26/72 off the barrier but got no bottom at 676 fathoms. At 4 p.m., still following the barrier to the south-west, we reached a corner and found it receding abruptly to the south-east. Our way was blocked by very heavy pack, and after spending two hours in a vain search for an opening, we moored the 'Endurance' to a floe and banked fires. During that day we passed two schools of seals, swimming fast to the north-west and north-north-east. |