Day 4, July 10--Chi Town (1,208 miles)

After our first night camping (yes, we survived--although the mosquitoes were truly loving our East Coast blood), it was off to the Windy City. Our friend, Jamie (although I probably should start calling him James) was kind enough to lend us his place to stay, so we met up with him first to swap keys. And then the city was ours...

Oddly enough, Jamie lives in one of the neighborhoods I liked best when I was in Chicago the first time, Wicker Park/Bucktown! So when we had dropped off our stuff, we happened into a very hip eyeglasses store and got JMB some new specs. (Note: I only know about this place because Meg bought a pair at this store when we were here last summer!) Then it was walking around and taking in the sights.

We must bring bad weather with us to cities (luckily not to random campsites in Michigan), because the skies opened up and we had another huge thunderstorm. Not quite of Canadian caliber, but still pretty wet. Fortunately, the Walgreens on the corner had umbrellas on sale, and we picked up a pair and continued our trek around.

Two weird things: first, there are a hell of a lot of bunnies here. Yes, bunnies. We saw 3 in Millennium Park alone. For those of you who have never been to Chicago, Millennium Park is RIGHT in downtown Chicago, and is a fraction of the size of Central Park. If anyone knows any information on these rascally rabbits, please comment...I am dying of curiosity.

Secondly, my husband knows everyone. Here we are, walking down Lake Shore Drive, and all of a sudden, he cries out "Betsy!" (No, not Dr. Cramer of Rochester fame) This woman works with him at the Frederick. She happened to be in Chicago for a teacher conference, and we happened to run into her. Count this as "Random Sighting 1"...I am sure there will be more!