Category Archives: Shackleton

“At first it had the appearance of a huge berg, but with the growing light we could see plainly the black lines of scree and the high, precipitous cliffs of the island, which were miraged up to some extent. “…not … Continue reading →

“On these fine, clear, sunny days wonderful mirage effects could be observed, just as occur over the desert. Huge bergs were apparently resting on nothing, with a distinct gap between their bases and the horizon; others were curiously distorted into … Continue reading →

“It is remarkable how our appetites have changed in this respect. Until quite recently almost the thought of [blubber] was nauseating. Now, however, we positively demand it. The thick black oil which is rendered down from it, rather like train … Continue reading →

“I sent Macklin and Crean back to make a further selection of the gear, but they found that several leads had opened up during the night, and they had to return when within a mile and a half of their … Continue reading →

“Turned in but could not sleep. Thought the whole matter over & decided to retreat to more secure ice: it is the only safe thing to do… Am anxious: For so big a party & 2 boats in bad conditions … Continue reading →

“And the Crew agree to conduct themselves in an orderly, faithful, honest and sober manner, and to be at all times diligent in their respective Duties, and to be obedient to the lawful commands of the said Master, or of … Continue reading →

“Monotony in the meals, even considering the circumstances in which we found ourselves, was what I was striving to avoid, so our little stock of luxuries, such as fish paste, tinned herrings, etc., was carefully husbanded and so distributed as … Continue reading →

“All is eaten that comes to each tent, and everything is most carefully and accurately divided into as many equal portions as there are men in the tent. One member then closes his eyes or turns his head away and … Continue reading →

Morning: 6:30 a.m. Light the stove. 7:00 a.m. Emerge from tents. 7:45 a.m. “Lash up and stow!” Breakfast. Rolled-up sleeping bags are used as chairs, while the tent Peggies bring round each tent’s ration of hoosh. Then chores, cooking, hunting, … Continue reading →