Sunday, October 11, 2009

11 October, 1910

As we approach Melbourne and prepare to go ashore, I have been giving a lot of thought to our mission and duty. I have for many years felt that this reward was mine - to be the capstone on all of our Antarctic achievement since Cook first speculated on the continent so many years ago. History looks to me to take those final steps to glory: I will be the first man at the South Pole or die trying. 

The men are excited. How good it is to know we have the hopes and honour of our nation riding on our shoulders and that the whole world is watching us. 

Looking forward to fresh milk and fruit. And eggs. And the newspapers, of course. Being at sea means you have no idea what is happening. You're completely in the dark. Thank goodness for cables. We're all looking forward to our mail.

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