Pulling into Chicago was a somewhat overwhelming experience. As we entered the harbor we were at once met with ferries, water taxis, numerous pleasure craft, and even a blimp! Since we started planning the loop trip, we looked forward to our time in the big windy city, and with all the excitement at our entrance, we knew we would not be disappointed. We made a reservation at DuSable Marina - in the heart of all the action.
Coming into Chicago
the skyline seems to go on forever.
The mooring field.
View from our slip at DuSable Marina.
We wasted no time and hit Navy Pier right away as it was just a couple of blocks away.
Views from the pier.
An awesome stained glass exhibit inside navy pier.
Getting hungry we asked for recommendations to experience authentic Chicago-style pizza. Pizza Due seemed to be a popular choice - so we set off on foot in search of pizza. Along the way we did part of the Miracle Mile Walking Tour then finished off the tour after dinner - which we truly needed to do as we both ate way too much! We walked through the shopping district, saw some architectural highlights and then went on to the riverwalk. The energy and excitement of downtown thrilled us, and the people were so friendly. Here's some shots in route to Pizza Due.
We were treated to a wonderful table for two outside and overindulged on pizza and beer.
After dinner we resumed the walking tour. Chicago has so many beautiful turn of the century buildings. Some of the highlights of our walk today included the Wrigley Building, Tribune Tower, the Old Water Tower (survived the 1871 fire), Loyola, John Hancock Center, 4th Presbyterian Church and the Michigan Avenue Bridge.
We returned to the marina via the riverwalk - a wonderful refuge from the fast paced environment just up above. Many folks were making use of the paved walkway enjoying after dinner strolls and after work jogs. We were pleasantly surprised by the number of jogging and biking pathways in the city and planned to take full advantage of them during our stay.
The big windy city sleeps.
We awoke to a another beautiful sunrise - excited to start the day in this extraordinary city. For over a year I had looked forward to going to Buddy Guy's Legends and today was the day! Since its located on the south side, we continued our walking tour while in route. Highlights of today's tour included Carbide & Carbon building, Marshall Fields, Reliance building, Sullivan Center, Chicago Board of Trade, The Rookery, and Willis Tower (Sears Tower) where we went up to the skydeck for a free audio tour and walked onto the glass platform above the city.
Chicago has lots of joggers
and lots of parks.
One of Marshall Fields clocks
At one time the busiest intersection in the world.
They just don't build 'em like this anymore - beautiful!
Cool light sculputre,
water tower,
plenty of clocks,
and fire escapes.
While in the financial district we ran into filming of the Transformer 4 movie. We watched the action for a while, but no movie stars showed up on scene.
We stepped out on the glass platform above the city
where we took another goofy self portrait...
Then it was on to Union Station - another building that I always look forward to seeing in whatever city we happen to be in - always impressive!
CTA's elevated train.
And finally we were there - Buddy Guy's Legends! We arrived well before the lunch jam session was to begin, but were happy peering in the windows, reading the posters, and taking pictures.
We could tell we were in for something special when a guy jumped out of this sweet ride (complete with the Chucky doll in the front seat) and went inside Legends. Then my cousin (with his Payton jersey on) walked in with his bass guitar. We could hardly wait for the doors to open - and finally we were the first ones inside - I could hardly contain my excitement!
Just being around the memorabilia of some of blues greatest performers was humbling.
I was happy to just be here in the moment and enjoy the soaking up the energy of this place.
Then Eric "Guitar" Davis began playing... awesome talent!
Then during the performance, I saw this guy sitting at the bar and had to do a double-take...
could it possibly be??? YES!! it was the lengend himself... Buddy Guy!!
I was so excited that I couldn't even look at him!!
Jeff told me to go over, but I couldn't even think of doing such a thing... what would I say???
Once a set break came up I knew that I would have to go over or I would always regret it.
Jeff came with me (thank heavens!) and of all things BG wanted to know how we got there by boat! I was practically a mumbling idiot so Jeff carried the conversation and at the end BG honored me with this photograph... Wow, before this moment I had never been so totally star-struck...
What a privilege... I got to actually hug the great Buddy Guy!
Whew, after all that excitement we resumed our walk back toward the marina. We went into Grant Park home of one of the largest fountains in the world, Buckingham Fountain.
In route we stumbled upon this rose-petal heart. As I was taking a picture this guy came up and said "I've been waiting all day for you to arrive..." Poor thing was as nervous as a cat!
Come to find out he was about to propose and was awaiting his girlfriend's arrival and practicing his lines - too cute! I assured him that any girl would say yes to someone so thoughtful and that he should just relax and enjoy the moment. Hope it all went well for him...
The fountain was a hub of activity - segways, weddings, a festival.
And finally we were back to the calming waterfront for a peaceful evening of listening to Eric "Guitar" Davis's newest cd.
The next day we were off and running. Our plans were to hit the Science and Industry Museum. It was about 8 miles from the marina so we thought a bike trip would be the perfect mode of transportation. There happened to be a half marathon race that morning and many streets were closed down as a result. There also happened to be a Bears game at Soldier Field which was in route to the museum. It all made for a great bike ride as we got to enjoy seeing the pregame tailgate festivities all along the route.
Soldier Field
Pulled over to check out the somewhat choppy waters in the bay.
Museum of Science and Industry
A real time clock showing these folks sweeping trash to move the hands.
Toured the U-505 German submarine captured in WWII.
Model ships
all types of cars
and bikes.
This was Jeff's favorite as he had one just like it as a kid.
Tornado simulator
Real trains
model trains
and even planes - this place has it all!
The next day we spent some time getting SeaGlide ready for entering the river phase of the trip. She was definitely way overdue for a good wash down. We looked forward to having dinner with friends Pazza Bella and Spiritus at Fogo du Chao, a brazilian steakhouse in town. After dinner we took a nighttime stroll and enjoyed our last night in the Windy City. We look forward to returning again one day - there's just so much to do in this beautiful city.
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