November 22, 2008 [LINK / comment]

Photo-tour of the Windy City

Actually, I don't even recall if it was windy the day I was in Chicago, but the skies certainly were clear -- perfect for taking pictures, just as it had been in New York during the two previous days. Our AMTRAK train ("Lake Shore Limited") was on schedule as we approached Chicago from northern Indiana on the morning of October 4, but we had to slow down because of congested freight traffic. Gradually we made our way through the south side of Chicago, where Barack Obama calls home, and I was delighted to get a good view of U.S. Cellular Field as the train passed by. Finally, we arrived at Union Station at 10:20 A.M., about a half hour late. I had a scheduled three and a half hour layover, and I was determined to make the most of my brief time in the city.

First, I roamed around the old part of Union Station, and then paused to enjoy the view from the Jackson Street bridge which spans the Chicago River. After taking some pictures there, I hustled into the heart of "The Loop" district, in the shadows of many huge skyscrapers. I had driven past downtown Chicago before, but I had never walked through it. It was quite a first experience. Then I boarded a northbound subway train; the tracks emerge from the ground about a mile north of downtown, so I was able to see neighborhoods up close. My destination, of course, was Wrigley Field, and I took about 20 photos there. (I'll post them later.) I was a little nervous about getting back to the Union Station on time to catch my train, but I did make it just in time, after grabbing a quick lunch. To my surprise, the train ("California Zephyr") left right on time, or within a couple minutes thereof. The highlights of my visit are posted on the Chicago 2008 photo gallery page.

Chicago Sears Tower

The Sears Tower, the tallest building in the world from when it was completed in 1974 until 1998. In the foreground is one of the houses where they control the draw-bridges over the Chicago River.