Chicago

7-30-2024

We took a long days cruise from Racine, Wisconsin to DuSable Harbor in Chicago. We entered the breakwater just north of Navy Pier and were astounded at the number and variety of watercraft in this very busy harbor. We navigated without difficulty to an endcap in DuSable Marina and tied up uneventfully. A number of fellow loopers were already here enjoying Chicago. We had a nice party on the flybridge our second night in Chicago to celebrate the voyage.

We also found out that getting around the Chicago loop required some planning. We found a grocery store hidden in a skyscraper and were able to provision. The first grocery store ever that had elevators for grocery carts because it was contained on multiple floors.

A highlight of our Chicago visit was the arrival of Anthony, Emily and their family (Anthony G., Eleanor and Henry) to spend four days with us on Katie B. We rented bikes and explored Navy Pier and its immediate surroundings, ate, drank and rode the Chicago Eye. We also all went on a memorable trip to the Shed Aquarium.

We launch the dinghy for them, and they went on a journey through the Chicago lock and up the Chicago River. Their tour of the river, lock system, and Chicago Harbor were a highlight. Needless to say, there were also breakfast and dinners on the flybridge, card games, and chasing after the parrot.

The weather was nearly perfect for their stay. Shortly after their departure however a week of high wind and unsettled seas were forecast. We opted to skip our planned architectural tour of the Chicago River in favor of heading out to Hammond, Indiana during good weather to secure the boat in the Hammond Marina while we departed for Pittsburgh and Kathy's 50th high school reunion. We really enjoyed Chicago and wished that our stay could've been several days longer.