Ernest Shackleton Short Story

The Expedition

With the wind whipping through her sails and water at her bow, the Endurance set out across the choppy waver toward an adventure that would make history. Men gathered on her deck with a sense of excitement and determination. They had one goal: to sail across the frigid seas of the Antarctic and make it back alive. Many had attempted this feat and nearly all had failed. Many set out, but few returned. Sir Earnest Shackleton was determined to be the first to accomplish this seemingly impossible task. Shackleton planned for many months to make his dream come true. He gathered supplies, had a ship especially made for the harsh elements of the arctic, and put an ad in the paper for men who were willing to endure the brutality of the barren arctic land. There were over five hundred men who applied for this journey, but Shackleton only chose twenty six. There were experienced sailors, while others had never been to sea. There were a few scientists, a couple doctors, a cook, and a carpenter. These men were willing to leave everything they had and their families for the trip of a life time. It wasn’t a trip of ease and luxury, but of hard work and endurance. Shackleton packed enough canned food and provisions to last them two years. He chose only the finest ice sleds and hand picked the sixty nine dogs that were to pull …show more content…
They had very little food and almost no provisions or supplies. In order to take shelter against the wind and harsh elements, they flipped two of the life boats over to make a sort of hut for the men to take refuge in. Elephant Island was a harsh place; it was not the land for a coward to dwell in. It had sheer cliffs and a very rocky terrain. This was the land of brave men, men who were willing to do whatever it took to survive, such as Shackleton and his men. The crew stuck it out for four days, while Sir Earnest Shackleton prepared to make a journey to get help for the rest of the