Better late than never! In response to Scilla’s theme of Getting To Know You for the Lens-Artists Photo Challenge, here are some images that I captured on one of my better days a couple of weeks ago. Despite the fact that we live relatively close to Batavia, we have never visited there before and, with everything that’s going on right now, in the world and in my own personal life, it was great to get out and see something different.
Apparently, there was a time many years ago when almost all the windmill-driven water pumps used on American farms were made in Batavia.
Most of the places that we hope eventually to visit in Batavia don’t open for a week or two (if at all, with COVID restrictions) but it was helpful to find out where they are located. I definitely want to take a tour of the windmill and there is a house/museum and Japanese garden that is also on our list.
We arrived at the River Walk just in time to see the final laps of a qualifying race for the Boston Marathon. More than 400 people from all over the country running 26 gruelling miles! Rather them than me! I’d rather take a leisurely stroll and see the sights. Luckily the weather was perfect for all of us.
The eagle on top of one of the monuments along the River Walk might have been good for Tina’s theme of Taking Flight a couple of weeks ago.
The end, in more ways than one. This beautiful sculpture entitled ‘From The Waters Comes My Bounty’ by Ray Kobald, marked the end of our visit but it was nice getting to know you, Batavia, and we hope to be back soon.
The Nature of Things 
I’m glad you joined the challenge, Sue, and showed us what you’re getting to know about Batavia. My son and daughter lived there for a few years, but I never visited these sights. I do like the big Victorian houses along the west side of the Fox River. I’ve been past the big windmill several times, but never stopped. I do so enjoy seeing your posts from around Chicagoland; there’s always something familiar to me! I hope your gaining strength and enjoying the warmer weather.
Thank you so much, Scilla! I can’t think how we came to miss this place in all the years that we’ve lived here! It just goes to show that you don’t have to travel far to discover something new and we’ll definitely be returning for another look.
Great photos. Love the bulldog! Batavia, Illinois, I believe. There are quite a few Batavias. Even the official website doesn’t say Illinois right off. I’m a foreigner. (Colorado.) Pretty place! (Batavia.)
Thanks, John! Yes, you’re right. It is Batavia, Illinois. It’s one of many interesting places to visit along the Fox River.
Batavia appears to be a great place…that is what I could make out from your post, Sue!
Thanks, Indira! It was definitely worth the ride there and now that things are starting to open up again, we’ll most likely go back.
How exciting to visit a place for the first time and to discover an area of such interest! It looks as though there are many fascinating sites to explore…and of course take some more of your wonderful photos! The windmills and the Japanese garden are lovely and all in a beautiful setting…looking forward to your next visit there already!
Thanks, Marianne! The nice weather was a major factor. Things always look so much better when the sun’s shining. The location definitely had some possibilities for a future visit and we might even get to explore the surrounding area.
Such a unique and beautiful place. Thank you, Sue for taking us there. The dog sculpture is quite creative! 🙂
Thank you, Amy! I’m not sure if the dog sculpture was left over from an earlier project, it was the only one of its kind that we saw in Batavia, but it certainly stood out.
It certainly looks like a place worth re-visiting. I am glad that you got out for a trip.
Thanks, Tom. Outings have been few and far between, especially now that I’ve started work on repairing the damage done to the garden last year, but I’m hoping to get a few more trips in, in the coming months.
I look forward to more pictures.
How fun – and I’ll admit I’ve never heard of Batavia! Loved all of the sculptures especially, and your “ending” image is perfect!
Many thanks, Tina!
Looks incredible! That windmill in the third photo is very unique!
Thanks so much for stopping by!