
An early start (7-15am) in preparation for our trip to downtown Chicago saw 44 tired boys arrive for breakfast before boarding the train. As the train approached the station we got a great look at the Chicago skyline and our first view of the John Hancock tower where we were due to visit later.
First up was a boat tour that took us along the River Chicago where we saw a number of the tallest buildings, not only in Chicago but the USA. There was the recently built Trump Tower and the world famous Willis Tower which has the 'Sky Deck' tourist attraction. Unfortunately our programme didn't allow us to visit this but maybe next time. The boat then ventured out to Lake Michigan via a lock system which sees the River Chicago being the only river to flow "backwards". Once again we had a great view of the Chicago skyline as can be seen in the photo.
It was then on to the John Hancock tower which when it was built was the highest building in the USA. A forty second elevator took us to the observation deck at 95 storeys and the chance to experience The Tilt! Click on the link below to see what all the fuss is about. Unfortunately for Mr Gunson the experience of being 95 floors up was too much for him as he quickly did an about turn and retreated to the safety of ground level. Surprisingly only two of the touring party had a go at The Tilt.
www.360chicago.com/tilt/
As we are nearing the end of our tour, a final shopping opportunity was fitted in and once again the boys took advantage arriving at the train station laden with bags and bags of clothes! There were also presents for loved ones back home!
On return to Naperville there was a chance to grab some tea before heading back to our accommodation and attention turned to our last fixtures tomorrow.
Reports and photos will appear tomorrow.
First up was a boat tour that took us along the River Chicago where we saw a number of the tallest buildings, not only in Chicago but the USA. There was the recently built Trump Tower and the world famous Willis Tower which has the 'Sky Deck' tourist attraction. Unfortunately our programme didn't allow us to visit this but maybe next time. The boat then ventured out to Lake Michigan via a lock system which sees the River Chicago being the only river to flow "backwards". Once again we had a great view of the Chicago skyline as can be seen in the photo.
It was then on to the John Hancock tower which when it was built was the highest building in the USA. A forty second elevator took us to the observation deck at 95 storeys and the chance to experience The Tilt! Click on the link below to see what all the fuss is about. Unfortunately for Mr Gunson the experience of being 95 floors up was too much for him as he quickly did an about turn and retreated to the safety of ground level. Surprisingly only two of the touring party had a go at The Tilt.
www.360chicago.com/tilt/
As we are nearing the end of our tour, a final shopping opportunity was fitted in and once again the boys took advantage arriving at the train station laden with bags and bags of clothes! There were also presents for loved ones back home!
On return to Naperville there was a chance to grab some tea before heading back to our accommodation and attention turned to our last fixtures tomorrow.
Reports and photos will appear tomorrow.