We were up and out by 8:30. Since Chicago is only 44 miles away we wanted to wait until morning traffic had died down. The day began beautifully. Cool, sunny, blue skies. Perfect start to what promised to be a wonderful day. That is.....................until we hit Indiana's toll booths.
Not sure how many of you have used Indiana tolls lately but be prepared if you haven't yet had the pleasure. We first experienced the automated tolls coming back from New England when we entered Indiana from the East. We thought then that perhaps it was an experiment the new owners, who purchased our Indiana toll road, were conducting. You know, to make life better for travelers; traffic flow faster, better, etc., etc. WHAT A LOAD OF PURE CRAP!!!! We went through 6 different Indiana toll booths today and 4 of those booths DID NOT WORK CORRECTLY. One wouldn't register dimes when entered for a 60 cent toll; another wouldn't take dollar bills while yet another wouldn't take any money at all even though the green light was on for the toll booth. They have a blue button on the automated booth to call for help. Jack hit the button several times. All times we were placed on hold because "all agents were busy!!!" WTH???? Horns were blowing and tempers were flaring in many of the lanes. So, can you imagine our delight when we encountered a real live person at a toll booth. We, though, did not see him until we had already entered yet another automated booth. And guess what? Didn't work. Big surprise. Jack blew the truck horn The gentleman meandered over to our truck. Told us to use the "blue button." I was afraid Jack was going to tell this poor guy where he could put his "blue button." Jack told him we thought the automated system was a piece of you know what and the guy said to us, "Well, get use to it. Next week everyone is on their own because I will no longer be here to help people." Mark my word. We will be hearing about people going postal at Indiana's toll booths. Thanks, Mitch. Awesome job you did there, selling our toll road. How many Hoosiers lost their job with that brilliant decision? Ok. Off track, I know but just an FYI....before you decide to use an Indiana toll road take a Valium first and DO NOT under any circumstances carry a firearm with you. Take lots of money (it cost us $7.00 to go 3 miles (1.5 miles each way) on one stretch of toll road (but this was in Illinois) and lots of patience.
But the day in Chicago was beautiful and we enjoyed ourselves tremendously. We took our bike ride, although through the years (and the added pounds) of riding the Lake Shore trail, the miles I can do becomes less and less. The wind from the lake kicked my butt today and by the time we reached the Navy Pier my legs felt as if they were made of lead. Recovering we parked our bikes at the Pier and walked downtown for lunch. Later we took a lake cruise along the shore line and Jack snapped some wonderful pictures.
As we were winding up our day in downtown Chicago we knew it was time to head back up the trail. I wanted to cry. I was certain I wouldn't make it. We always carry a little cooler with us on our bike rides with iced down water bottles. Jack retrieved our last bottle of water for the return trip. The ice had melted so Jack dumped the water in to a nearby shrub. Why waste water when a plant could use a drink? Good for him. What he had no way of knowing was that a bird was perched in the shrub and the shock of the cool water frightened the bird. He flew away, fluttering frantically from the water. The poor thing had an injured wing. I had to walk away. But Jack, warmed my heart so much as I watched him bend down and scoop the injured and frightened bird into his hands and place him back in to the shrub. We will assume the little thing recovered.
Although we could have lived just fine without the toll booth stress and the little bird fiasco the day was indeed a great day. Lots of exercise and enjoyment but now it's time to turn in. I am exhausted. Hope you enjoy the pics.
Returning home tomorrow. Not another trip planned until late September.
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| A fountain at Jackson Park which is south of downtown at 63rd St. and Lake Shore Drive. |
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| Janet was thinking about getting a little something to putz around Winona Lake in but the "Blue Moon" may not be the most ideal boat. |
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| The new Soldier Field with the old columns. |
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| Injured and killed Chicago Police Memorial |
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| We are heading north and getting closer. |
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| This is where we leave the bikes and head off on foot. |
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| Not sure the name of the building but it's awesome. |
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| A look inside at Mother Hubbard's, a neighborhood bar. Beer was cold but not your traditional Chicago hot dog. |
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| Bob Newhart taking a rest. |
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| Leaving Chicago by boat looking back at Navy Pier. |
