Slow drive to Monument Valley

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We had a lazy start to the day, was nice to take out time and relax.  Me and Matthew fed a stray dog out of the window for a bit.  Was too scared to touch it, what with having Lloyd and stuff.  Didnt want to catch anything.

Canyon De Chelley is a lovely National Park, situated on the edge of a town called Chinle.  The town seems to be full of indian-origin people, who are living in a separate world from the rest of america.  They have horses in their rear yards, dogs running freely, and its all a bit more primitive than you would expect.  I suspect there is great poverty here.  Its a strange sight in the middle of america. 

We feel a bit unsafe in the petrol station, a man approaches us offering us help, then asking for a lift to Utah, then asking for money.  We look the doors to the RV.... The petrol station doubles as a laundrette and its all very chaotic and busy.  The kids dont smile at me at all, even when I smile at them.  Though neither do the "white" american kids, so its no different. And we have felt unsafe in lots of places in the states, so again its no different really.  Just seems a bit poorer and a bit more desperate here.

We drive slowly towards Monument Valley, stopping frequently for the kids to have a breather.  Its not far, maybe 90 miles, but takes us about 3 hours I think in the end!

The sights on the way are superb, so we have a good time looking at everything.

The kids are fine, Lloyd is on the mend, and Matthew's rash is clearing up slowly.  I think we might just be finally adjusting to being on the move again.

We arrive in Monument Valley about 3pm and stop for the night.  Surprisingly we find a supermarket (our first shop in a couple of days), so go and stock up on fruit and veg.  Try to find some better detergent, but not much to choose from.  Get the only one that says is "gentle".  Hope it is better than the last one.

Monument Valley is a good sight, we have wanted to see this place for years now.  Its exactly as I expected, and what it looks like in the movies.  We feel like we are in "Cowboy and Indian" territory.

Kids are tucked up and in bed by 7pm, a record for the states.  We even have dinner at about 6pm, Red Snapper, is lovely.  We are all a lot more relaxed than a few days ago.  Its a relief, as we were feeling very down.  The weather is cooler here aswell, so that helps.

Me and Steve have both said we wouldnt travel in a motorhome with the kids again in America.  The campsites are just not geared up for them, and the distances are too great.  Maybe if we did a different part of America it would be better, but still you have all the problems of having a bit van to lug around.  We parked over 4 spaces the other day in Denny's, its just not easy to move about.  I would have got a smaller RV, but they had rented them all out when I came to book - maybe that would have helped.

In fact we have decided that we wont travel in a motorhome with the kids for quite some time.  Not that we havent enjoyed it, but we think we have enjoyed it the most when we have stood still and had "mini-holidays".  Its okay to travel around when you are away for 4 months, but I would dread trying to do it in a couple of weeks. I think it is far better to go to a couple of places, relax and put your feet up!  That's so different from before we had kids, and something we have learned about on this holiday.  We spoke to some people the other day who were travelling in a RV with a 2 year old for 3 weeks.  They were really motoring it, had been to lots of places in the first week.  But the 2 year old was starting to really play up they told us, and they had to stop and rest for a couple of days for her.  I think thats a bit tough on the kid, you cant do too much driving each day, it just isnt fair on them.

We try to ensure Matthew gets good play-time during the day when we are having to drive.  Firstly we play with him for a couple of hours in the morning.  Then we set off and usually he sleeps.  He wakes for lunch, we have a quick play session (maybe 1 hour), then drive on if we need to.  Then when we stop for the day (3pm today) we take him outside, play ball, or play various games in the RV.  We have bought quite a selection for him since being in America, as what with the hot weather it has been harder to take him outside early in the day.

Lloyd is growing up fast.  Last night he was pulling my banana towards him, so I let him suck on it for a while and he demolished it (banana everywhere!).  Today he was sucking on an apple wedge.  I figure this is partly due to his teething, and partly just him getting bigger.  He also is playing with his toys a lot more, and sitting up well.  He is still quite small, but stocky in build I think.  I love him to bits!

Matthew keeps calling me by my first name, with a Hull accent!  Is very funny. He is also growing up fast, didnt seem scared by the dog this morning, and also sits on the couch when the slide-out on the van is pulled back in.  A few months ago the motor would have made him scream.  His hair is a bit too long now, needs a cut.  I'm so pleased I have had this opportunity to spend so much time with little Matthew. I shall miss him greatly when I return to work in July.  I am sure this trip has had a massive affect on Matthew's personality, he is so much more open to new experiences than when we left.  I am pleased, as I suspect he could have been quite a shy little boy - but now I will have to hold him back!