Evening Hike

Sometimes I just feel like heading out into the woods and taking pretty pictures. I haven't done that enough this summer. Last evening I decided it was time - so I left my hectic week behind for a short hike at Virginia Kendall.

Demolition in Morning Light

I had made some good memories in this building in its various incarnations - a few Mexican Restaurants & Molly Brown's - so when I ran past yesterday morning and saw it mostly demolished I grabbed my camera. The light was perfect for some demo photos. The vacant building next to it was just starting to be torn down - and The Happening Lounge was going to be next. There is lots of talk about what is going to happen to State Road's iconic "Happening Lounge" sign. I hope someone snags it.

Akron2Akron with David Giffels

On Saturday David Giffels led a walking tour in Downtown Akron. He highlighted landmarks and stories from his book, 'The Hard Way on Purpose'. David's fond memories of coming of age in Akron are when most people remember Akron at its lowest - closed storefronts & abandoned buildings - pretty much a ghost town. The book is required reading for anyone from Akron, the Midwest, "the Rustbelt" or anyone interested in the Rustbelt. There was a post-tour reception on the roof of The Lockview where David hung out, talked and signed books.

Another great afternoon in Downtown Akron.

Torchbearers at Wingfoot Lake

Last night I went to Goodyear's Wingfoot Lake Blimp Hangar to photograph the Torchbearer's general membership meeting. It was obviously a pretty cool spot to have it. Before the meeting there was a guided tour of the facility. 

For the record - the Goodyear Blimps are not in the large black Airdock that Lockheed Martin owns by the Rubber Bowl - Wingfoot Lake is in Suffield.

Weekend in Ann Arbor

Last weekend Rick and I went up to Ann Arbor, Michigan to help out his niece and her husband with a few tasks around their new house. During the day we worked but on Friday and Saturday went out and explored the city a bit. I had no idea Ann Arbor was a city of over 100,000 people - from some reason I always imagined it as a little college town along the lines of Kent. It is actually a bustling place with lots to see. The artfest also happened to be going on which was really cool. Here are a couple photos I took while out for dinners and drinks.

Beer, Bikes, & Blues

On Wednesday a few friends and I try to get together for a ride - whoever shows up by the designated time is welcome(good turnout this week). Generally we meet at 69 Taps and pick a direction to head - we decided to ride out to Barberton. It was such a beautiful evening - crossing Summit Lake was pretty amazing - I was able to pull out my camera and snap a few photos.

Moon Ride

On Friday night I rode my bike into the Valley to go on Blimp City Bike and Hike's 'Moon Ride'. The above group left shortly after 8 heading South down the Towpath towards Akron. Along the way different parts of the group decided to stop or break off at different points. Some of us made the decision to ride out and get a drink at Old 97 on Kenmore Boulevard - and Freddy showed us a new way to get there which was quite interesting.

Bikes and beers - my new favorite way to make friends.

Ribbin and Ridin'

Last evening was so beautiful I had to get out. I rode my bike over to the Akron Art Museum's 'Downtown at Dusk' and took in some tunes. I've always been a fan of this event - sitting outside and drinking some Thirsty Dog beer and checking out the galleries(which happen to be free on Thursdays). As the sun was getting low in the sky I decided to head over to Main Street and check out the Ribfest. My friend Eric then met me for a couple cold ones at Baxter's.
Oh yeah - but there is never anything going on in Akron.
Which reminds me - I need to start getting ready for the Moon Ride at Blimp City Bike & Hike tonight.