1998 Dad Visit - part 2 (final)

We parked the car, walked down to the train stop near North Park College and rode it into the city, this time successfully switching lines heading toward ‘The Loop’ and exiting nearby Michigan Avenue. The goal was to squeeze in as many of my favorite parts of Chicago into one day as I could but mostly I just wanted to enjoy a day with my dad; hopefully ending with him having a much better impression of the city and experiencing a glimpse of what I love about it. I knew the day would go by quickly and compromises would have to be made. We would have time for visiting some of my favorite places and buildings but not a lot of time for extended shopping, sightseeing, or sit down meals.

I admit that some of the details of the day are a little fuzzy now as they have started to blend together with the many trips I have since taken to Chicago. As with any trip I have ever taken there, we spent the majority of the day on our feet. We were prepared, wearing our comfortable walking shoes, and of course up for some extra walking - something that we both love to do. We walked up and down Michigan Avenue where I pointed out many of my favorite buildings and significant things about them that I could remember from my previous trip. To save money and time, we ate lunch at McDonald's. We spent some time talking about The Old Watertower and how amazing it is to see it still standing today after having survived The Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Nearby, we went inside Watertower Place. I knew that he would like the unique mall; watching the jumping waterfall near the escalators and riding the glass elevator to the top floor and peering over the edge down to the lower levels. We walked to The Wrigley Building and over The Michigan Avenue Bridge where we spent time looking at The Chicago River and watching boats full of people on the architectural tour pass by. We stopped at The Hancock Building and the Cheesecake Factory to get some cheesecake for the road as the wait was several hours long if I remember correctly. (When is it not?) Lastly we headed out to Navy Pier to do some exploring and ride the Ferris wheel. My dad has always been a fan of amusement parks (as have I) and I knew that would be a good way to end our day. The view of the city from the Ferris wheel was so magical. I may have been twenty-one years old but it felt more like six in that moment.

We had experienced a lot of Chicago in just one day. All too quickly it passed though and soon it was time to head back to the train, back to the car, and back to Iowa City. We weren't on the road very long when it started to snow. Dad drove the whole way back to Iowa City slowly but steadily creeping along on the hazardous roads as the snow continued to pour down...not that I really noticed though...I slept the entire way back!

Looking back now, it really is amazing how much difference one day can make. My dad could have said 'no' to my idea to go to Chicago for the day. It was a pretty crazy idea after all, and there was no time for planning. But it made all the difference to me that he didn't. He took a chance and let me lead the way. I hope that I can remember that in the future when Hannah comes up with a crazy scheme of her own. It was a visit that I will never forget. But of course...it led to more trips back to Chicago...