I put the 'Endurance's' head for the opening, and, steaming at full speed, we got clear.

Then we went east in the hope of getting better ice, and five hours later, after some dodging, we rounded the pack and were able to set sail once more.

This initial tussle with the pack had been exciting at times.

Pieces of ice and bergs of all sizes were heaving and jostling against each other in the heavy south-westerly swell.

In spite of all our care the 'Endurance' struck large lumps stem on, but the engines were stopped in time and no harm was done.