Am in US on a mixture of research trip and holiday (yes I know that PhD students aren't supposed to have holidays but I refuse to deprive my children let alone myself for the next five years just because I am doing a part time PhD). Have had a fantastic week in National Parks - am buzzing with plans for research (I'm self funding and am still at the planning stages) from what I have seen in both the parks and the archives (although a park historian blew me out as Joe Biden was coming to visit) and am now having a few days real holiday before we hit some more parks.

Am desperate to come back next summer for primary research but can I cope with camping for a month (the only way I could afford to do it)? Think I need to get some grant applications in...

Of course you're supposed to have a holiday Jepsonclough!! Especially when you have children, nothing is more important than them!

Have a brilliant time, use that enthusiasm to convince your sup to help you get funding for next year! :)