Last Sunday I oiled up my trusty Trek and set out under a bright blue sky for a long-overdue bicycle trip down the Des Plaines river trail. I started out at Gowe Beach in Gurnee near the canoe launch, and was immediately taken aback by the colors around me before my foot even touched the pedal. The bushes around the pavillion to my left had some of the brightest and reddest leaves I have ever seen. Looking around at the treetops I was awash in a panorama of yellows and oranges. Thinking to myself that I had picked the perfect day for a ride, I pushed southwards on the crushed limestone path. 
I wound my way down the trail, my senses delighting in the sights and sounds all around me. Plants with yellow and white flowers poked out of the brush between the trail and the river. Overhead, robins swooped and chirped to one another as they collected food and prepared for their trip south. I whisked by a bush with crimson berries the size of my thumbnail. I rolled around a curve and admired the vibrant forest floor, which only a few months before had been underwater and was now sprouting bright-green seedlings. Around the base of a tree, a colony of dark brown mushrooms arched skyward. I continued to coast along, listening to the crunch of stone under my tires and the rustling of the wind through the leaves. 
A lake inhabited by mallards and geese appeared and I decided to take a water break on the nearby park bench. I waved to a couple passing cyclists who also appeared to be enjoying the fall beauty. Towering over me were several thick oak trees, and bug-eyed grey squirrels rummaged around the acorns strewn across the ground. A breeze tossed dead leaves across the path, and after a few minutes' rest I capped my water bottle and pressed onward.
I pedaled and gained momentum as I coasted down a rolling slope. A bush full of large black berries passed by on my right. I rounded another bend and all at once found myself in a prarie clearing. Tall grass swayed around me, and I was reminded of mental images I'd pictured while reading stories about the Great Plains. A perfectly sculpted bird's nest stood in a small tree to my left, and swallows glided back and forth along the top of the field catching bugs. I heard honking, and looked up to see a V-shaped flock of geese in migration. I rolled on for another mile or so, the scenery around me alternating between colorful forest and lush prarie. Through a hole in the treetops I spotted a large hawk overhead, circling effortlessly while scouting the ground for a meal.
I exited another patch of forest to find myself in a broad clearing before a series of rolling hills, arched bridges, and connected lakes. I wove the path amidst joggers and picnickers, and a wooden sign told me that I was in Independence Grove. I rode to the peak of a hill and stopped at a picnic table to soak in the scenery. The foliage around me burst with color, as the leaves on individual trees transitioned from green to yellow to orange and red. Around the lakes and channels, people young and old baited hooks and cast fishing lines into the waters. Couples on foot-propelled boats cruised the waterways and soaked in the sunshine. A brown and black wooly bear caterpillar inched across the wooden top of my table, and I felt fortunate to bear witness to such a relaxing scene.
Again heading southwards, I found myself within a patch of forest that appeared to have been painted bright yellow. Tall white birch trees with golden leaves illuminated the path in every direction. Cottony white tufts floated above the grass as milkweed pods released their seeds into the air. A massive shape floated in the air high above, and the "fingers" on the end of its impressive wings told me that it was a buzzard searching for food. Forest and prarie continued to alternate as I proceeded southwards, and I saw everything from tree bark coated with sky-blue lichens to marshy bogs inhabited by enormous weeping willows. Dark objects hovering next to me turned out to be large dragonflies keeping pace with my bike. I passed through many sections of trees and grass, moss and vines before my legs told me that it was time to begin the return trip north. Although I was only out on the trail for about three hours, I experienced many refreshing sights and sounds, and left the forest with a greater appreciation for the natural beauty to be found in my own backyard.
I wound my way down the trail, my senses delighting in the sights and sounds all around me. Plants with yellow and white flowers poked out of the brush between the trail and the river. Overhead, robins swooped and chirped to one another as they collected food and prepared for their trip south. I whisked by a bush with crimson berries the size of my thumbnail. I rolled around a curve and admired the vibrant forest floor, which only a few months before had been underwater and was now sprouting bright-green seedlings. Around the base of a tree, a colony of dark brown mushrooms arched skyward. I continued to coast along, listening to the crunch of stone under my tires and the rustling of the wind through the leaves. A lake inhabited by mallards and geese appeared and I decided to take a water break on the nearby park bench. I waved to a couple passing cyclists who also appeared to be enjoying the fall beauty. Towering over me were several thick oak trees, and bug-eyed grey squirrels rummaged around the acorns strewn across the ground. A breeze tossed dead leaves across the path, and after a few minutes' rest I capped my water bottle and pressed onward.I pedaled and gained momentum as I coasted down a rolling slope. A bush full of large black berries passed by on my right. I rounded another bend and all at once found myself in a prarie clearing. Tall grass swayed around me, and I was reminded of mental images I'd pictured while reading stories about the Great Plains. A perfectly sculpted bird's nest stood in a small tree to my left, and swallows glided back and forth along the top of the field catching bugs. I heard honking, and looked up to see a V-shaped flock of geese in migration. I rolled on for another mile or so, the scenery around me alternating between colorful forest and lush prarie. Through a hole in the treetops I spotted a large hawk overhead, circling effortlessly while scouting the ground for a meal.
I exited another patch of forest to find myself in a broad clearing before a series of rolling hills, arched bridges, and connected lakes. I wove the path amidst joggers and picnickers, and a wooden sign told me that I was in Independence Grove. I rode to the peak of a hill and stopped at a picnic table to soak in the scenery. The foliage around me burst with color, as the leaves on individual trees transitioned from green to yellow to orange and red. Around the lakes and channels, people young and old baited hooks and cast fishing lines into the waters. Couples on foot-propelled boats cruised the waterways and soaked in the sunshine. A brown and black wooly bear caterpillar inched across the wooden top of my table, and I felt fortunate to bear witness to such a relaxing scene.Again heading southwards, I found myself within a patch of forest that appeared to have been painted bright yellow. Tall white birch trees with golden leaves illuminated the path in every direction. Cottony white tufts floated above the grass as milkweed pods released their seeds into the air. A massive shape floated in the air high above, and the "fingers" on the end of its impressive wings told me that it was a buzzard searching for food. Forest and prarie continued to alternate as I proceeded southwards, and I saw everything from tree bark coated with sky-blue lichens to marshy bogs inhabited by enormous weeping willows. Dark objects hovering next to me turned out to be large dragonflies keeping pace with my bike. I passed through many sections of trees and grass, moss and vines before my legs told me that it was time to begin the return trip north. Although I was only out on the trail for about three hours, I experienced many refreshing sights and sounds, and left the forest with a greater appreciation for the natural beauty to be found in my own backyard.
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As we approached the carousal a rush of memories from my childhood flooded through my mind. Reese picked a horse to ride and around it went. I watched as each time she passed me she waved and smiled having the time of her life, just as I used to wave and smile at my own mother. I love creating these memories with Reese! 
Next we took the train ride. This runs twice every hour. The ride runs for about 15 minutes and circles around a pond. The ride enables you to see a lot of the farm and what there is to do. Right now Lambs Farm has their Haunted Harvest going on so there were decorations throughout the train ride – we saw big hairy spiders, witches, and other fun decorations.
The final spot we visited was the discovery center. This is a little building where the kids have the opportunity to learn about the animals and wildlife. They are able to feel the different furs of animals and touch and see what snake skin looks like which is really neat. 
After several hours of fun, we were ready to leave. On our way out we decided to pick up a couple more pumpkins to decorate with at our house. Reese picked a couple small ones too. We had a great time at Lambs Farm and highly recommend making a visit for some family fun!
When we arrived at Richardson Farm, we were greeted by very friendly staff members and given an overview of the farm and maps for our visit. We started at the huge and awesome corn maze. It’s big, a total of 11 miles long! The maze separated into four smaller mazes that all connect together. When we arrived we were given a map of the maze with a punch card on the bottom. There are 24 locations inside the maze that have paper punches, find them, fill your card all and get a prize! I wish we would have had enough time to get through the entire maze; the kids really had fun finding the “treasure”! I was impressed with the corn maze, easy to navigate yet challenging enough to keep you interested. The paths were family friendly, wide and smooth enough for a wagon. The staff also had flash lights and light sticks available for after dark ventures. The farm is open very late, some nights until 2:00am! 
After the corn maze we made our way over to the tower in the middle of the farm. The tower was a lot of fun, the stairs were easy to climb and the view is spectacular. We could see the entire corn maze and farm. We then tried out the children’s soybean maze. It is a maze in a soybean field. The kids had a blast chasing each other and racing to the finish.
Next to the tower is a barn where you get a drink and a snack. We all had some chips, hotdogs and a soda. The kids played on the rows of pumpkins while the adults had a much needed rest! We then tried out the giant tube slide and go-carts. It was difficult to tell the kids it was time to leave; they had a great time.
We really enjoyed our visit to Richardson Farm. In fact, I had to promise my kids that we could return before the season ended! One tip for your visit - plan to spend an entire day, you won’t be disappointed!
Outside of Necropolis, I was drawn towards an eerie grove lit by torches. As I walked around the cornstalks to get a better view, I was surprised by the sight of a massive stone gargoyle, perched menacingly over gravestones in an unearthly cemetery. At his feet were various skeletal remains, which I could only guess had once belonged to those unfortunate enough to wander in the vicinity of the hungry monster. After taking a picture of this macabre scene, I decided to head towards the bumper cars, wondering what I might find along the way. I took about 30 steps before I glimpsed something out of the corner of my eye that made me turn around. Looming over me was a giant werewolf, standing approximately eight feet tall. Fur spilled out from the rips in his clothes, and his teeth were bared below his angry eyes. I jumped back as he continued past me, and noticed that he had a partner about 30 yards away. The costumes were amazing, and I took a seat on a nearby bench to watch with delight as the the beasts loped back and forth amongst the passerbys, leaning in to scare those oblivious to their towering presence. As I headed towards the exit, I noticed what looked to be an enormous gorilla cIimbing the sky tower that overlooks the park grounds. I left that evening with a smile on my face, re-affirmed in my belief that Halloween is a magical time of year, not only for kids, but for older scare-lovers as well.
Didier Farms is a big open area. There is so much to do and see. We were not sure where to begin. After weaving in and out of the pumpkins for awhile, we came up to the pony ride. Reese took a nice long ride along with several other kids. After that we noticed a bunch of other fun rides, Reese was excited about a ride on the train. 
The area we spent the most time in which was also our favorite part of our visit, was the petting zoo. We were able to see goats, chickens ducks and sheep close up. We were even able to feed them! We also saw a mama pig who just had babies – there were probably about 10 of them. The piglets were so adorable and little. Reese was amazed at seeing the newborn piglets.