Mid-level Mexico

Greetings from New Mexico!  We have been on the road for over 3 weeks now, and are officially beginning the long trek home.  Janice and the boys have now seen many of the wonderous sights I've seen over the last 9 or so years. First with Gary, my good friend, on motorcycles in 2007; then with Barbara in a car in 2011.  None of the trips were the same, but this trip is the most special because of the people with me.  My new wife and my two only grandsons make this the best trip ever.

There have been some difficult times along the way.  I get very tired at the end of the day, and my patience gets very thin. At those times, if the boys aren't behaving, I get really cranky.  Tonight was one of those nights.  I feel bad when I get short with the boys, but I don't seem to be able to prevent it.  So, I'm feeling down tonight.  I don't want to admit it, but maybe I bit off more than I can chew.  Four and a half weeks on the road, unpacking and repack ingredients the car every day, with two energetic boys is a lot.  15 National Parks or monuments in 23 days is a busy schedule!

But there have been many, many great times as well. I cherish the talks I've had with each boy.  I've explained to them about my lack of contact with my grandfathers and the reasons for this trip, and I believe they understand. Each has told me that they will remember me.  Both have told me how glad they are that they are with me and Janice on the trip.  So, the good far outweighs the bad.

The list of "to dos" for the trip are nearly completed.  We still have more than 2,000 miles between us and home, so perhaps we'll stumble into some interesting stops en-route.  In any case, I will cherish the time with Janice and the boys between here and home.