Impromptu Vacation Day

Back on Sept 12, I had planned to take a vacation day, as Scott was scheduled to play in golf outing and, heck, if he got to take the day off for something fun, I was going to also. But rainy weather forced the postponement of Scott's golf outing and we all went to work. I realized earlier this week that the golf outing was rescheduled to today. So yesterday I decided to take an impromptu vacation day.

My goal - visit the various scenic places I have read about, driven by, but never had the opportunity to stop and visit.
My first destination - the Mabery Gelvin Botanical Garden in Mahomet.


I bet this is fabulous when the water lilies are in bloom.


I liked the red bridge - most of the time, they are painted green or brown.




In addition to the large pond, there are several smaller water features nestled in the formal garden area:


Even though the summer plants are past their prime, many autumn plants are hitting their peak and the leaves are starting to turn.






Cool markings on a rock:


After a nice lunch at Panera, I drove to the Japan House / Arboretum / Hartley gardens on campus.

At the Japan house:




Rows of Aspens line the grounds of the arboretum:




I couldn't ask for a nicer day for my impromptu day off.