Two Premieres

There's nothing better for creative inspiration than new experiences.

My first motorcyle ride! It felt like a dream flying along the road and feeling the turns in my hips - like a dance!

Speaking of dance I also went to see a great dance company Pilobolus at the Joyce Theatre. There were some great pieces! Symbiosis has been in their repertoire for a couple of years but it was so much fun to see live. The fluidity of movement is beautiful - There are points of tension and daring feats that transform into pauses of intimacy and tranquility. The fluidity of life and relationships.  It makes me miss CI Jams!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOZ6KnVPvIU

They had really big props for some of the pieces that looked like a lot of fun to play with - big aluminum hoops and long jump ropes. The Joyce featured their New York Premiere of Licks:

 Symbiosis

Canada and Niagara Falls

And finally our last stop: Niagara Falls

I came close to seeing this landmark in college but didn't get the chance so I was excited to finally see it. Little did I know that it is such a tourist trap - a bit bittersweet for me! We stayed at a hotel down the street and walked down to the maiden of the mist tour in the morning. It was a bit overcast and sprinkling. About three blocks away we started hitting made in china gift shops and then we hit the two blocks of what can only be compared to an amusement park. All of this to enjoy a beautiful part of nature?

We finally got to the falls! Thats what I want to see:

We bought our Maiden of the Mist tickets and were ushered down a long, long, long ramp to water level. Then we were quickly pushed through a photo set with green screen so they could get more money from us after the tour. We were given blue plastic ponchos and were told to wait at a gate. The next boat came in and the last tour group got off and we were herded onto the boat; out we went! Although I felt very 'processed' (photographed, wrapped in plastic, and herded), it was exciting so see the falls up close.

We exited through the gift shop (of course!) and headed out for a great lunch past the amusement park area! Shortly after we headed back on the road to a new destination since the start of our trip 4 week trip: Home

Detroit

After taking the ferry back from Mackinac Island we headed to Detroit, Michigan to stay with a good family friend, Cindy.
Here's the bridge to Michigan:

We visited Cranbrook Academy of Art and walked around their gardens. There was great small circular  walkways and staircases and great big angular gardens.

And a cute wooded section with stepping stones along a stream:

Outside the art building:

We also went to a great contact jam and hung out with friends at a local bar.
A local art project:

Mackinac Island

The next morning we packed up and headed out to Detroit. We took the scenic route along Lake Superior through the Upper Peninsula to St. Ignace where we checked into a hotel for the night. The next morning we took the ferry to Mackinac Island - what a crazy place! No cars! No trucks! Only bicycles and horses.

The ferry ride took us on a very windy ride past the bridge to Michigan:

Here's the little lighthouse that we passed before the Island. When we got to the island the ferry dock was packed with goods coming and going in wagons pulled by huge work horses.

We found a diner type place for breakfast and walked down main street to lots of Fudge shops and other touristy stores.

We rented bicycles and rode around the whole island which was only about 7 miles! Here's David on their bike highway that circles the outer edge of the island.

We stopped at a natural arch that had formed when the water level was higher:

 We also found that we were there a week before the Lilac festival so all of their Lilac bushes were just starting to bloom. They had the biggest Lilac bushes I've ever seen:

After we brought our bikes back we walked around the main streets and stopped into a little cafe for lunch. Then we took a horse taxi back to the dock.

Good Food in Duluth

On our last day in Duluth we drove up to Chris's parents house for Brunch. 

The view from his Parents living room.

 We had a wonderful brunch. Chris's brother showed us the bows and arrows that he makes from scratch - beautiful pieces of art. The also gave us tons of polished agate stones. After brunch we drove back towards Duluth and stopped at a little river:

                                                                                                          An old train bridge:

 Surrounded by beautiful pine forests:

We went fishing. 

Later we went back to Chris's for dinner. I'm still not sure of everything that went on that pizza but it was the best pizza I've ever had! Amazing dinner Kelly!!

And we finished the night with a dark lager over a hard cider. mmmm......