Joshua Tree National Park is one of the lesser known offerings in California, given the impressive natural competitiveness of the state, but it was one of our favourites. There's something about the arid yet fertile ground which makes this park so resoundly Californian, especially with it being close to the Mexican border.

The weather was absolutely fantastic, not too many tourist crowds, and lots of variety in the park for a varied day out. Gill's favourite place ended up being the Cholla Cactus Garden, home to the Teddy Bear cactus in abundance.

Since we couldn't get a booking on the campgrounds inside Joshua Tree National Park, we found a quaint little overflow site just on the outskirts which turned out to be grand. After some tankards from the box of wine, and a desert BBQ, we were right at home.