Ye Gods! That was hard work!  The hotel concierge assured me it was possible to walk to the Chicago Air and Water Show at I believe, Lincoln Park.  I set off along the route I took yesterday to the 360° Tower, continuing eventually walk along Oak Street, which runs along the sandy shores of Lake Michigan, from where the spectacular aeronautical displays can be seen.  My challenge was to continue to where the “epicentre” of the show, some 30 minutes from the former John Hancock Tower.  Although it was rather warm, I did make it, but it was far too crowded to get a decent view.  It never occurred to me how difficult it would be to photograph fighter jets in full flight.  While never on my bucket list, I did find the air show a fascinating if exhausting experience, and I do have pictures of sorts to confirm I was there. When back home in the U.K. next month, even I am going to have difficulty believing what I have seen, enjoyed, and experienced. 

Many thanks to Alex, who furnished me with comprehensive detail of the singer who performed at Grant Park on Thursday, Corinne Bailey Rae. 

I don’t know how far it was from my hotel to Lincoln Park. But, by the time I got back to a café at the base of the 360° Tower, I was more than ready for refreshment and a coffee.  I sat at the only seat I could find and unexpectedly found myself in the company of (I think) Catherine visiting family, sort of in the way I was doing at the beginning of my trip.

There were just two more boxes to tick before I made my way to Union Station.  I got to ride one of Chicago’s numerous bendi-buses.  Jon Batchelor of London got me interested in these during my voyage on the Queen Anne.  I haven’t yet returned to being a bus enthusiast, but the seed has been planted!

It didn’t matter that I missed my stop; I ended up right next to the “L” overhead railway. While determined to take a ride on one of the trains, I wasn’t confident that I would get back in time for my overnight train to Buffalo. I returned in plenty of time to my (now former) hotel and relaxed close to the temporary eating area. The main restaurant is being refurbished.  The doorman hailed me a cab, which took me to Union Station, where I stocked up on food for the journey.  I reacquainted myself with the Metropolitan Lounge from where snacks were available, including bananas.  We were called to board 45 minutes before departure time this providing a welcome opportunity to photograph the New York bound Lake Shore Limited.

I have advanced my watch one hour in readiness for being up early tomorrow morning.  This morning, I overslept, waking up at 09.44 hrs, bringing the curtain down on the long-lasting effects of jetlag.

We set off one minute late from Union Station, but we are rattling along at what feels a dangerous rate of knots. We are spoilt in the U.K. with lovely smooth track, which is expected and taken for granted.  I soon settled into my View liner bedroom, which had been nicely set up by the train steward Tanja. I’m not sure how well I slept.  I was aware of numerous stops.

To be continued in Blog 139