We watched the lizards sunning themselves on fossilised trees that were alive when dinosaurs roamed among them. The walk through the badlands was described as gruelling with temperatures of 39C and no shade: even just 1.6 miles takes some effort. We felt sorry for the two young girls under 5 crying because they didn't want to carry on.

Stunning rock colours showing the ages – reminiscent of the coloured sand bottles from the Isle of Wight.

Stunning rock colours showing the ages – reminiscent of the coloured sand bottles from the Isle of Wight.

Painted desert petroglyphs. Apparently no-one knows what they mean?

As massive fans of Breaking Bad we were delighted to finish the day at Albuquerque; quaint, quirky and with great restaurants.

Great tourist shops if you want a stetson (even pink with a tiara), any cowboy accessories, alien souvenirs, Mexican or Indian products and so on. There was even a Mexican band playing in the Plaza.

Caroline with Albuquerque's finest.