O’Hare Airport photo by Nicki Hurd
I went for the option to take a later flight and receive a voucher for a complimentary ticket. I got to know the areas between terminals B – F and enjoyed the sushi I used my meal voucher on; given to me by the generous agents from United Air. July, 2012
View from room 539 at the Drake Hotel Photo by Nicki Hurd
Checking in was surprisingly easy, even though I arrived at the hotel before noon and check- in is listed as 3pm. When I entered room 539 it was love at first sight. It was the perfect room for me, nice and cool; the bed looked amazingly comfortable, and was. I looked out the window at a view of the beach and Lake Michigan, which was very comforting after a very early morning (4:30am) and an uncertain start (planes were grounded earlier in the week due to weather). July, 2012
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
Oak Street Beach Photo by Nicki Hurd
I decided to stay near due to blister on my feet from walking around the Loop, and have a casual dinner at the Lake. The Margarita on the Rocks was $9.00 nearly the same price as my Fish and Chips at $12.00 but seemed a fair price for such a great location. Watching Lake Michigan splash was very relaxing. July, 2012
Lake Michigan from Lake Shore Hike and Bike Path Photo by Nicki Hurd
There were swimmers in the water getting their morning stroke in, and a few cyclist peddling.
Navy Pier started in 1916 and is nearly 100 years old. It housed several regiments of soldiers during WW I. During WW II, 15,000 pilots qualified for military services at the pier. The Ferris wheel is modeled after the first Ferris wheel, built for Chicago’s 1893 World Colombian Exposition and is 15- stories- high.
bike/skate: Bike Chicago http://www.bikechicago.com/
July, 2012
Navy Pier Photo by Nicki Hurd
Only a few people were at the pier and they were on the lower level, which allowed me to have this all to myself. July, 2012
Navy Pier Chicago Photo by Nicki Hurd
This beautiful and lush botanical garden is a one-acre glass atrium and has 50 foot arched ceiling and holds over 80 live palm trees.
information for traveling to the Navy Pier
parking and seasonal trolley: navypier.com 312-595-pier
July, 2012
Lake Michigan Photo by Nicki Hurd
July, 2012