....the Badlands National Park, that is!

It's been awhile since I've done a travel blog so I figured it was about time.  I've taken quite a few trips with Ansel (my campervan) so far, including a couple extended trips.  But this one feels like the first major photo trip for some reason.  Perhaps because it's open ended and will be the furthest from home.  Whatever the reason a travel blog feels appropriate!

For possibly the first time I have no definitive plans for this trip, other than my first two nights' stay on the way to the park: no "must see's", no pre-identified photo spots, no timetable, nothing.  But that's a good thing.  While I am definitely a planner (a strong "J" on the Meijer-Briggs scale), I have found that the more I plan my photo trips, the more anxious I am.  I can never hit every spot I've identified, and things don't always work out, especially weather-wise.  And, I have found that some of my best images are those that I haven't planned.  So I'm winging it!

Today was the first day of the trip.  It's an LAD (long Ass Drive) to Badlands NP, requiring two nights of stay along the way.  My first stop was in Clinton, Iowa, about 7 hours from Midland. Last year I joined Harvest Hosts which allows members to stay free at various locations such as farms, museums, churches, wineries, and (drum roll) breweries!  The only caveat...and it's only a suggestion...is that you you spend $20-30 at the establishment.  Are you kidding?  Me spend only $20-30 at a brewery?  Cha-ching!!!  Anyway, my experience thus far with Harvest Hosts has been fantastic.  It is a great way to travel with an RV.

Before getting to my first stop, I visited an Asian grocery store (more like a super-store) in Naperville, IL.  I really like to cook using Asian flavors, and shopping at Asian markets is so much fun.  Sure, I don't always know what I am looking at, but there are many things you can't get anywhere else, like mushrooms, unusual seafood, sauces/spices, and even vegetables.

An aisle of just soy sauces, vinegars and oils!

My first HH (Harvest Host) stop was the Great Revivalist Brewery in Clinton, Iowa, just across the border from Illinois and along the Mississippi River.  Clinton looks to be a sleepy, tired, old town (though appearances could be deceiving).  However, the brewery, which is located inside an old Catholic Church is amazing.  I didn't order any food but the beers are pretty good...and the decor is very cool!

Tomorrow is a little shorter day.  Headed for another brewery in Luverne, MN!

Stay tuned....