Blog status 2025

Update

It is nearing the end of 2025, and I have not published a post since January of this year. Unfortunately, it looks like my blog will be retiring, as I have just not had the time to keep it up. If I decide to start sharing videos instead, as they are less time consuming than writing, I will let everyone know. For now, I am sharing a few photos and bits of information that I had planned to write about since January. As always, if anyone has any questions, just let me know! I am happy to share my experiences and knowledge.

Above: MSC Seaside in Ocean Cay
Below: atrium/lobby on MSC Seaside

7-day Caribbean cruise from Miami on MSC Seaside

This was our first time sailing with MSC, and we were impressed! In fact, we are cruising with them again in a few months. MSC gave my husband and I both a status match; diamond for me, and gold for him. We both have earned diamond status with Carnival, and MSC took better care of us than any experience we have had with Carnival. 

Above: espresso martini on MSC Seaside
Below: diamond champagne and chocolate delivered to our cabin

We booked balcony cabin 10083 with the drink package, which was an incredible value. The cabin was perfect for us: quiet, nice private balcony, comfy, and clean. The spacious shower in the bathroom had a glass door. The food, beverages, and service on board were all top-notch. The only thing we did not like on this cruise was the noise volume in the showroom. It was incredibly loud! I have not read many complaints about this since our cruise, so maybe the noise we endured was not typical. My husband says he is bringing ear plugs on our next cruise, just in case. 😉

MSC's private island, Ocean Cay

MSC's private island, Ocean Cay, is absolutely amazing. You can walk the entire island, and there are several beaches, bars, and food trucks. Ocean Cay is one of the main reasons we chose the itinerary of our next MSC cruise. Our ship will be there from 8AM until 11PM on our 4-day cruise. 

Above: sunset from guestroom in Embassy Suites Miami airport
Below: pool view from guestroom in Embassy Suites Miami airport

Shawnee National Forest: Pounds Hollow Recreation Area, Cave-In-Rock, Garden of the Gods, and more

April 2024, 5 nights

We visited Shawnee National Forest in 2022 and loved it. We were passing through on that trip, and did not have much time to explore, so we returned with our camper this trip. You can find more information via the 2022 link above, and there are more photos of the area in the Shawnee Forest Facebook album.

Above: View from the road around the campground looking up toward the first loop
Below: Campground registration board

Pine Ridge Campground in Pounds Hollow Recreation Area

According to the website this campground has 35 sites, which are all first come, first serve. There are actually four loops in the campground with sites numbered as high as 76. The very first loop on the right was closed in April; however, the other three loops were open. This campground has fresh water at the entrance and a couple of pit toilets in two of the loops. There is no dump station, no flush toilets (except in the picnic and beach area), and no showers. The cost is $10 per night/$5 senior rate.

Campsite 43 in Pounds Hollow Recreation Area - Pine Ridge Campground

The first loop on the left has sites with electricity. We arrived on a Tuesday, and there were only three campers in this loop. Site 41 (or first choice) was taken, so we chose site 43.  Site 43 is the most secluded site in this section with trees on all sides. The campsite is mostly flat; we had to use one leveling block under each tire on the driver's side.

Above: looking at campsite 43 from site 42 in Pine Ridge Campground
Below: campsite 37 in Pounds Hollow Recreation Area/Pine Ridge Campground

We liked most of the campsites in this campground, and I am sharing a few more photos here. The two end campsites in the primitive loop (no power) straight ahead when entering the campground area are great sites. Unfortunately, I did not get any photos of those.

Above: campsite 40
Below: campsite 41

There was quite a bit of pollen, many tent worms, and many bees during our stay in April. We did not have any mosquitoes, and the flies were not too bad. It was quiet during most of our stay. The only somewhat noisy day was our last night, which was Saturday. Overall, we loved this campground and would definitely stay here again.

Garden of the Gods in Shawnee National Forest Illinois

Recreation 

We visited Garden of the Gods again, and enjoyed it just as much as we had the first time. 

Indian Point Trail at Garden of the Gods in Illinois

Montrose, Illinois: Montrose Village Campground

April 2024, weekday, one night

Sunrise from inside our camper on site 4 in Montrose Village Campground

We had originally planned to just sleep in a Walmart parking lot or someplace similar for this one night. I learned about this self-service campground, with a minimal overnight rate, shortly before our trip, and we decided to stay here instead. The information I had read online from previous campers, said that it is $5 for a primitive site, and $15 for electricity. I could not find any actual information or a website for the campground.

Registration and firewood at Montrose Village Campground

Arrival and registration

There was a self-registration box, as others mentioned. This is on the front of the building with flush toilet restrooms. We paid $15 for a power site, and set up on site #4. I deposited a check, which was processed from our account about 10 days later. There is also a donation box for [almost free] firewood.

Our trailer is on site 4 in Montrose Village Campground

Shawnee National Forest: Cabins, Garden of the Gods, Rim Rock Trail, Pounds Hollow Recreation Area

August 2022, Weekend, 2-nights

Shawnee Forest Cabin #2
Amazing view from the hot tub!

Shawnee Forest Cabins, two-night stay in cabin #2

When reserving a cabin at Shawnee Forest Cabins, you need to pay 50% down, and the balance is due two weeks before the stay. We wanted to make sure we were going to be able to visit before we made our reservation, and the only cabin available when we made our reservation was cabin #2. This is a great place to stay; however, I would not suggest this cabin, if you have another choice. This is the least private cabin, and the yard is the sunniest. We did not use our picnic table because of the heat from the sun and the lack of privacy. If you have never been here before, it is difficult to discern how the cabins are laid out. I have included a labeled screenshot above from google maps to assist with planning. The cabin numbers are located on the front of each building, and are visible when you get directly in front of each one.

Shawnee Forest Cabin #2

The view from the hot tub was amazing, and many things were provided with the rental: towels and amenities for bathing, kitchen supplies, charcoal grill, and firewood. We brought charcoal, starter, and a lighter (a lighter is one thing we were surprised not to see provided) to use with the charcoal grill. We also brought coffee to use with the provided coffee pot. Although dish soap had been provided, there was no kitchen cloth or towel when we arrived. We received an email to check on us the first morning, and when I answered that, I mentioned that I was surprised we did not have kitchen cloths. These were apparently supposed to have been provided, as someone brought me the supplies within an hour.

Shawnee Forest Cabin #2
Bottom photo shows cabin 2 fire pit and table, and cabin 1 beyond

Mt. Vernon, Illinois: DoubleTree by Hilton

April 2022, Weekend, One-night

View from guestroom 558 in DoubleTree Mt. Vernon, Illinois

Arrival and diamond perks

There were no suites available when I made our reservation or when we arrived. I booked a basic king guestroom. This hotel also has guestrooms with balconies; however, the balconies are not outside. They are on floors 2 and 3 only, and overlook the inside pool or atrium. I checked in on the app, and chose guestroom 558 on the top floor. I received a notification that the room was ready shortly after 1:00 PM. We stopped at the front desk for a DoubleTree cookie and HiltonHonors waters when we arrived that evening. I did not receive the $15 each diamond dining credit at this property. Instead, I was given two vouchers for the buffet breakfast, which did not include the tip.

King guestroom 558 in DoubleTree Mt. Vernon, Illinois 

King guestroom 558

This guestroom is on the top floor at the end of the hall. The window view faces west, and we enjoyed a fabulous sunset. The guestroom was spacious and comfortable, although we would have preferred a sofa, chaise, or loveseat for two, rather than the single soft chair in the guestroom. There was certainly enough room for a larger piece of furniture. The work desk was spacious, and there were several electrical outlets. A single-serve coffeemaker with supplies was provided at the end of the desk. The Internet connection did not work for me when I first arrived (Marriott signal from the Fairfield Inn across the road worked great!), although it did after I restarted my computer later.

King guestroom 558 in DoubleTree Mt. Vernon, Illinois 

Moline, Illinois: Quad Cities International Airport, Holiday Inn Express, dining, and rental car

 July 2021, three days & one night

Arrival and check-in at Holiday Inn Express

The front desk agent (manager possibly) assigned my room during check-in. He did not really talk to me as he did this; he was apparently training a new employee, and was talking to her instead. I requested a top floor guestroom when it did not sound like that was what he was assigning me. The platinum 500 bonus points posted to my account the same day.

Entrance in guestroom 425 Holiday Inn Express Moline - Quad Cities
Connecting room door on left

King guestroom 425 at Holiday Inn Express

This guestroom was much smaller than the one I had just stayed in in Galesburg, and it was also much more soundproof. It was comfortable and perfect for sleeping. When I first entered the guestroom and observed the connecting room door, I was somewhat worried after the two noisy nights I had tried to work and sleep through before this stay. Fortunately, everything in this guestrom is soundproofed very well.

Refreshment area in room 425
Holiday Inn Express Moline - Quad Cities

The refreshment center outside the bathroom contained a K-cup machine with supplies, an ice bucket, microwave, and small fridge.

Galesburg, Illinois: Holiday Inn Express & Suites

July 2021, 2 nights, king guestroom 312

Arrival and checkin

The check-in process was efficient, and the 500 platinum bonus points posted to my account right away.

Photo from the entrance at Holiday Inn Express Galesburg, IL

Guestroom 312

This guestroom had been recently remodeled and I loved the layout. It was clean, and the furnishings were comfortable. 

Bathroom at the Holiday Inn Express in Galesburg, IL

The spacious bathroom contained a large walk-in shower. A small fridge, microwave, coffee maker, and ice bucket were located in the entry outside the bathroom.

Refreshment area at Holiday Inn Express in Galesburg, IL

Chicago, Illinois: transportation, attractions, dining, Happy Hours

December 2019, Weekdays-weekend between Christmas and New Years

We spent three days around Chicago during our two-night stay. Following is information about some of the transportation we used and places we visited.

Sun rising in St. Joe; taken from Pere Marquette Amtrak ride en route from GRR.

Transportation

We took the Amtrak Pere Marquette route roundtrip from GRR. If you make a reservation in advance, the adult Smart Fare cost is usually $28 one-way, or 1,208 points. We were able to redeem points for part of the trip. The Christmas light decorations along the way were beautiful on the return trip. Both trips were uneventful, and we arrived on time. The train was 100% full on the way to Chicago, and it was not very full on the way back to Grand Rapids. This is the perfect situation for this trip. Grand Rapids in the first place to board the train when departing, so it was not a problem finding seats together. There are always many trains leaving Chicago, and it is nice when this route is not full, because Union Station is chaotic when it is. Click on the Amtrak label at the end of this post, if you are interested in more information from previous trips.

In Chicago, we took Uber from Sheraton Grand Chicago to Garfield Park Conservatory. There was a sign for Uber pickup in front of the hotel and Shula's Steakhouse (which is in the hotel). After I scheduled the ride, I sent a text stating our exact location in front of Shula's, because there are different street levels in Chicago, and GPS does not recognize that. The hotel concierge had mentioned rides and the different street levels during one of our conversations, and then I realized that was why my map app had been confused during some of our walks! 😁 We did not wait long, and the ride took less than 20 minutes. The cost was $12.71 pre-tip. We rode the Green Line train back to Chicago, which took about the same amount of time. You can purchase tickets from a machine at the station. The cost was $3 each for a single ticket (the website says $2.50; not sure why the price difference). The security person working in the station told us the ticket could be reused for the next two hours. There is a shelter and heating lamps in the platform waiting area. Trains run about every 10 minutes on weekdays.

My favorite room at Garfield Park Conservatory!

Garfield Park Conservatory, parks, attractions

Garfield Park Conservatory opens at 9AM, and we arrived about seven minutes early. Fortunately, the weather was nice, because there was not a covered waiting area. Others were waiting before we arrived, and they opened the doors a couple of minutes early.

Chicago, Illinois: Sheraton Grand Chicago

December 2019, Weekdays (holiday week), 2-nights, King club lounge guestroom 3433

Arrival, check-in, platinum perks

A guestroom was ready when we arrived late morning, although I had not received a text notification via the app. When we stayed at the Westin down the road last year, I had received a notification at 7:30 AM! We received an upgrade to a top floor guestroom with club access, and late checkout.

View from guestroom 3433 by desk area.
View to the left was a rooftop and taller building (not visible in this photo).

Guestroom 3433

This guestroom is at the end of the hall on the SE corner, with a partial view of the river and lake. The view was partially obstructed because many buildings around the hotel are taller than this building. There is a hallway door outside this guestroom that can also be closed to reduce hallway noise. We appreciated this, because the hotel was very full during our stay.

Guestroom 3433 from bathroom entrance.
Desk area and mini-bar (not visible) located to the right.

Bolingbrook, Illinois: Residence Inn by Marriott Chicago Bolingbrook

June 2019, Weeknight (Wednesday), 1-night, King studio #414

Platinum perks and check-in

I arrived before check-in time (around 2PM), and then waited in the lobby for about an hour for my room. This was not a problem, since I was able to work on my laptop, although it was surprising. Usually, after I have checked in on the Marriott app, I get a text early in the morning telling me my room is ready way before check-in time. Other than the standard Platinum bonus points, I did not receive any extra perks for my status. I received two candy bars, after I spun the wheel behind the check-in counter, and that is the space it landed on. All guests get to spin the wheel when checking in.

King suite 414 at Residence Inn Bolingbrook Chicago

Guestroom 414

I loved this guestroom. It was clean, comfortable, and spacious. The photos on the hotel website are a good representation of the actual guestroom.

King suite 414 at Residence Inn Bolingbrook Chicago

The desk area was large, and the view out the window faced northwest. The kitchen contained everything needed.

Chicago, Illinois: Attractions, Dining, Happy Hours...

December 2018, Weekday-weekend, 2-days

Chicago, Illinois 

We spent two days walking around Chicago during our one-night stay just before Christmas. Many people think Chicago is an expensive place to visit; however, we found many low or no-cost things to do! Be sure and click the labels at the bottom of this post to find even more information from previous posts.

Transportation

We took the Pere Marquette Amtrak roundtrip to/from Chicago Union Station and Grand Rapids, Michigan. The scheduled time for this trip changed a few years ago, which gives more time in Chicago. We actually prefer the previous times, although the new times work, too. It is a 4-hour train ride: 6AM - 9:08 AM from GRR to CHI, and 6:30PM - 11:34 PM from CHI to GRR. Chicago is in the central time zone, and Michigan is in the eastern time zone. We have used public transportation during previous visits to Chicago; this time, we only walked after arriving.

Pere Marquette Amtrak train

To redeem points for this Amtrak route, the cost is 1,208 points for a one-way ticket. The fare from GRR is usually usually more than the fare from CHI, so I always use points for that leg of the trip (we usually visit before we have enough points for 2 roundtrip tickets). The one-way cost from Chicago to Grand Rapids was $28 per person. Unfortunately, the AAA discount I used to get is not currently active with Amtrak. Our trip was uneventful both ways. 

Screenshot of pedway map downloaded from Internet

Free Chicago walking tours ~ underground pedway winter tour

I learned about the underground pedway system while researching activities for this trip.  I was surprised I had not heard of this before. I recognized the pedway system symbols from previous trips to Chicago, and I did not know what they meant before this trip. The tour guides are volunteers, and the tours are free (other than tips). There are more tours available in addition to the winter tour that we chose. Just do an Internet search for "free Chicago walking tours" to find them. 

Pedway sign and symbol underground