One of the great signs of summer is seeing all the boats come out of hibernation and return to their harbors and docks on beautiful Lake Michigan. This begins on May 1 every year.
But right now, the reverse commute is happening. All boats are returning to their winter storage areas, a much more depressing sight than the former because it signals the beginning of the onset of cold weather and end of summer.
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By rule, all boats must be out of their docks by Friday, Oct. 30 at the latest.
So, keep an eye out on the Chicago River as the boats majestically march out in single file. They almost look sad to be leaving. Keep an eye out also for temporary bridge-raising delays that go along with this return.
This is known as the Chicago River Bridge Lifts.
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Every Wednesday morning and Saturday morning during the month of October, as many as 27 bridges will be raised, in synchronized fashion, to allow the larger boats (including the tall sailboats) to pass through. This can cause some temporarytraffic delays for drivers and pedestrians crossing over the river.
No doubt the boats going back out in May is a little more festive and fun than the sad sight of watching the boats come in for their winter hibernation.
For more details go to this website or the Chicago Department of Transportation website as well.
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