I visited the 144 acre Crystal Lake Park, located centrally near the Carle complex on Sept. 18th. Prior, I got coffee with Bill for his first time at Caffe Paradiso. He hated the coffee, and I myself think their offerings suck - I am afraid Caffe Paradiso has been blacklisted, even though Obama visited.
Crystal Lake Park shares a border with Carle, a neighborhood, the Champaign County Fairgrounds, and Busey Woods. I entered from the Carle side and went to the central lake area. The whole park was very busy today. There were people fishing, grilling, playing, a few people on picnics, and more.
The lake area was nice, with many connecting bridges and a small "lake house" for renting. It connects to the other portions of the park, like this hill I found that I am sure would be fun during winter for sledding.
A hill fit for sledding
I walked around the whole park area, along the County Fairgrounds.
Fall colors becoming more pronounced
Below is a view from the North Pavilion, with lots of trees and usable green area for activities. There were one or two picnic-ers.
Crystal lake park
I met a new friend while walking near the water. A nearby sign told me I spotted a "great blue heron".
A nearby educational sign told me the great blue heron swallows fish whole. Very poor picture quality.
Crystal lake park
After Crystal Lake and a quick detour to Schnucks, I cooked some VERY good fried rice. My best yet.
Tower of fried rice
The plating could be better. It was so good I delivered some to Peter.
Overall, Crystal Lake was great. There was some playground area I didn't get to explore today, so I might go back to do that at some point.