They have been giving tours since 1935, and it is interesting to imagine the changes.

Architectural Tour Photo  by Nicki Hurd

My plan was to look for the rental bikes that you can pick up at one location and leave at another and cycle down Lake Shore hike and bike path, but I was informed that they no longer have an Oak Street location.

After getting some information from the concierge,  I indulged in pizza from the L’AIppetito Italian family owned deli at the bottom of the John Hancock Center.  There was a band playing in the courtyard that sounded nice but it was much cooler inside.   I made my way to the Enterprise car rental on Lake Street in the Loop and across the Chicago River to secure my vehicle. Word was; car rental locations in the area were fully booked and I should pick up the keys (even with my reservation) for the next day’s drive to Elkhorn Wisconsin, my final destination. It took a bit of time to walk the Magnificent Mile which started off very pleasant, but I was starting to sizzle from the heat.  It has been a hot summer in the area this year and it was over 90º.  I picked up an iced cappuccino for survival.

Sorted out the rental car and just made it in time for the 2:30pm Wendella Architecture boat tour, after running all the way looking and being confused, because I was not certain  where the entrance was.  I stayed below deck at the start of the tour with a cool drink in the air conditioning before moving to the top for a better view, and finished off on the lower level on a side seat outside which offered a visual from a different perspective, which was nice.   We floated from the Trump Tower through the three branches of the Chicago River, and glimpsed a range of architectural styles.   I enjoyed taking pictures but it was challenging on a moving boat.

July, 2012