8-26-18 Anchored in The Playpen

The weather cooperated, and we got underway early in the morning in order to make it to Chicago. We had a beautiful day to cruise.

This looks like a circus in the middle of the lake.

We planned to anchor on the north side of Navy Pier, but first went to the south side to the free pump out station. It was Sunday afternoon and that harbor was hoppin with boaters.

We saw Buckingham Fountain from the water.

After checking on a southside option to anchor we decided to go with our original plan to anchor in the Play Pen.

When we arrived. Around 7pm, there must have been 50 to 75 boats anchored in this huge area. We very quickly learned how it got its name. This is party central. There was an average of 18 people on each boat. The music was thumping, people were floating everywhere, much alcohol was being consumed, and you never have seen so many selfies being taken. Girls in bikinis getting their photo taken. Groups laying on the bow trying to get a selfie. It was actually entertaining…..for about an hour.

Boats rafted together having a good ol’ time.

We were approached by a couple on a Sea Doo. They pined over our boat and dream of doing the Loop. They pulled up and we chatted a bit answering their questions.

He then gave us an architectural history lesson. The two building in front of us were the first two buildings built by Ludwid Mies van der Rohe that did not have the typical foundation. He referred to this style as “skin and bone” The central cement structure supported the I-beams that were the frame that glass was attached to. These were the first building with the all glass look to them. The first two he built had clear glass. The second two he used tinted glass. He also pointed out another building that has no I-Beams in it. It is all built with cement and re-rod. It always amazes me what and how we learn things along the way.

Ludwig Mies van der Rohe’s firs skin and bones building. Note all the white in the windows. He used clear glass so the tenants need to use shades to block the sun.

Second set of Skin and Bones building with tinted glass.e

This zig-zag patterned building is the one with no re-bar.

There was already a steady stream of boat leaving when we arrived. As soon as the sun set, there was a mass exodus. By dark there were only about 5 boats left and by morning there were only two of us left. It was a Mainship like ours and they were loopers.

Our view leaving Playpen the next morning

Scott started dreaming about driving these beauties.

We went through the Chicago Lock together. They are Bob and Natalie on their boat “Bob ‘N Along” Great Name and great people. Funny story about them. They had just crossed Lake Michigan before anchoring in the Play Pen. A day before, our friends Chris and Nelson called us asking if we were anchored in front of their house on Spring Lake. Which of course we were not. But in talking with Bob and Natalie we found out it was them who were anchored there. What a small world.

The trip through Chicago was once again magnificent. We were fortunate to have the sun glinting off the buildings making us feel like we were in Oz.

Not only were the buildings interesting, I was enthralled with the structure of the bridge towers. Check out how cool they are and note they are all different.