Fishing (and Not Catching); No Fish Stories Today

Posted on November 1, 2012 by Elaine-iaK's Travels

If you already read yesterday’s blog, you might want to scroll back and take a look at a couple of photos I added; the alligator I mentioned and some beautiful white pelicans that just arrived from Canada. I was too tired to go through my photos last night, so I went through and picked out a few favorites to add to yesterday’s and today’s post.

We ended the day, yesterday, with a relaxing walk along Bowman’s Beach, noted for its excellent shelling. But, the shelling actually turned out to be better 1-1/2 blocks from our cottage, not far from the lighthouse.

So, here are the photos I collected, rather than shells:

Today, after swimming at the Sanibel Recreation Center, we took our kayaks out on the bay for some fishing and photography. Note that I said “fishing”, not “catching”. (After all, Bruce did purchase a fishing permit; not a catching permit.) Thanks to the ten degree drop in water temperatures that occurred just before we arrived on Sanibel, the fish are in a bit of shock, perhaps. But, it was fun watching the birds, including two ospreys on their nest, surveying the activity below. And, to top things off, we saw a pod of dolphins that came quite close to Bruce’s kayak. Although I didn’t get close enough to get a good photo, it was fun watching them- and, trying to catch up with the pod!

I did get a few photos of the ospreys and other birds; however, you won’t be seeing those (or any other kayaking photos) until after we return home. I didn’t realize until today that I don’t have my new waterproof camera’s software on my netbook; it is only my desktop computer- at home. It’s not that I forgot to do load it; it just never even occurred to me. Note to self, added to my spiral notebook that goes everywhere I go: Load Fuji software on netbook! That was notated right below: Write Debbie’s October 28^th birthday on my 2013 calendar! Happy belated birthday (again), Deb; we’re thinking about you!

Some Sanibel Scoop

Posted on October 31, 2012 by Elaine-iaK's Travels

We didn’t know Sanibel Island even existed until our friends, Becky and Paul told us about their vacations to Captiva Island, Florida, located just past Sanibel Island. They couldn’t say enough great things about it though, which explains their once or twice per year annual visits. So, we were convinced we just had to see it for ourselves.

Sanibel Island measures roughly 12 miles long and five miles across at its widest point. Captiva Island is smaller at less than 5 miles long and a 1/2-mile wide. Both are accessible from Fort Myers by the Sanibel Causeway Bridge. At a bridge toll of $6 and steep beach parking fees, they are not frequented by Floridians as often as other destinations- just the way the locals like it. So, it is not as touristy here like, say, Daytona Beach or Orlando. Rather, the vibe is low key and relaxing. This is where we are staying: www.seahorsecottages.com ; a very low key place in a great location near the beach.

There are so many reasons to visit Sanibel Island; especially if you are a beachcomber. Sanibel Island ranks number one on the continent for shelling and we could see why! We literally saw piles of shells as we walked along the beach at sunset, on the evening of our arrival. Due to its east-west torque of Sanibel’s south end, it acts as a ladle, scooping up all the shells that the Gulf imports from the Caribbean and other southern seas. The abundance and variety of shells draws serious shellers from all over the world.

Birders are also drawn to Sanibel, because of the abundance and variety of gorgeous birds that wade in marshes and cruise the shorelines. In our first day alone, we saw everything from two varieties of each of pelicans, herons, and egrets, to ospreys and the bright pink Roseate Spoonbill. And, on the beach, there were dozens of willets, plovers and sandpipers.

Even if you ignore the shells and birds, the beaches here are gorgeous! And, that’s before I even get into what is beyond the shore. Last evening, we saw our first bottlenosed dolphins frolicking about just 50 yards out. From what we hear, there will be plenty more of them to see. But, we really hope to see manatees, too, known to frequent this area.

There is also the 6,400 acres of J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, the natural showpiece of Sanibel Island. After my swim at the Sanibel Recreation Center (a wonderful facility!), we visited the refuge today. We took a guided tram ride and thoroughly enjoyed the beauty of the area and the wildlife we saw, including a variety of birds and even an alligator catching some rays in the shallow water right near the road.

Tomorrow, we will get our kayaks out on the water, so Bruce can fish for Redfish, Speckled Trout, Tripletail, Snapper, Cobia, and/or Snook. He plans to mostly catch and release, but I’ll try to snap a photo or two first.

Our first impression of Sanibel? We’re hooked (no pun intended)!

On the Road to Sanibel Island, Florida, With Bruce- and, Trudy

Posted on October 31, 2012 by Elaine-iaK's Travels

It was finally time to break down and buy a GPS. Still being fairly new to Georgia and the East Coast, we were forever printing out Maquest or Google Maps to find our way to craft shows, swim meets, or destinations we were out exploring. But, the directions were often wrong; the source of one too many frustrating bouts of bickering in the car. Enough was enough! Enter… Trudy.

Trudy is our new GPS, named in memory of Trudy the Travel Trailer, once owned by our friends, Ted and Al, before it was destroyed in a mountain fire that stormed through their property. Trudy was a classic; may she rest in peace.

Our Trudy has an interesting habit reminding me of my days spent in Australia with the Aussies. When she instructs us to turn right at an upcoming street, she will end the sentence with, “…and turn right?”, ending the sentence with an upward lilt of her voice sounding as if she is asking a question, rather than making a statement. Are you sure, Trudy? If so, say it with conviction; make a statement! Trudy must be an Aussie at heart, because they speak the same way, sounding like they are asking a lot of questions. But, I loved the Aussies, and, I love Trudy.

So, Trudy got us to Sanibel Island, Florida, safe and sound, stopping for a night in Ocala, along the way, as well as a fish market, The Sanibel Island Welcome Center, Sanibel Recreation Center, and Bailey’s Supermarket, before finally arriving at the Seahorse Cottages; our final destination. At times, when we veered off her instructed path, she would implore us to make a U-turn, but, we would just laugh and reassure her, “Don’t worry, Trudy; it will be alright.” And, after getting over herself, she would…recalculate. Trudy is a true champ.

Sanibel’s colorful Welcome Center

I loved Sanibel Island’s warning to snowbirds entering the Welcome Center!

How Do You Pronounce “Senoia”?

Posted on September 19, 2012 by Elaine-iaK's Travels

Well, if you’re a tourist and want to stand out like one, you would pronounce it like it’s spelled; “Seh-noy-uuh”. But, Senoia is way too cool to bother with the “a”, so, give it a miss when you stroll the streets of this hip town and chat with the locals.

Senoia, Georgia, a town of about 2,500 people, is located about 30 minutes by car from our home at Sun City Peachtree, in Griffin. We decided to make it the celebration destination for our 20^th wedding anniversary; 26 years in all. Why? To steal the saying on the old neon sign out front of Austin Motel, in Austin, Texas, Senoia is “So close yet so far out”.

Senoia in some ways is an illusion. It reminds me of that commercial, “Is it live or is it Memorex?” Take Woodbury Town Hall, for example. It looks real, doesn’t it?

Nope; no town hall here. Woodbury doesn’t exist; at least in Senoia. Go behind the town hall and all you see is a chain link fence.

Same goes for the travel agency next door and the bookstore across the street. I was this close to walking up to the door of the bookstore to see what the new bookstore in town had to offer, but, I changed my mind, not wanting to add to my growing list of yet-to-be-read books. Good thing, because I wouldn’t have gotten very far; the door was locked. I’m sure the locals would have had a good chuckle, though, if I had tried the door and couldn’t get it open…

So, what’s up with this odd little town where the town hall isn’t named after Senoia and Woodbury Town Hall doesn’t really exist, anyway? And, what’s up with that darn travel agency and bookstore that isn’t open during regular business hours?

Well, like I said, Senoia is an illusion, in some ways. Blame it on Raleigh Studios Atlanta, a film studio instrumental in redeveloping Senoia into what it is a today; a hip little town with a great vibe. Some of the old historic buildings on Main Street were redeveloped by the studios for filming purposes and other new ones were built to look old for the same purpose. And, others, as I mentioned, aren’t buildings at all; just facades used in filming “The Walking Dead”; a drama/ horror/ thriller cable TV series.

My favorite movie filmed in Senoia was “Driving Miss Daisy”. Scenes from this Academy award winning movie (best picture and best actress), starring Jessica Tandy and Morgan Freeman, were filmed on Johnson Road.

Some of the other 17 movies filmed in Senoia were “Fried Green Tomatoes”, “Consenting Adults”, “The War”, “Gordy”, and, most recently, “Lawless”.

As for other TV series filmed in Senoia, “I’ll Fly Away” was filmed from 1991-1993 and “Drop Dead Diva” began filming in 2009.

The Veranda Bed & Breakfast Inn, our home away from home for the night was also the filming location for the movie, “Broken Bridges”, starring Kelly Preston, Burt Reynolds, and Toby Keith.

Dating back to 1906, this Greek Revival Mansion was originally the Holberg Hotel. The 8,000 square foot Inn with nine guest bedrooms still has its original features: Georgia heart pine floors, ornate tin ceilings, elegant light fixtures and chandeliers, and eleven fireplaces.

We booked our stay in “Leah Jackson Room 1”, located on the main floor: http://verandabandbinn.com/rooms.html . It was roomy but cozy and comfortable; furnished with antiques of the period.

The best part about The Veranda Bed & Breakfast Inn, though, was getting to know Laura, the owner; a warm and welcoming lady with the perfect personality to run a bed and breakfast. I got that impression from her husband, Rick, as well, although he kept quite busy during our stay, so we didn’t have the opportunity to chat with him like we did Laura. But, Rick is the cook and baker at the B&B, and was responsible for the delicious chocolate chip cookies served hot out of the oven, as well as the wonderful (and huge!) breakfast we enjoyed the following morning.

One of the reasons we chose to spend our anniversary in Senoia was because of the rave reviews I read about The Veranda on Trip Advisor: http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g35254-d75430-r138578489-Veranda_Bed_Breakfast_Inn-Senoia_Georgia.html . I will be adding my own two cents after I post this, giving it a perfect rating to add to 21 excellent and 4 very good ratings it has already received.

To add icing to the anniversary cake of our enjoyable stay, Laura even asked Bruce if she could sell his art glass in her gallery! And, he was invited to exhibit and sell his pieces at an upcoming Senoia show, as well as be a featured artist in her gallery, in the future. Check out Bruce’s work here: www.CookedGlass.Fototime.com . This is what is keeping us busy during most weekends until Christmas!

So, our anniversary has come and gone, and our hope is to spend many more happy ones together! Perhaps we’ll return to The Veranda, again, next year, and make it a tradition. But, if we do, I’ll make sure to have Laura brief me first on any “new shops” that have popped up in town…

Gorgeous Galena

Posted on June 25, 2012 by Elaine-iaK's Travels

I woke up this morning feeling great; no soreness at all from yesterday’s 2,000 yard butterfly. But, I truly am a Butternut; I am watching the Women’s 100 meter butterfly preliminary heats of the Olympic Trials, on live streaming, split screen, while I am writing this post.

Our arrival day in Crystal Lake was a relaxing and enjoyable one. After a wonderful lunch in downtown Crystal Lake and a stop at Trader Joe’s (love, love, LOVE!), so Laura could shop for dinner groceries, I got in a much-needed and much-craved-for swim workout. Jeannie had recently treated Wayne to a membership at an amazing fitness club (http://www.healthbridgefitness.com) and got me in on a guest pass. I should have brought my camera; this place was phenomenal!

Laura, a gourmet cook, treated us that evening to one of Wayne’s favorites: Spaghetti and meatballs. It was Father’s Day, after all!

The following day, we were off to Galena (www.galena.org ). Laura had told me what a gorgeous and charming place Galena was. I figured it had to be, to warrant 2 ½ hours of driving each way. Wayne likes to drive; especially his new Ford Fusion Hybrid. But, this place must be outstanding to make that kind of drive for a DAY TRIP worthwhile. It was.

Galena was love at first sight. Actually, I was already in love before we got there, because the drive through the countryside was so beautiful; much like New Zealand. It was so green, and, as we drove further north, there were rolling hills dotted with farms that included those classic red barns you see in coffee table books and wall calendars.

Having never been to the Midwest (I had visited 21 states; mostly around the coasts and southern border, but nowhere in the Midwest), I only had a preconceived image in my mind of what the perfect Midwestern town would look like. This was it. Check out this photo on the cover of “The Galenian”: http://galenianonline.com/main.asp?sectionid=2&subsectionid=31 . I could easily imagine spending a month there with Bruce (during the best weather, of course) staying in a rented cottage and spending our days kayaking on the river or exploring the surrounding areas.

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Spending the day in Galena was fabulous, though. After a delightful lunch at Golden Hen Café (http://www.goldenhencafe.com ), we browsed the shops lining the main street of downtown. Laura and I both splurged at Galena Garlic Company (www.galenagarlic.com), falling in love with their incredible aged balsamics. We each ordered bottles to be shipped to our home; I couldn’t resist the Wild Blueberry Balsamic, Mango Balsamic, and Cinnamon Pear Balsamic. These flavors, as well as about 25 others were available for tasting and we tasted many of them- straight. Honestly, these were good enough to sip straight! It was almost impossible to resist so many of the other flavors; coconut being one of them. Maybe next time…

(Look at the above photo carefully… What’s wrong with this picture???)

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Our plan was to have dinner at One Eleven Main (http://www.oneelevenmain.com) , but we had plenty of time to enjoy before then. So, Wayne took us to the West Street Sculpture Park (www.weststreetsculpturepark.com) ; an interesting collection of found object sculptures created by John Martinson. I will let the pictures speak for themselves…

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Questioning Wayne about the location of Galena, in relation to Wisconsin and Iowa, led to something I never expected; a drive to state #23 on my list: Iowa! It was just a 20 minute drive away to see the northernmost section of the Mississippi and Iowa, so off we went! We drove through more beautiful countryside, before continuing by bridge over the Mississippi River into Dubuque, Iowa. Just over the bridge, a short drive, was Riverwalk; a beautifully landscaped coastal sidewalk along the river. There was even a small beach I could walk down to, so I could stick my finger in the Mississippi River water. I was in Iowa and the Mississippi River! (Well, sort of; they didn’t allow swimming or wading…)

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We returned to downtown Galena to enjoy a delicious dinner at One Eleven Main. I chose the totally decadent dish of Gnocchi with spinach, onions, mushrooms (extra; hold the bacon), cream, and Romano. Delicious and definitely decadent!

The drive back to Crystal Lake, during the golden light of sunset, could not have been more beautiful.

The farms I had enjoyed on the drive in now took on a golden hue and they just sparkled. And, to our surprise and delight, after it got dark, something else sparkled (or sparked!), as well: Fireflies!

I had only seen one firefly before; out on our community golf course, after picking wild blackberries. (Shhhh, don’t tell anybody; we weren’t supposed to be out there!) And, let me tell you what a delight that was!

Being a Southern California girl, I had never seen real fireflies before. My only exposure to “fireflies” was the fake ones at Disneyland’s Pirates of the Caribbean ride. And, honestly, I thought those were fakes, as in, FAKE. Yes, of course they were fake, but I thought the entire idea of fireflies lighting up like that was fake! I didn’t think they did that!

So, our visit to Crystal Lake and Galena ended in the most spectacular way; driving by fields of fireflies putting on a show for us. It was the perfect end to a wonderful visit; just like the fireworks show that concluded our visit to Chicago. And, the flight home was no less beautiful…

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P.S. Thank you for joining me on this journey; I have appreciated your kind comments! If you would like to see more photos from this trip, view the last album at: www.ExquisiteCards.Fototime.com .

Until November, I will be staying fairly close to home; just a short trip to Greenville, SC, to swim in the USMS Dixie Zone Championships. But, don’t be surprised if I pop in now and again with posts on past travels that have yet to appear in my blog!

I am Definitely a ButterNUT!

Posted on June 24, 2012 by Elaine-iaK's Travels

Before I fill you in on what happened at the pool today, it occurred to me that you deserve my THANKS(!!!) for reading my blog. Surely, I have worn out your patience by now… And, surely, you must be wondering when I am ever going to get back to Illinois in my blog! Soon. Really. I promise.

But, first, I would like to share an e-mail I received from Sally, the owner of Gold Coast Guest House B&B ( www.bbchicago.com ):

“Wow, Elaine…..you are so talented!

Between the gorgeous photos & the copy…you should TEACH blogging.

With your permission, I would like to forward it to the Chicago Tourism Bureau. (they send me Travel Writers & other Media people).

I think they would enjoy the photos & commentary.

Thanks again to you & Laura for choosing the Gold Coast Guest House & for your nice comments in your blog.

42 years shows a wonderful friendship!

Warm regards,

Sally”

Sally’s e-mail made my day! I have greatly appreciated the comments you all have sent via e-mail or on this blog, but, you are my friends and family; perhaps a bit subjective in your assessment. But, this one came from somebody who barely knows me. It really made me feel that perhaps you weren’t just being subjective after all.

So, off to the pool I went, feeling jazzed about Sally’s comments; just the extra spark I needed to inspire me to… fly.

For those who don’t swim, butterfly is more commonly known as “fly” to those of us who compete in swimming. And, it is known as the most demanding stroke; especially racing it at the 200 meter distance. But, that was definitely not what I did today. Endurance fly is a completely different animal (insect?) than racing the stroke. It’s slow-going; keep the kick easy and the glide long. And, breathe every stroke; a necessity to survive swimming butterfly for any distance.

So, today, I set out to break my personal best of swimming 900 yards of fly non-stop; a mark I hit two weeks ago, after I realized I really could swim 200 yards of the stroke and perhaps race it someday. This time, I placed the camera on a tripod, so Bruce wouldn’t have to hold it for 20 (or more…) minutes. And, this time, I gave him my dive slate, so he could keep track of my yardage for me; something I neglected to do last time. (If I had known it was 900 yards, do you think I would have stopped there with only four laps to go to make it to 1,000? It was only after viewing the video that I realized I came up short. But, I was still ecstatic at having made 200 yards, so what the heck?)

The camera started and off I went, keeping a watch on deck for a quick look, now and then. The first 200 yards was a bear, but once I got over that hump, it was starting to feel good. When I hit the 900 yard mark, I took a quick look at the watch: 20:00; thirty seconds quicker than last time. Cool! Only four more laps to go to make it to 1,000!

Little did I know, shortly after the 1,000 mark, the camera decided to stop recording and write to the memory card, instead. Perhaps the file got too big? But, Bruce started the camera up, again, a few strokes down the pool. So, I have two videos of my swim;

Part 1: http://youtu.be/4PJouksr3wI

Part2: http://youtu.be/BfKKZa3uUYM

The camera on the wall was keeping track of my swim, too, though, and the time stamp on my videos was, as well; just in case you have any doubts about me actually doing this. Besides, Bruce was my witness! And, we all know what an angel he is, right?

At this point, I decided to keep on going, because I still felt good; no pain in the shoulders and plenty of energy left in the tank. Maybe I could make it to 1650 yards (known as “The Mile” in swimming competition)? Yes, I could- and, I did! From what I can tell between the two videos, I reached the mile in 37:39; slow, for sure. But, I did it! And, I kept on going…

At the 2,000 yard mark, I saw two legs right in front of me on deck, just as I touched the wall. Uhhh-ohhhh! Bruce came over to tell me the memory card was full and stopped after 1,825 yards. @*#%!!! Yes, I really did say it. Loudly. (I hope the kids at the outdoor pool didn’t hear that nasty word.) But, I could have kicked myself in the *&@ (butt) for not having my larger memory card in my camera. So, feeling like the butter was taken from my fly, I quit. I know I could have kept going, too. I was feeling goooood! And, as I sit writing this post, I am not even feeling sore.

When Dr. Braun, the surgeon who operated on my shoulder read that I had swum 900 yards butterfly, he sent an e-mail with this reply:

“Elaine,

Amazing!!! When I want to go 900 yards//// I take the car!

Dick Braun”

I wonder what he’ll say about me swimming 2,000 yards of fly… Surely, he is thinking I am a NUT. And, yes, he would be right. Officially, I am a “Butternut”, qualifying as a swimmer who has swum 500 yards of butterfly (or more) continuously. This is my t-shirt:

Butternut T-Shirt.JPG

And, with that, I now leave this loooong post, once again, nowhere near Crystal Lake (or anywhere else in Illinois).

Soon. I promise. Soon.

All Aboard! And, We’re Off to Crystal Lake

Posted on June 24, 2012 by Elaine-iaK's Travels

What I enjoy most about writing this blog is reliving my travels. Between editing my photos and writing these posts, it just feels like my vacation never ended. So, these last several days, since my return, has been pure nirvana. Take Friday, for example; the perfect day to me. It started with a swim workout with my friend (and coach), Mike, over at the Steve Lundquist Aquatic Center. Since I usually train alone (except for Mike’s September – May, Tuesday & Thursday, adult swim program at the same pool), I have to rely on 100% self- motivation to push myself hard. So, getting in the lane next to Mike is the extra push that I need to make those intervals and “keep on swimming”; just like Dory pleaded to Nemo, in Finding Nemo. Mike is faster than me, but I know just how far to allow myself to fall behind him to keep up and not let him get completely away. If that distance grows, I’m in trouble.

I had recently completed a self-challenge to see how far I could swim non-stop butterfly, just to prove to myself I could swim the most difficult race in swimming: 200 meter butterfly. I was so happy to just to make it to 300 yards that I lost track of my yardage after that; I just kept going and going… But, Bruce was shooting video, so I knew I could count up the yardage while watching it later. I was shocked to I made it to 900 yards! Hrummmph; if I had known I only had 4 more lengths of the pool to go, I would have listened to Dory and kept on swimmin’. But, Bruce had given me that “if looks could kill” look, so I stopped. He was tired of filming me and worried about my shoulders; especially the one that was operated on for thoracic outlet syndrome. I was fine, though, and never got sore at all. So, two weeks later (today), I will be making another attempt, as soon as the pool opens; this time for 1,000+ yards.

Anyway, back in the pool with Mike, he said, “Well, now, the next step would be to see if you can swim a broken 500 butterfly and see if you can increase your speed and make the intervals.” By “broken”, he meant swimming it in increments of 25 yards on a set time interval. But, the intervals get shorter as you go, which means that the rest periods get shorter. And, that means you have to swim each 25 yard increment faster, just to make the interval. So, he set the intervals at 4×25 yards @ :45, 6 @ :40, 6 @ :35, and the last 4 @ :30. Since I had already swum half of my yardage before I attempted this set, I was so whipped by the end that I swam the last four continuous, just so I could make the interval. But, I DID IT! And, did it again on my other slowest stroke; backstroke.

That 3,600 yard workout was one of my best ever; it felt great! So, I kept the feeling going by editing my photos and writing my blog, after I returned home. Nirvana! Writing is like swimming; I get in a zone and time just slips away…

My perfect day continued with a visit from my “twin sister of a different mother”, Melody, and her husband, David, who is our next door neighbor’s son. They are the friends we stayed with in Virginia, during last month’s trip to Washington, D.C. We have grown close with the two of them; always a lot of great conversation and tons of laughs. So, our evening was wonderful; enjoying conversation, drinks, and Bruce’s “Everything But the Kitchen Sink Pizza”. (I was supposed to swim in the Georgia Games the following day, however, the meet was canceled. So, I enjoyed what has become a rare occurrence: Drinking more than one glass of wine.)

The following day, yesterday, was more of the same: Swim, edit photos, write blog, and dine with Melody & David, while they are still in town. And, today? You guessed it: Swim, edit photos, write blog, and dine with Melody & David. I could get used to this!

But, I digressed…

Why were we going to Crystal Lake, anyway? Laura’s step brother, Wayne, and his wife, Jeannie, invited us to stay with them at their home. I had heard so much about them over the years and was very much looking forward to finally meeting them. So, we planned on spending two nights at Crystal Lake, before flying home…

…It seems as if the train has had a delay. And, in reality, it did. It was only a couple of stops before ours that the train came to a stop on the tracks. After a 70-minute delay (if memory serves me correctly), we found out why: A fatality on the tracks by the previous train. When we were finally allowed to proceed, we passed by a tarp on the side of the tracks; a covered body. And, a little bit further, at the intersection, a cluster of police cars and an ambulance. What a heart-wrenching sight that was; especially since we later learned the victim was only 18 years old.

Rather than leave you with something so tragic, though, I will at least try to brighten it up with a brief look at downtown Crystal Lake; a very small but charming city center oozing with small-town pride. And, finally, what we are convinced is the house of The Seven Dwarfs.

I’ll be back with more, after my swim!

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Striking Gold in the Gold Coast

Posted on June 23, 2012 by Elaine-iaK's Travels

The Gold Coast Historic District, where our B&B was located, is one of the most affluent neighborhoods in the country. So, rather than take the most direct route to visit the Saturday organic farmers market, we opted for the more scenic route along Deerborn Ave. Wow; what a gorgeous leafy residential street of mansions, row houses, and pricey apartment buildings.

Green City Market’s ( www.greencitymarket.org ) mission is one that Laura and I could really get behind, “Green City Market’s mission is to improve the availability of a diverse range of high quality foods by providing a marketplace for purchasing sustainably grown food and to educate, promote, and connect farmers and local producers directly to chefs, restaurateurs and the greater Chicago community. We also support small family farms and promote a healthier society through education and appreciation for local, fresh, sustainably-raised products.”

This market was perfect; outstanding organic produce, wonderful cheese, beautifully baked breads, tempting freshly prepared crepes and dishes, gorgeous flowers- everything; even plenty of cute dogs to pet!

The quality was outstanding, so it was unfortunate our travels prevented us from buying a bag of produce to take home. Instead, I opted for a pretzel roll, just like the ones I bought at bakeries in Germany, during my river cruise. It was perfect match for the Goose Island Matilda Belgian Pale Ale that I sipped at Old Town Social (www.OldTownSocial.com), while cooling off with Laura.

Before we continued on to Old Town Social, though, I couldn’t resist a quick stop at my coffee shop (But, I don’t even drink coffee!):

Saturday in Chicago was another burner, so the crowds were large down at the shore; our final stop before throwing in the towel and heading back to the B&B to cool off.

For our final dinner in Chicago, we landed at the India House ( http://www.indiahousechicago.com/ ), where we enjoyed outstanding Indian cuisine, before heading to the Navy Pier for a spectacular firework (and lightening!) show. We had noticed (very) dark clouds off in the distance, while we were at the beach; the same clouds, I would assume, that erupted during the fireworks display. It was quite a sight! And, wouldn’t you know it? As soon as the fireworks ended, the clouds burst open above us. Thankfully, I had decided to bring my umbrella at the last minute…

So, that is where the Chicago leg of our Illinois journey ends. The following day, we were off to Crystal Lake aboard the Metra train. Standby; the train will be departing soon!

The Art Institute of Chicago: Cool in More Ways Than One

Posted on June 23, 2012 by Elaine-iaK's Travels

We happened to be in Chicago during a heat wave; not the best of circumstances, but it sure beat having rain everyday! The temperature peaked at 96 degrees during one the days and it was 86 degrees the day we took the architectural boat tour and wandered through Millenium Park. So, The Art Institute of Chicago was a welcome relief, by the time we reached the air conditioned lobby, later in the day.

Rather than browse the entire museum which was huge, we chose a few exhibits to enjoy for a couple of hours, before heading back to our B&B to change clothes for dinner.

Marc Chagall’s American Windows was the first stop on our list. Inspired by Chagall’s mosaic The Four Seasons ,an installation outside Chicago’s Chase Tower, American Windows was created in response to the enthusiasm Chicagoans had for Chagall’s work. The windows were designed to commemorate America’s bicentennial and celebrates the country as a place of cultural and religious freedom, detailing the arts of music, painting, literature, theater, and dance.

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After viewing exhibits that included everything from photography to Tiffany glass to Stickley furniture, we found a fascinating exhibit:

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When I brought this photo up on my screen, I asked Bruce what he thought it was. “Is that your bed and breakfast?” Well, no, not unless we were only one inch tall! This is one of 63 exhibited miniature rooms, conceived by Mrs. James Ward Thorne, and constructed between 1932 and 1940 by master craftsmen, according to her specifications. The rooms, displayed behind glass windows, depict European interiors from the late 13^th century to the 1930’s and American furnishings from the 17^th century to the 1930’s. The scale of these amazingly detailed miniatures ranges from one inch to one foot.

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By the time we finished viewing the miniature rooms, we were ready to head back to the B&B for a rest and to freshen up for Laura’s birthday dinner at Frontera Grill, a Mexican restaurant owned by chef Rick Bayless. Best known as Bravo’s Top Chef Master, Bayless has written several cookbooks and has a popular PBS show, “Mexico- One Plate at a Time.” In addition to being awarded numerous personal awards by the James Beard organization, Frontera Grill won James Beard’s prestigious Outstanding Restaurant award, in 2007.

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Laura and I could definitely see why; their food was outstanding! After sharing the Fresh Corn Tamales appetizer, as well as the Smoky-Creamy-Spicy Wild Mushrooms appetizer, I savored my favorite Mexican cuisine of all: Mole. My Mole Trio consisted of mole poblano enchiladas, lamb in black mole (my favorite mole sauce), and roasted vegetables in Queretano green mole. It was the best mole I had tasted since Bruce tackled Rick Bayless’ tamales and mole sauce recipes- completely from scratch; an all-day endeavor.

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For dessert, we shared Frontera’s homemade ice cream and sauces, opting for half-and-half, since we wanted to sample it all: Mexican vanilla bean with Torres brandy ice cream topped with homemade cajeta (goat milk caramel) and Oaxacan chocolate raspberry ice cream with bittersweet hot fudge sauce. Exquisite!

The following day, we rode the bus out to the northwest part of town to enjoy a couple of neighborhoods: Wicker Park and Bucktown. Although it was interesting to see the varied architecture and experience the vibe in both neighborhoods, it was the hottest day of our visit, making our afternoon stroll quite uncomfortable.

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The evening made up for it, though; it was spent with some swimming buddies over a huge pan of deep dish pizza at Lou Malnatti’s! Michael and Skip (who happen to know each other), both swimmers with U.S. Masters Swimming like I am, are fellow “Forumites” from the U.S.M.S. Discussion Forums. Although Michael and I finally met up at Spring Nationals, in Mesa, Arizona, in 2011, as well as 2012 Spring Nationals, in Greensboro, North Carolina, Skip and I hadn’t yet met in person. And, Laura met them for the first time. It turned out to be a fun evening with the four of us, while I got my deep dish pizza fix. I wish I had remembered to take some photos, but it completely slipped my mind…

The following day, our last full day in Chicago, is coming up next; check back soon as we visit a wonderful organic farmers market and more!

Have You Been to “The Bean”?

Posted on June 22, 2012 by Elaine-iaK's Travels

After disembarking the architectural tour boat, I couldn’t wait to get over to Millennium Park to see Cloud Gate; affectionately known as “The Bean”. The stroll through downtown was lovely, but my heart skipped a beat when I saw a thick stand of trees, just up ahead. We were almost there and I couldn’t wait to get my camera out and start clicking away…

Cloud Gate, a huge bean-shaped stainless steel sculpture, designed by Anish Kapoor, was constructed between 2004 and 2006. It is the centerpiece of Millennium Park; Chicago’s largest rooftop garden that takes up 24 acres of Grant Park. Millennium Park is a 24-acre rooftop garden, you ask? Well, yes, because it sits atop a parking garage and the commuter rail. What an amazing use of public space! And, it has become Chicago’s second-most favored attraction, after Navy Pier.

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I could have easily stayed at The Bean all afternoon and into the evening, thinking of various other ways to photograph that magnificent sculpture. I could only imagine what fun it would have been capturing the city lights, at night! But, I tore myself away, so Laura could show me the park’s fountain. WOW! How cool is this?

Crown Fountain is a video sculpture named in honor of Chicago’s Crown family and designed by Jaume Plensa. The fountain is composed of a black granite reflecting pool placed between two transparent glass brick towers that use light-emitting diodes behind the bricks to display digital videos.

Other highlights of the park include Jay Pritzker Pavilion, the most amazing band shell I have ever seen:

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Lurie Garden was a lovely addition to Millennium Park. The 2.5-acre public garden is a combination of perennials, bulbs, grasses, shrubs and trees. It is the featured natural component of the world’s largest green roof.

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After strolling through the garden, we ended our day at The Art Institute. Stop by shortly for highlights of the exhibits we enjoyed , before wrapping up the evening with dinner at Frontera Grill!

Elaine-iaK's Travels: A Traveler's Tales of People, Places, Photos, Pools… and CHOCOLATE!

Category Archives: Domestic Travel