The plan was an 8 mile hike on the Panorama trail from Glaciar Point down into Yosemite Valley. The book said 4- 6 hours. Our assumption was that it would be downhill and the time only applied to unfit Americans. We'll be down in time for lunch I confidently predicted. We even made plans for the afternoon.

I couldn't have been more wrong. It was a totally knackering experience. Firstly, the distance was well over ten miles. Secondly we were going uphill for a reasonable part of the time. Lastly, rocks and steep, uneven surfaces make it difficult to build up any momentum. It took us well over 5 1/2 hours. Fortunately the weather was not too hot.

I'll load up photos when I can. The views at the Point of the likes of Half Dome and Mirror Lake were obviously great. Initially the hike took us through shrubbery and forest. We then came across three waterfalls - Illilouette, Nevada and Vernal - as we made our way down. I have to laugh at generally how seriously Americans take health and safety yet on these walks it's possible to walk right up to sheer drops and paddle with waterfalls just a stone's throw away.

The distance markers were pretty arbitrary. Ella fell into a rage more than once when a marker short changed us in terms of distance travelled. I have to admit that I began to lose my sense of humour after around five miles after a pretty steep climb. We did see a small rattle snake at one point but it was not enough to lighten the mood.

The highlight had to be the walk down alongside Vernal Falls. Literally the path is beside the waterfall and hikers walk through the mist created by the fall. Health and Safety really must have missed their review appointment that day. Eventually we reached the bottom but then had to wait thirty minutes for a shuttle bus. Actually we were all too tired too care!

Top tip - When you take the coach to Glaciar Point, make sure you stay on it to come back down!