Reflections

Monday morning:
We're sitting in Moab Utah having a "chill" morning, an oxymoron since we are in the desert.  A nice breeze is blowing and the kids are in the pool, so all is well.  Ericka woke up this morning with a stomach bug and the kids were showing signs of travel fatigue, so we felt it best to take a break this morning.  Our plans are to head toward Salt Lake City this afternoon.  The internet here is too slow to upload pictures, so I'll just type some thoughts from our trip.

We have been pushing pretty hard, 3400 miles on the trip so far.  We have not camped in the same place more than one night, so there are many pack and unpack days.  Often we do something in the morning, travel in the afternoon, and then do something at the new location in the evening.  Our travel times have been focused on the scenic routes making travel a bit slower, especially in the mountains.  There have been numerous occasions when the Yukon was in first gear creeping up a mountain road.

Our meals have been less than consistent, usually cereal for breakfast, stopping at a grocery store for sandwich stuff or catching the dollar menu at a fast food joint.  We will often eat on the road so as not to waste time.  Suppers are usually late in the evening, last night was 10:30.  Devan's comment sums it up "This 8:00 supper time is a killer, it's got to stop".

The camper debate continues...  We originally planned to bring tents, I'm still not sure that wouldn't have been better.  According to my calculations we would have spent $200 less on gas so far and the added aggravation of towing a trailer in the mountains makes a compelling argument to go without a camper.  It is nice to have a place for food and sleeping bags plus it's easier to set up.  Whenever we can drop the trailer to do some sightseeing, it sure is nice.

The campers been holding up OK, just ok.....  There is duct tape on all sides of the camper now, some my fault - no details coming.  The air conditioner cover is dry rotted and tattered in the wind, but no major break downs yet.... honestly, I'm expecting them to occur.

It's been interesting being together as a family this close and long.  I'm amazed at how well the kids are doing, overall positive and relating well.  I was amused yesterday as I heard these two comments "Let's try to go 1 whole day without saying 'shut up'" (Mom) and "Let's try to go one day without saying 'fart'" (Ericka, although I'm not sure she is so innocent)  The most interesting relationship issue is likely Jolene & I.  We both relate to the kids and process decisions so differently, at home it's not been a constant issue since we aren't together all the time and now we are.  I trust our kids won't be permanently scared from watching this play out on a day to day basis.  How does the song go "We will survive"....

It's been very relaxing for me.  A huge shout out to the Byler's staff who are making this time away very easy to do.  I have not had the time to read and write like I thought, that may be yet to come when we get to the Tetans and Yellowstone - 3 days in one spot times 2.

I will often comment that 'this would be a great place to live' as we go through a particular scenic spot.  This has led to an argument several times, with the kids resoundingly declaring they don't want to leave Delaware (I wonder if this means I've failed as a father).  It's interesting to me that while the landscape is appealing to them, their relationships with friends trumps it all.  For me the idea of a new start, getting away from a busy life, and the landscape is a draw.  For the kids it's "What about our friends".

Hopefully soon we can have internet to upload pictures from Ouray Colorado and Arches National park, two incredible places.  I trust you have been enjoying this blog, most of the posts have been by Ericka, Darryn or myself.  It's been fun for us to record bits and pieces of our trip.

Until later - Lyn