If I were a plant, my label would say: ‘For optimum results, place in indirect sunlight for more than six hours per day.’ Being South African, my genes are coded for regular sun exposure. Lucky for me, my sister lives in Los Angeles and so Amélie and I visited her to escape the crisp Albertan weather for a while. We are so privileged and happy to call ourselves Albertans now, but any Albertan would agree that the winters here are long and harsh! Breaking up the winter (that technically hasn’t started yet) is a good way to survive. I also became a mother this summer, which means that I spent a lot of time indoors. Amélie is finally at an age where travelling is doable.

After we spent a day in Los Angeles, we exchanged the concrete jungle for barren, stretched out landscapes of the Mojave desert. My eyes were in heaven! Joshua Trees popped up in all directions, it was visually addicting. I especially loved the creamy hues of the Jumbo Rocks campground near Skull Rock. The blue sky was so bright and contrasting against the vast, openness of the desert and the grandeur of boulders is astonishing. One can choose any direction and have an extraordinary hike. When the sun sets, the quietness is beautiful.

If you haven’t already, put Joshua Tree National Park on the top of your bucket list! Joshua Tree has a very special place in my heart and I cannot wait to return!