Chi-Town

September 15, 2012

 

We left South Haven, pre-dawn for our big crossing to Chicago. The channel lighted our way until the sun rose. Two to four footer waves set us on our way. The 0-1 footers predicted by NOAA were not found until mid lake. It was a quite day with the auto pilot guiding us to Chicago.
 



Oz? (Approaching Chicago)





In the distance a city scape began to form. In the haze it looked the we were off to see the wizard!
As we approached Navy Pier we could spot Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower) and Trump Tower in the center and the John Hancock Building to the right.


DuSable Harbor was full so we moved south to Burnham Harbor. The marinas in this area are huge. The Irish Attitude made her home on Q Dock (S was the last dock). The sail boaters next to us were very friendly and welcomed us. They live in a high rise near by and make good use of the marina's proximity.

The lowest bridge on our trip is on the Chicago River. Going this route would require our radar to be lowered. This was not an appealing thought. Instead we took a 90 min. architectural boat tour down the Chicago (something I have always wanted to do!) aboard the Grand Lady. It sounds funny but it was a break in our routine because we could just sit back and enjoy. We highly recommend this trip! Many pictures were snapped but the one below is a good 'reflection' of the tour. 





 

The old is reflected in modern.



A trip along the Miracle Mile was next on the list. Mike and I window shopped but purchased nothing (!). Afterwards we ate a O'Brien's river cafe. Yesterday, while approaching Chicago, the Coast Guard made and announcement over the VHF radio that the river would be closed the next two days for the filming of a movie. Today as we were seated at the cafe the river was being closed down right in front of our table. The movie was Dhoom 3 (no typo here), a 'ballywood' film that had the local India(n) fans gathering to catch a glimpse of the star. The stunt double ran down the stairs from Wabash Street, jumped over the concrete railing and towards the river. Stop. Repeat. The picture below is the star in action with film crew at the bottom of the stairs. Another crew filmed the splash made when a weighted barrel was dropped from the open bridge above. To simulate a jump? I guess we will have to wait for the movie to come out!



Filming Dhoom 3

 

We returned to the marina via a CTA bus as we planned to pull out on Monday. I just want to say that I have always admired Chicago's forethought in saving their waterfront. Waterfront is a limited commodity. The walk/run/bike path runs the whole lake shore. Marinas, tennis courts, golf course, museums and zoos are scattered in this acreage. Commercial and residential development is pushed to the other side of Lake Shore Drive. Way to go Montgomery Ward!