The Amazing Journey

Life is an amazing journey however sometimes we are blessed with experiences that just make life more amazing.  My most recent journey took me away from this blog for a while (thanks for asking Cinderella!) 

I recently traveled across the US and Canada.  I almost (really...I was close here) decided to do a frugal trip.  It certainly started out that way.  With cooler packed full of fruit, nuts and other healthy stuff my spouse loves we headed northwest. 

First stop, St. Louis, MO.  I would love to show you pictures of the wonderful carriage ride or even the incredible view from our hotel overlooking the Arch and river, but alas, I do not know how to get the pictures off my iPhone and onto this stubborn non-Mac computer.  We paid for the hotel using points accumulated from my business travel but paid an extra $39 to upgrade to a suite corner room with awesome views.  Hyatt Regency.

Day two:  After walking in the park and visiting the museum below the Arch to learn about the Louis and Clark expedition we hit the road.  The next stop was Stone Hill Vineyards in Hermann, MO which had a wonderful history including almost total destruction during prohibition.  After the tour and light tasting we had a picnic on the grounds while listening to a "coffee house like" guitarist who played for tips.  The weather was perfect as was the picnic.  Order placed for home delivery of our favorite selection, we hit the road to Sioux Falls, ID.  Another hotel paid for with points, Courtyard Marriott.

Day three:  The morning was gorgeous so we headed to Falls Park and read the signs describing the history of the falls.  Exercised we hit the road. Next stop Mt. Rushmore.  Just a slight detour off our intended path but it was worth it.  We toured the grounds and sculptor center and then had a light lunch.  Again, I have great pictures on my iPhone... Off to Great Falls.  Another hotel paid for with points:  Fairfield Inn Marriott.

Day Four:  Let me say that by this time we had eaten only what was in our cooler and the one lunch we purchased and shared at Mt. Rushmore $11.   (Chicken and steamed veggies, yum.)  This would begin the best part of the journey. 

And you will have to wait until tomorrow for the rest.  This is where it gets good so come back tomorrow please!

Tip for today:  Hotel points rock and pack a cooler.  We would have missed that totally cool picnic at Stone Hill Vineyards without it and it is pretty handy to reach back and grab a snack. We didn't need to stop unless we wanted to and we both detest fast food.