Our view from the T-head where we're docked

The famous Chicago skyline

We arrived in Chicago around 1:00 PM and,, thus far, have traveled 2,009 miles on this adventure. We're tied up in Du Sable Marina next to Navy Pier which is a beautiful location. 

We left New Buffalo, MI early this morning heading South to Chicago.  The waves on Lake Michigan were abeam, but the wind was light and the traveling was tolerable and got better as the day went on.  We were downwind the whole way which meant lots of bugs of every size, shape and description.  Ralph is getting quite adept with the bug zapper and I'm getting quite adept with vacuuming up the carnage with the dust buster.

Our first order of business was to hose the boat down, then remove the boom and unstep the mast.  There are about 35 bridges through the City of Chicago that we need to get under so until we reach Joliet, IL, we will be mast-less.  

The next order of business was to check email.  For about a week, we've been in contact with my nephew, Scott, about my oldest brother, Artie, who lives in Lilburn, GA outside Atlanta.  Artie is 83 years old and quite frail.  He was taken to the hospital about a week ago as they thought he might have pneumonia.  He does not, but he requires 100% oxygen and is very weak and was transferred to the ICU this morning and is not expected to live.  My siblings and I have been in close contact about this situation and we are all heartbroken.  Artie is a gentle soul loved by all.  I'd appreciate your prayers for Artie and the family.

Good news is that Ralph's mom is doing really well and she may be released from the rehabilitation hospital in another 10 days.  Each day we speak on the phone she sounds  better and better.  Thank you for your prayers for her.

Here are a few photos from today's adventure:

The Chicago Yacht Club

Navy Per, Chicago

Chicago Police have a helipad on Navy Pier

The Chicago Police have headquarters near our marina

Lowering the boom -- so to speak

Unstepping the mast

The mast is unstepped