Grand Rapids, Michigan

A much needed visit with my sister was planned for the end of August. I decided not to work and instead just take the time off to enjoy. It’s a good thing I made that decision because upon arrival I learned tornados had ripped through her part of town the evening before and they lost power for several days.

On my drive up I saw a lot of branches and broken trees but I had no idea how devastating it was through Michigan.

The road trip was about five+ hours. I decided to stop the night before and crash with my friend Debbie in Findlay. Its weird being back in Findlay when its no longer a home base. Both of my sisters moved out of the city and only one aunt remains.

Once I arrived in Grand Rapids, we purchased a battery operated lantern at Menards for under 20$. It was my companion at night. Just like my Little House on the Prairie dreams when I was a child. I had zero problems being here without electricity.

We ended up going out to a piano bar for some sing-alongs and general good people watching. That proved to be great entertainment.

The next day we planned a meeting with Jay, one of my Cambly students from over 4 years ago. She moved to the Michigan area because her husband was transferred, he works on electric car batteries. When my sister moved last year I connected them. They have gotten together several times for lunches. I love that these connections happen all from my conversations getting to know international students. They are all so genuinely beautiful humans.

Jay and Trisha at TwoGuys Brewing where we went for lunch. It had a garden out back where they get all their fresh ingredients.

Inside looked like Mardi Gras leftovers.

We had a great time. They had a seasonal beer called, I kid you not, “Boob Sweat” and I bought a 4 pack to go. I later enjoyed it with George and we both swore it was the best beer we have had since Chattanooga. I sent Trish and Tim on a hunt for more and they were able to do a swap when they landed in Louisville for the Bourbon & Beyond Festival. Very appreciative!

Loving how these plants were growing out of their natural wood table.

After lunch we spent an hour checking out a car show, which I have never done before.

“The 28th Street Metro Cruise in Grand Rapids, Michigan is so more than just a Michigan car show, it’s a gathering of the coolest, sexiest and loudest classic, muscle, antique, modified, sports cars and sweet trucks from across the state and nation.”

We had folding chairs that we carried to the sidewalk and found a spot in the shade to sit back and admire the vehicles.

You really saw it all here. I am sure car enthusiasts love this day.

Always amazes me how much personality antique cars have.

Then of course you have the muscle cars as well.

It was really fun watching the cars go by. We only stayed an hour as Jay needed to get back to her kiddos and we had dinner plans later with my nephew Zach.

Cherry Public House- Glen Arbor, Michigan

I quickly learned that Michigan is known for its cherries. We were famished after the dune hike so we stopped at the next closest town, Glen Arbor, for a bite to eat.

I loved the gardens outside of this restaurant.

A large facility with several different buildings enticing families with all their space. I also noticed up here as we stopped that there is an active healthy older community present. I could see myself fitting in here. Enduring the winters I am sure is challenging, but the summers are beautiful.

Enjoying the blooms, knowing fall is on our heels.

Great landscaping. It felt so naturally inviting.

The menu was hilarious. Basically everything has cherries in it somehow. They were very funny about advertising that “no, you could not get your order without cherries”.

Their cherry wheat beer was the best I’d ever had. I was hoping they would’ve sold it in cans at their store, but no such luck. Guess I’ll have to go back.

I also tried their cherry cider. The beer was better.

I really don’t ever eat cherries, but I tried one of the chocolate covered cherries that Trisha bought and it was a treat of booming flavors! I purchased a cherry summer sausage that Tim suggested and it didn’t last one night with George, was eaten in one sitting. Guess it was delicious. Cherries are also supposed to be excellent for your health. Win-win.

The cherry pit made for pit spitting contests was entertaining and sort of gross with all the leftover pits on the ground making their mark.

We stopped at Workshop Brewery before hitting the campsite and calling it a night.

Campsite was at a state park in a perfect location. It had a trail that led to a bridge over the highway which took you to a beach. I crossed over the following morning to sit and watched the ducks go by.

I always think of this book /quote when I hear the word cherry. Time capsule.

Sleeping Bear Sand Dune- Traverse City, Michigan

Trisha and Tim’s electricity got turned back on right before we were leaving to drive up to Traverse City. We were taking the camper to a state park there to hang out for a couple days.

I was so excited, the Sleeping Bear Dune was on my bucket list to see and I don’t recall ever being at the Michigan sand dunes before, but my friend Debbie swears that we were there together as kids. She is probably right, but I had no memory of it. Probably because I don’t have photos to refer back to. I swear most of my memory stems from photos of past.

We pulled up to the first stopping point on the Sleeping Bear Dune National Park Loop and I could’ve sworn I was in Phuket with this view!

After continuing our drive, we ended up at the top of the notorious Sleeping Bear Dune. Tim couldn’t help but continually watch and comment on the fools that decided to made the trek down this massive sand dune.

Walking past from this point of view it didn’t seem too bad. There were signs that it would cost $3,000 to get a rescue. I felt that was fair enough warning to any climber to understand the severity of the challenge.

We kept walking on sand trails to get to a viewpoint.

The blue color up here was amazing. The water and sky were so clear.

From the viewpoint I snapped this photo looking at the pathway down to the bottom goal of Lake Michigan. (see the dark brown line on the left of photo) If you zoom, you will see those specs on the darker tan trail are people. Gives you perspective!

It was quite amazing to watch people climb. I think if I were younger I may have taken the challenge.

Lake Michigan has my heart. The contrast blue and clarity are literally breathtaking.

Not gonna lie, walking in the sand up hill is not very fun.

This view reminded me of a photo from my childhood with Debbie, but I thought we were in the Carolina’s not Michigan. Oh that aging brain.

Tim snapped this photo of me on a mound. Does the sky get bluer than this?

This snap of the Google map showed where we were and where the Dune Climb was that we were going to head to next.

Trisha and I before we climbed the Dune Climb. Tim wanted a photo to remember us by. See the people in the background. We were heading up.

After getting to the top of the first hill, we looked back and this was our stunning view.

We looked at what was ahead of us and tredged on.

We kept going up. And would get excited when it headed back down, but I reminded Trisha, everything that goes down goes up on the way back.

Selfie time. I cannot tell you how happy I was to be here.

Another view of Mother Nature’s creativity with Trisha in the center.

We met a couple heading back who convinced us to make it to marker 9. We were at a quitting point but decided to take their advise.

We made it! Felt good when we weren’t even sure we’d make it past the first hill.

Going back was so much easier. The couple we met called the 2nd and 3rd hills the hills of disappointment. Accurate statement, you keep climbing looking for another viewpoint better than the first and all that is before you is more sand and climbing to do.

I was told there are over 20 something markers on this trail. I convinced myself that none of the additional numbers offered a better view.

Kayak, Bike and Brew- Traverse City, Michigan

After the hippie tree hike, we decided to take the Kayak, Bike and Brew tour. Seemed like the summer crowds had dissipated and we were able to book the tour that afternoon. I’d never taken one of these before but was looking forward to the challenge.

You got a free bright green back pack which was the tour guide’s way of keeping track of us all. When we arrived we went to the garage and picked out a beach comber bike. I made sure mine had a bell. I seriously haven’t ridden a bike in years! Had to warn the pedestrians.

Was so fun being on a bike again. We all parked outside the first brewery.

The bar was filled with pinball machines.

Trisha looked like a little kid in front of me. I was picturing a banana seat and some streamers coming off her handlebars.

I had to snap quit a few of these to capture us. Was challenging one handed after a drink. My smile looks like I’m a first grader 🙂

Second brewery was across the tracks. The tour seemed to have made arrangements with all the breweries so they had space for our group and we were serviced quickly.

I snapped this so I could remember where we had been.

Across the street was this garden complete with mailboxes. I found it interesting especially after my second beer.

Next we had to grab our kayaks and paddle for what seemed eternity to get to the third place. After one more beer I could see this will be a challenging trip back.

Rare Bird was our last stop which honestly was pretty smart. I can’t imagine if there were more alcohol stops along the tour. Three was perfect.

Getting the kayaks to paddle back. Was honestly cool being able to leave the kayaks and bikes without fear of theft.

I think Trisha and I were one of the last to make it back but darn we had fun!

The final leg of our bicycle tour was nothing but pure joy. The freedom you feel when riding a bike, perfect weather, awesome views, family and beer.
What a great way to end our visit here.

Watching the sunset at the tail end of our tour, priceless.

Hippie Tree- Garfield Trail. Traverse City, Michigan

Trish, Tim and I had such a fun day/evening in Traverse City. We laughed uncontrollably, I really needed this visit. So happy I came to hang with them.

The next morning we were trying to figure out plans still hanging’ from the night before.

Tim wanted to show me the Hippie Tree. It is legendary according to the story he told me. Along a trail that is behind the historic insane asylum, the tree marks, supposedly, a porthole to hell. Apparently the campus closed due in part to the deinstitutionalization movement, in 1989.

Tim brought along a few spray-paint cans to contribute to the ever changing artistic tree.

Some of the buildings on campus are still boarded up. Others are slowly being turned into apartment complexes. Not sure I’d want to live there. Can’t imagine the occurences these buildings have witnessed.

I did a map snap to have a better understanding of where we were.

I always love a good trail- walking off breakfast.

We went straight and missed our turn. You need to turn right as soon as you enter the trailhead. We back tracked thanks to my wifi which was the only one working in the woods. Thank you AT&T.

After seeing this I knew we were now on the right path.

The smiley faces made it seem friendly enough.

I know this is probably not the best display of nature, but I do like that if this is a demon tree, porthole to hell, that the hippie love makers came out and make it colorful in attempts to brighten and fill it with love.

It was cool to me. This everchanging landscape. Reminded Trisha and I of Austin, Texas where they had a similar wall that people would come and paint over and over again.

Somehow this nature/hippy/smiling/casual shot is so perfectly her.

When I turned to the backside of this fallen tree then I saw the demon screaming.

It was such a conflict of pain and artistic expression.

I accepted one of Tim’s cans and sprayed a heart shape to show this screaming tree our love.

“None but ourselves can free our minds.”- Bill Marley

FC Soccer and Reds Baseball- Summer Sports in Cincinnati

I was fortunate enough to get invited to an FC Cincinnati soccer game in their new stadium. I have never been to this Cincinnati’s club game before and my friend Angie has season tickets. She usually never goes herself, but tonight her husband was unable to attend so I got the lucky seat.

When we first walked in I was impressed. They were playing Tennessee.

Angie and I have been friends since college and it was great being able to catch up again! Its tough with kids and work to find an opportunity to sit alone for a few hours. I pity the people sitting behind us 🙂

Apparently this area of the stadium is where the fans get rowdy! Cheering loudly and setting off orange and blue smoke bombs. Could be fun to experience for a game.

Was unfortunate to see them lose in the shoot out. I am glad I watched Ted Lasso series so I somewhat understand this sport better.

That same weekend, I purchased Cincinnati Reds tickets for my daughters and I. We like to go once a year and this was our last opportunity before Zoe headed back to LA. I purchased in the nose bleed section, but in the end, it worked out as the shade hit our seats first.

The view from the stadium looking out at the Roebling Suspension Bridge and Ohio River.

A view from our seats. They were playing against Washington. We got to see Votto hit a home run which was fun. We googled him. He’s still playing at age 39!

Toward the bottom of the 7th we headed down to the main level and were able to view an inning from behind home base.

Another great memory in the books. Me and my girls!!!

After the game, although sweaty and exhausted, we headed to watch Mark play in a band at Weideman’s brewery. Jane, his wife, had texted me earlier in the week to let me know he was playing. I texted Allen who lives nearby and we all enjoyed a drink together out on the patio.

Fretboard and Hi-Wire Brewery- Cincinnati

The playing card factory located in Norwood, directly across from my daughters’ home softball field from back in their elementary days, is a fabulously renovated area now including breweries, shops, sports, and apartment complexes.

The kids had been there previously and suggested I check it out so we all headed out for happy hour on Friday.

First stop was Fretboard Brewery. I immediately wanted to purchase a tee shirt but they were out of my size. Darn being XL. We arrived right after 5 so the crowds had not started filtering in yet.

Sedona screamed out loud when she got into the car with Zoe and I as she noticed she was wearing the exact same top as her sister. What are the chances? Great minds unite. I love that they didn’t change and wore their twin pride with smiles. I am so fortunate to have raised twin girls.

Inside was big and beautiful. I definitely want to go back when I have more time to hang out.

There’s a huge outdoor park. I made my girls and Ki go pose by the playing cards sculpture. Nice tribute to the past manufacturing here.

Can’t believe the amount of work that went into this place. Go Norwood!

I hope this area does well and stays for awhile.

I wanted to climb this old tower in front of Hi- Wire Brewery. So glad they didn’t knock it down. Appreciate how architects are keeping the history.

Inside Hi- Wire. This was the first brewery George and I went into when we were in Asheville. That’s where this brand originated. Amazing watching breweries expand from their local roots.

We climbed up to the second floor but sat inside to avoid the humidity. They have an amazing lemonade sour beer that’s my favorite.

Looking down at Namki as he goes for a smoke.

13 Below Brewery- West Side

The week before the wedding, Zoe and I drove along the Ohio River to check out this brewery on the west side. Neither of us had been to it before. Cincinnati is filled with new breweries, I am honestly not sure I will ever get them all crossed of my list, but I am trying.

They had beer mixed with juices which was a very interesting combination. We tried them all.

We sat outdoors and my view was looking out toward the marina. I thought to myself what a waste it was to have a boat that was barely utilized. Definitely a luxury item.

It was fun. Just to get out to someplace new.

Inside would be a fun trivia venue. I am not sure if this gets crowded on the weekends but I read it has been open since 2017.

Outside was this food truck which was great! Unexpectedly good quality.

The name ’13 Below’ came from the location being 13 miles down the Ohio River from Cincinnati.

The sun was starting to set so we headed to Sayler’s Park next door to watch it leave us.

Sunset photo was captured by taking it through the lenses of my new cheap sunglasses. Sometimes things do look better with rose colored glasses.

Clifton Gorge-John L. Rich and North Rim Trail Loop. Clifton, Ohio

I decided to go back and revisit part of the trail that Debbie and I drudged our way through at the end of 6 miles. I knew it was a place I wanted more time to absorb, so I convinced Zoe to go up with me one weekend before she headed back to LA.

We first stopped for breakfast at the Historic Clifton Mill restaurant. We arrived just in time before the line started forming. Then we headed to the trailhead while the humidity was still behaving.

Felt totally different entering fully energized and hydrated.

I stopped to admire this beautiful tree who I don’t recall noticing before. Love how trees have character. I am making plans to go to the see the Redwoods this fall with Zoe which I am sure will put this beauty to shame. I am certain I will be forever changed after the Redwoods forest bath. But always good to give admiration to the trees around us.

Noticed these adorable red fungi in a tree. Just doing their part to add a little spunk to the green landscape.

Looking down at the calm area of the gorge, where the river has gone through its tumultuous part of and ended up at peace. A great reminder of life. Watching rivers has so much wisdom to share.

Loving the mossy ferns just dripping off the rock’s edge.

Zoe ran ahead and I made her pose to capture the true perspective of the limestone rock wall surrounding us.

Now I remember capturing this view before and was again stopped by its complex structure.

There is a bit of history about this rock stating it is billions of years old.

The manner in which the sun was coming in made the river glow in its light.

Zoe and I found a place where there was a trail down to the river’s edge and we hiked down to feel the coldness of the water.

When we got to this point we went up on the bridge for a bit and then went back the way we came in. There were more people on the trail as the morning progressed. I like hiking early in solitude. There are benefits to getting your butt out of bed early.

It was a great couple hour hike. Perfect for me. A great way to start off our Saturday.

Fast forward a week later Kang Kang and I planned to meet up at a location in between Columbus and Cincinnati to do a hike. As much as I prefer not to hike the same trail twice, (now three times) this one was worth showing her. I thought the landscape was a great option in Ohio, and the drive split perfectly each way.

We got started at the trailhead at 9 am with plans to grab lunch in Yellow Springs afterwards.

Check out how the white barked tree is literally coming out from the rock and curving up to the sky.

Zoe and I saw this same blue heron when we hiked but now he was on our side of the river. Kang Kang was able to photograph him with a closer view and her better Iphone camera.

She looked like she was riding an imaginary dragon on this tree.

It was great catching up again with her. It’d been too long and we had much needed depth in our heartfelt conversations as we hiked along the trail. Nature has an awesome way of keeping you honest.

Only 15 minutes away was Yellow Springs. The wait for the cafe was an hour. So we walked the small town and shopped a bit taking in the art and unique glass and pottery stores. I couldn’t resist another patchwork reversible wrap skirt. My pocket book needs to stay out of this town 🙂

Capturing the sidewalks of this place. It was quite crowded which I was happy to see. People out enjoying its unique open minded, creative environment in the middle of the countryside. A hidden gem.

I found the below quote and couldn’t resist sharing. It spoke to me.

Picasso Exibit- Cincinnati Art Museum

The day after the ceremony, we planned to visit the Picasso Exhibit before Solaire and Charlie had to take off. After completing the clean up from the wedding, I was ready to get out of the house.

I forgot how close this museum is to where I live. And its free except for special exhibits. On my agenda to take advantage of this opportunity more. To get out of my house, from behind my remote computer work and live.

Nostalgic Pinocchio sculpture as you enter.

We headed straight back to the Picasso exhibit which was focused on the history of his landscapes. This year celebrates the 50th Anniversary of his death. The exhibit will be there until October.

I learned a lot looking at all the interpretations of his landscapes. It was interesting to see how he painted the views from where he lived and developed his artform with this subject matter. Looking at this French scene I would never have guessed it to be Picasso’s.

There was an interactive book you could remotely turn the pages of and see the landscape photo during the time period of when he painted vs his art renders.

The variety is what was so interesting to me. The colors, the styled interpretations throughout his life.

They also displayed some of his sculptures. Zoe was particularly fascinated with this one which changed faces as you moved around it.

It was fun to see which ones captured each person’s interest.

This was one of my favorites, something about the coloration and black doodling accents.

The architecture and colored walls the museum used to display Picasso’s work perfectly complimented the pieces in my opinion. I enjoyed walking through the archways and feeling the different energy.

Lost Charlie and George at one point. I think it wasn’t necessarily interesting to a 9 year old. We continued to wander through the halls to see what else this museum offered.

Have also always been a fan of sculpture.

This fun sketchy wall is in the hallway where you first walk in.

Being inspired by this visit, I asked to tag along with Zoe when she went for a run in Eden Park in the mornings. I started to walk the steps and am just now reminded to continue that habit now even though she is back in LA. It felt so good to get out!

Zoe and I went to the Museum’s Cafe for lunch her last day in town. This is the view from our table.

My salad was delicious and reasonably priced! I need to become a member here.

The bunny wall of course stole my heart.

After lunch Zoe wandered across the hallway from the cafe to a pottery exhibit. I anticipated it to be filled with the historic Rookwood Pottery famous in Cincinnati but instead it was featuring a modern ceramic artist- Roberto Lugo.