February 29, 2024
Annie and I both had several hours of layover in Chicago, but from here we would go our separate ways. She, aboard the Texas Eagle, would head southwest to her home in Colorado. I, aboard the Empire Builder, would be going pretty much straight west, bound for Washington. We spent an hour or so together in the Metropolitan Lounge, before I bundled up for a walk around the city.
It really wasn't as windy as its moniker implies, and barely freezing, but in the shade cast by tall buildings it was quite biting. Still, locals were clearly thinking spring, as I saw none of the ankle-sweeping parkas as they gathered curbside, or strode along the sidewalks.
I set out towards Lake Michigan, which, from Union Station is almost a straight shot down Jackson Boulevard. But in an effort to keep to sunnier streets, I took a zig-zag route. Unfortunately, I got way off course and added many blocks to my walk.
Chicago's elevated train, or "The L", made its first run in 1862. Some of those tracks are still in use as part of a city-wide system that also includes subway. I had promised myself that the next time I had some time in Chicago, I'd try it out, but meeting Annie changed that. So, next time. Below, you can see the metal structure above Van Buren Street. I've walked under it a bit, and think I'd prefer to be on top, as it's rather loud. And then there's the question of how stable is a Tinker Toy-like structure built during the Civil War?
By the time I finally entered Grant Park, then crossed busy Lakeshore Drive, my hip arthritis was causing me some serious pain. Still, I love to stand on the edge of such a vast body of water.
Measured by area, Lake Michigan is the largest lake in the world that is contained within a single country. Although it is freshwater, it seems to be more of an ocean than a lake.
Nearing the water, actually Monroe Harbor, there are broad flights of stairs leading down to a expansive sidewalk. I needed to sit down to relieve my hip pain, but there was actually only one bench, and it was occupied. So I scooted to the edge of the concrete and let my feet dangle over the water.
After a short rest I began to make my way back, first walking north along the water towards the Navy Pier, before heading west towards Union Station.
In the middle of the city is this fantastic looking playground called Millennium Park. I was hurting too much to explore, but I did take the long, meandering path through it as there was no shorter way at that point.
As soon as I got through the park and back on a street that could accommodate a pick up, I opened my Uber app. I couldn't walk another step. But before I could even arrange a ride, I noticed a couple of taxis idling across the street in front. I hopped in one, and was soon back at Union Station. Possibly the best $8 I've ever spent.
After a brief rest in the lounge, and a chat with Annie, I made my way back outside and down the street to Beggars Pizza. No point in stopping in Chicago if you aren't going to get a slice of their pizza. Housed on the ground floor of one of the city's many tall buildings, Beggars is just a quick walk from the station and from many nearby businesses, so it's always busy.
The traditional deep-dish takes an eon to make, but thankfully they have a well stocked selection of single slices. The pepperoni was fresh out of the oven and flowing with cheesy goodness. Wrapped in foil and then in a box, it was still amazing by the time I got back to the station to enjoy it.
No comments:
Post a Comment