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Autumn means leaves, apples, pumpkins

I was on vacation last week, and because my wife and I didn't go on any long and expensive trip, it seems like we didn't do much. But then I recall the seven or eight communities Cheryl and I visited in Wisconsin and Illinois, and I think, wow, we did a lot of things.

One item on the agenda was spending time with our grandchildren, who live in Hoffman Estates, Ill. While there, we again visited Goebbert's Pumpkin Farm & Garden Center in South Barrington, Ill.

Many of you might think, well, it's like one of the pumpkin farms around here, like Skelly's. Yes, and no. It's like Skelly's, only much larger. My stepson, who's been to both places, guessed that Goebbert's is four times as large. After all, have you ever seen police officers out on the highway directing traffic in and out of Skelly's? That's common on weekends at Goebbert's.

We got there at around 10 a.m. on a Sunday. Hundreds of cars were already in the field parking lots. Included were dozens on a classic car venture--I could have spent all of my time gawking at the old autos. But there are literally thousands of pumpkins sprawled out to delight the grandkids, and that's where we quickly headed.

Besides the farm and garden markets, Goebbert's also offers a corn maze; a haunted house; an "Animal Land" with 55 species of farm animals and exotic species; wagon, camel and pony rides; a bakery; a corn roast; a cafe and even pig racing. If you're in the area, check it out. The Web site is here.

Last fall, I spoke about my book during the August Derleth Society's annual Walden West Fest in Sauk City. One of the activities was a drive out to Maple Hill Orchard. What a scenic trip it was. The drive in the hilly country was perfect for enjoying fall colors, and at one point the trees with their autumn leaves almost touched above the county road we traveled.

I wanted my wife to see the region. Last week, we stopped back home to rake leaves before heading north to visit my parents in Minocqua, and we detoured through the Sauk City area. Unfortunately, it was a cloudy day, and the colors were a tad past peak. Also, it was disappointing to learn that the orchard, which is actually closer to North Freedom at S6957 County PF, is for sale. A daughter of the owners was tending the cash register and said her parents want to retire, and she and her siblings are too scattered to run the place. Most of the orchard acres have already been sold off.

The orchard even stopped making pies because they're so labor-intensive. Already having apples from the Janesville Farmers Market, Cheryl and I bought fruit pastries, carmel apples and a gallon of cider at Maple Hill Orchard before heading out.

What's your favorite fall activity?

Greg Peck