I was awake at 1.11, 3.33, 4.44 there's a pattern here! It's just how fast the night changes. Stayed awake after that and we were actually quite pleased we had slept that long, this jet-lag thing is over-rated!! We have a load planned for today so when reading this you'll get a before (plans) and after. (reality!) Firstly we've done some washing, used our washing line (see photo section) been for a workout (#joandclairesadventures on Instagram) and all before breakfast. Jo was so happy that the straighteners did not blow up when she plugged them in, so alas no crazy hair for a month... I was secretly hoping they may not work... I'm a fan of the crazy hair!!!

Breakfast was an adventure, there was a waffle making machine (see photo section) with simple instructions that I managed not to follow?! So ended up with half a waffle as did not trust the amount of liquid in the cup!! So a perfect picture tomorrow!

Stocked up and ready to go, prepared for thunderstorms, high winds, hail and a 5% chance of tornados! This could be more of an adventure than we bargained for.

It's now 19.20 local time and we are sat in Compass bar, craft beer and Woodfire pizza waiting for a well earned beer and pizza! We have crammed five tourist days into one today and the pedometer (see photo) can prove it... Currently at 34,229 steps (23.8km) and we've a short walk to the hotel after. It's currently 82 degrees and no sign of thunder, hail but the high winds and a mini tornado did grace our paths!

So our walking extravaganza began with a walk to the 'El' - Diversey station for the brown line, which ended up being the red line with the continuing suspension of the brown line. The rules on the 'El' are as follows - No: Smoking, Eating or Littering, loud music or audio, Soliciting or Gambling?!

Got off at Jackson in search of the Sears Tower (renamed Willis Tower) literally, as from about the 60th floor up was covered in cloud... Not great when you want to view the city from the sky deck on floor 103. So we swung by in the hope it may clear but it didn't and we had to adapt our plans. Finding the river we followed it around towards Millennium Park because we decided a boat trip may be more apt for the windy cloudy skies, not really thinking about the effect the wind would have on the lake. We started out on the Chicago River Walk but a lot is being rebuilt and developed, so major sections were unavailable... We just missed the boat for the river trip so booked one two hours later, leaving us plenty of time to find and explore Millennium Park. Easier said than done! We decided to follow the river right up to the lake and bumped into loads of runners with medals hanging round their necks. As we got closer to Lake Shore Drive, we realised there had been an event in Grant Park, a half marathon and a 10k, so went to have a peek at the finish line. Very motivational and slightly emotional to see the hundreds of runners completing what looked to be a challenge of a lifetime for some! I was glad we had already started in the gym or I may have been tempted to join in!

Following the Lake (one of Americas Great Lakes - remembered as part the mnemonic HOMES) heading back into the direction of downtown, we sought out Millennium Park in search of the crown fountain and the 'Bean'. The fountain was two rectangular blocks around 10 story's high, with the face of a person projected by light blocks. The face moves, winks, interacts it seems with the younger generation splashing about in the water, then every now and then it appears the face opens its mouth and spits a giant water spout from his lips. The Bean is a giant mirrored statue which locals have renamed the bean because of its shape. Lots of fun can be had watching your shadows, reflections and distortion caused by the bean, with oodles of tourists and locals alike photographing their interactions with the mirrored reflections (see photo section).

By this time the sun was trying to burn the clouds and the wind had picked up! Must be time for the river trip.

Our boat was called 'Chicago's Little Lady' and our guide called Cameron. Firstly we headed towards the lake, through the Chicago Lock system, a larger scale canal lock where they balance the height of the lake with the height of the river. A gated system allows the water to flow from the lake which sits about two feet higher, into the lock and slows the level of water to raise so you can continue into the lake. The transition from calm river to choppy lake was challenging! The boat pitched and rolled (believe that's the correct term?!) and one gentleman even fell off his chair in spectacular fashion! They were only garden chairs not secured to the floor so it was no wonder a wave hit dead on caused him to tumble! Being on the lake offered superb views of the Chicago skyline and The Navy Pier. Another section of the list ticked off!

Back safely into the river section and we received a very detailed informative commentary from our guide Cameron about the history and architecture of Chicago and its 'toxic' river.

As the clouds had started to shift we decided we would try the Sears tower again, made of 9 towers arranged as if you had shaken a cigarette pack and one had stood proud out the top. A quick Subway for lunch, one stop on the 'El', a stroll through the Theatre district and we found ourselves at the bottom of the tower waiting to get a ticket for the skydeck. We could see the projecting ledges from the ground so hoped by the time we got up there it would still be clear. It was, and offered magnificent views of the whole city and surrounding environs. We spotted the road out, Route 66 towards St Louis amongst other landmarks. Finally it came to our turn to step out on the ledge! Jo was very apprehensive and I didn't think she would go out there, but as I pointed out, I managed to get in the lift to get up there so she at least owed me a ledge! I tried to reassure her that the glass was uber thick and would never crack, but we could see the glass wasn't that thick at all - that's when I panicked!! She eventually agreed and we nervously stepped over the threshold at the side of the building, suspended 103 floors up.

I was even sad and did a press-up! Which was terrifying!!!! Face down looking death in the eye!!

Safely back to ground level we made our way down Jackson again, spotting various Route 66 signs.

We located the beginning at Adams/Michigan intersection and whilst taking a photo witnessed the blossom being spun around in a mini-tornado! Was very American Beauty-esque!

Next tick off the list was the Magnificent Mile along North Michigan Avenue, the main shopping district. Luckily we were sooooo tired we had no energy to spend any money. However we did manage to scoot around the perimeter of the Chicago Tribune building where ingrained in the walls are parts of other significant buildings/areas around the world, including The House of Commons, Westminster Abbey, The Great Wall of China and part of Edinburgh Castle amongst many others. Next door we stumbled across Dylan's Candy bar, an Aladdin's Cave of sweeties! You could try before you buy, so we literally filled our boots and were literally kids in a sweet shop!!

We had a choice now, catch the 'El' back to Diversey, or walk through Lincoln park, three and a half miles home... You guessed it!!

My feet are now burning, we've been fed, watered and exhausted, but what an excellent day!