Riverbank Neighbors Trail

Spring is in full bloom here. The Chicago River in early morning actually looks good! It has a kind of glassy «Monet» mirror-​like appearance and you can’t tell at all that it’s really army green in color. There’s a brand new duck family with six little ones who are smaller than your basic rubber variety. Way too cute as they follow mom around. And my usual duck buds Phyllis, George, Ralph and Alice are back for yet another season. The Riverbank Trail gets better and more beautiful every year. Thanks, neighbors!

I had no idea this trail was here, so was utterly delighted when I stumbled across it on a recent bike ride. It is a narrow path that is covered in wood chip, and bordered by a chain link fence (unattractive) on one side, and a split-​rail fence (cute) on the other. A few places to scramble down to the river itself.
I was there on a Saturday mid-​morning and had the path completely to myself. As I watched a heron and then, a few minutes later, a duck swim along with her ducklings, I was briefly able to imagine that I wasn’t in a large city.
I can’t imagine using somebody else’s trash cans, but despite that, I felt a little oogie walking along the trail, since I wasn’t sure it was open to the public. The few home-​owners who were out were very polite and each waved good morning to me.
The trail is short. It’s a bit overgrown near the ankles. But, what a delight — had no idea this was here!
Also, read up on the internet — the folks who put this path together have gone on to create a community-​oriented sustainable local movement called Beyond Today. They even bought a community house, functioning as a co-​op. C’mon, folks — props on building the trail, and props on building a better community.

Jack — how come I only run into you at the corner? LOL
The path is great. It’s runs just south of Montrose to just north of Irving Park. If you walk east down the alley behind Aldi, go as far as you can. When you hit the gravel… you are steps away from the path. Head south on the path. On some sections of the trail, their is a «low road» and a «high road».
I often walk my dog here and it is very peaceful. On the south end of thee trail, the river ducks are so tame, they are not even bothered by my dog. They will continue to eat with the pooch just a foot away.
There is one section of the path that comes out to «street level». Beware: do not use the garbage cans by the red house. This Riverbank neighbor isn’t so neighborly and he keeps watch to make sure no one is using his cans.
I was given the speech and I didn’t even try to use his can. :-D
Other than that, it’s a nice place to soak up some rays and feed the ducks.