All these considerations naturally had a bearing upon our immediate problem, the penetration of the pack and the finding of a safe harbour on the continental coast.
The day of departure arrived.

I gave the order to heave anchor at 8.45 a.m.on December 5, 1914, and the clanking of the windlass broke for us the last link with civilization.

The morning was dull and overcast, with occasional gusts of snow and sleet, but hearts were light aboard the 'Endurance'.

The long days of preparation were over and the adventure lay ahead.
We had hoped that some steamer from the north would bring news of war and perhaps letters from home before our departure.

A ship did arrive on the evening of the 4th, but she carried no letters, and nothing useful in the way of information could be gleaned from her.