11 Jan 26:
From our LEGO collection: The voyage of the James Caird was a journey of 1,300 kilometres (800 mi) from Elephant Island in the South Shetland Islands through the Southern Ocean to South Georgia, undertaken by Sir Ernest Shackleton and five companions to obtain rescue for the main body of the stranded Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition of 1914–1917. Many historians regard the voyage of the crew in a 22.5-foot (6.9 m) ship's boat through the "Furious Fifties" as the greatest small-boat journey ever completed.
What say ye Webb?
Before its voyage, the ship's carpenter, Harry McNish, strengthened and adapted the boat to withstand the seas of the Southern Ocean, sealing his makeshift wood and canvas deck with lamp wick, oil paint and seal blood.
Step into the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration with this LEGO® Icons Shackleton’s Lifeboat (40729) model boat kit for adults. Enjoy a mindful experience as you recreate the legendary lifeboat salvaged from the icebound ship Endurance to navigate treacherous Arctantic terrain, ultimately leading to the rescue of the ship’s entire crew. This set includes captain Sir Ernest Shackleton and photographer Frank Hurley minifigures, plus accessories including a camera, stove, oars and a sleigh.
i do not believe in Greatests of All Time. Times differ too much. I have great respect for Shackleton, and the crossing to South Georgia in the JAMES CAIRD was a very impressive passage. I am even more impressed that after landing on the island on the west side, they climbed over mountains without any proper equipment to reach the safety of the whaling station on the east coast.
ReplyDeleteOf exceptional small boat passages I am pleased to be in the conversation.
Thank you Webb for your valuable insight. The trek across the mountains was impressive indeed.
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