HE ' Shirley Rose Higgins has made a career out of reporting the travel news ? but now she's making it.

Ms Higgins, who last year wrote a three-part series for this newspaper on Estes Park, was recently lauded for her efforts in that resort town's local newspaper.

In an article titled "The Bermuda Angle", columnist John Hazlitt asked: "Where do residents of the beautiful island of Bermuda like to vacation? Why not Estes Park, Colorado?

"Thanks to locals Howard and Sue Huston, who have serious Bermuda connections, for providing us with a series of three full-page articles, with pictures of many familiar scenes, from the , the very classy Bermuda island newspaper.

"Their Travel Editor, Shirley Rose Higgins, and her photographer brother, Jim Higgins, paid a two-week visit to our area in late August and early September. While here, she wrote extensively about every aspect of their visit, including many historical references to early day Estes Park.

"A real pro at gathering facts, Ms Higgins was awe-struck by the beauty of our surroundings. Her articles are loaded with both historical tidbits and praise for the hospitable treatment received in shops, restaurants and accommodations. Her only negative experience was at the gate of the Stanley Hotel where her party was put off by demands for an entry fee. Unfortunately, a gruff entry-gate encounter encouraged them to by-pass the hotel and its numerous attractions.

"Her investigative visit here had, as its grand finale, The Scottish-Irish Festival. It put the icing on her cake. She was amazed by the size and scope of the festival, the many colourful bagpipe bands, the kilt-clad patrons, the dancers, singers, games, food and the dog show.

"And all this", she writes, "in such a remote, but lovely setting!"

"Seeing your familiar hometown through the eyes of others, and especially the eagle eye of a professional observer, renews any lagging appreciation for our little hunk of heaven, our pristine scenery, air and water, and the many good folk lucky enough to live here. Remember the popular bumper-sticker, AHHDIP ? Another Ho-Hum Day in Paradise."