Chicago, IL

The morning we are set to leave from Hammond weather moves in early with rain, wind, thunder and lightning. The newly installed Sirius weather tracking system serves us well that day, as Larry watches for the break in the system and we make the quick, clean run to Chicago (14NM) and dock at the Chicago Yacht Club. We spend the next three days exploring the city and are happily joined by Chris Adams (a returning crew member!) to help celebrate Larry’s birthday in the Windy City.

If you have time…check out this link to a recent article written about our trip…https://cruisingodyssey.com/

A blustery day coming into Chicago Harbor from Hammond

The Chicago skyline and the pretty blue water of Lake Michigan

The sun sets over Independence at her slip in the Chicago Yacht Club

The evening view isn’t too bad from the bow of the boat

Sunrise from the stern of the boat

A jog over to Navy Pier

A crisp morning made for good skyline photos from the pier

The Navy Pier was first a military station in WWI then in WWII the pier was used for pilot training orientation

The Art Institute of Chicago has a staggering collection of impressionist art and so much more. Here Monet paintings keep company with Rodin’s Eve

Monet’s haystacks

Georges Seurat, A Sunday on La Grande Jatte, 1884

Wood, American Gothic, 1930

Hooper, Nighthawks, 1942

Lichtenstein, Foot Medication, 1974

Takashi Murakami, Mr. Pointy, 2011

The Jay Pritzker Pavilion at Millennium Park

This sculpture is called ‘Cloud Gate’ but the locals call it ‘The Bean’, in Millennium Park

Millenium Park walkway…picture one

Picture two

A walk up Michigan Avenue and I fell in love with this entry to 333 North Michigan built in 1928

Crossing the Chicago River at the Michigan Avenue Bridge

Up 95 floors (1,127 ft.) in the John Hancock building (1969) to check out the views

When you are in a bar up 1,127 ft and there is a beer made just for them you have to try it

Spectacular views from the Signature Room

The dining room at The Signature Room

From the highs to the lows…we go underground for our next beer at Streeter’s Tavern…Chris is back!

An absolute must when you are in Chicago is the Architectural tour. We chose the Chicago Architecture Center’s Tour on the boat ‘First Lady’. The Wrigley Building

This city is truly has the best blend of old and new architecture. Carbide and Carbon building (with real gold leaf top) and Thirty Five East Wacker

During the 90 minute tour you pass under 27 bridges, called Trunnion bascule bridges

These townhouses are right along the river & designed by Harry Weese in the late 1980’s

Sears Tower

The only condo complex with a marina…the architect did not believe in right angles

Going back down the Chicago River

This skyline view is from the entrance of the Chicago River

Have to play mini golf on Larry’s birthday. So happy Chris Adam’s could rejoin the crew

Last night in Chicago, we celebrate with dinner at the oldest Italian restaurant in the city. The Italian Village first opened in 1927

Our little booth was fantastic

So was the food…Chris had the White Fish Piccata, Larry the Veal Saltimbocca and I had the Frutti di Mare.

A nightcap at their little bar was a must

When we returned to the boat the Navy Pier was having a fireworks display…what a great end to an amazing trip to Chicago…I love this city!