On the 24th of August 2009 the Rivers of Ice team set out by boat from Caleta Tortel, Chile, in a bid to become the first to complete a full crossing of the world´s third largest ice cap in Southern Patagonia, unsupported and without the aid of kites.

From the Jorge Montt glacier the expedition made exceptional progress across the ice cap for 25 days. Tarka L´Herpiniere and Katie-Jane Cooper successfully traversed one of the world´s harshest environments before reaching the most notorious section of the journey two-thirds of the way in. The team were tent-bound for 5 days in winds of up to 60 knots waiting for a suitable weather window: they knew the next technically demanding section could not be attempted without good visibility. At this point, the tent suffered a critical failure leaving the team to erect a survival shelter as quickly as possible from what remained of the tent.

Despite having multiple exit strategies along the ice cap none were in range of the team without a fully functioning tent. So despite being aware of the difficulty of descending the Spegazzini glacier, the team calculated that it offered them the best chance of survival due to its close proximity. In total, the team spent 5 nights in makeshift shelters as they slowly negotiated the descent from the ice cap via the glacier in storm conditions. The team had hoped to leave as they had arrived, by boat, however the unstable nature of the glacier mouth made it unsafe for a boat to collect them. Subsequently, the El Calafelet 42 division of the Argentinian Gendarmarie were called to provide a safe pick up by helicopter. The team spent one night in hospital as a precautionary measure and were discharged with mild frostbite to the toes and snow blindness.

Despite not accomplishing their ultimate objective of a full crossing, the Rivers of Ice team successfully achieved the longest crossing of the Southern Patagonian Ice by a British team as well as the longest ever crossing by a woman. They still believe their fast and light approach is an effective way to complete a full unsupported crossing.

The Rivers of Ice team want to extend their deepest heartfelt thanks for the overwhelming support they received across the world during their expedition.