Chicago

 Crossing Lake Michigan, the Captain navigates judiciously to avoid this freighter. 

 

 

 

 

 

We are "awed" as Spiritus approaches Chicago and we see the city's magnificent skyline.

 

 

 

 

 

 We are so fortunate to dock Spiritus right in downtown Chicago at the DuSable Marina.

 

 

 

 

 

From our dock, we have an unobstructed view of the popular Navy Pier, one of Chicago's many tourist attractions.

 

 

 

 

 

 Our marina is within walking distance to Michigan Avenue, with its many attractions.

 

 

We spent 5 days exploring the wonderful downtown parks, sculptures, gardens, ampitheater, shops, & museums. 

 

 

 

 

 We loved strolling the riverwalk adjacent to our marina ... flowers & waterfalls adorned the promenade.

 

 

 

 

 

 What a delight to discover the unique "Mariano's Village Market" just blocks away from our marina.

 

 

 

 

 

The metropolitan city has beautifully manicured parks tucked between residential & commercial buildings.

 

 

 

 

 

 "The Bean" is an architectural wonder!  It is an elliptical sculpture of highly polished stainless steel surfaces, with introspective reflections of Chicago's skyline and public interaction.

 

 

 

 

 

 Captain Eddy & First Mate Linda are in the middle of "The Bean".  Can you find us?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Millenium Park has many attractions including the outdoor concert pavillion, with an open air accoustical canopy of stainless steel ribbons.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Fellow Loopers joined us for an evening of laughter at the award winning play, "The Book of Mormon". 

 

 

 

 

 

The Chicago Architectural Society offers a 5 star river tour that came highly recommended.

 

 

 

This river tour provided us with 90 minutes of amazement!

 

 

 

 

 

 Chicago's architecture is impressingly diverse . . . .

 

. . . . innovative . . . .

 

 

. . . . ornate . . . .

 

. . . . quintessential . . . .

 

 . . . . and exudes brawn with stunning grace!

 

 

 At night, Chicago's skyline looks like a wonderland.

 

 

 

 

 

Linda's cousin, Bill Otto, drove to Chicago to spend the day with us and meet Spiritus.

 

 

After leaving our boat, Bill helped us board the "Elevated" train to . . . .

 

 

THE WRIGLEY FIELD!!!






We took a tour of historic Wrigley Field, the second oldest ball field in the nation.

 

 The outfield wall has original vine covering it which makes it unique from any others.

After each season, numerous balls and other items such as cell phones are found hidden it it!

 

 

 

 

 

Rooftop bleachers on surrounding buildings can be seen from the stadium.

Wouldn't you like to own one of these buildings and collect the millions of dollars in profit?

 



 

 

 

 

Cousin Bill is in the locker room trying to locate his jersey and realizes it's been retired!

 

 Captain Eddy sits in the dug-out dreaming of stepping up to bat.

 

 

 The cousins are in the press box sharing a Cubs hug!

Thanks, Bill, for a memorable tour .... most definitely a highlight for the Spritus crew.

 

 

 

 

Captain Eddy & his BEST mate lower Spiritus' mast one last time before completing the Loop.

The Illinois River has fixed bridges that require less than a 17 foot air draft.

 

 

 

 

Our last night in Chicago we reunite & celebrate with Looper friends, Mike & Cindy.

You gotta' love friends that share our ice cream pleasure!! 

 

 

 

 

 

Sad to see Chicago at our stern ... absolutely fell in love with this city!!

 



Our last sunrise over Lake Michigan as we head south to the Illinois River

. . . . . our cups runneth over!