Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Superstorm Sandy, Welcome to Chicago! Pictures and Video of the Lakefront This Morning


From abc7.com this morning: "Unusually high waves were seen kicking up and rolling onto the shore at North Avenue Beach, getting closer and closer to the boathouse. Still, ABC7 spotted quite a few lakefront runners early Tuesday. In some cases, authorities chased them down and ordered them off the beach." 

Yes, this morning I ran down to the lakefront as the storm created by "Sandy" rolled into Chicago. Yes, the police helicopters buzzed me. No, I was not in any danger (at least I don't think). However, on the lake side of the break wall there was a runner, a photographer and a random person sitting. Being on the other side of the break wall, within easy striking distance of the waves, would be considered putting your life in nature's hand. 

I have seen big waves on the lake before, just not as big and not as many as this morning.

Here is a video of some of the waves hitting just north of Belmont Harbor:



Now for the pictures:
This person was just sitting motionless watching the 20 footers crash in front of her!

Watch out! Why are they sitting there?

Looks like a 25 foot spray!

Waves rolling along the break wall


What are those people doing running by the lake today? Oh yeah, I was actually running there too!

Running on the lake side of the retaining wall is not recommended!

Big wave out in the lake

Photographer who was getting quite wet. Hope he is still with us!




Gotta love those warnings. They were like a clarion call for thrill seekers and photographers to go out to the lakefront.

Total: Ran 8 miles, really slowly....

13 comments:

  1. Wow! That is incredible! I can believe they were telling people to get away from the lake. Yikes!

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    1. Yeah, but apparently there are people who will do just the opposite of what they're told!

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  2. Hope all stay safe who are in harm's way. For those posting hate you degrade yourselves, insult those facing danger and make most of us Americans ashamed to call you one of our own.

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  3. Freaking awesome photos!!! I'm so happy you didn't get washed away so you could share the pics :)

    I'm going out there- near the Shedd/Adler after work. I'm really tempted to go to the stretch north of Ohio St beach, but will use my better judgement. I've dodged big (not like these) waves before and have no desire to get soaked when it's 40 degrees out.

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    1. Thanks! Looking forward to reading about your adventures by the lake/ocean! Yeah, my hands were cold after getting too much lake water spray on them.

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  4. Crazy waves! Traffic along lakeshore drive was slow going into work with everyone watching the lake. You are one of the few brave enough to face the wind! Hardcore!

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    1. Yeah, my neighbor drove down Lake Shore Drive just to see the waves.

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  5. Amazing photos but that lady in the red jacket is MIA in the last photo. LOL! I'm not laughing....I swear. :o)

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  6. Great job running today! And I am doing the Hot Chocolate downtown Sunday too!

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    1. Thanks. Maybe I'll see you at the meetup before or after the race on Sunday.

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  7. Whoa!!!! Kinda glad i was safe and sound far away from these waves!

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