Reflections on a Family Adventure in the American Southwest By Celia Muñoz

As I settle into my seat on the plane back to London, I'm filled with a deep sense of gratitude and reflection. The past few weeks spent exploring the American Southwest have been nothing short of extraordinary. This is a region my husband and I have longed to visit, not only for its breathtaking natural beauty but also for its rich cultural tapestry. With our five teenagers in tow, we embarked on an active holiday that allowed us to discover the diverse landscapes and communities of Arizona, Utah, Wyoming, and Colorado.

Our journey began in Wyoming, where we spent five days on a ranch—a wonderfully exotic experience for us as Europeans. The days were filled with the rhythms of ranch life, from horseback riding through lush, unspoiled nature to the exhilarating thrill of white-water rafting on the Colorado River. These moments, so different from our everyday lives, were unforgettable.

Next, we travelled to Utah, where we had the pleasure of meeting celebrated Chef Shon Foster @chefshon . He not only prepared mouthwatering meals for us in our cabin overlooking Zion National Park but also shared stories of his family and life in this stunning part of the world. Dining on his delicious creations while taking in the awe-inspiring views of Zion was a true highlight of our trip. Exploring the area's natural wonders, such as Zion, the Grand Canyon, and the vast prairies dotted with bison, provided us with a profound connection to the land.

One of our most memorable experiences was dressing up for a rodeo, where we mingled with locals, each fascinated by the other's culture. As a European family with five children, we certainly didn't go unnoticed! The rodeo was an authentic slice of American life, and we relished the opportunity to engage with the local community.

Camping on the rim of the Grand Canyon was another unforgettable adventure. Despite not being the biggest fans of camping, my husband and I found the experience surprisingly enjoyable—earplugs in hand to muffle the early morning coyote howls. The first glimpse of the Grand Canyon left us all awestruck; its sheer magnitude is overwhelming, a truly spiritual experience. We even ventured below the rim of the Grand Canyon, a feat accomplished by less than 1% of visitors, can you believe this? Though our teenagers were initially reluctant to trek for several hours, the sense of achievement afterwards made it all worthwhile. This was what we call in our family  "type 2 fun"—the kind that isn’t immediately enjoyable but leaves you with lasting memories of accomplishment.

A particularly enriching experience was our time spent with Don, a Navajo elder committed to preserving and sharing his community's traditions. Around a campfire near the Grand Canyon, Don captivated us with his storytelling, making us feel as though we were part of a Western movie. His efforts to integrate Navajo values into broader society, including his role in introducing the Navajo language to the Rosetta Stone program, filled us with hope for the future. Despite the challenges faced by the Navajo community, Don’s stories gave us a deep respect for their resilience and wisdom.

Although we missed Bryce Canyon due to bad weather conditions, Lake Powell more than made up for it. The deep blue waters of this man-made lake, created by the construction of the Glen Canyon dam , offered some of the most liberating experiences we’ve ever had. From cliff-jumping to paddling through narrow canyons, the natural beauty of the area left a lasting impression on all of us.

Above all, what I cherished most was the quality time spent with my family. Each activity brought us closer together, helping us to understand one another better as we tackled challenges and celebrated our successes as a group. Despite a few bumps and bruises—like my unfortunate tumble from a mountain bike—this journey has been an absolute joy. As we left Navajo Nation after a day of learning and exploration, a sense of melancholy set in, knowing that our incredible summer adventure was coming to an end.

Time flies when you’re having fun, but the memories we’ve made will last a lifetime. As we head back to London, we do so with full hearts, grateful for the experiences we've shared and the bonds we have strengthened, ready for our children to start a new academic year and for me to design a new collection.

Celia x

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