Tanya's Daily Scoop
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Elisa's Daily Scoop
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HAHA - I always love a good laugh and this one here below had both Elisa and I literally ROTFLOBO (rolling on the floor laughing our butts off). Perhaps we should be calling ourselves the AIRHEAD cousins. Can you believe that we published the page like this and went all day until the evening hours (when I finally "saw" it) with the date listed as being AUGUST 14 when it is only April!!! Here is one big DUH from us both.
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Hiya folks!
I'm comin' atcha from Moab, Utah. Riding capital of the Southwest (and then some). Picture this - I'm sitting here at our very favorite breakfast spot in town - Eklecticafe with a fork in one hand and my other "free" hand typing away...talk about multitasking! LOL For as many years as we've been coming to Moab, is an many years that we have been enjoying hearty delicious breakfasts at Eklecticafe. If you did a search right here on Travelin' Cousins you will find several mentions of this fun, friendly and quirky little stop right here in the heart of Moab. We were here munching away and fueling up for our ride of the Magnificent 7 yesterday before heading over to Poison Spider Cycle shop to meet our shuttle for the ride up. 
Before boarding the shuttle (c)travelincousins.com
At the drop off spot and trailhead for Mag 7 (c)travelincousins.com
I'm checking out the map (c)travelincousins.com
The trails and views are endless (c)travelincousins.com
Picture break (c)travelincousins.com
Keep on pedaling (c)travelincousins.com
Trail crossroads and intersection (c)travelincousins.com
Must remember to keep my eyes on the trail and not the view (c)travelincousins.com
I just can't help stopping to take pictures (c)travelincousins.com
I've got a rather sensitive bottom and the trail is definitely gonna give you a bumpy ride for your money. But we continued pedaling and packing on the miles. Me on my trusty Kona and Dave on his Specialized.
My Kona that serves me well (c)travelincousins.com
Monitor and Merrimack in the distance (c)travelincousins.com
On a rock (c)travelincousins.com
Even after a wonderful breakfast we start to bonk out and need a break. If you are planning on going on and doing this ride - be sure to pack plenty of water (more if it is a hot day) and lots of healthy snacks!
Snack time (c)travelincousins.com
Checking out Gemini Bridges (c)travelincousins.com
View from Gemini Bridge (c)travelincousins.com
Dave on one of the bridges (c)travelincousins.com
The snow capped La Sal mountains in the background (c)travelincousins.com
One of my favorite superfood energy bars happens to be the chocolate peanut butter Redd Bar
Snack and a view (c)travelincousins.com
Energized and ready to pedal (c)travelincousins.com
Riding up to Gooney Bird Rock (c)travelincousins.com
This is one big Gooney Bird (c)travelincousins.com
Now if you must know and I'm gonna tell you - there are only 2 (well I guess 3 - if you count back tracking) ways out. 1 is via trails Gold Bar to Golden Spike to Portal which will take you back to town, but is for EXPERTS and crazy people ONLY or 2 climbing this dirt 4x4 road up and over until reaching the bike trail that leads back into town - which is the way we go.
Going up! (c)travelincousins.com
Can you spot me? (c)travelincousins.com
Huffing and puffing until the summit and then with about 12ish mostly downhill miles left to go we feel accomplished with our mountain biking and thrilled once we actually hit the smooth pavement - for after 6 or so hours of bouncing around, we are ready for the smooth ride back onto town.
Weeeee (c)travelincousins.com
On the way back into town we stopped at the Moab sign for our annual picture.
Moab - the adventure begins (c)travelincousins.com
Then back to the cabin for a nice warm shower before heading into town for some retail therapy and dinner.
All cleaned up and back in town (c)travelincousins.com
Shops along Main Street in Moab (c)travelincousins.com
Hitting the GONG after dinner (c)travelincousins.com
And I'm all finished with brekkie, Dave is finished with his postcard writing (and btw he found the missing stamp that he was stressing over on Thursday - remember the one that caused us to leave late!) now we are off to hit the trails again.
I'll be back to fill you in on all the fun and adventure tomorrow, -Travelin' Tanya 
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Hey there guys!! What a difference a day makes - yesterday I woke up to sunshine and temps in the high 60's and today it's gray, windy and a forecast of rain.
Well, honestly, I love the rain, so I don't care. Plus, I have much writing to do and there's no better time to get it done than when the weather is dismal. Oh, and apologies for our "wrong" date yesterday. I'm not sure who set up the page - it was probably me - and I must have been channeling summer lol. 
We couldn't have asked for a nicer day to attend the theatre yesterday! As you may remember, Kelsey and I had tix to see In The Heights yesterday at the John W. Engeman Theatre in Northport.
What a great weather day! The town of Northport, particularly, Main Street, where the theatre is located, is adorable. Lots of cute shops, eateries and of course, the John W. Engeman Theatre! It was my first time attending a performance at this Long Island venue and you can bet i will not be my last! First of all, it's ideally situated for Long Island residents like me to enjoy great Broadway-quality shows, without the stress, aggravation and expense of schlepping into New York City. Additionally, the theatre offers valet parking, which is a real convenience, particularly in inclement weather. Lastly, there are a few very cute coffee houses and restaurants within walking distance, which is just perfect for either a quick snack, (like Kelsey and I enjoyed prior to the show) or a full meal prior or after seeing the show. 
The John W. Engeman Theatre at Northport - Valet Parking is very convenient (c) travelincousins.com)
Across from Theatre on Main Street, Northport (c) travelincousins.com
Yummy Gelato at Martoni's (c) travelincousins.com
Pulling up right in front of the theatre, the very friendly valet, relieved of us of our car and with twenty minutes to spare, me and my little theatre geek headed across Main Street to grab a quick bite. The word "Gelato" caught our eyes, in the window of newly opened shop, Martoni.
All of you who know me, are well aware of my passion for pistachio and that is precisely what I ordered. Kelsey chose Hazelnut Crunch Swirl. We switched back and forth, sharing each others' gelato - it was a mini gelato fest!! 
Kelsey enjoying her Hazelnut Crunch Swirl before the performance of In The Heights (c) travelincousins.com
My favorite - Pistachio (c) travelincousins.com
Hazelnut Crunch Swirl (c) travelincousins.com
Inside the theatre is absolutely charming and everyone that works there is just so polite, warm and welcoming. We picked up our tickets at the box office and made our way upstairs to the mezzanine. Great seats! Center and with a wonderful view down to the stage!
Kelsey was thoroughly familiar with the soundtrack, having listened to it many times, being a big fan of Lin-Manuel Miranda, the play's writer. (Also, writer of Hamilton, which followed the success of In The Heights). I had no idea what to expect - having never listened to the music nor knowing anything about the story, it was all new to me. I totally enjoyed it! The performers were superb, and the live orchestra was phenomenal!! The engagement of In The Heights at The John W. Engeman Theatre has been extended to May 5th, if you are looking for a great day or evening of entertainment, here on Long Island! 
Waiting for the show to begin (c) travelincousins.com
In The Heights performance at John W. Engeman Theatre at Northport (credit: TBRNewMedia)
The history of the theatre is quite interesting and heartwarming.
The John W. Engeman Theater is Long Island’s only year-round professional theater, casting its actors directly from the Broadway talent pool and since opening it’s doors in 2007, the the venue has organized 53 Main Stage Productions of some of Broadway’s finest musicals and plays. Originally built as a movie theatre in 1912, it was located at 256 Main street, and served as a multi-function venue for the community through the coming years. The space was used for high school commencement ceremonies, political rallies, children’s recitals and even basketball games, when space in the building was leased by the school system for use as a gymnasium. The movies of the early 20th Century were silent and accompanied by a pianist, but by 1930, talkies were being shown at Northport and with new projectors, it was a up with the times as a modern movie theatre. Unfortunately, on April 19, 1932, the theater caught fire, and the building was completely lost. 
2007 Photo of remodeling of The John Engeman Theatre (credit: NYTimes.com)
Theater builder William McNeil constructed a new theatre on the adjoining property at 248-250 Main Street, the site of the present theater building. Through the 1950's the theatre was operated by Associated Prudential Theaters, who invested a substantial amount into modernizing and upgrading the theatre to include a stainless steel marquee, the remodeling of the lobby, new seats, and the addition of stage curtains, new wall coverings and a modern air-conditioning system.
As film industry economics and consumer tastes changed to favor more central theater locations, control of the Northport Theater eventually shifted to United Artists Eastern Theatres, which for years offered second-run movies at cut-rate prices. Then in 1996, UA closed the theatre. For years, the theatre underwent new ownership, but failed to operate as before, until in 2005, the theater was purchased by Dennis Tannenbaum, a resident and local businessman. He, in turn sold it to long time Huntington resident and entrepreneur Kevin O’Neill and his wife, Patti, on June 30, 2006. 
Interior of theatre (credit: engemantheatre.com)
In tribute to Patti’s brother, Chief Warrant Officer Four John William Engeman, who was killed in Iraq on May 14, 2006, the O’Neill’s decided to rename the theater the John W. Engeman Theater at Northport.
I was touched by this story and that the O'Neill's decided to honor their war hero brother in such a memorable manner. 
The new 2018-2019 season line up of shows includes Newsies, The Man of La Mancha, Elf the Music and more. Click Here for the theatre box offce!
After the show, me and my girls went out for a nice Italian meal at local favorite, Rustica Brick Oven Cafe in Garden City South. Boy did we eat!! 
Rustica salad - sauteed mushrooms over aruglula and lettuce (c) travelincousins.com
My Yummy plate of Baked Ziti (c) travelincousins.com
Kelsey's Chicken Parm (c) travelincousins.com
I couldn't get a pic of Gianna's stuffed shells because she began to devour them too fast!
Anyway, it was a terrific Saturday! More writing to do today! Tomorrow is an all new article feature in Elisa's Long Island and Travelin' 25, so be sure to check back!! Happy Sunday! -E xoxo 
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