Greetings from the Windy City

Zoo Lights at the Lincoln Park Zoo

My wife, daughter, dog and I are currently in the Chicago area spending time with family.  So far, it’s been a very enjoyable holiday season.

There’s no shortage of fun things to do in this town and one pleasant discovery was the “Zoo Lights” display at the Lincoln Park Zoo that lasts until January 6th.  This exhibit features luminous displays of creatures large and small, strolling carolers and other seasonal activities all under the canopy of 2.5 million lights.  And the best part – it’s free.

The not so cowardly lion

Of course free comes with its price and in a city of three million people, parking isn’t easy or cheap.  It took us a while to find a place to ditch the car and it wouldn’t have happened without the phone app “Spot Hero” that located what may have been the last open parking slot in the city.  What did we ever do before the invention of the smartphone?

This display prompted a discussion about the color of a real giraffe’s eyes.  Anyone know?

A fire-breathing dragon – a species not found in most zoos

Chicagoland is currently devoid of snow except for a few piles left over from the Thanksgiving weekend storm that practically shut down the airport and stranded thousands of travelers.  The temperature for our light-gazing excursion was in the low 40’s and with no wind to speak of, the night air was both refreshing and tolerable.  Together with my wife’s siblings we set out on a unique winter wonderland safari.

A zebra brought to you in living color

An otter and “anotter” otter

Having been to Africa and seen animals in the wild, zoos don’t interest me much anymore.  However, when the wildlife are constructed of wire and brilliant lights, well that’s a horse of a different color.  Seeing these glowing creatures was a fun treat.  Knowing that no real animals were harmed was a bonus.

I trust that you all had a fun-filled holiday and I look forward to sharing more photos and thoughts with you in 2019!