Parking meters going in at Montrose Harbor pull up memories; plus notes on the IHSA bass finals possibly moving, a balloon spooks nesting Monty and Rose and, as always, the Stray Cast.

By Dale Bowman

A boat speeds back in May toward Montrose Harbor in the middle of the best view of downtown Chicago from the south side of Montrose. Credit: Dale Bowman — A boat speeds back toward Montrose Harbor in the middle of the best view of downtown Chicago from the south side of Montrose, the day before parking meters turned on at Montrose Harbor Drive.

I napped last Wednesday at my favorite view on the Chicago lakefront from the south side of Montrose Harbor.

I figured I had better get it in before pay-meter parking began Thursday.

The sun broke through briefly, enough to heat the car.

For years, besides fishing with my favorite view of downtown, I stopped at Montrose to eat lunch or nap. In younger days, more nefarious things ensued late at night.

I love the spot. Not to get too biblical, but it restores my soul.

As I savored the downtown skyline, Maria Rizzo circled the new meter, trying to figure out whether she needed to pay. I told her it did not start until the next day, then asked if it would affect her.

‘‘Probably not,’’ she said.

The city is counting — correctly, I think — on the draw of fishing, scenery, picnicking, bike paths, soccer fields, birding and dreaming on the hill to keep people coming and paying for parking.

For now the meters are only on Montrose Harbor Drive, from Park Bait around to the circle. A couple of free quick-stop spots remain in front of Park Bait.

IHSA bass fishing move?

Boats lining up Saturday on Carlyle Lake before takeoff on Day 2 of the Illinois High School Association’s state finals for bass fishing. Credit: Dale Bowman — Boats lining up Saturday on Carlyle Lake before takeoff on Day 2 of the Illinois High School Association’s state finals for bass fishing.

Friday and Saturday might have been the last time the Illinois High School Association’s state finals for bass fishing were held at Carlyle Lake.

At the IHSA board meeting June 14, a decision is expected about whether Carlyle or Springfield will host the next three state finals, associate executive director Kurt Gibson said. Carlyle hosted the first 12.

Illinois hunting

Hunters harvested 13,383 turkeys during Illinois’ spring season, a drop from 15,831 in 2020. Click here for a more detailed breakdown.

Wild things

A balloon hitting the protective wire spooked mating piping plovers Monty and Rose off their nest May 17 at Montrose beach, according to chicagopipingplovers.org. Celebratory balloons outside are like housecats outside: Nothing good comes of it.

Stray cast

Tony La Russa does to the joy of Sox what summer sun does to fluddles.

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