Hello and welcome to Maggie-b.com — a place where family adventures come to life through travel tips, storytelling, and a very special baby dinosaur named Maggie-b.

My name is Al Carmickle, and I’ve had the privilege of living a life filled with adventure, service, creativity, and love. I was born in 1939 and grew up in Golden, Colorado. I proudly served 30 years in the Colorado National Guard, retiring as a Colonel commanding the 169th Field Artillery Brigade. I also spent 36 years as a commercial airline pilot for United Airlines, retiring as a 747 Captain.

Beyond aviation and service, I’ve always found joy in creative pursuits — I’m also an artist and woodcarver, and now, a children’s book author.

My late wife, Meryl Getline, was an extraordinary woman. Born in 1953 and raised in San Diego, California, Meryl blazed trails as one of the early women in aviation. She served as an Army Air Traffic Controller, and like me, also became a Captain for United Airlines, retiring on the Boeing 777. She was also a talented writer and published author, known for her books “The World At My Feet”, “Cancer, I Am Not Amused”, and a heartfelt children’s story called “Gabriel’s Dinosaur.”

Meryl passed away in 2019 after a courageous battle with cancer, but her legacy continues to inspire everything I do today — especially this site.

Now, I am honored to continue her storytelling legacy by publishing Gabriel’s Dinosaur and expanding it into a series of children’s books featuring Maggie-b, a lovable baby dinosaur who inspires curiosity, adventure, and joy.

What is Maggie-b.com?
Maggie-b.com is more than just a blog — it’s a place for families to explore travel destinations together, especially those perfect for little ones. Through family-friendly travel guides, beautiful stories, and the growing world of Maggie-b the dinosaur, I hope to spark imagination and create helpful resources for parents and children alike.

Whether you’re planning your next family vacation or just looking for a heartwarming story to share with your child, Maggie-b.com is here to guide the way — with a little dinosaur magic and a whole lot of heart.