This was a tough call – should take a road trip across state lines or not? Driving really wasn’t the issue, as I carry about five masks and an industrial sized jug of hand sanitizer in my car at all times (and probably will for the rest of my life). But I was concerned about staying in a hotel and visiting the densely populated city of Chicago. Spoiler alert – I decided to go. And it went OK.

A huge surprise was that almost everyone was wearing masks in Chicago, even outside. A lot of people wear masks here in Minnesota, but Chicago was on another level.

Another surprise, but it really shouldn’t have been. There were very few travelers compared to every other time that I’ve been to Chicago. Things have changed, too. Only two entrances to Millennium Park. No one is allowed to get close to Cloud Gate. The River Walk has morning hours for runners and afternoon hours for vendors and tourists. Something not so surprising because I’m from the Twin Cities – boarded up windows everywhere. Heavy police presence on Mag Mile and in downtown. This was definitely an interesting time to visit Chicago.

My time was spent mainly in the greater downtown area, as I had to keep my car parked to get the deal of the century on parking. And I didn’t want to take public transportation. So no Pilsen, Chinatown or other vibrant neighborhood visits this time, but hopefully next time.

LOWER WACKER DRIVE

To say that I’m obsessed with Lower Wacker Drive is an understatement. I’ve never gotten the courage to fully explore it, as I generally travel alone. Actually, I’m not usually afraid of going most places. but this is different. There aren’t a ton of pedestrian areas (why would there be) and parts are super isolated. It feels like a personal failure to not have the guts to go alone, but I know it’s not. Maybe someday someone will offer an official photography tour of Lower Wacker Drive…I promise that I’d be the first to sign up.

P.S. Did you know that there’s a Lower Lower Wacker Drive?

SHADOW & HARSH LIGHT

The lighting conditions were rough, at least for me. It was about the harshest, brightest light that I’ve been in. Oh, and it was 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Me + hot weather = no thank you. There were some low points, but I stuck with it and did my best.

REFLECTION

Something that’s interesting to photograph under harsh light is reflection. Also, whenever I’m traveling and practicing photography, my mind immediately goes to reflection – about choices, how I’ve failed, maybe how I’ve succeeded…ugh sometimes my brain is my enemy. Can anyone else relate?

TRAINS

I spent an inordinate amount of time standing under the elevated train tracks, waiting for trains to come by. They must have been running on holiday schedule, but that gave me a little time to stand in the shade!

NIGHT

Of course I went out at night! Luckily I brought my trusty GorlliaPod….I usually forget it. Unfortunately, the spiders were out in full force on every single railing. At one point I was ready to sacrifice the GorillaPod because a HUUUUUUGE spider climbed on it. My skin still feels like it’s crawling just thinking about it.