I did the "necessary" SR degrees in a one day class at the Masonic Temple in Boston, in the same place and in the same way that my father had done it. It's a long day (they feed you well though) and of course, not all of the degrees are presented. Subsequent to that, I have helped out with the Valley here in Portland, Maine, where the master of our lodge is involved (33rd degree) and learned a lot from being part of the presentation rather than sitting to watch and am inclined to continue to do so. I fully intend to see or participate in the degrees I have not yet seen.
I have heard "Scottish Rite is Shriner's Lite" but do not subscribe to that theory. There is much wisdom there and joining Scottish Rite was one of the best things I've ever done not to mention becoming somewhat active.
That being said, I am also finding a different kind of journey in Royal Arch Masonry (I'll take my Royal Arch degree in an actual quarry later this month). While I am more inclined to the ethos of the Scottish Rite I have found my journey so far in York to be much more akin to actual appendant degrees to Blue Lodge but I am unlikely to continue past Capitular Masonry or Cryptic Masonry. However, I have found my journey so far in both Rites to be of great value.
My heart, however, remains in Blue Lodge and my largest focus is as a line officer.