CHICAGO, IL :: A recent business trip had me travelling through the Midwestern towns of Indianapolis, Louisville, Cincinnati and Columbus. Of those, I found Louisville to be the nicest, with a suprisingly vibrant nightlife on the neighborhood streets and beautiful scenery all around. I’d like to go back someday.
Unfortunately, my return flight from Columbus through O’Hare was delayed several hours by thunderstorms. When the plane was finally cleared for takeoff, I watched dozens of streaks of lightning touch the horizon. Above the cloud deck, the flashes chained through the clouds, filling them with surreal sheets of light. It was a short and thrilling flight, but I missed my connection to Seattle. I decided to make the most of it by giving myself the following day to explore the Windy City.
It was my first time in Chicago, and I really didn’t know what to expect. I wandered up and down Michigan Avenue, crossed the Chicago River, saw the L-trains, enjoyed the view from the Sears Tower, marvelled at the silver bean in Millenium Park, continued over to the museums along Lake Michigan, and trespassed into Soldier Field. It was indeed windy in Chicago, and a set of chain link fences surrounding the stadium had been blown down, which I felt at liberty to cross to snap a quick panorama.
Chicago is a great city and I really enjoyed my day. I wish I had more time to visit the Robie House and to wander Rush Street. I also wish I had my Rebel with me (all of these were shot with the Elph). Kristie has always wanted to visit, so I’m sure we’ll be back there someday soon. If you’ve been to Chicago, let us know what else we shouldn’t miss.
Unfortunately, my return flight from Columbus through O’Hare was delayed several hours by thunderstorms. When the plane was finally cleared for takeoff, I watched dozens of streaks of lightning touch the horizon. Above the cloud deck, the flashes chained through the clouds, filling them with surreal sheets of light. It was a short and thrilling flight, but I missed my connection to Seattle. I decided to make the most of it by giving myself the following day to explore the Windy City.
It was my first time in Chicago, and I really didn’t know what to expect. I wandered up and down Michigan Avenue, crossed the Chicago River, saw the L-trains, enjoyed the view from the Sears Tower, marvelled at the silver bean in Millenium Park, continued over to the museums along Lake Michigan, and trespassed into Soldier Field. It was indeed windy in Chicago, and a set of chain link fences surrounding the stadium had been blown down, which I felt at liberty to cross to snap a quick panorama.
Chicago is a great city and I really enjoyed my day. I wish I had more time to visit the Robie House and to wander Rush Street. I also wish I had my Rebel with me (all of these were shot with the Elph). Kristie has always wanted to visit, so I’m sure we’ll be back there someday soon. If you’ve been to Chicago, let us know what else we shouldn’t miss.
Wonderful shots John. Chicago is one of those special cities. Some very neat perspectives!
Hi John,
A really great collection. Does you mini camera have a wide angle lens? How did you get that great panorama?
Hi Keith,
I use Panaroma Tools with PTGui to stitch together the photographs. It is by far the best program I’ve come across for creating near seamless panaromas.
John
John,
Thanks for the headsup – I’ve downloaded the trial version – gotta go out and take a few shots to try to stitch together.