservation. The organization oversees maintenance, operations and public programming for the park, sponsoring nearly 500 diverse events and programs each year and generating essential private funding. An endowment enables the free park's success. High Line art intrigues to draw the eye in. THE PLANTINGS are a highlight of High Line's wonders. The gardens have a natural look, inspired by the landscape that grew on the High Line during the 25 years after trains stopped running. Grasses, perennials, trees, and bushes were chosen for their hardiness, sustainability, and variation, with a focus on native species. Intriguingly, in several places, the High Line’s railroad tracks were returned and are cleverly integrated into pathways and flower beds. For those who wish to sit, the park offers “peel-up” benches and sundeck chaise lounges overlooking Hudson River. We enjoyed lunch from our pick of ethnic food vendors, watched a dancing group perform and tagged on to a free docent-led tour. There are plenty of places to stay, including a hotel named after the project. The High Line Hotel is a "repurposed" historic building in the city's West Chelsea neighborhood. It was built in 1895 as a dormitory for the General Theological Seminary. The High Line's "Foot Fountain" is just that, a functional work of art and one of many eye-catching pieces strollers enjoy. CONVERTING  the outdated freight corridor into a park cost $250 million and generated 8,000 construction jobs. The redevelopment increased tax revenue by $1 billion and increased property values in the neighborhood. New businesses, including hotels and restaurants, have created 12,000 new jobs. And since 2014, more than 20 million people have visited the High Line, which hosts in excess of 500 public programs and events annually. Happily, the High Line has become a global inspiration for cities to transform unused industrial zones into dynamic public spaces. It's a wonderful, free diversion if you're planning a visit to this remarkable city. More info: A visit to the High Line is free.  The park can be accessed from several locations. For more on activities and visiting, go to: www.thehighline.org/visit/     The Lower Falls of the Yellowstone are a spectacular sight, no prettier than in the last days of summer when crowds lessen. ON TAP: Yellowstone National Park is a treasure enjoyed by millions from around the world.  It beckons visitors in these last days of summer to visit the park as it heralds the coming of autumn. As Labor Day approaches, there's no better time to visit Yellowstone, Teton, Glacier and other national parks.  The aspen are turning, wildlife are on the move and crowds are beginning to thin as schools resume.  Tips on making the best of a fall visit to our beloved national parks, up next. Meanwhile, explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for a fresh spin on nature, travel, the arts, family and more. Please share our link with others: www.whereiscookie.com

RUINS IN A PICTURESQUE SETTING TAKE VISITORS CENTURIES BACK IN TIME  Ephesus and its wondrous buildings and ruins attract a  worldwide collection of history minded tourists. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER Walking through Ephesus feels like stepping back in time to the height of the Roman Empire, where marble streets, towering columns, and intricate mosaics tell stories that span thousands of years. Located near the modern city of Izmir, this remarkably preserved ancient city invites travelers to explore landmarks like the awe-inspiring Library of Celsus and the massive Great Theatre, where crowds once gathered for performances and public events. Beyond its historical significance, Ephesus captivates with its scale, beauty, and atmosphere making it not just a sightseeing stop, but a truly immersive journey into the past. For anyone visiting Turkey, it’s an essential experience that blends history, culture, and wonder in one extraordinary destination The foundations of Ephesus are beautiful against the hillside. THERE'S SOMETHING  life altering about a stroll around Ephesus on the coast of Turkey. This ancient town, a wonder of the world, is thrilling because of its history and beauty. I've visited five times, and it never loses its magic and sense of wonder. From the moment you board an air-conditioned motorcoach and leave behind the colorful town of Kusadasi, you're bound for another world. Olive and citrus trees scent the air as you travel 45 minutes through the verdant countryside along a hilly drive.  The first building you see is a foundation.  Many believe it is the house of Virgin Mary, where the Blessed Virgin is reputed to have spent the last years of her life. A tour of Ephesus for Cookie includes a leisurely walk through ruins. Ephesus was likely settled by female warriors with artistic sensibility. SO EPHESUS  goes back much farther than the days of Christ.  It was inhabited from the end of the Bronze Age onwards, but the location was changed owing to floods and the whims of various rulers.   Located three kilometers southwest of present-day Selcuk in Izmir Province, Turkey, Greeks settled here in 10th Century BC. Many believe Ephesus was founded by a tribe of Amazons, ferocious female warriors. The double-ax of the mother goddess which adorned the palace at Knossos, Crete, is said to have originated in Ephesus.The city's early inhabitants were likely scholars and descendants of the Kingdom of Arzawa, or "city of the Mother Goddess."  We took a two-hour tour, as many millions have done, including several popes.  In fact, Ephesus was newly "discovered" after the travels of Pope Paul VI and Pope John Paul II in November of 2006. Pope Benedictus the 16th paid an official visit to the House of the Virgin Mary in 2007 stopping outside at the Fountain of Our Lady, which provides the faithful water from the holy foundation. The Grand Theater, where St. Paul preached, is one of the largest theaters in antiquity with a capacity of 24,000 seats WE TOOK  a two-hour walking tour of this magnificent, open-air archeological museum that is Ephesus, past the Magnesia Gate, entering the administrative section of ancient Ephesus, one of the most magnificent excavations in the world. See the Odeon, the Fountain of Trajan, the steam baths of Scholastika, the temple of Hadrian and the impressive library of Celsus. The library is adorned with columns and statues. The Grand Theater, where St. Paul preached, is one of the largest theaters in antiquity with a capacity of 24,000 seats. Centuries of feet have trod the cobblestone and pavement. Above, the acoustically perfect theater. Beautifully preserved buildings offer a glimpse into past times. Walk through the Arcadian Way, where Mark Anthony and Cleopatra once rode in procession.The acoustics of this theater are justifiably famous. You can hear someone speaking from the stage in the last row. As cats lazed and strutted, and posed on the sculptures, our guide told us about how St. Paul preached to the Ephesians from this stage and was ultimately arrested and tried for his beliefs. Cats are a constant presence in Ephesus. Here, one enjoys the sunshine.   AFTER OUR  Ephesus visit, we stopped at the Ephesus park, a themed re-creation of the city of Ephesus with shopping, restaurants and interactive experiences. We enjoyed a leisurely lunch, and were entertained by gladiators and their courtesans in a lively interactive show. (We could cheer on our favorite hero, in a charming, staged contest.) Cookie and Keller stop to smell the roses, in Provence. COMING SOON: Remember to stop and smell the roses, as the cliche goes.  It's important to plan for a trip, to get the reservations secured, to have hotels, plays and sidetrips lined up. But there's a place for spontaneity, too.  So be prepared to take the road less traveled.   We're all about travel tips with a sense of adventure and an eye out for fun. Visit us at: www.whereiscookie.com

Little Island is New York City's latest attraction, a brilliantly conceived "island" at Pier 55 in New York, the gift of two philanthropists who wanted New Yorkers to have a calming place to unwind. The old wood pilings are visible, adding character and set against spectaclar new concrete pilings. Little Island photographed by Bruce Keller at 10 p.m. from a Hudson River cruise aboard a vintage schooner. GIFT TO THE  PEOPLE: GET-AWAYIN THE MIDSTOF FAST-PACED NYC BUSTLE OFFERS CALMING OASIS  Little Island offers a theater where concerts are held on a regular basis. Tickets advised STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" New York's Little Island has given new, imaginative life to Pier 55. The gorgeous park, on an artificial island on the Hudson River, is an eye-stopping creation, a $256  million gift from two enthusiastic New Yorkers with deep pockets and love for their lively town. Philanthropists Barry Diller and Diane von Furstenberg visualized a place of beauty to  encourage rejuvenation and calm in a busy world.  Vie w of the imaginative pilings from the north entrance. Their creation lies in west Manhattan in New York City, adjoining Hudson River Park. Designed by London's famed Heatherwick Studio, its goal was to create a garden within the busy city, in the Meatpacking District neighborhood and Chelsea. Suki Rae, composer and flutist, performs for a delighted crowd. Little Island offers ongoing treats. SMALL, COMPACT and beautiful, the 2.4 acre park was fashioned on the same pier where Titanic survivors were welcomed in 1912. Pilings from the aging pier were left in the water for character and contrast. The project is near the intersection of West and 13th Streets in once lively neighborhoods which in recent years have fallen into disrepair and neglect. WHEN DILLER  and von Furstenberg  came up with the idea, they wanted a calming, beautiful place in the hustle and bustle of New York City. Despite the pandemic, the sanctuary opened earlier this summer and so far the crowds have been busy, consistent but not overwhelming. Construction took place over several years. A SERIES  of 280 concrete pilings, gracefully and artistically  shaped, were brought in from upstate New York.  On top of those pilings, are 132 "tulip pots." All the new pilings are made of concrete, flood resistant to weather, waves, aging and storms.   A beautifully designed theater, in the style of Roman theaters, is one of the attractions WE WANDERED  for several hours through the compact but wondrous gift. By chance, we happened upon a small concert near the lavish restrooms which lead the way to gardens, circular walkways and stunning views of the water and city skyscape. People were enjoying picnics and fresh air and all our fellow nature lovers were respectively masked. Bruce Keller, photographer, and writer Christene Meyers at Little Island, on the Hudson River, New York City.   A WONDERFUL  classical flute and guitar duo played Mozart and a delightful offering of baroque and modern jazz tunes. This was also free. The amphitheater offers concerts and other productions from time to time, but that evening happened to be dark, so the flute-guitar concert was a real plus, a serendipity occurence for two musicians and music lovers.  NEVER DID WE feel overwhelmed by our fellow visitors,  due in great part to a well monitored on-line ticketing system.  Before noon, admission is free and need not be pre-booked.  After noon, admission is by time slots, crowd sizes are monitored and reservations may be made by the half-hour. For more information or to book a performance (for a charge) or free admission to the grounds, check out: www.littleisland.org Lake Tahoe, on the Nevada-California border, and its neighbor, Truckee, are next on our stop. Come along. UP NEXT:   Tahoe and Truckee, California, are next on our list of explorations. We visit the beauty of Lake Tahoe, a large freshwater lake in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, then stop by Truckee, which straddles the border of California and Nevada. The two are very different, both appealing. While Tahoe is known for its beaches and ski resorts, Truckee is fast becoming a competitor for tourism. Minus the lake, it boasts magnificent mountain scenery, fresh air and eateries of every ethnic persuasion. Come "truckin' " to Truckee and Tahoe, remembering to explore, learn, live. Catch us each week for a fresh spin on art, travel, nature, family and more:   www.whereiscookie.com

The Fairfield Park Inn, Fairfield, Montana, offers pet-friendly digs near the lovely bird watching area of Freezeout Lake. PET FRIENDLY MONTANA INN NEAR BIRD WATCHING HAVEN OFFERS COMFORT, TOUR GUIDE STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER Keyword Heading (SEO Title): There’s something special about slowing down in Montana, where wide-open spaces and fresh mountain air instantly reset your pace and Fairfield Park Inn captures that feeling perfectly. Whether you’re passing through on a road trip or settling in to explore nearby landscapes, this welcoming stay offers a comfortable home base surrounded by the quiet beauty Montana is known for. Mornings begin with crisp air and endless skies, while days invite you out to discover nearby lakes, trails, and charming local communities. It’s simple, and authentically Montana making it an ideal stop for travelers seeking both rest and a deeper connection to the natural world. Nick and Nora make themselves comfy at Fairfield Park Inn. WE WERE  on the trail of a reasonably priced get-away that would bring us close to Glacier National Park without taxing ourselves from Billings. My brother wanted to visit Freeze Out Lake -- I'd never heard of it. He enticed me with a little Blackfoot: "Sai yai ksi q tsi tau toh pi" or basically, "come see the geese." We weren't at the right season to spot the huge flocks that fly through in March -- upwards of 100,000. But we saw beautiful bird life, including many pelicans and blue heron. Huge grain silos are an imposing sight on Fairfield's main street. I found a delightful place in the Fairfield Park Inn, and what a grand time we had on my first Fairfield foray.  We needed a dog-friendly place for Yorkies Nick and Nora, and had the bonus of a savvy guide who knows and loves Fairfield. We were greeted at the inn by a boisterous Jack Russell terrier (is there any other kind of Jack Russell terrier?)  He wanted to play with Nick and Nora, and barked his greeting each time we left or returned. Our guys barked back -- and all was well. THEN ON TO  exploring Fairfield, Montana, called the "malting We observed this blue heron for a good half hour at Freezeout Lake.  barley capital of the world."  Budweiser built huge grain silos which cast an imposing shadow on the tidy main street. We were excited to be out of the car after nearly seven hours in the car, and the innkeepers John and Laurie welcomed us with a suite upstairs in the nicely restored old train depot that is now this charming bed and breakfast. A beautiful memorial in Fairfield honors vets. The couple's affection for red, white and blue is carried out in the curtains, wall hangings, bed linens and mementos. John's storytelling prowess compliments Laurie's decorating skills.  He has spent decades in this rural farm community, situated on the picturesque eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountain Front between Choteau and Great Falls.  He knows Teton County and Freezeout Lake and told fine stories, including one of tundra swans who gather with the snow geese -- and can be aggressive if onlookers come close. John gives travel tips to inn guest, Rick Cosgriffe. DJ's Pizza was a happy restaurant find with excellent food. He steered us to a wonderful restaurant, DJ's Pizza (which served fabulous steaks and burgers, too), and he explained that Fairfield is smack in the middle of the "Golden Triangle" because of the beautiful sheen of the grain. Not only is Fairfield proud of its malting enterprise, but its farming reputation is time honored. Fairfield farms date back to 1862 when homesteading first opened, and became more abundant in 1909 when Congress enticed settlers with 320 acres of free land.  The Bureau of The "Antique Room" is filled with treasures from the family. Reclamation's Sun River Canyon and water for irrigation attracted more settlers with the welcome delivery of water.  Gibson was the main storage dam, constructed in the Depression days of 1926-29. Today's Fairfield receives water for 83,000 acres surrounding the community. Besides beautiful bird life close-up pelican and blue heron sightings we played a bit in the casinos.  There are three, and we contributed to Fairfield's economy. Bear and bird spotters come to Fairfield and nearby Glacier to photograph wildlife.  Visitors are from all over the U.S., and many foreign countries.   BESIDES  the bounty of birders who sell out the Fairfield Park Inn in March, Feezeout Lake attracts winter ice boaters, summer boaters and fall hunters. Soon, visitors to nearby Sun River Canyon will be watching bighorn sheep battle for leadership of one of the largest herds in the country.  For six or seven months of the year, Fairfield shows off its nine hole golf course with dramatic vistas of the Rocky Mountain Front. The inn is as much a draw as the scenery. Together, they're a pair to draw to! You'll enjoy large comfy rooms on two floors of a one-time train depot. We booked a two-bedroom suite, filled with family heirlooms, indulging in furnished breakfast before a short trip to Glacier! COMING SOON:   Dancing Bears Inn in East Glacier is a wonderful base for exploring Glacier and photographing bears in the wild.  For a fresh look at travel and the arts, visit us at:  www.whereiscookie.com

The venerable Australian Museum is centrally located in Sydney, Australia, a treasure trove of art, nature inspired history, intriguing indigenous people displays and much more. SPLENDID SCIENCE, CULTURE,  NATURE AWAIT IN THE HEART OF SYDNEY  STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" AN ENRICHING, ENLIGHTENING museum awaits visitors to Sydney.  The place is a gathering spot for tourists and locals. Here, we observe wonders from around the world, explore native culture, visit other countries and travel through the centuries to see what life was like in an Australia of long ago.  It's all right in the heart of this fascinating museum, a show piece in this varied and fast growing city. Australia's original people are celebrated in a beautifully curated exhibition on their culture THE MUSEUM is known worldwide for its expansive permanent collection and its thorough and imaginative exploration of history and Aboriginal culture.  It has won worldwide acclaim for its Australian fossils and local animal displays. The weekday morning we visited, we were in the company of dozens of awe struck school children, there for both fun and learning.  The museum prides itself on offering educational events for kids. School groups clustered around the popular dinosaurs exhibition which features ten complete skeletons, including a 228-million-year-old Eoraptor. Visitors can expect high tech as well as time honored art and exhibitions. Here, visitors "traveled" to Machu Pichu. WE LINGERED over fascinating displays of dangerous Australian animals such as funnel-web spiders and tiger snakes.  We learned that Australia has the world’s most menacing animals, including venomous snakes, deadly spiders, and savage and powerful marine creatures. On the museum's upper ground floor, we also found friendlier creatures including stuffed kangaroos and koalas, and other representative of Australia's unique fauna, including the Tasmanian tiger. An artful taxidermy space shows visitors some of Australia's extinct animals, here's a grunge. Australian Museum features engaging displays EXHIBITS WALK the visitor through habitats -- arid deserts, lush rainforests, coastal regions,  cities.  The Australian Museum prides itself in engaging displays. An impressive exhibition, "Dauma and Garom," was commissioned for the museum by indigenous artists and is on on display in the large permanent Indigenous Australians exhibition space. The six-meter-tall sculptural installation reflects an effort by the Erub people to combat the damage caused by ghost nets. It depicts a touching love story between a crab (Dauma) and a fish (Garom), characters from an important local story and song. Mesmerizing. The Australian Museum is a wonderland of discovery, with dazzling permanent collection, and an overview of the country's vast natural world. The focal point here is "Aboriginal Art Ghost Net," by a UK artist. On exhibit are various works celebrating indigenous people who were the country's first people. The museum has won acclaim for this and its award winning anthropological exhibition area, all free! A SLENDID virtual reality exhibit was among Australian Museum's engaging displays. An immersive exhibit on Machu Pichu -- gone now -- it is typical of the museum's erudite yet user friendly approach to culture and is replaced by another imaginative exhibition -- "The Birds of Australia." Like Machu Pichu, it is a unique digital experience, presented on a 3D storytelling cube. Bird lovers know the inspiration --  the work of noted ornithologists and artists John and Elizabeth Gould. Wish we could fly over again to discover Australia's birdlife in this new immersive exhibition. Amazingly, the museum and its grand permanent collection are free. Fees apply to special exhibitions. Tickets are required for school programs, workshops and talks. https://www.nma.gov.au/ New York's beloved Central Park is a treat for locals and tourists alike.  Colorful carriages await customers, and a stroll through the park is sure to revive and relax. UP NEXT: A fresh new look, with no ads and improved user experience is coming to our website. The "redo" introduces a new, cleaner, more contemporary look with a visit to New York. No  tourist should miss a stroll through Central Park, a restful and yet lively oasis in the middle of one of the world's busiest and noisiest cities.    We take readers inside the park to  look at its charms -- its restaurants, lake, gaming area, food carts and beautiful appointments such as John Lennon memorial designed by his widow, Yoko Ono, "Strawberry Fields."  Tavern on the green and a horse drawn hansom cab await. Or grab your bicycle and join us.  We see why the park garners thousands of visitors in a day, and explore it with a local. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for a fresh spin on travel, nature, performance and more:

STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" If you’re searching for a true Southern California getaway, Paradise Point Resort & Spa delivers an unforgettable experience right on the calm waters of Mission Bay. This island-style resort invites you to slow down and soak in the coastal vibe, whether you’re gliding across the bay on a reasonably priced sailboat rental or enjoying the resort’s wide range of aquatic amenities designed for all ages. By day, the sparkling water and gentle breezes make it easy to stay active or simply unwind; by evening, the energy shifts to the iconic Barefoot Bar & Grill , where locals and travelers gather to sip cocktails, share stories, and watch the sun dip below the horizon. It’s this effortless mix of fun, scenery, and social atmosphere that makes Paradise Point a must-see stop when exploring San Diego. "Cap'n Cookie" emerges from below deck Sailing Mission Bay from Paradise Point Resort and Spa a popular get-away for locals and tourists. WE'VE ALL heard the old joke about a boat owner's two most happy days. He was happy, of course, the day he bought the boat. And he was happy the day he sold it! Thousands of people, though -- including my partner -- love having their own boats and taking them out as often as possible. Or just hanging out in them for a pleasant afternoon, as we discover whenever we visit Paradise Point or Harbor Yacht Club for relaxing sails. AT PARADISE  Point, the place is always humming with activity -- jet skiing, boating and kayaking.  We enjoy the resort restaurant and all the fun activities the tropical atmosphere suggests, including fish-watching from the bridge. Sailing gives one time to smell the roses (and enjoy the sea lions), and we explore sailing and sea life in these blogs. Paradise Point Resort offers a choice of rental boats and various other equipment for reasonable prices. We usually rent a 27-foot sloop with our friends, Melody and Larry.  He, like Keller, grew up sailing -- so the two boys were at home manning the sails and we girls took a "supporting role," helping with the sheets and keeping the snacks coming. I get to be "Cap'n Cookie" for a few minutes, taking a brief turn at the helm, trying my best to keep us going straight.    Sure, there are plenty of women who "know the ropes" -- one of the fun bits of language we've borrowed from sailing. BUT WE  girls usually chose on a lovely spring day to simply enjoy the sail. I've been learning a lot lately about boats and yachts. The Sundancers, Classicos, Sport Cruisers,Voyagers, on and on. With the America's Cup coming to San Francisco July 4th, and the "wildly exciting" AC 72 catamarans, we traveled there and checked out the harbor. Above and below, a Sunday at sail is enjoyed with Larry at the helm. I've learned to respect the water, for even an expert sailor can be the victim of the caprice of the weather, wind and weight of the sails and rigging if the boat flips. Within the past few years since Keller, I've continued my love of ship cruising -- we'll log my 100th later this summer on an Alaskan cruise, cross the Atlantic in late autumn and transit the Panama Canal next spring. HIS FAVORITE  way to navigate the waterways is not with a view of the bridge from our veranda, but on the bridge himself! Better yet, at the wheel. So we're taking to the sea in smaller boats, too, getting out on the water at least once a month either by ourselves or with a friend or two to sail San Diego's beautiful bays and venture occasionally out into the Pacific. Paradise Point is on Mission Bay, a good place for the "sailor in training," such as myself. ONE RECENT  lazy Sunday, with Keller and Larry taking turns as captain, we sailed smoothly and safely out of San Diego Bay, past that last bit of land and into the actual ocean toward Mexico and the Coronado Islands. ALONG THE  way, there were fun sights to behold and wonderful relaxation.  Among the delights:  seals sunning and singing on buoys, pelicans diving for a late lunch, spectacular views of the city's skyline viewed from a couple miles out, and the beauty of seeing dozens of sails with plenty of other boaters out for a Sunday sail. Best of all for me, the sense of peacefulness -- shoes kicked aside --  listening to the boat glide through the water, waving to other pleasure seekers, cherishing our own private space on the water. Melody enjoys the view from the dock at day's end. ON SAN DIEGO Bay, you'll see  t he gorgeous sails of the Californian, which come near as she heads out toward the Channel Islands. On both bays, you'll see beautiful yachts and pleasure boats whose owners name them "Tranquility," "Time Out" and "Knotty Girl."  Our favorite was "Assisted Living." For Paradise Point Resort and Spa information, go to:   www.paradisepoint.com Another sailing favorite for rentals in San Diego Harbor Yacht Club has a sliding scale of rental prices, depending on the size of your boat.  You get a break if you're a member:    www.harboryc.com Paradise Point Resort and Spa offers lovely accommodations in Balinese style bungalows, with pretty Mission Bay views. COMING UP : More on Mission Bay's delights, and Then we look at summer in Montana and a very special music festival, downtown Los Angeles and its famous theaters and performing arts halls. Remember to explore, learn and live. check out www.whereiscookie.com

Whereiscookie.com new web site STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" GREETINGS, GENTLE readers, fellow culture lovers and traveling friends. We've moved! We have a new, flashy look and a jazzed up website which previews today. It's our official debut after three months of "packing." We will continue to take you with us on global and domestic romps, on adventures and encounters to make the world a better place. You'll still find us at www.whereiscookie.com , but now with a new flashy look. All our 800-plus stories on cruising, performance, train travel, bus tours, nature and family are preserved, including more than 5,000 photos. It's easy to find a particular topic -- check it out. We'll continue to bring you new stories on travel and theater, with touring and cruising tips and more. The debut post later today is a lively story on exploring Vancouver's wonders from a bird's eye view aboard Big Bus Tours. Please sign up for new updates. We hope you're as excited as we are! Vancouver's Big Bus Tours offers a fun way to see this exciting Canadian city, with a lively narration of historical sites, parks, monuments, neighborhoods and the city's famous historical landmark, its Gastown Steam Clock.

Lovely Vancouver is best seen by Big Bus if you're there only briefly. It's a great option for an entertaining overview and if you have a bit more leisure time, it's a great way to get a taste and overview of a city. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" WE'RE BUS junkies. We've toured dozens of the world's great cities by bus and for our time and money, there's no better tour operation. It's a reliable, pleasant, economical choice. The worldwide compa ny Big Bus Tours offers sightseeing tours in many cities around the globe. We've hopped on and off Big Bus in Sydney, Singapore, London, Paris, New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles and recently in Vancouver. We had the pleasure of a personalized commentary from Sherry, whose insights added immense depth and detail to our time. Vancouver's water and city skyline are observed from Big Bus, and you're free to hop off to explore. Vancouver Big Bus Tour are typically hop-on, hop-off style, allowing passengers to board and disembark at designated stops along the route. In Vancouver, for example, we explored Stanley Park, Gra nville Island and Gastown, each unique to Vancouver. The places Big Bus selects to hop off are carefully chosen for history, architecture, famous landmarks such as churches, concert halls and theaters, parks, gardens, monuments, government buildings, shops, restaurants. In Vancouver, we viewed lovely landscaping and architecture, and an interesting ethnic mix of people, which make it such a pretty and diverse city. We also photographed young people in costume, for Vancouver's version of Comic-Con. Drivers are eager to show off their city, and we've always had good response to our questions, with pointers for restaurants, parks, museums with particular emphasis on special interests of ours: theater, music and contemporary art. Vancouver's version of Comic-Con was in swing during our recent visit, adding to the fun. W E WALKED from our hotel, to a centrally located landmark of the city. The Gastown Steam Clock is one of Vancouver’s most iconic timepieces and a must for anyone interested in the quirky and unique. It was built in 1977 by horologist Raymond Saunders, designed to harness steam from the city’s underground heating system. We photographed it along with a group of Japanese students, who giggled and photographed this crowd pleasing attraction. Not only does it tell time, but it does so stylishly, emitting puffs of steam and a happy whistle every 15 minutes. Vancouver's Steam Clock is a popular tourist attraction, and an easy walk from a Big Bus stop. DRIVER SHERRY was lively, informative, helpful and eager to show off her city. We've found that to be true worldwide, whether we get personalized comments or one of the excellent taped commentaries. Those are offered in multiple languages and the earphones are comfy, although one can bring one's own. A Big Bus tour is a great addition to any tour. Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers enjoy a Big Bus tour in Vancouver. Many visitors choose to do a whole loop first (most of the Big Bus cities have multiple routes) then decide where to hop off next round. A full loop is usually no longer than two hours.  For a newcomer to a new place to give important grounding, or as a comfortable way to reacquaint and remind of a city's pleasures, Vancouver Big Bus Tour is a good investment and a pleasant outing for singles, couples or families. We've made many international friends on Big Bus, another plus.  Whereiscookie.com Check back often for more adventure and travel tips to discover the hidden secrets of the globe. Please keep a lookout for fun weekly posts on our new website, with an improved array of links for destinations, cities, performance and other topics.

The Alaska Native Heritage Center is a gem of a facility, a living museum of performance, replica buildings, jewelry, pottery, weavings, furs, tools and more. It offers insight into a long ago life preserved in many ways. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" WE HAVE  visited Alaska many times, but never have we felt so awed and fascinated by the culture as we were this most recent trip. That's because we spent an eye-opening day at the fabulous Alaska Native Heritage Center near Anchorage. Young Alaskan men show off athletic skill in games. What a splendid place.  It gave us a unique, memorable and moving look at Alaskan Native life in a format we'd never experienced. Its focus is largely devoted to explaining the rich culture of indigenous people. We entered a large hall and gallery space to be directed to a large, open auditorium. A dancer shows off elaborate hand-crafted moccasins, artfully topped with fur. There we watched young people prepare costumes and props to dance and play games.  It was a live performance -- fascinating and beautifully executed. We sat spellbound as we listened to stories, met carvers, and visited with artists. The setting is small and intimate and a young couple near us were so moved, they joined the dancers. At each structure, knowledgeable volunteers explain the use of items and answer questions. As museum and culture buffs, we have been to many facilities, admiring painting, pottery, crafts and handiwork. Never had we seen such meticulous work:  intricate moose hide boots, beautifully woven birch baskets, seal hide tunics, detailed jewelry and fishing gear. The Carpe Diem Kids, "Cookie and Keller" pose beneath a whale bone arch as they hike the facility. We strolled a half-mile loop to enter and admire life-sized traditional native dwellings to see the richness and diversity of Alaska's Native cultures, including a Southeast Alaska longhouse -- a large wooden constructions with no windows and only a smoke hole at the top. We learned that they were designed to weather harsh elements and housed several families. We admired four beautifully carved posts, each representing a different culture, carefully carved and painted with themes of respect -- for the individual, family, the land and sea. Each structure offered insight into indigenous life. Flowers and perennial gardens are abundant, including on the grounds and restaurant. Nature is part of life and much revered in the culture. It was wonderful to see love expressed in gardens, visual arts, crafts and in casual lectures offered at each structure.  The pride, precision and sincerity in dancing, games, and docent explanations was moving to us. We bought lovely souvenirs created by   Alaska Native Artists at Ch'k'iqadi Gallery and had a tasty bite -- delicious sandwiches and pastry -- at D’eshchin Café. It's a one-stop offering for a full day of exploring and expanding horizons. The Center is launching a $25 million fund-raising campaign which will be used to enhance and expand this intriguing facility. Our hotel, lovely Anchorage Hilton, offers a shuttle to the center several times a day. More information: www.alaskanative.net Vancouver is a beautiful city, full of attractions, color, fine food, fun window shopping and welcoming people. UP NEXT: Vibrant, vivacious Vancouver is an exciting, colorful city and we explore it in our next two pieces. From a world class art gallery with stunning Canadian artists, to an oasis larger than Central Park, and a hop on-and-off bus system that's one of North America's best. Coming next, tips as The Carpe Diem Kids share their adventure in Vancouver, one of the continent's most vibrant cities. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for a fresh spin on travel, the arts, nature, family and more. Check back often, share the links.