What a great group of people!
Friday morning while undergoing the security inspection, my gear bag blew a zipper. The inspector was very nice and taped it shut, but I really didn't expect it to make the trip. Arriving in Chicago, I picked up my luggage (the tape was gone, but nothing was missing) and headed downtown to Steven's (reefraff) home. He welcomed me and got me settled in then it was off to Skokie to pick up tanks for Saturday's dive. We stopped at a sporting goods store on the way, but bags were way too expensive, so we planned to drop by Target after the dive shop.
The tanks weren't ready, so we waited while they finished topping them off. Steven noticed a nice gear bag in the dive shop and upon examination, we discovered it was sturdy and about 1/3 the price we expected. I just saved a trip to Target.
On the way out the door with 4 tanks filled with EAN 36, we met Tom, one of Steven's friends from his dive club (Tritons, I believe), who was dropping off tanks to be filled. After he dropped his tanks, the 3 of us enjoyed a very nice lunch. Tom's one of many folks I enjoyed meeting on this trip.
Arriving back at the homestead, Steven and I enjoyed the view (25th floor with a view to the south that includes both the John Hancock Building and the Sears Tower - not counting spires, the Sears Tower is the world's tallest building) and discussed diving and other assorted topics. By the time Paula (Steven's very lovely wife) arrived home, I felt as if Steven and I had been friends for years. Paula was very pleased to find dinner was just about ready when she walked in the door. I've never before experienced a BBQ on the balcony of a high rise.
Saturday morning, we loaded gear into Steven's monster truck and headed north to Milwaukee. At times, the traffic would lighten up enough to allow us to reach speeds of 35 mph. Traffic really held us up and we arrived at the dock 30 minutes late. Luckily, Steven had planned to arrive 30 minutes early, so we were actually on time.
Awaiting us on the boat (Len Der) were Ken (MgicTwnger), Carla (nitroxbabe) and a man who actually introduced himself to me as Mr. nitroxbabe (Kurt). Also on board was Steve who wasn't part of our group, but fit in well. Captain Jerry and first mate (I can't remember her Czech name and I'm sure I couldn't spell it if I could) rounded out the group that set out on the inland sea.
Next installment - Saturday afternoon dives.
Friday morning while undergoing the security inspection, my gear bag blew a zipper. The inspector was very nice and taped it shut, but I really didn't expect it to make the trip. Arriving in Chicago, I picked up my luggage (the tape was gone, but nothing was missing) and headed downtown to Steven's (reefraff) home. He welcomed me and got me settled in then it was off to Skokie to pick up tanks for Saturday's dive. We stopped at a sporting goods store on the way, but bags were way too expensive, so we planned to drop by Target after the dive shop.
The tanks weren't ready, so we waited while they finished topping them off. Steven noticed a nice gear bag in the dive shop and upon examination, we discovered it was sturdy and about 1/3 the price we expected. I just saved a trip to Target.
On the way out the door with 4 tanks filled with EAN 36, we met Tom, one of Steven's friends from his dive club (Tritons, I believe), who was dropping off tanks to be filled. After he dropped his tanks, the 3 of us enjoyed a very nice lunch. Tom's one of many folks I enjoyed meeting on this trip.
Arriving back at the homestead, Steven and I enjoyed the view (25th floor with a view to the south that includes both the John Hancock Building and the Sears Tower - not counting spires, the Sears Tower is the world's tallest building) and discussed diving and other assorted topics. By the time Paula (Steven's very lovely wife) arrived home, I felt as if Steven and I had been friends for years. Paula was very pleased to find dinner was just about ready when she walked in the door. I've never before experienced a BBQ on the balcony of a high rise.
Saturday morning, we loaded gear into Steven's monster truck and headed north to Milwaukee. At times, the traffic would lighten up enough to allow us to reach speeds of 35 mph. Traffic really held us up and we arrived at the dock 30 minutes late. Luckily, Steven had planned to arrive 30 minutes early, so we were actually on time.
Awaiting us on the boat (Len Der) were Ken (MgicTwnger), Carla (nitroxbabe) and a man who actually introduced himself to me as Mr. nitroxbabe (Kurt). Also on board was Steve who wasn't part of our group, but fit in well. Captain Jerry and first mate (I can't remember her Czech name and I'm sure I couldn't spell it if I could) rounded out the group that set out on the inland sea.
Next installment - Saturday afternoon dives.