Hitching His Way

Mr. Pickle recently stuck out his thumb in the parking lot of a library and hitched a ride with Patti and Andy, who were on there way from Cincinnati, Ohio to Northern Michigan and back down to Cincy and then Kentucky. It was magical timing that they were able to pick up Mr. P in Ann Arbor on their way. He hung with a robot, a dog mayor, a lizard, a stack of beer, rode a giant slide, and was chased by a tobacco farmer. Such adventures were had! And they took amazing photos. (I always love the pics I receive of his travels, but these were kicked up a notch.) Here we go:

Mr. Pickle's thumb was out and he hopped on board in the middle of Patti and Andy's trip to northern Michigan. He may have had some inspiration...

He joined their trip in the parking lot of the Ann Arbor District Library and they hit up The Lunch Room! The finest vegan restaurant in town. There he met a tasty pickle friend.  

They enjoyed Empire Beach, MI. While there Mr. P worked on his boarding skills!  

His happy hosts and a spectacular view at Empire Beach.  

Empire Beach sunset times for this pickle. He had his camera at the ready! 

They visited the Michigan Legacy Art Park. 

Riding the Crystal Coaster Alpine Slide!!! This looks amazing. Surely the finest ride Mr. P has enjoyed. 

Back in Cincinnati, OH they stopped at the Rhinegeist Brewery. 

While there they happened upon a craft fair! Beers and crafts! Mr. P was digging it. Note: above him is a Big Ass Fan. That's what it's called, FYI. *snicker*

All things green! Beverages! Mmmmm.

And look at that cute hat. 

(I love it when Mr. P dresses up for his travel hosts.)

Great American Tower at Queen City Square in Cincy. The top of it was inspired by Princess Diana's tiara. Huh. 

 Visiting the Genius of Water fountain in Cincy.

Roebling Suspension Bridge. They like to say that the Roebling Suspension Bridge was the inspiration for the Brooklyn Bridge. The Ascent building by the bridge was designed by architect Daniel Libeskind, who is the master architect for the reconstruction of the World Trade Center site.

A stop at the beautiful Cincinnati Music Hall.

BIG PURPLE MONSTER! Balances Mr. Pickle on his finger. 

Metrobot at the Contemporary Arts Center meets Mr. P. How cool is that! Robot! Art! Dance party!

Will all the google eyes please stand up. 

Good thing Mr. P's eyes are sewn on. 

Mr. P is just one of the many faces of art.

What a beautiful shot of Mr. P at the farmer's market in Cincy!

Mr. Pickle did.

He finally made it to Kentucky! A new state on his list to visit. WOOHOO.

And while there he met the mayor of Rabbit Hash, Kentucky. Who, yes, is a dog. Really.

Getting into some trouble at a tobacco barn. The barn owner stared them down and had to make a run for it. Holy smokes! 

Mr. P checks out the Rabbit Hash General Store. 

Taking lessons in foliage. 

(I met Patti at Craft-A-Way Camp, where we were taught about the difference between the two. So this is realllly funny. Well, to us.)

Kentucky laundry stop.

But where is the old stuff? No, like the OLD old stuff?

There was an old lady who lived in a shoe, and she had a pet pickle who refused to live in a boot.

Illegally hanging out with some DHL planes, no big deal. 

Florence, Y'all.

Mr. Pickle had fun visiting the Big Bone Lick State Park in KY! Bison!

Or, no bison, actually. They were off feeding. DO NOT APPROACH!

Horses at Turfway Park. 

This pickle sure loves animals. 

Mr. P getting close with the lazarus lizards. You see that lizard behind Mr. P? These lizards were introduced to Kentucky from Italy by a little boy in 1951, and now they're everywhere! Whoah.  

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Kentucky marked his 30th state! Only 20 more to go, dear readers. That's right. YOU. ME. We need to get him to those 20. Where are you taking him?! Maine? Oregon? Alabama? New Jersey? Check his itinerary and get him on your travel schedule.

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After getting back to Cincinnati, he was shipped off to his next destination so he could travel to St. Louis, Missouri. BUT! The USPS failed us, and he did not land in time. No Missouri for this pickle. Hopefully he'll make it back to Michigan in time for his trip to Italy!