Windy City day 2 (by video!)

This goes over day 2 of my short solo trip to Chicago, feel free to read the previous post before this one.

Planning

Before I go somewhere, I'll always (even though this is a fairly new habit) look it up in Atlas Obscura first to try to find something quirky or interesting that's often overlooked. What caught my eye in Chicago was way down the list even on a list of obscure places, the Obama kissing rock. This was where the Obamas had their first date. And first kiss on the first date too, way to go!

The other thing I always do in a new place is to plan running routes through interesting neighborhoods. The great thing about running is that you cover significantly more ground than walking, but unlike driving around you can stop and check out anything that's cool along the way.

"Morning Run"

So for my second day, I decided to run through Hyde Park and UChicago, to get a feel for the neighborhood and also try to find this cute bit of history.

Took the 6 bus from the loop to Hyde Park & Cornell, then picked up my pre-planned route criss-crossing the quiet neighborhood.

even knowing exactly where this was, I nearly missed it...

Hear the morning birds in Washington Park (not to be confused w/ Washington Square Park)

And everything was going as planned until I bumped up to a fence with a locked gate in the middle of the park. Looking it up later, this fence blocked access to Bynum Island. Since it went all the way across the space between two lakes, I couldn't see a way around it, even though my route somehow took me directly through the fenced area as if there was a path there.

Ready to find some other way to continue, I turned around and began heading back. Just then, somebody came walking up the path I came in on. All morning the only company I had was the birds, the turtles, and a few rabbits. He asked me if I was trying to get through the fence. I told him I was, but since the gate was closed I would return the way I came. At that he came up closer and asked me to follow him, he knew a way through via a hole in the fence. We introduced ourselves and since Charles looked friendly enough I took him up on his offer.

view from entering the fenced area through the little hole

For context, this was my first time in the area and I knew next to nothing about the area. Also I had not seen anyone in the park all morning. But apparently this little hole in the fence was well-known to everyone in the area. As we walked along he then started explaining the local lore and the "other activities" that occur there. First, this fenced area was a destination for outdoor sex. I wondered aloud, "really? at 9am?" Charles gave me a sideways look and maybe I shouldn't have asked.

Second, and more immediately concerning to me, was the reason for the fence in the first place. He described how this was where dead bodies were discovered, that there was a serial killer in the area, and they were still on the loose. At that, I probably wore a concerned look on my face because he immediately gave a reassurance "of course it isn't me!" I guess the fact I'm still here writing this today supports his case.

got out the same way I entered, through a little hole in the fence on the other side

Note: apparently this serial killer story is a real thing! Avoid going in the dark!

With that behind me, my route took me through the University of Chicago campus.

they took the online-only transition quite seriously... all the buildings are gone!!

Whoever wrote that caption doesn't have a clue of what they're talking about. But it did feel pretty sleepy and empty there; it's summer break after all. Also I'm not sure students were even there this last semester.

My original plan had me following the Midway park into Jackson Park and doing a little loop there, but I was still a bit exhausted from my long run the day before and decided to cut it short when I spotted a stop for the 6 bus route going back to the loop. When I pulled my Ventra day pass out of my back pocket it was a bit damp, but thankfully it still worked! I was ready to return to my hostel before going out again in the afternoon.

Aside: you might wonder, how do I not get lost running around completely unknown neighborhoods for the first time? I'm using the dwMap app for my Garmin watch, which gives turn-by-turn directions even if you're using one of the less-premium models like my Vivoactive 3. I highly recommend it! My wrist gets a little buzz any time I reach a turning point so it's easy to follow.

Rest of the day

By afternoon, the sun was out in full force, turning the streets into the sort of oven I was trying to escape from in Houston. Therefore I decided to spend the rest of the day indoors, by visiting the Field Museum, a massive classical palace constructed for the 1893 World's Fair.

a big old sauropod stands over the entryway

😥

look at Sue's cute little hands!

I'll admit I got a bit lost in the museum; its exhibit hallways seemed to stretch on forever in a maze of twists and turns. It felt like it held a specimen of every land vertebrate that's ever walked the earth with humans (by that I mean there are not many fish or insects). And after nearly 4 hours on my feet wandering around inside, my stomach was letting me know it was time to find something to satisfy it!

And I had planned just the place, Jibarito Stop over in the Lower West Side.

#1 sandwich (don't be pedantic with me about the meaning of a sandwich!)

To end, I'll share a nice view from the L train I rode that day. Thanks for reading!

the water's such a pretty color! don't go swimming in it just yet though