Great Lakes Grooving: Day 18 Back to Chicago and Wrigley Field

[CrispyA]

Wednesday 24 July

Today was another inexplicable early wake up but it was okay as we were planning to get up and about earlier today anyway. Paul wasn't feeling too good today - he had quite an upset tummy and felt generally "off". He kept saying he would be okay to drive and insisted that we carry on as normal but I was concerned about him.

We had quite a subdued breakfast as he wasn't feeling too good but he did start to feel a bit brighter as we left. We called at Meijer for some treats to take home - red, white and blue caramel M&Ms mostly. Yum.

Then we set off to drive around the bottom of Lake Michigan and back to Chicago. We stopped off at a roadside farm stall to get some big juicy Michigan blueberries for Clive and Doreen and later had a stop at Cracker Barrel to get some Brownie Brittle, because I absolutely love it! We also had a swift potty break there because Cracker Barrel toilets are nice.

Near to the state line, we crossed back to Central Time and then left Michigan for a brief trip through Indiana. There were loads of fireworks stores right on the Illinois/Indiana border - selling fireworks is illegal in Chicago so people take a trip across the border to Indiana to stock up.

We were heading for Wrigley Field as it is such an iconic ballpark and we wanted to see it. There was awful traffic and lots of roadworks heading into the city and it all got very quiet and tense in the car for a little while.

Eventually we arrived and managed to get parked at a street meter. We were all hungry by now and as there was a McDonalds opposite the park, we agreed to be slightly disappointed but also have our hunger assuaged in there. It was okay as McDs go - reassuringly mediocre.

Then we went to have a look at Wrigley Field. We didn't really have time for a proper tour nor were we able to catch a game there on this trip but it was cool to see it. And Evan wore his Cubs shirt.

We did our "ballpark pose".

And then got excited by Sheffield Avenue.

There were some apartments opposite with seats on the roof that overlook the field. These were originally quite informal places with a few seats but then commercial bleachers appeared. The club did consider building fences to prevent free game viewings but have now decided to buy up the majority of roof spaces and sell the seats.

Our other stop downtown was the 606 trail. This is a disused elevated rail road that has been converted to a bike and walking trail. There are plants and art installations and it is a place to walk and cycle away from the city traffic.

While it was nice, it wasn't as lovely as the New York Highline and it did feel very concrete and more for bikes than for general strolling. Plus it was very hot and the concrete seemed to really reflect the heat. We did enjoy being able to walk though.

Then it was time to get back in the car and drive to Geneva - a journey which seemed to take forever. It's a forty mile journey but it took about an hour and a half due to roadworks mostly. As Clive told us, there are two seasons in Chicago - winter and construction!

It was such a relief to arrive back at Clive and Doreen's house! We got caught up with them before getting ready to head out and visit the Country Club where they are members and play golf. We had heard all about it and were excited to visit.

We sat outside on the terrace, overlooking the course, and had a wonderful family evening, with great food and wine. Plenty of wine . . .

Because they are members, they know all the staff there. Clive ordered a cocktail for Paul, an Old Fashioned, and mentioned that the bartender had a "heavy pour". He wasn't wrong - it must have been nearly half a pint of bourbon cocktail.

We got a lovely family picture which was great.

Then it was back to the house and drinks on the patio. I didn't have any more, but as I went to bed, Paul was partaking of whiskey with his uncle. This was obviously a marvellous idea as they were playing golf at 6.30 the next morning . . .

[Melbatb]

Back to the beginning! I hope Paul started to feel better - well for a while until the cocktails kicked in 🤣

[katiebaz]

Lovely to see you back with the family and hope Paul was ok after the cocktails... 😀

Also love a mooch round Cracker Barrel too

[WileyCoyote]

Great to get back to family. Loved the pics at the stadium and on th walkway, Hope Paul was ok and the heavy pour didn’t finish him off.
Love the family pic though I found that chair oddly off putting ? Like a vertical bathtub?

Fascinating firework fact there. Your trip has been full of new things to learn !