Sam & Haakon

Sam and Haakon Utesch, ages 6 and 8, modeled for our most recent packing tape sculpture. The ladder, since it sat still, was a better subject but not as amusing.

Sam and Haakon were first taped sticky-side out, then multiple tape layers were applied in short strips. They were taped in sections: arms, legs, torso, hands, feet and head were all wrapped seperatly then carefully removed with medical scissors. The seams were taped shut and body parts fit together.

The ladder was done as one large wrapping, removed from the wooden model and the seams closed with strips of tape.

The entire piece is over 10' tall. We pulled it up with our winch to float in our upper gallery space.

Back in the USA

Although we were tempted to stay in Canada, especially in Vancouver, B.C., we put our fannies on a ferry early this morning and headed out of Victoria for a short float to Port Angeles, Washington. Our goal - to reach Olympic National Park - to spend our last few days in the quiet - no more cities until we fly out of Portland on Wednesday.

Our drive to Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park was filled with picturesque and panoramic views that were breathtaking - or was that the hiking at 5,700'? It was both. Spruce trees guided our hike up the steep trails, their sweet aroma filled the air around us - what a treat - a much needed break from the miles in the car and stresses of the cities.






We'll start our day very early tomorrow so that we arrive with plenty of time for our next stop - the Hoh Rain Forest, also part of Olympic National Park. The drive is only 80 miles, but it will take us 2 1/2 hours via the mountainous terrain. Our resting spot for tomorrow night will be Lake Quinault, with plans to visit the Merriman Falls before heading south to Portland.

Vancouver (proper and island)

I have found my new favorite big city. Vancouver, B.C.

It is clean, green, artsy and friendly. Surrounded by coastlines, it is beautiful, joyful and sprawling with interesting neighborhoods. I am barely able to not book my return flight.

We stayed an extra night, found our way to Vancouver Island a couple days ago and now...viola...another ferry will dump us back in the states by noon tomorrow.

We have played a bit of tourist: Eating just-caught Halibut and chips, sitting down at the IMAX theatre to watch the sardines run, touring the Royal London Wax Museum (see scary picture) and sampling lots of local brews.

A few more observations follow:
1. Canadians ARE friendly!
2. Canadians are very happy with our election results. In fact, the daily papers are keeping me properly up-to-date on all NAFTA member comings and goings.
3. I am inspired by and very zone envious of this regions gardens. Especially the one pictured.

Our last few days will include another ferry, the Olympic National Forest, more gorgeous coastline and a swan-dive south back to Portland. I have had a few cranky moments. Usually when my small-town girl picked a fight with my big-town girl for some quiet time. Good thing we are heading to the woods.

Observation Deck

Today we played Seattle tourist. Starting with an Ovaltine latte, we ran through the essentials while taking advantage of the partly sunny sky and 50 degree temps: Space Needle, Science Fiction Museum and Experience Music Project (Frank Gehry designed), the monorail, Underground Tour, Pikes Market (once for lunch and once for a just-off-the-tree Fuji apple), the Gum Wall and gallery hopping. We are wiped!





Perched up on starched sheets, we have two bottles of regionial blends awaiting our buds. Keith Olberman is announcing the Worst Person in the World. Rachael Maddow is next. Right now is real good.

Further Observations

I am experiencing the longest jet-leg ever. 4am awakenings and 7pm bedtimes are being fought. Last evening after a quick visit to Pike Place Market we ate at one of Seattle's 'Best of' Mexican restaurants. Earlier at the market we saw cheese curds displayed beneath a large sign asking "What is a cheese curd?". For a comparison taste, we bought some and enjoyed them sitting at small table a few stalls down that served hoppy, Seattle brewed pale ales. The curds were dry with just enough salt" A very good curd.


That day we had visited the Museum of Glass in Tacoma. Beginning with the Bridge of Glass we went straight to the hot shop for live demonstrations. A crew of 8 glass blowers setting up shop were obviously attached to that days creation. A web search this morning left me knowing why. Bacon Boy is part of a museum project in place since 2004. Children's drawings are re-created in glass, twice. One is given to the child and the other becomes part of a permanent museum collection. It makes me think of our own gallery artist Michelle Zjala-Winter's Drawlery.

The coastal landscape we have toured is stunning for reasons not achievable along our own Lake Michigan shores. Why? There are no billboards (or mountains, or estuaries, or sounds). It took me half a day to realize why the beauty seemed so saturated: There is no assaulting break in the vista. The Flying Pig has maintained a billboard since our first season open. Our marketing plan was set against this aesthetic blight, but after 3 accidents at our drive, due to quick stops and turns, we decided to concede. Wisconsin D.O.T will not allow us a sign out front, close enough to Hwy 42, to help travelers react cautiously. Actually, if we have two more accidents they will consider re-considering (apparently, the new church sign on the corner of Cty 'K' and Hwy 42 is an anomaly to this law). ANYWAY, I have signed my last billboard contract. Sorry Jag.

Observations

We had read about the rainy season. Websites mentioned micro breweries, good coffee and art. Our AAA guidebooks were filled with 'Gems': Lewis and Clark historical sites, botanical gardens, maritime visits and wineries. Our artist friends had mentioned gallery must-sees and Kayak travel site spit out hotel deals. We are filling our time well.




We just woke to day five, Meet the Press just signed off, local news just announced more showers, a flood warning and cooler temps. I have some of my own observations about the Pacific Northwest. First, it is freaking beautiful! People are friendly, even hotel coffee is good, the food is great, lots of young people smoke, hoodies are worn by everyone, walking a mile up above the second largest waterfall in the U.S. is calf crunching, the art is damn good (and very, very expensive). We did, however, discover an artist to add to our own collection.




Yesterday we drove the coast from Portland to Astoria, The last leg to Tacoma we spent on winding, wet dark roads under an eerily black sky. Our rented Nissan Altima Hybrid ran it well.
I am impressed with this car.

Today's travel includes a stop at the Tacoma Museum of Glass before driving on to Seattle.