South Georgia

They had aimed for the east side of the island, with the knowledge that the western-aimed currents would help them hit the island even if they would have missed. The western side was the one with the whaling station, and on the east side there was nothing. That meant that they would have to traverse the huge mountains between them and people. Shackleton ordered Vincent, McCarthy, and McNiesh to stay behind because they were too weak to make the trip. That left he, Worsley, and Crean. They had nothing worthwhile to take with them except food, some rope, and an axe. They waited a few days for a snowstorm to pass, and then set off. The snow was so deep it sometimes went to their knees. They slogged on for miles, reaching 5000 feet above sea level. Then they started down. It was even harder than going up, and they didn't get very far before Shackleton decided “We’ll slide.” It was a completely mad idea, but if they didn't get down fast they would freeze to death. It was exhilarating and terrifying at the same time. Imagine sledding down a gigantic mountain 1,500 feet with no sled, and no idea when you might hit a rock, going incredibly fast. The whole thing only lasted three minutes, and they had a soft landing. They still had to keep going, and after a few hours they recognized the familiar landmarks of Stromness Bay, with a whaling station and a small village. Civilization.