The difficult year that is and was 2020 is well document. The Coronavirus Pandemic has touched every facet of our lives and made an indelible impression on all that are living through it. Everyone has been impacted in one way or another with some sort of cancellation or postponement. At least we can still enjoy a Chicago River Christmas paddle and end the year on a positive note with one last outdoor adventure.
Chicago River Christmas paddle
Friends of the Chicago River embark on a Chicago River Christmas paddle
Five canoes and two kayaks embarked from the REI access point just south of North Avenue for a three hour Chicago River Christmas paddle. We paddled south to Wolf Point and then to the State Street Bridge. The weather cooperated, and we set off on December 27th with a balmy 45-degree temperature. Once it got dark the mercury plummeted into the 30s, but we were well prepared for the cold.
Russ and son Colin showing off their Christmas light bulbs
We are volunteer canoe guides with the Friends of the Chicago River. We had an abbreviated season this year, so many of us had not seen each other all year. Besides our guided trips, we usually go on at least one outside trip together. This year that did not take place for most of us, so we were excited to paddle at least once together this year.
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Beautiful night on the Chicago River
Put-in at REI
I pulled into the access point by the new REI store to see several canoes queued up and ready to be walked down along with several people milling about in masks. I did not recognize anyone in the masks. Musky Marv welcomed me, and I told him I was not sure it was the right group. He replied, “what other crazies would be out here canoeing today?” Good point.
Chicago skyline starting to come into view
I extended my hand and then we exchanged a Covid handshake. A Covid handshake is when two people extend a handshake and then one or both parties remember that we are in the midst of a global pandemic. Then one or both parties remove the handshake invitation. An awkward fist or shoulder bump ensues.
Deb and I awash in festive lights – Thank you Bill Walsh for the photo.
Musky Marv and Beth showing off their festive canoe.
Festive lights for the Chicago River Christmas paddle
I joined fellow guide Deb in her canoe, which was strung with Christmas lights around the gunnels. Additional Christmas lights dangled from a pole in both the bow and stern that went over our heads. Each boat had its own style of decorating for Christmas. For example, Russ’s canoe had large Christmas bulbs hung from the front and back. Marv even brought a blue tooth speaker to play Christmas carols.
Related: Discovering unexpected Chicago River adventure
Cool scene of a Chicago Bridge opening up to the Chicago skyline. Thank you Jeff Daube for the photo.
Enjoying the downtown lights
We started paddling at 4 p.m., so we had some light initially. Darkness comes quickly when you paddle near the winter solstice. By the time we reached the Chicago Street Bridge, it was completely dark. The lights from downtown illuminated the waters. I brought a headlamp, but I don’t think I turned it on once. While we experienced some stretches of wind, most of the time the river was a sheet of glass.
Colin says hello as beautiful colors reflect off the Chicago River. Thank you Russ for the picture.
As we approached the Chicago Riverwalk, we became part of the Christmas spectacle. People out for an evening stroll recorded us on their cell phones. They probably added this script to their Instagram stories, “check out these lunatics paddling in 30-degree temperatures at night.” There was very few people out and about downtown. Usually, during the Christmas season, the River North and downtown area are packed with visitors and locals alike.
Reid Murdoch Building all lit up in Christmas colors – Thank you Bill Walsh for the photo.
Every paddle is precious
Every single person has been touched by the Pandemic and had something canceled this year. I was scheduled to ski the Norwegian Birkebeiner and spend two weeks in that beautiful country. This ski race was canceled and soon after all countries closed their borders. Then I had booked an April paddle to the Okefenokee Swamp. The National Forest Service soon thereafter canceled all bookings. These sacrifices and disturbances pale in comparison to what many people have endured.
Related: Traveling Ted Friendly float down the Chicago River
Willis Tower comes into view – Thank you Jeff Daube for the picture.
Since so much was taken from us in 2020, it felt good to be able to plan and execute one last outdoor group outing this year. It was like our middle finger to the year. Screw you 2020, you cannot take everything from us. Now that we were able to have one last fling before it gets really cold, we can hunker down and wait for spring before our next group get together.
Chicago River Christmas paddle moonrise
Moonrise over the Chicago River
We soaked in the beautiful downtown lights as we went under the State Street Bridge. Marina City Towers rose to our left. It was a feast for the eyes that have seen too much zoom chats and Netflix of late. Just when we thought it could not get any better, the moon rose over the skyline.
Turning around after one last look at the downtown lights and moon. Thank you Bill Walsh for the picture.
End of the Chicago River Christmas paddle
After we had our fill of the downtown lights, we turned around and headed back for REI. Soon the dock came into view, and we carried the canoes up the loading zone and took down the Christmas lights. At least we extended Christmas for a few more days and enjoyed each other’s company one last time in 2020. We headed to our mutual cars and bubbles as we waved goodbye to friends we would not see until the weather warmed back up.
Adventure on!
More Traveling Ted posts from the Chicago River:
Chicago River Friendly Float year 2
Skokie Lagoons moonlight paddle
Little Calumet GoPro adventure
Chicago River GoPro time lapse
Chicago Botanic Gardens canoe adventure
What a lovely way to remember a beautiful eve-thanks Ted!
As an aside- this was my first official winter paddle— and it was either going to be:
1. A one time event or
2. An annual event
As I happily did not end up in the water and company & vista were both amazing… this shall be an annual event!
Thanks for letting me join your club!
Thanks Beth. It was great to meet you. Look forward to seeing you out on the water again in 2021.
Great write up Ted! A highlight of 2020.
Thanks Bill. It was great to get one more paddle in for 2020. I am sure we all paddled a lot less this year than in year’s past. I hope we all can get back on the water more often in 2021. Happy New Year!
Hi, I happily did not end up in the water and the company and vista were both amazing. this shall be an annual event. It was great to meet you. Look forward to seeing you out on the water again in 2021. it felt good to be able to plan and execute one last outdoor group outing this year. It was like our middle finger to the year. It was great to get one more paddle in for 2020. I am sure we all paddled a lot less this year than in year’s past.
african american christmas ornaments
Hello Ella,
Great meeting you as well. Screw you 2020, we got together as a group and enjoyed a paddle. Hope for much more outings in 2021.
Wow! That’s a wonderful experience. Hope to try that paddle thingy.
If not, you can do it in a dinghy 🙂
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