July 28-Aug 1 Chicago

The last stop before Chicago was Michigan City, Indiana. Upon arrival, the dock master gave us the keys to his jeep along with instructions to the store. In three short hours we dis a major grocery shopping list, West Marine, Auto parts store, and the liquor store. I can't get over how helpful everyone has been.

We stayed an extra day because of predicted winds and bad weather. Most of it was while we were sleeping. Although the trip across the Lake was rocky. Three foot swells made Cutter very anxious so we tacked most of the way.
Getting a boat slip in Chicago is near impossible. After several rejections, we called the Columbia Yacht Club. Three days later they returned our call and welcomed us. As a participating member of Yachting Clubs of America, Columbia offered Reciprocity to us as members of the Captains Club in Jacksonville.This was perfect. We were walking distance from downtown Chicago and the first building we passed on our evening jaunt into town was the Chicago Art Institute.

Our favorite daughter, Linda, came to visit for the weekend . We went shopping, saw Billy Elliot,


visited with friends, Ed and Marina Green who met at the Columbia Yacht Club years ago.Took this photo of millennium park from the inside of the Art Institute while John and Linda were checking out their wine cafe.

The Columbia Yacht Club is housed in an 280 foot steel hulled icebreaker, which has been refurbished into a fabulous facility. Pictures don't do it justice.

Of course, they had a wonderful mural on the wall We were invited for a tour and John really enjoyed all the toys on the bridge

The lower deck of the ship is the entry and class area, they teach sailing lessons as well as boating safety.This photo was taken from the dining room, overlooking the next marina

Couldn't resist the moon.

the very right of the photo is the bow of the Club.

Chicago was beautiful although their were wakes constantly due to the heavy water traffic

Relaxed, at the helm.

The Aqua is one of the new condominiums , as you pass it the view seems to be moving.Of course, we had to have Chicago Pizza. I'm not sure if it was worth the hour wait, but we had a good time.

Sunday morning we took the L to a neighborhood art show.
Linda and John enjoyed the rest while I toured the art.

By far, Linda's favorite building in Chicago is the Cultural Center. Again, photos do not do it justice.

It was originally a Library designed by Tiffany. Every bit of color you see is intricate glass inlaid into marble. The huge building with several winding marble staircases Must have taken years to complete.

This is an example of the staircase wall, I decided not to include the other hundred or so photos of the interior. You'll have to see it for yourself.