This morning was the earliest departure we have ever had. We got up at zero dark thirty and were ready to go by 5 a.m. Due to the time change it was still dark with just the faintest hint of light in the east. Not to worry, no other boats were out at that time but two other Looper boats followed us out of the port at Michigan City a little later. We could just make out a few lights in Chicago directly ahead on our bow.
We were all trying to avoid winds and waves that were predicted to kick up later in the day. We had a good crossing and Ken & Ann on “Charis” passed us at about the halfway mark and took the lead. The skyline of Chicago drew closer and closer and the panorama seemed to open up ahead of us.
 |
| Charis 42' Custom Pilothouse Trawler comes abreast of us. |
 |
| Chicago skyline comes into view. Willis Tower (formerly Sears) on left |
We are very pleased to be here because “Chicago by September
1” has been a goal of ours since before we started the trip. Our destination of DuSable Marina is right on the waterfront and is between the Columbia Yacht Club and the entrance to the Chicago River.
 |
| A view from the boat |
We are taking some time to be tourists and explore the big city. One of the first things we did was walk over to Navy Pier which has become a huge attraction with an amusement park, restaurants and shopping. John ordered a Chicago dog - which is a hot dog walked "through the garden," loaded with tomatoes, onions, pickle, peppers and mustard. Just don't ask for ketchup or they will know you are a tourist! On our first evening we were treated to fireworks off Navy Pier - what a show and welcome for us as we watched from the bow of our boat. While we were in Chicago we had to take the architectural boat tour on the Chicago River.
 |
| Chicago River tour - Trump tower straight ahead |
 |
| Reflection of an old building in the windows of a new building |
 |
| Flowers and vines along river wall - one of the pair of "corncob" towers on the left. The bottom third is a parking garage and the upper part is residences |
We walked the few blocks to Millennium Park, one of the hubs of the city off Michigan Avenue which houses sculpture, gardens, a huge amphitheater, the Jay Pritzker Pavilion and the surrounding Great Lawn.
 |
| Pritzker Pavilion concert center - we could see this from the water as we approached in our boat |
 |
| Cloud Gate - otherwise known as "The Bean" |
 |
| Selfie reflection in the Bean |
 |
| Crown Fountain made of glass bricks - changing images are projected from inside water flows down the sides - there are two of these facing each other |
 |
| John with our folding bikes - they are 7 speed and a good ride |
 |
| At the Looper dinner we watched dusk through the condo window - lake and Soldier Field on left, Shore Drive and railroad tracks |
Although we enjoyed the Great Lakes and cruising on the big waters, there was not much to see out on the water and often we were in fog. We got a lot of use out of our autopilot and were spoiled by relatively calm waters for most of the trip. Now we are looking forward to getting back on the rivers and following the charts a little more closely.
Captain’s
Log: August 27, 2014
Departed: Michigan City, IN 5:10 a.m.Engine hours: 4.7 hr. – 33.52 nautical miles
Actual hours: 4 hr. 35 min
Arrived: DuSable Marina, Chicago, IL ! 9:45
Wx: clear, winds 5 kt. or so, waves 1-2' waves, maintained 1800RPM – 7.3 kts. THANKS DAD & CHARIS behind me and CHARIS eventually overtook us – then carried 2300 RPM 8.3 kt. for last 1.5 hrs to stay with them. Waves calmed down to 1’ by end of trip
I am glad you saw the Bean and who puts catsup on a hot dog anyway?
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your labor day!
Glad to see you guys are having fun is Chicago!
ReplyDelete