Hour for hour MAP is clearly the biggest thing going on lately, but it doesn't make for good blogging. Day trips do, though, so here's a rundown of our day trip to Toledo on Friday.
We started off by driving along the Toledo River, past the zoo and through the towns of Maumee and Perrysburg, in search (in vain) of a Quiznos. It was cool to get a sense for the size of the metro area and see the 'burbs that are the growing part of this area. Then we hit the zoo... lunch was first up, eaten along the serengeti, as it were, with giraffes and impalas grazing a few dozen yards away. After lunch we set off through the polar bear, wolf, and bald eagle exhibits, heading across a pedestrian bridge to the balance of the zoo. There were a number of aviaries, then big cats, big apes, and big african animals.
When the zoo closed we drove to the art museum, swinging through downtown to see the city. By the time we got into the museum it seemed like rain was imminent, so we headed outside to take in the sculpture gardens before the weather arrived. Back inside, we cruised throught the excellent galleries. Toledo really has something to be proud of in its museum; the most famous artists' works are on display, along with a huge number of Dutch landscapes which really provide a theme. There are also antiquities gallore and a few European rooms, which provide variety. The central space was showing a Louis Comfort Tiffany exhibition, which we loved. Tiffany's incredible talents showed through in each medium he attempted... glass and metal and drawings and paintings and ceramic, each piece more beatiful than the previous. It was also open until 10, so we had a full evening to explore and enjoy before heading back to Michigan.
Saturday was lazy in and around Ann Arbor. We had a football-style dinner and then hit the town: Dave helped fix my derailleurs and then we headed up the hill to Casa Dominick's. Ryan met us there for some sangria - a chance to meet Jenelle and perhaps a last chance for us to touch base before we arrive in Pennsylvania. Ryan had to leave early, but the three of us stayed until close, watching the weather and enjoying the company. Then on the way home we hit btb for quesadillas and nachos.
Sunday morning I got up early to ride in a training race in Ann Arbor. It wasn't much fun, truth be told, and I didn't do that great. (More some other day.) Back at home we cooked up an awesome brunch, then said bon voyage and headed north by west to the outlet mall to get a few clothing essentials for the summer. Now it's now, pasties for dinner and the last few hours of a great weekend.
Sunday, April 23, 2006