Still didn't all fit in: this oughtta do it... So in summary it was quite honestly the best time ever, like 47 birthdays in a row! Some facts & figures: 18 states 6 state capitols

Just realised that my last blog did not publish all the stuff I pasted into it so it seems only right to finish it properly. In the evening hit the Crossroads bar for a few PBRs and did woefully in the pub quiz (how am I supposed to know who the shortest president was???).  Still, had a great last night. Thursday brought with it slightly fuzzy head and sad feelings. Packed up and left hotel at noon and took the El to the airport. Lovely sister scored us a chee...

Well the time has come to write the final blog. Had a great few days in a beautiful warm Chicago, making it even harder to leave.   On Tuesday took the bus into the Loop and checked out some of the sights: Route 66 start sign, the big silver bean, water tower, did a bit of pressie shopping on Michigan Ave.  Fancied getting a really good view so headed for the John Hancock building near the lakeshore (1127 ft).  My book had given me a sneaky tip to avoid the...

Said a sad farewell to the bike. Drove from Milwaulkee to Chicago trying to avoid toll roads. Stopped at the hotel first to drop the bags. This meant a fairly major drive through Chicago interstate the middle of the day to the rental drop-off. Aaagghh! Not fun. Anyhoo returned the bike having travelled 2914 miles on it. Took the 'El' back to the hotel, checked in and chilled. Later headed out in our local neighbourhood, Lincoln Park. Found a nice Irish bar...

Some day of travel. Left house at 4 am. Now sitting with a glass of 2 buck chuck (surprisingly good) at 9 pm (+6 hours time difference) so that's about 23 hours awake. Flight fine. Long train ride to downtown and then to Lincoln Park and Willows hotel. Then strolled around neighbourhood along to Lake Michigan and then out for a cold beer and a $3 burger. Awesome!