Sep 04, 2013

We farewelled Sharen and Ken last night after dinner as we planned to head off before holiday sleep in time today and did so. After being quoted a cab fare of around $100.00 yesterday to get to the bike shop we got a cab to the station (about $7.00) train to Westhaven ($10.50 total) then cab (about $8.00) to the bike shop in West Chicago and arrived shortly after 10am to find a couple of great looking bikes waiting for us…..also mighty good to see they really did exist after all the horrified comments we had from people asking if we were SURE they existed and happy to report they do.



Nola getting ready to head off from the bike shop, her bike on the left and Norms on the right.

We had a lovely warm ride from West Chicago to South Haven and I have to tell you Robert at the bike shop had told us some of the highway was a bit poor but it was awesome to what we have in Victoria at the moment and I’m pleased to say they are using thick tar strips to coat cracks in the surface to keep the water out and stop the surface from deteriorating which has stopped at home. Enough of work….other than to say we saw miles and miles of rail yards and empty carriages sitting idle not to mention yards full of empty and ageing semi’s and skel trailers in transport yards on the way. We also saw many many lovely leafy suburbs. What a treat.



It was great to meet the team at Du Page Honda / Yamaha for the two of us and here is Robert (who we have dealt with to make this all happen) Nola and Norm



Lighthouse point on the Eastern shore of Lake Michigan at South Haven.



Looking up the river towards the picturesque town of South Haven and the drawbridge which is just out of sight. By the way as I walked to get back on the bike a couple had just landed a salmon around 2 foot long!

Bits and Bobs:



We have seen lots of people on motorbikes. The locals appear to be the ones without any sort of protective gear….even helmets and the tourists on bike tours are the ones with all the luggage and protective gear. We’ve seen a lot of both.

Last 3 night’s Accommodation:

Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel
221 North Columbus Drive
Chicago IL 60601 USA
www.radissonblu.com/aquahotel-chicago

The hotel was a delight from start to finish. This relatively new hotel being not quite 2 years old is in beautiful condition. Our room was lovely, the bed unbelievably comfortable and the restaurants serve delicious food and there are many places to sit and unwind. The pool and gym facilities are awesome and there is even a ‘tan’ track for guests more serious about their fitness levels than us. Every staff member was cheerful and helpful and we felt incredibly welcome and well cared for. A nice start to our break.



The Aqua building (designed by a woman …YAY!!)Bottom third is the hotel, middle third rental apartments and the top third private condominium accommodation.



Typical of some of the beautiful floral arrangements which were evident in the public areas. A lovely touch.