just around the (chicago) riverbend

I have successfully crossed an item off my bucket list. 

It only took me half the summer :)

We drunkenly booked this adventure with Kayak Chicago- for July 5th. I'm glad we at least knew not to do the early afternoon tour. To our friends who came, you're welcome.

I can honestly say this was a blast. If you know me, you know I'm as girlie as they come, so this may come as a surprise, but I had a lot of fun. 

I'm actually considering going again. 

I'm as shocked as you are. 

The day started with brunch, obviously. I needed liquid courage for this adventure. An adorable little place in Old Town called Kingsbury St. Cafe was our first stop. And holy shit, was their food amazing. 

Angel food waffles, bacon bloody mary's (for the meat eaters) fresh squeezed OJ mimosas.
And the cutest patio. 

Once we were nice and liquored up, we headed out to our destination. 

We checked in, suited up. 

Then the question came: "is anyone riding tandem?" 

Bitch was not about to do this alone. Nor was I about to be in the back of the pack by myself. 

I shot my hand up, and waited for one of the 4 others in our group to offer. 

Eventually, I got a taker. 

Meet David. 

David wasn't very fond of me or my tandem partner Alyssa. He explained doing a tandem kayak was like running a 3 legged race, that it's easier to go at it alone, yadda, yadda. 

You know what? I like 3 legged races. 

I also love a good challenge.

>>And guess what?<<

We did just fine. Got soaked, almost lost my phone to some serious water damage, and my arms hurt like hell the next day. 

But we did it and we actually had fun. 

David even admitted he was impressed shocked- and honestly I was shocked as hell too, because I'm the worst at everything besides flip cup.

here's the city from the water up

>>one of my favorite parts of the city<<

>>got some american flag action in<<

>>my arms were falling off right about here<<

>>that boat meant business<<

Seeing the city in this perspective was amazing, and I highly recommend going if you're ever in the city and don't want to spend a thousand dollars standing in a glass box that is terrifying. 

I would, however, have:

1. gotten a life-proof case for my phone - gotta protect those selfies.

2. packed a water bottle of vodka. because life is more fun that way. 

Here's to the next stop. And here's to my arms feeling better soon.