A Day at the Beach

Many years ago, when our children were very young, we traveled to Chicago in the warmth of the summer.  In more recent years, I have visited in February, April, October and November.  Yesterday since it was a beautiful, warm sunny day, I choose to spend the day at Montrose Beach wading along Lake Michigan, reading, taking pictures and people watching.  After crossing under Lake Shore Drive, I came to the dog park at the beach.  All breeds and sizes of dogs, introverted and extroverted romped in Lake Michigan.  Some chased around, others fetched sticks and balls..some more vocal than others.  Moving along the beach about midmorning, I waded along the shoreline.  Eventually I went up the dunes, to walk along the old retaining wall.  The waters of Lake Michigan have receded, so the retaining wall is far up on the land.  I took a short sight seeing expedition through a flora and fauna sanctuary.  Emerging back on the path, I traversed the retaining wall past the retaining wall to the break wall.  I noticed the marina across the way.  A mild breeze drifted in making it a perfect day for sailing!  Sailboats glided quietly out of the marina.  Couples in lawn chairs watched the boats.  A group of children from a summer camp played barefoot soccer.  Men played whiffle ball and frisbee.  When I went into the restroom, two women and  two girls were shampooing a little white dog in the sink.  For lunch, I bought a hot dog, loaded it with condiments....mustard, ketchup, dill relish and onions, and chips and sat at the beach enjoying the sun on my face.