With the varying extreme temperature swings, snow squalls, mixed with the occasional rain, February’s ice is not suitable for safe diving. Occasionally there are windows to fly but they too are fleeting, so we turn to other indoor activities diving related.
This month was attending the 47th “Our World Underwater Dive and Travel Show” that was held on February 17 at the Chicago Marriott O’Hare.
You might note that last year it was held at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, in Rosemont, IL but apparently due to continued low attendance and associated cost was moved.
Left St. Joseph and stopped at the Michigan City Airport to pick up my dive buddy then off to “Sophie’s Pancake House” to fortify ourselves for the trip.
After a hearty breakfast we braved the Chicago traffic and arrived at the Marriott about an hour after the doors had opened. Tickets cost $20 at the door for the exposition floor /display area and exposition floor seminars which were on dive locations. Did not attend any standalone seminars ($30) or go to the evening film festival ($20).
The formal seminars were categorized within 4 groups: Dive the World, Wonders of the Sea, Dive with a Pro, and Shipwrecks. We did see one MUD Club member who was attending the shipwreck seminars.
There were14 films for showing at the evening Film Festival. Every film presenter is an outstanding diver, experienced presenter, and some of the best examples for divers the world over. Their passion for their craft is outstanding.
With all that said, this year it appeared that there were fewer and smaller diver specific booths for scuba gear than last year but tons of travel booths. Parking was tight but it was appreciated that the parking fee ($11.00) was validated/ waived when your purchased your show ticket. This made this year’s travel cost lower than last years.
In that the Milwaukee, Wi. “2018 Ghost Ships Festival” has been cancelled it will be interesting to see what the attendance is like at the March 3rd “Great Lakes Shipwrecks Festival” in Ann Arbor, Mi.
I am wondering if this is simply a normal cyclic of interest or if it’s indicative of a trend. Maybe it’s just me but it seems that the majority of individuals attending these events are gray beards.
As we normally do there are side trips made when traveling back home after the show. This year we tracked down a couple of “Army Navy Pawn & Surplus” stores to rummage thru. It’s fun and you can never tell when you might find something you just have to have.
By then breakfast had been digested and it was time to refuel which we did at “The Hog Wild Restaurant” in Midlothian, IL. Now if your ever in the area I strongly suggest you stop here. The prices are OK, the service is amazingly fast, and the Pork Chops are to die for.
The trip home was a little slow due to a snow squall hitting and reduced visibility to 300 feet max in many areas and the roads were iffy. It was 262 miles R/T but a full fun day.
Hope your day was enjoyable too!
Chicago Marriott O’Hare
