The seven-day trek started at Onion Valley, which was at 9,000 ft elevation. The trail led us through Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon National Park which included challenges such as trekking through snow fields, climbing over the ‘rocky’ Foresters pass (13,200 ft), and then the ultimate challenge, the ascent up Mount Whitney (14, 496.811 ft!) Mount Whitney is the highest peak in the lowest 48 states of America – and this was no mean feat.

Imagine, pushing yourself to stagger between seven and twenty miles per day, carrying packs the weight of an obese elephant, smelling like a skunk on a bad day and eating just about enough to sustain a flea – but we loved it! Participating in this expedition made many of us confront and conquer our fears. This was anything from a fear of heights to a fear of having a bad hair day! On a serious note, we were pushed to the limit and beyond, but we proved to ourselves that we could do it.

After successfully completing the highest peak, we then descended (in an air con car!) to Death Valley, which was at its lowest point 282 ft below sea level. It was during this phase that we completed the trek up Telescope Peak, which gave us fabulous views. Death Valley is one of the hottest places on earth, so drinking plenty of fluid is essential.

The final adventure phase was to a place that many people have always wanted to visit, The Grand Canyon. We were lucky enough to camp in the bottom of the Canyon for two nights. The scenery was spectacular, and photographs do not do it justice. The heat of Death Valley was good training for the heat inside the canyon. At night, we cast the tent aside, and slept under the stars.

And then the rest and relaxation in Las Vegas – of which there was no rest or relaxation! Suffice to say, all had a great time and we are still paying for it now.

Overall, this was no walk in the park, but if you are not afraid of hard work, can face up to challenges thrown at you, and have a credit card limit that can cope with Las Vegas – then this is the expedition for you.

Finally, on behalf of the expedition members who took part, we would like to thank the Reserve Forces Ulysses Trust for their very generous grant to the expedition.

Lt K J Reynolds, Capt C R Colley.