Day 92 and 93: Visit to Chicago

October 19, 2023

Day 92: October 18: We woke early to the sound of engines and bow-thrusters as Looper Flotilla #11 prepared to leave and head to the Calumet River. What a glorious morning they had; the sunrise couldn't have been prettier. We really enjoyed watching them exit the harbor one by one and make the turn onto the lake for the short trip to the river.

It was a brisk day; great for a long walk along the river. Sandra and I set out on the walking/biking path for a 6 mile hike. Our travels took us through a soccer field, parks, the coast guard station and what looked like vacant factories or marinas of some sort. If not vacant, then pretty unkempt. For such a terrific bike path, we only saw 1 walker, 1 jogger and 1 bicyclist the entire way.

Before long we realized we had crossed over the border into Illinois!

The sign says the Illinois/Indiana state boundary marker is one of the oldest landmarks in the Chicagoland area, constructed in 1838. It is built out of large limestone blocks in the shape of an obelisk and stands over 15 and 1/2 feet and weighs over 38,000 lbs.

The obelisk was originally located about 191 feet south of its current site. In 2021, Hammond Mayor Thomas M. McDermott and the Hammond Port Authority in partnership with Ward Alderwoman Susan Sadlowski-Garcia had the space around the marker improved and a small plaza was erected as seen today.

Day 93: October 19: Another day, another Looper flotilla on its way to Calumut River. Everyone is thankful to be saying goodbye to Lake Michigan. We said adios to some friends, knowing we will see them soon on the rivers!

A trip to Illinois would not be complete without a visit to Chicago. David, Sandra and I took an Uber to South Shore Station where we boarded a train bound for Millennium Park; from there we walked to the Wendella Boat Tours in anticipation for our cruise up the Chicago River. Arriving in Chicago was pretty exciting; the city was bustling with energy. What a far cry from the remote anchorages in the North Channel.

The park is described as a "can't miss attraction" for any Chicago visit. It's a fabulous place to walk and take in the scenery, sit and enjoy lunch with a glass of wine and view the tranquil gardens in bloom during season. We made it a point to stop at the iconic Cloud Gate (AKA "The Bean"). The monumental work of art anchors downtown Millennium Park and reflects the city's famous skyline and the surrounding green space and gardens. Unfortunately it was closed for renovations when we arrived but we could still catch a glimpse through the fencing!

Sandra and I ventured around the area while waiting for our boat tour. We entered the Trump hotel and went up to Terrace 16; the restaurant. We entered and the hostess ushered us to the outside balcony where we took in fabulous views!

The highlight of our day was the boat cruise along the Chicago River. Once you leave Lake Michigan there are two routes you can take to join the inland river system headed south. The northern entrance is Chicago Harbor, located at the confluence of Lake Michigan and the Chicago River. The southern entrance is the Calument Harbor and River, which is located on the southwest shore of Lake Michigan, approximately 11 miles southeast of Chicago Harbor. Since we have chosen to take this route and not the Chicago River, we wanted to experience, if not by our own boats, by an architectural tour.

The tour was terrific. Phylis, our tour guide was extremely knowledgeable; She spoke nonstop for the entire 90 minutes up and down the river, recounting the history of Chicago and its buildings; the corporations and wealthy people who built the city up after the 1871 fire's destruction. There is too much to describe; I'll let the pictures speak for themselves.