Illinois in fall is quite beautiful.
Today was the big day: apple picking galore at Apple Holler in Wisconsin! The Hubs, Best Man, and I piled in the car and took off, ready for a little time away from Evanston and the chance to stock up on fresh, crisp apples.
Our journey proved to be a fun experience on its own: we watched the passing countryside, where Canadian geese chilled on the banks of ponds, and all around were open fields and power lines and big power-plant-looking buildings. We were in the land of open spaces, churches, gas stations, used car sale lots, empty time.
I noted a big RV depot and snapped a photo as we zoomed by:
The Midwest is best for RV shopping, it seems.
Next up it was a roadside Pick 'N Pull lot with a meager amount of junked cars...well, in comparison to the one I'm used to seeing back home when I go with my dad. He's a pro at finding hidden treasures among the trash piles. This photo reminded me of how rewarding it can be to find a beautiful gem among what seems to be garbage at first sight.
Then we laughed at the roadside sign reading:
PONY RIDES
PUMPKINS
...and wondered what the people who owned the place would say if we strolled up and demanded to really see those ponies riding pumpkins. Only kids on their backs so far, as far as I could tell from the car window. Dang!
We also wondered about the menu from Captain Porky's restaurant in a little town called Wadsworth.
"Sadie Hawkins Dance" blasted through the speakers as we neared the Wisconsin border. It was one of our many songs in the playlist entitled "Sweet Music." (Thanks Hubs!)
And then, pretty quick, there we were outside the big crowded arena labeled as Apple Holler, fighting for a parking spot and walking down the dusty road to the entrance.
Kiddos everywhere. Hand-painted signs advertising the farm animals, pumpkin patch, and corn maze. The sound of far-off reggae music. The smell of hay.
Here we were: Apple Holler in all its glory!
We laughed at the billy goats and their story-high "bridge" (a spot where they could wander from one side of the "farm" to the other, and grab a bite up top on the way. They were pretty smart, scooting the little food barrel closer when visitors weren't wheeling it up fast enough). We finished the corn maze in about ten minutes (the boys ditched me, but I just smiled and kept on wandering around in my boots). Then it was off to the orchard!
We walked over to find rows and rows and rows of... bare trees! No apples around except on the dusty ground. We located one little spot with golden-colored apples and managed to pick it clean. The rest of the fruit we scrounged from beneath the trees, checking carefully for holes and bruises but managing to find several buckets worth. We piled them high, threw a few in our pockets, munched some on the way out, and applauded our successful efforts! It was a lovely experience, wandering between the rows of trees, separate from the city, close to loved ones, surrounded by the fresh air.
I managed to sneak in a kiss or two here and there, too. :)
Then it was time to buy a half-gallon of cider, and we were on our way. Next stop, an urban-dweller's favorite shopping maze: IKEA! We figured, hey, if it was (partially) on the way, why not swing in for a few Swedish meatballs before returning home? And what a yummy dinner it turned out to be: lingonberry sauce and mashed potatoes and mac 'n cheese on the side, too! Success.
Our bellies full, we were ready to wander the store. I oogled and ahhed and managed to resist the many items I knew I didn't need, but wanted...but we did find some lingonberry preserves, a plastic bag organizer (woohoo!), and some thin ginger cookies.
Next it was a sleepy, sunset-filled ride home for me, with the window half-down and the evening breeze blowin' in. I lounged in the backseat while the boys braved the traffic and kept our awesome playlist going. It was a fun fall day to remember, and a refreshing taste of the Midwest.
Tomorrow's installment: apple crisp! There are going to be pans and pans...
