In addition to doing the SkirtSports Skirt Chaser 5k, the Green Girl did her best to cover all the the obligatory Chicago tourist attractions.I visited Millennium Park and admired the Jay Pritzker Pavilion. I took multiple pictures of my reflection at The Bean.
I witnessed people lining up for the annual Puerto Rican Parade. I walked by Shedd Aquarium. I marveled at the elaborate Buckingham Fountain.
I walked along Lakefront Trail and gazed back at the Chicago skyline. I ate a Chicago dog. I had mediocre deep dish pizza at Lou Malnati's and amazing stuffed crust pizza at Giordano's.I was the 1,860,733rd visitor to the
On Sunday, we took the Metra Rail out to the suburbs to the Oak Brook Hills Marriot Resort.I woke up early Monday morning to try and beat the heat with a short run. The sky was filled with dark, ominous clouds that cleared as the sun came up.
I headed out towards the main road but quickly lost interest due to the lack of scenery.I turned around and headed out to the Willow Crest Golf Club adjacent to the hotel. I had caught glimpses of the golf club through the chain-link fence and it looked like a runner's paradise. I saw beautiful water fountains and ponds. There was a paved path that wound through the course and even crossed over bridges.
I was happily running along the pavement until I spotted this sign that stated running or walking on paths is not permitted.I couldn't believe it. I froze in my tracks and angrily snapped a shot of the sign. I was so disappointed. How could they deny runners and walkers the opportunity to experience this beauty?
Defeated, I walked back to the front of the hotel. That's when I spotted a small marshland area. I ran over and was delighted to see a gravel path.As I approached, it was as if the scene suddenly came to life. Chirping echoed from all directions. Miniature birds with bright yellow bodies flew out of the trees. Giant dragonflies hovered above the foliage.
This little wetland was like a tiny wildlife oasis between the hotel and a subdivision.I decided to run through the neighborhood just to check it out. From what I could see, there weren't any single family homes, only duplexes.
There was a large billboard advertising that the prices started at $699,000.The morning had warmed considerably so I opted to head back to the hotel to shower and get ready to take the Metra back into the city.
