CHICAGO RIVER & NAVY PIER

We walked over the Franklin-Orleans Street Bridge to Upper Wacker Drive for a stroll above the Chicago River. The destination was the Michigan Street Bridge where we would catch a river taxi to Navy Pier. The walk and the boat ride were pleasant enough on their own. Getting an up-close look at Lake Michigan and a few other points of interest made it even better. We couldn't stay all day because we had tickets for the White Sox vs. New York Mets game at US Cellular Field.

Shannon on Upper Wacker Drive, over the southern bank of the Chicago River.

Still on Wacker Street.

The peculiar corn cob-like towers of Marina City are seen across the river.

Shannon & Uncle George take the stairs from Michigan Ave down to the river.

Shannon skedaddles to the Skedaddle on the Chicago River.

Departing Michigan Ave.

Shannon has always enjoyed boat rides.

Closing in on Lake Shore Drive.

Stop taking my picture.

Passing under the Lake Shore Drive Bridge.

Looking back at Chicago from the mouth of the Chicago River on Lake Michigan,.

Arriving at Navy Pier

There was a light rain when we got off the boat.

On your typical hot, humid summer day in Chicago, there'd be kids all over this fountain.

Near the entrance to Navy Pier

Harry Caray died in 1998 but his taverns and restaurants live on.

With dark clouds and wet weather, the pier wasn't crowded.

A few years ago, Shannon would have spent the day on the rides.

Can this really be a summer day at Navy Pier?

Getting near the end of the pier.

Shannon at the end of the pier with Lake Michigan behind her.

Shannon was relieved to have mild wet weather instead of high heat & humidity.

Looking back from the end of the pier.

The rain clouds opened up a few minutes after I took this photo.

It sure doesn't look like summer.

Though it may look cold, the temperature was in the high 70s.

A view of Chicago north of the pier.

Lake Michigan

When the rain grew heavy, we headed indoors.

It was dry and uncrowded inside. Woo-hoo!

Shannon didn't buy anything in here. What?

When the rains were reduced to a drizzle, we headed back to the river taxi.

Heading down the Chicago River to Michigan Avenue.

Shannon at the Heald Square Monument

Robert Morris, George Washington, & Haym Salomon in bronze.
Shannon Murphy in the flesh.

The marina of Marina City.

If you can live here, you can afford your own boat.