Category Archives: Shackleton

Ultralight

Posted on May 18, 2016 by Ernest Shackleton

“After consultation we decided to leave the sleeping-bags behind and make the journey in very light marching order. We would take three days’ provisions for each man in the form of sledging ration and biscuit. The food was to be … Continue reading →

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Ridges, peaks, and nunatuks

Posted on May 17, 2016 by Ernest Shackleton

“Our path towards the whaling station led round the seaward end of the snouted glacier on the east side of the camp and up a snow slope that appeared to lead to a pass in the great Allardyce Range, which … Continue reading →

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A curious-looking party

Posted on May 15, 2016 by Ernest Shackleton

“We made our hoosh at 7.30 a.m. Then we loaded up the boat and gave her a flying launch down the steep beach into the surf. Heavy rain had fallen in the night and a gusty north-westerly wind was now … Continue reading →

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Our hunger knew no law

Posted on May 14, 2016 by Ernest Shackleton

“We paid our last visit to the nests of the albatrosses, which were situated on a little undulating plateau above the cave amid tussocks, snow patches, and little frozen tarns. Each nest consisted of a mound over a foot high … Continue reading →

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Their plight was worse than ours

Posted on May 13, 2016 by Ernest Shackleton

“We were still 150 miles away from Stromness whaling station by sea. The alternative was to attempt the crossing of the island. If we could not get over, then we must try to secure enough food and fuel to keep … Continue reading →

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A magnificent sight

Posted on May 13, 2016 by Ernest Shackleton

“The long bay was a magnificent sight, even to eyes which had dwelt long enough on grandeur and were hungry for the familiar things of every-day life. Its green-blue waters were being beaten to fury by the gale. The mountains … Continue reading →

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Our sleeping arrangements

Posted on May 12, 2016 by Ernest Shackleton

“The air temperature that night probably was not lower than 38° or 40° Fahr. […] we were rendered uncomfortable in our cramped sleeping quarters by the unaccustomed warmth. Our feelings towards our neighbours underwent a change. When the temperature was … Continue reading →

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Fire

Posted on May 11, 2016 by Ernest Shackleton

“We found that a big hole had been burned in the bottom of Worsley’s reindeer sleeping-bag during the night. Worsley had been awakened by a burning sensation in his feet, and had asked the men near him if his bag … Continue reading →

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A memorable meal

Posted on May 11, 2016 by Ernest Shackleton

“And what a stew it was! The young albatrosses weighed about fourteen pounds each fresh killed, and we estimated that they weighed at least six pounds each when cleaned and dressed for the pot. Four birds went into the pot … Continue reading →

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Byron’s “great ninth wave”

Posted on May 11, 2016 by Ernest Shackleton

“We cut off the topsides and took out all the moveable gear. Then we waited for Byron’s “great ninth wave,” and when it lifted the James Caird in we held her and, by dint of great exertion, worked her round … Continue reading →

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