Tuesday saw our visit into the wilderness continue with a drive across the state border and into Arizona. Main aim was to explore the Navajo lands of Monument Valley, made famous by nearly every western ever made.

We stopped off en route to see the spot where Forrest Gump decided to stop running, marked by a cool little sign. Amazing how that film has captured American imagination so much that an entirely fictional charachter would be recognised like that. Right on professional queue, Jordan (our guide) whipped out a “box of chocolates” no checking which was which “you never know what you’re gunna get”

We’d been robbed at daylight by the Navajos and paid £70 each to do the Jeep tour of the valley. John was our guide and an absolute hero, very knowledgeable and provided a great tour of the sweeping dunes of the valley. Stopped to get an array of snaps and marvelled at the ancient practices and traditions of the Navajo people. He asked if we wanted to hear a song. I was cracking up as it was just like that scene in anchorman…I’m not ready….then pulls a jazz flute straight out the sleeve!!! He played us some traditional.music and we boarded the Jeep to have an outdoor bbq dinner whilst watching the sunset set over the valley

Post dinner entertainment was traditional dancing…some of us in the audience got dragged up to participate in a local tradition and be paired with male Warriors aka some of the lads from other trips. I got matched with Paul, who unbelievably lived 2 roads down from me at home. Casually meeting for the first time in the Navajo desert and bonding about all the delights brommers has to offer. He was a top bloke until he asked me how old I was and actually physically winced when I said 26!!!….he’s off to Uni in September. Bloody fresher!!!

Was great to be so far from the city and out in nature. The stars blew my mind. In a town where light pollution is a killer, I have never seen anything like it. they went on for miles. phenomenal I was mesmerised..whilst the sand whipped me in the face and my ears froze on the bus!!!!!

Next stop was 2 days to chill at the Grand Canyon. Having been lucky enough to visit before on another fabulous holiday courtesy of Mama and Papa Thurlow back in 2007, I have seen the canyon in the best way, by Helicopter and a few of the group spent the afternoon on the same trip. Those of us left had a long rest by the pool, drinking beer in the hot tub and loving the sunshine

We all caught up around 6 and headed into the Canyon park for a pizza picnic and to watch the sunset. It was beautiful. Some phenomenal views and really peaceful way to spend the evening

Early start on Thursday for exploring the canyon. Forecast said 102 so the sensible ones in the group decide against a sweltering hike into the canyon and stuck to a walk from rim to rim. 10 miles or so still pretty punishing in the midday heat but lots of fun.

We also took advantage of some of the free walks and talks the rangers in the park offer. Went in search of fossils in the morning and to learn all about Condors after lunch. Just us girls and the over 60s! There’s really something about getting a group of retired Americans together that seems to attract a plethora of terrible shout out jokes and retarded questions. “Ranger: Condors can live to 50 years of age”…5 seconds later…”Idiot woman: I have a question, how long do Condors live”..he’s literally just said that you lobotimised douchebag! We cringed a lot and didn’t even get to see any Condors. Will check them out at San Diego zoo instead

That evening was also Cinco De Mayo, a traditional Mexican festival celebrated across America. What better way to mark it than with, you guessed it, MORE sodding Mexican food!!!!! If I never see another nacho / fajita / enchilada in my entire lifetime it will be too soon!

All that walking and time being “at one with nature” wankers left us refreshed and healthy ahead of wasting literally all that hard work with the upcoming 2 days in Vegas baby! Did someone say yards of margarita?? Xx