The
soundings--roughly, 200 fathoms at the landward side and 1300 fathoms
at the seaward side--suggested that this mighty projection was afloat.
Seals were plentiful. We saw large numbers on the pack and several on
low parts of the barrier, where the slope was easy. The ship passed
through large schools of seals swimming from the barrier to the pack
off shore. The animals were splashing and blowing around the
'Endurance', and Hurley made a record of this unusual sight with the
kinematograph-camera.
The barrier now stretched to the south-west again. Sail was set to a
fresh easterly breeze, but at 7 p.m. it had to be furled, the
'Endurance' being held up by pack-ice against the barrier for an hour.
We took advantage of the pause to sound and got 268 fathoms with
glacial mud and pebbles. Then a small lane appeared ahead. We pushed
through at full speed, and by 8.30 p.m. the 'Endurance' was moving
southward with sails set in a fine expanse of open water. We continued
to skirt the barrier in clear weather. I was watching for possible
landing-places, though as a matter of fact I had no intention of
landing north of Vahsel Bay, in Luitpold Land, except under pressure of
necessity. Every mile gained towards the south meant a mile less
sledging when the time came for the overland journey.
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