Last Saturday night we had the absolute pleasure to take a Halloween, “Haunted River Tour” aboard the speedboat, “Seadog”. What a fantastic way to spend an Autumn evening here in Chicago. Please read on, my seafaring friends!
I must say my excitement grew as we stood in line waiting to board the Seadog. Pharnell Williams’ song, “Happy” was playing dockside; talk about a perfect tune to match my feelings right at that very moment! Despite my realization that I was in line with many other folks (who were no doubt also filled with anticipation for the excursion), I began to dance. How on earth anyone can listen to that song and not dance (or at the very least, grin widely!) is beyond my comprehension.
Ah, yes, I digress as always. Now where was I? Yes, we were standing in line for the Seadog Haunted River Tour. As we happened to be first in line, we proceeded to the front of the boat; all passengers are required to ‘belt-up’, as my mother likes to say! After the passengers had taken their seats, and belted-up, we awaited the moment of movement out to Lake Michigan.
Behind us sat three young boys, probably around 12 or 13 years old (parents et al sat behind them). Unwittingly eavesdropping on their conversation was a rather interesting way in which to begin a dusk, nightfall boat cruise, to be sure. Here is my ‘take’ on that convo:
Young Man #1: He thought the water was polluted because of its ‘green’ color – *not polluted, actually*;
Young Man #2: The WORST place to live anywhere on the planet is Louisiana because of all the horrible weather;
Young Man #3: Are there sharks in here? Because if there are sharks in here, I’m getting off this boat; and
Young Man #1: Ha! Sharks don’t live in Lake Michigan! This is a lake, not the ocean (smart young man, I’d say).
And of course there was the quintessential talk amongst the boys about the likelihood of falling overboard.
Ah, cue the cruise attendant:
A Seadog Cruise crew member provided safety instructions and general information, all with a terrific sense of “haha” thrown into the mix. As this was a, “Haunted Tour”, our guide, Jamie appeared, in a stellar costume (which reminded me of Harrison Ford in, “Raiders of the Lost Ark”). The tour began with a slow, gliding gait towards Lake Michigan. As the 75-minute tour itself primarily takes place along the Chicago River, we navigated our way through the Chicago Harbor Lock.
The sky was brooding as we exited the lock and entered the Chicago River. The above photo was taken shortly after we began our tour towards downtown Chicago. Despite the ‘frightfully’ chilly weather, our surroundings were breathtaking.
Meandering down the Chicago River at night is an experience to behold!
Jamie provided us with spooky, eerie stories of haunted hotels (The Congress Hotel, The Drake Hotel) and the spectral beings that have been seen over decades. He outlined the strange and bizarre legends that are associated with the John Hancock Center. Why, even Macy’s on State Street continues to have its fair share of figments floating around the upper floors!
Ship disasters, a University of Illinois at Chicago terrifying tale, and consequences of building near Native Burial Grounds are some of the other fascinating, bewitching stories Jamie imparted on our Haunted River Tour.
Jamie did an absolutely phenomenal job with his stories and scenarios of this most fascinating city and its mostly, “unseen” attributes. He researched the entire program himself, which is quite a feat, I must say. The tour was similar to a dream-state; surreal and yet present, at the same time.
As we made our way back through the Chicago Lock, the bright lights and carnival-like atmosphere of Navy Pier were once again in our view. I quietly said a prayer for all of those departed souls who Jamie spoke about in his talk.
The, “Seadog Cruises Chicago” Company is stellar; I do wish they would provide this tour during the Summer months as well. I am anxious to hop on board another type of cruise next Summer! There are Architectural Tours, Lakefront Speedboat Tours, and even an, “Extreme Thrill Ride Tour”. Oh, by the way, here is a link to their website in case you would like to check out tours, photos, and a ‘boat-load’ of information (you knew I was going to say “boat-load”, didn’t you?):
http://www.seadogcruises.com/chicago
A “Seadog Saturday” and not a drop of Lake Michigan/Chicago River water was harmed on this tour!
did they serve drinks?!
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We were ‘belted in’ so no drinks this time! 😉 Cher xo
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Oh and I seem to recall some libations aboard another boat many moons ago!! 😉
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Love the Windy City. Love it.
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Thank you! I sure do, too!! Cher xo
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Those “haunted” tours can be fun. I did a walking one years ago with a friend when her parents were visiting. We were allowed into places otherwise not allowed….into the bowels of old Sydney. Sure some of the places had an eerie feel but, alas and not surprisingly, no ghosts made their presence felt. The guides do their utmost to play to our senses and instill that sense of fear and the belief in the supernatural. It was fun, even when the rain hit and we all donned those plastic raincoats that from a distance and in the right light made us look like ghostly apparitions.
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Oh yes, I quite agree! I think the rain you experienced would make it even spookier! It sounds like the tour had an intriguing vibe to it!! Cher xo
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Love the nighttime photos…….beautiful! Looks like fun:-)
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Thank you so much! Yes, it was great fun and it looks gorgeous at nighttime!! It was really neat! Cher xo
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Oh, Cher, you have done it again. A superb post reporting your experience on the Haunted River Tour. You bring your experiences so alive when reading. Wonderful photos, too. I know I will not get to Chicago in my lifetime (remaining), and I never had any idea that there are so many wonderful experiences to be had in Chitown. Thank you for this. 🙂
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Hi dear Carol! You are so incredibly kind and thoughtful as always! I am so happy you like this post! It was such a wonderful cruise, and I wish I could go on this boat every day!! Such fun and the Chicago architecture at night is simply magical!! I hope you are having a lovely day my dear! Cher xo
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I have to admit what captivates me is the mascot; it’s awfully evocative of Popeye without actually looking anything like him.
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I love your observations, Joseph! You know, I quite agree! Rather clever on the Seadog’s part, don’t you think? Cher xo
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It must have been absolutely fantastic Cher. Those images of the city are just magnificent. But now the big question – did you see any ghosts? 🙂
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Hi dear Don! Thank you so much! Oh yes, the city is phenomenal in and of itself; however, I must say to see these buildings lit up at night (and via the river) is truly amazing. Well, interesting you should ask, Don. I seem to see what some call an, “orb” in one of the photos. Can you spot it? Cher xo
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I see it. Interesting. 🙂
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Perhaps a flash from our camera; I’m not sure, really. But it does present a rather intriguing possibility! Cher xo 🙂
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Just saying ‘Haunted River Tour’ sounds interesting enough for me! Your photos are beautiful, Cher.
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*LOL* And the same goes for me! That’s all I needed to hear as well! Ah, thank you so much! It was such great fun, and truly this city never ceases to amaze me in its history, people, and architecture (just for starters)! Cher xo
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I’ve seen the Seadog at Navy Pier and wanted to take a ride. It looks so cool. Not to say that the architectural tours aren’t terrific. They are. I really enjoy them. But the Seadog is a big, yellow speed boat! Thanks for the article, Cher!
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Hi Mike! You really should take a ride on the Seadog! They do have an, “extreme” ride during the Summer, which blasts out onto Lake Michigan. I noticed their website had some photos of it. I did not get one single splash of water on me during our tour (and we were sitting at the front in the outside row). Ah, I think the Seadog is a gentle boat when it wants to be, and a speed-dog when it chooses to be as well! Cher xo
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Great tale. It sounds like a fun evening. Definitely a night to remember. Hugs, Barbara
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Thank you, dear Barbara! We sure did have a great night! Hugs, Cher xo
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Reblogged this on idealisticrebel.
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What fun! I this this would be a blast!
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Hi Kate! Oh, it truly was great fun!! 🙂 Cher xo
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Wow, I’m going to do that on our next visit. I can thoroughly recommend the Architectural Society tour which we did (on a chilly October day) in 2009.
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Hi Hilary! Oh yes, you simply must! It’s a super tour! Yes, the Architectural Society puts on a fantastic tour as well, don’t they? We had a chilly tour as well, but well worth it! Cher xo
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Reblogged this on Ann Novek–With the Sky as the Ceiling and the Heart Outdoors.
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Love your photos, Cher. You make Chicago look like a truly glamorous city as always!
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Awh, bless! Thank you so much, Veronica! That is so thoughtful of you to say! It is such a wonderful city, and I feel so incredibly grateful to live here! Cher xo
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Fabulous post. The City looks amazing. So beautiful:) I am following you but your posts are not showing up on my Reader and I don’t know why.
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Thank you so much! I wonder why my posts aren’t showing up on your Reader? I know that happens to me sometimes; I do think it is a “WordPress glitch”. Well I am so glad you stop by, and please do so anytime! You do show up in my Reader, thank goodness!! Cher xo
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