Take a walk with me and see my morning moments. This is my Chicago.
My summer mornings are spent on the lakeshore trail. The view never gets old but this summer has been exceptionally beautiful, so I'm sharing my view with you.
My Chicago birdseyeview
Bird flying over Lake Michigan
Every Single Day
I walk a lot, probably more than most people walk. This summer I've outdone myself. Normally, I walk about 4 to 5 miles a day. This summer that number doubled. I'm clocking close to 10 miles a day.
I spend about 1 hour to 1.5 hours on the lakeshore trail and Lincoln Park. Despite the fact that I've seen the sun rise over Lake Michigan 1000 times, maybe more, I find it impossible not to capture my walk.
Every single day is beautiful in a different way. Each morning I fall in love with my city all over again. These are my Chicago morning moments. Scroll down.
Chicago Skyline
One of my favorite morning moments
The view never lets me down
As I approach the stretch of the lakeshore trail before North Avenue Beach - that stretch that juts out - I get excited. I know what comes next. I walk to the end of that stretch and I turn around to look at the skyline.
I always find myself looking back the way you would after seeing something for the first time. That's how breathtaking it is for me. Every morning this fills me with hope and happiness. It never disappoints and it never gets old.
Almost there... getting excited for the skyline
North Avenue Beach, Chicago
Capturing the Chicago skyline from North Avenue Beach
I'm not alone.... everyone wants of piece of you, Chicago!
There it is again, that coveted view of Chicago
Chicago skyline from North Avenue Beach
And here I am - stop, smile and selfie
Taking my one-billionth Chicago skyline selfie
Where do I go next?
I keep walking north on the lakeshore trail. I walk up to Fullerton, near newer landing that replaced the rocks. I make my way over to this spot, in between the breakers, and sit on the ledge next to the grassy knoll. Actually, I lay down.
I lay there and breathe for a few minutes. I turn off my music, close my eyes, and listen to the waves crash. I've even grown to like the weird bird that hangs out and chirps like a horn.
Just lay there and breathe
The sun feels good on my face and the breeze tickles my toes
Listening to the waves crash
I like to get out there early in order to hear the waves uninterrupted
This must be the place
This spot is perfect - ordinary but not mundane. I can stare into the blue forever.
But sadly, I'm not independently wealthy. For that reason, I have to keep my starring time to 10 minutes. I sit here and stretch while thinking about what the remainder of the day holds for me (like work). Then it's time to head back.
Fullerton Avenue on the lakeshore trail
I see people taking engagement photos here, I get it, sort of
(but I still think engagement photos are weird)
Here is another shot of "my spot" on the lakeshore trail
If you see me here, leave me uninterrupted
Off the lakeshore trail and into Lincoln Park
During the week, I head off the lakeshore trail at Fullerton and head home through Lincoln Park. On the weekends, I walk up farther. I walk up to Belmont or Diversey before heading back. Perhaps to Hollywood before summer is over?
Lincoln Park is loaded with discovery too. I am a creature of habit, like to the point of OCD. I walk the same exact way almost each morning. But when I occasionally veer from my norm, I am filled with surprises!
Lincoln Park underpass
Under the statue of that guy on the horse
Near the nature stuff in Lincoln Park
No clue what this honeycomb thing is but I'm into it
Lincoln Park pond
Not the best shot of the pond, but it gives you another perspective
Nature boardwalk in Lincoln Park
They've done a great job restoring the pond
Belmont Harbor (or Diversey Harbor?)
This is the point where I turn back on the weekends
That's it! Those are my summer morning moments in Chicago.
If you want to see more, follow me on the social medias. I post my walks in real-time all the time.
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