Chicago 2014 – Day Five: A Cheeky Adventure
The Parking Ticket Debacle
Ah, the joys of travel! It seems my grumpy neighbour back home has sent their bad vibes all the way across the pond to Chicago. On this fine morning of Day Five, I was greeted with a lovely $20 parking ticket right outside my cousin Julie’s house. Who knew there was a sneaky little byelaw banning parking in the cul-de-sac between 2:00 and 6:00 am? Either that, or Julie’s neighbours are just as grumpy as mine. Seriously, who even patrols these tiny roads at such ungodly hours?
The Great Lake Michigan Escape
The Road Trip Begins
Ah well, onwards and upwards! Today’s grand adventure was a beach day at Portage Lakefront on the marvellous Lake Michigan. Just Michele, Joshua, and I this time, as Lewis decided he’d rather be a couch potato. Our first pit stop was the town of Gary, Indiana. Now, we’d been warned by multiple people to steer clear of this so-called “deprived area.” But curiosity got the better of us, and off we went. I must say, it didn’t look too bad from the car. We didn’t dare stop, though; just snapped a few pics while driving through.
The journey from Lisle to Portage was a breezy sixty-mile drive, taking about an hour on the freeway. Easy peasy!
Indiana Dunes Visitor Centre
Upon arrival, we were greeted with ample free parking at the Indiana Dunes Visitor Centre. From there, it was just a short two-minute stroll to the beach and the sand dunes. Perfect!
Fun in the Sun at Indiana Dunes
The Beach Experience
The beach at Indiana Dunes was a sight to behold. Clean, not too crowded, and a delightful mix of families and couples enjoying the day. The view across Lake Michigan towards Chicago was a bit hazy, but you could just about make out the city skyline, 35 miles away.
Braving the cool waters, I took a dip in Lake Michigan. It was a bit chilly at first, but like all good things, you get used to it. The waves were a blast, even if it’s a bit odd having waves with no tide—ah, the quirks of lake swimming!
Dune Exploration
Joshua and I decided to go on a little adventure, exploring the dunes at the back of the beach. The waterfront was dotted with charming private houses, each adding a unique touch to the shoreline. It was a tranquil spot, despite the heavy industry surrounding it, belching out fumes into the otherwise serene atmosphere.
Wrapping Up the Day
The Drive Back
After a lovely day at the beach, we made our way back to Lisle. We caught up with Lewis, who was gearing up for a night out with Chris. Meanwhile, we kicked back and reflected on yet another fantastic day in Chicago.
A Unique View of Chicago
All in all, Chicago 2014 – Day Five offered us a unique perspective of the city from the base of Lake Michigan. It was a day full of unexpected delights, cheeky detours, and charming discoveries. Here’s to many more adventures!
