For the non-political Chicago talk (such a thread probably exists already, but I can't find it) I need to get a new driver's license to replace a lost one and because I want the REAL ID designation -- what is the least painful DMV for that? Downtown express DMV does not do REAL IDs, I don't believe. I'm in Hyde Park, but willing to travel a long ways to spend less time in the actual DMV
Second question (this thread is rolling): I've never gone cross country skiing, but would like to -- any good spots for rentals? Do I need a lesson?
I don't cross country ski but I do snow shoe and if you're willing to drive a little, the Aboretum is good and a longer drive out to rock cut state park great.
Sagawau Nature Preserve has a really nice but small xc area, but due to the pandemic they're really limiting the number of spots they are giving out to let people ski. I tried to reserve a spot for this weekend but they were all full.
This one has been kind to me and my mom. Right off the Eisenhower, too: 5301 W Lexington Chicago, IL 60644 United States I guess just double check they offer the service you need.
No lesson needed for X-Country. I just slapped 'em on and started going. One word of caution, don't take a serious descent until you've got the hang of it.
For getting driver’s licenses or the real ID, every DMV seems to be packed. I have been to both Lombard and Naperville. And because of the line and social distancing, you are outside waiting. I got my real ID in Dec 2019, and that is its own line, because they verify your documents first. They are a pain about the documents. Be sure to bring exactly what they request. A drill sargeant of a woman gave me a hard time, even though I had what was requested, and had to get a manager to confirm that what I brought was OK. Good luck!
The one at Hall Plaza (Diversey just east of Cicero) was usually good. If you are downtown, the small DMV in the basement of the County Building was pretty quick. That is where I obtained my real ID last yea..err 2019.
I second the Morton Arboretum. Was there yesterday to say goodbye to the trolls, and people were both cross country skiing and snow shoeing.
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center: Spent the morning skiing on the trails at the Sagawau Environmental Learning Center. I’m a little rusty, but still had an amazing time! #fotfp pic.twitter.com/VYoD1sYB5e— Dustin (@ThirstyPoet) January 30, 2021
Will they have an exhibition on Pandemic Super Spreaders? Oh, wait, the museum will be an exhibition on Pandemic Super Spreaders.
I moved to Chicago June 2009 and these past few weeks is the most snow accumulation I can remember between melts I was actually living abroad during the Snowpocalypse (which made the front page of the paper in Guatemala), so that's a big gap in my Chicago snow experience
God, 1979 was awesome for an 11 year old. Multiple School closings, 10 foot snow piles, and no helicopter parents stopping you from getting frostbite. Spent most of that winter jumping off the roof of an abandoned meat packing plant behind my house into the huge snow drifts until said roof eventually collapsed under the weight of the snow accumulation. Maybe helicopter parents aren't all wrong...
I made a boatload for a teen shoveling snow in '79. Alas, I'm pretty sure my body wouldn't take that punishment today.