This is for the fast boat, right?

I just had one of the greatest weekends in Chicago. Thanks, Dave, for being my cohort in the fun shenanigans.

Dave visited from Philadelphia this past weekend with a friend. We had a chance to hang out on Saturday and Sunday, and I enjoyed a fun weekend that was much needed.

The highlight of Saturday was definitely the boat ride we took along Lake Michigan. We walked down to Navy Pier at dusk and got tickets for the Seadog boat ride. While purchasing the tickets, Dave asked the guy, "This is for the fast boat, right?" The guy laughed at us and agreed.

Since it was late, we were just in time for the evening boat ride for the Navy Pier fireworks. (They happen every Saturday during the summer, and I highly recommend checking them out besides the Fourth of July.) I should explain that the Seadog boats are huge speadboats that go over 45mph...and we rode it at night.

It started lightning before we boarded the boat, but that didn't stop the ride. We made our way out onto Lake Michigan amongst other evening boats enjoying the clear night. As soon as we passed the barrier, the boat took off and we started racing the other Seadog. Awesome. I was a little skeptic about a boat ride at night on Lake Michigan, but it was perfect. We were flying along the dark lake (farther out than the other boats) with lightning flashing to the east and the Chicago skyline illuminated on the west. The boat started blaring music from Eddie Money, Rihanna and various other artists, but it wasn't until Kanye started playing that the mood was set. The boat kicked into high gear and "Welcome to Chicago" by Kanye started playing. Perfect. (Gotta love the Chi-town artists.) We eventually stopped to idle for the fireworks, which were spectacular. Nothing like fireworks just because.

We revved up again for more speeding around and jumping over the other Seadog wakes. The boat ride was so smooth and so fast - a perfect combo. Dave and I got a little wet from the water splashing on us (Dave took the brunt of it.) Good thing we didn't sit in the back like the guy suggested...the splash is a bit bigger in the back.

Either way the wind from the speed got the best of us.

This boat ride is definitely a top moment in Chicago for me. We rode along the lake for an hour and half and I would've done it all day if I had the chance. Guess I'll start saving up now.