Karen and Andy's epic kayaking expedition earlier this year was a tremendous feat of endurance and determination.  Paddling 40 km per day through icy sea water, Andy and Karen faced tidal races, island narrows and fearsome white water rapids as they attempted to kayak to the San Rafael Glacier in one of the most remote and least visited areas of Patagonia.

This week the documentary of their trip, Karen's Ultimate Challenge was shown on BBC2 Scotland, but for those of you who don't live in Scotland, you can watch the program on BBC iPlayer here.

The San Rafael Glacier, Northern Patagonian ice field, Chile

Paralysed from the chest down with just the strength in her arms to keep her upright, Karen knew this would be one of her most difficult challenges yet.  But with Andy injuring his back just before the trip, making it difficult for him to walk or lift anything at all, the trip proved to be more challenging then either of them had anticipated as Karen explains;

"It squeezed us dry of every last drop of energy, and then demanded more...Each night, I dragged myself through barnacles and crabs towards bivvy spots that might keep us safe from the unpredictable tide, and Andy crawled around, chopping small logs to roll the kayak up the beach...Any comfort we’d taken in our adventure being safe, given the proximity of the film crew on their boat, the ‘Natuiluca’, disappeared on day one, when they lost us, our white double kayak just a speck amongst the expanses of breaking waves. We felt vulnerable, all too aware that under ‘non-filming’ circumstances we would never come to such a remote man-eating place without other kayakers, believing some safety in numbers."

Don't miss the chance to see this great programme.  It really captures the essence of adventure and the beautiful landscape of this remote World Heritage Site is a reminder of how breathtaking our planet truly is.