Chicago, the third largest city in the US, placed 9 on the list of the world’s richest cities and is the second-largest central business district in the US. We called it home for over 20 years. During that time we experienced living downtown, raising a family in the NW suburbs, and boating on Lake Michigan for three seasons.
We had made the cross from New Buffalo to Chicago, only 40 miles but still required a weather window as you are on open water, lose sight of land, and cell phone service. But its always a thrill when you make your final approach and catch sight of that awesome city skyline. Still exciting, never gets old.
We stayed one week at the Chicago Yacht Club, a prime location to the City, fine dining, parks and the new Riverwalk, which was being constructed at the time we relocated.
We were able to meet up with 14 friends, take the architectural tour of the Chicago River, walk the waterfront, Grant Park, the River Walk, Michigan Ave., and even walked into the Lobby of the Apartment Building we first lived after we got married.
Currently, the Ranger Tug that we anchored in Baie Fin Canada with, caught up with us again.The Blue Cross, Blue Shield building lit up “Never Forget” in honor of 9/11.Great visit with the Kitzenger Family, Tom, Connie, Danny, and KathNo, not docktales, morning coffee with the Loopers from Currently, Bruce and Maggie and Let Time Go Lightly, Patty & Bill.Looper friends from the boat Ultima, who we met in Midland, CA invited us to see the Columbia Yacht Club where they docked their boat. They were both seasoned boaters having cruised to Alaska, the Panama Canal, the Caribbean and now the Loop. They love being on the water and have done four 180-day around-the-world cruises on various commercial ships.Columbia Yacht Club is located right on the waterfront in the heart of Chicago’s sailing scene between Monroe and DuSable Harbors. Their large Club Ship sets them apart from other yacht clubs, this was the main entrance of the 372-foot Ice-cutting ferry named Abegweit, nicknamed “Abby” which houses a bar and restaurants, the sailing school and an event center. This vessel has served as the clubhouse since 1982.Long-time friends, Carl and Judy joined us for dinner at the CYC.Had a great visit with our Rolling Meadows neighbors, Donna and Karl. Camara-shy Cousins, Diana, and Tom came for dinnerWillis Tower, originally the Sears Tower, is a 108-story, 1451-foot skyscraper seen from the water on the Architectural tour and is still the third-tallest in the world. More than a million people visit the observation deck in this building each year. Michigan Ave with its iconic Water TowerThe Chicago River has a 17′ fixed bridge, which meant that our Flying Colors with an air draft of 18.5 ‘ wouldn’t be able to clear the bridge and travel down the river through the city. So we took the Architectural Tour to explore the river and the architectural wonders that line its banks. The tour gives you views of some of the finest old Art Deco, NeoClassical and Gothic Architecture while highlighting the new modern skyscrapers many of which are residential.Two of our favorite buildings, the Wrigley Building built in 1921-24 for the chewing gum company used the shape of the Seville Cathedral and combined it with French Renaissance details. The Tribune Tower, is a 36-floor, neo-gothic architecture, once home to the Chicago Tribune is now condos. A collection of famous building fragments can be found on the outside of the building, many were brought back by correspondents for the Chicago Tribune prior to the construction of the building.This was our first apartment back in 1985, now condo’s with the neighbor built up with businesses.A must-see in Chicago, “the Bean” sculpture, named “Cloud Gate” by the artist, is synonymous with the Chicago Experience. It’s 33 feet high, 42 feet wide, 66 feet long, and weighs 110 tons. Can be found in Millenium Park which is a great gathering spot in the heart of Chicago where one can find concerts, art, sculptures, and a whole lot of beautiful landscaping.Found the train to the burbs to visit some friendsMet up with my walking buddy, Carol for a walk and of course breakfastFound our good friends, the Bryants, and had dinner at Giani’s in PalatineChicago Yacht Club was not only a great location but offered a great city view. , Now on to the rivers . . .
Reimanns 'round the loop in 2022 