South! · Chapter
Wintering in McMurdo Sound explained
The Aurora moors at Cape Evans for the winter, but a blizzard on May 7 causes the ship and ice to drift away, leaving a shore party stranded.
What happens
The Aurora moors at Cape Evans for the winter, but a blizzard on May 7 causes the ship and ice to drift away, leaving a shore party stranded. Under Mackintosh's leadership, the men adapt to shortages, improvise clothing, and prepare for depot-laying journeys. After several trips hauling supplies to Hut Point and Safety Camp, they plan a spring sledging expedition despite limited dogs and worn equipment.
Themes in this chapter
Endurance and Perseverance
The shore party endures severe shortages of clothing, fuel, and supplies, yet continues preparations for sledging and maintains routine.
Leadership and Comradeship
Mackintosh leads planning meetings, delegates tasks, and fosters cooperation; Wild's cheerfulness boosts morale.
Isolation and Connection
The loss of the Aurora isolates the shore party, but they maintain connection through shared work, routines, and future sledging plans.
Characters to notice
- Aeneas Mackintosh
Leads the shore party, organizes depot-laying plans, and oversees sledging preparations despite the loss of the Aurora.
- Ernest E. Joyce
In charge of equipment and improvises clothing from canvas; suffers frostbitten heels during a sledging trip.
- Frank Wild
Works with Joyce on clothing improvisation; described as cheerful and willing, lifting spirits with songs and jokes.
- Richards
Takes over meteorological logging, overhauls the motor-tractor, and participates in sledging trips.
- Spencer-Smith
Responsible for photography and general routine; joins Mackintosh and Richards on the first depot journey.
- Hayward
Acts as handy man responsible for blubber supply.
- Gaze
Works with Hayward on blubber supply; suffers badly blistered heels and is unable to walk after a sledging trip.
- Stevens
Senior officer ashore in charge of the scientific staff; provides a report on the shore party's activities.
Key passages
“The accident proves again the uncertainty of conditions in these regions. I only pray and trust that the ship and those aboard are safe.”
Mackintosh reflects on the unpredictable Antarctic environment and expresses hope for the Aurora's crew.
Shows the leader's concern and reliance on faith after the ship's disappearance.
“We have been without a wash all that time, and I cannot imagine a dirtier set of people.”
The men have gone months without washing due to blizzards and limited resources.
Highlights the harsh living conditions and lack of basic hygiene.
“Nothing ever worries or upsets him, and he is ever singing or making some joke or performing some amusing prank.”
Wild remains consistently cheerful, using humor to lighten the group's mood.
Illustrates Wild's role as a morale booster in the party.