This morning was the first of the 8 Chicago boat runs over the next few weeks (update: I just learned that it's every Wed/Sat til Nov 15th for any locals interested. Starts at 9:00 a.m. at the DuSable Harbor at the Lake & Chicago River). The fall boat runs are held for sailboats with high masts that are harbored in one of the many marinas along our city's Lake Michigan coast. To get to their storage for the winter requires coordinated bridge-raisings starting with the bridge on Lake Shore drive and moving west with the boats until they've reached the storage facilities. In this photo you can see four sailboats navigating the trip. As they move under the bridge, preparations begin for raising the next one. We couldn't have asked for better weather!
A view of the Michigan Avenue bridge, which had preceded this one, is in my challenges/extras album. That one was taken at street level and is processed in b&w: http://365project.org/taffy/the-also-ran-ph/2013-09-21
The boat run has occurred for decades and decades as it's the only way the boats can get in and out of the storage areas for the fall/winter. BTW, it's reversed in the spring to let boats move from storage to their marina docks.
I never knew that's how those sailboats got in and out of the harbor! I thought they were taken directly from the harbor to storage, and that those sail poles collapsed somehow. I knew the streets opened the bridges but never knew exactly when this mysterious thing happened. Thanks for the explanation. And, for a beautifully sunny photo with great light to show us.
Gorgeous shot. Were you there to watch the event or just passing through? If it is the second option, you were very lucky to be there at the right time.
Really like those bright colours and the urban feel. You have captured the city as beautifully as you have captured the island. I´m really enjoying both of your views
@kwind It's a great visitor city! Lots to do, friendly people, beautiful scenes indoors and out for photographers, easy to get around on public transportation, even in from the airports. So I highly recommend. BUT, not mid-winter unless you want to experience the joys of biting winds and moist cold!
@busylady@suesmith@happysnap@marinashemesh
Thank you so much for your comments on the photo image and the narrative to go with it. I appreciate the visit and your support!
Such and awesome shot!!! How fun to see this! Great POV and composition. Always love your narratives....so interesting and full of either great stories or awesome information!! FAV
What an interesting shot and great narrative to go with it as usual! Beautiful light and such a great view of the river and the city! Your shots definitely make me want to visit!
What a great thing to see, and a photo to boot, it's been many years since I have seen a bridge open....not anymore, I just lived through your lens hahaha
Thank you so much for your comments on the photo image and the narrative to go with it. I appreciate the visit and your support!