This sight increased my anxiety to get away quickly.
Winter was advancing, and soon the pack might close completely round
the island and stay our departure for days or even for weeks, I did not
think that ice would remain around Elephant Island continuously during
the winter, since the strong winds and fast currents would keep it in
motion. We had noticed ice and bergs, going past at the rate of four
or five knots. A certain amount of ice was held up about the end of
our spit, but the sea was clear where the boat would have to be
launched.
Worsley, Wild, and I climbed to the summit of the seaward rocks and
examined the ice from a better vantage-point than the beach offered.
The belt of pack outside appeared to be sufficiently broken for our
purposes, and I decided that, unless the conditions forbade it, we
would make a start in the 'James Caird' on the following morning.
Obviously the pack might close at any time. This decision made, I
spent the rest of the day looking over the boat, gear, and stores, and
discussing plans with Worsley and Wild.
Our last night on the solid ground of Elephant Island was cold and
uncomfortable. We turned out at dawn and had breakfast. Then we
launched the 'Stancomb Wills' and loaded her with stores, gear, and
ballast, which would be transferred to the 'James Caird' when the
heavier boat had been launched.
Pages:
258
259
260
261
262
263
264
265
266
267
268
269
270
271
272
273
274
275
276
277
278
279
280
281
282