SNOW WEEK - Shakleton

Blizzards and Winter Games. The headlines this season got me wondering about historical events that have happened in the snow. Following will be a few reading suggestions for those who haven't had enough of winter yet.

TITLE: Shipwreck at the Bottom of the World: The Extraordinary True Story of Shackleton and the Endurance

AUTHOR: Jennifer Armstrong

WHO WAS WHERE IN THE SNOW? This is the true story of Irishman, Ernest Shakleton's 1914 to 1916 British funded exploration of Antarctica.

AMAZING FACTS ABOUT THIS EVENT: This is one of the greatest tales of survival in expedition history. After the expedition’s ship Endurance became trapped in sea ice, it stayed frozen fast for ten months until it was crushed and destroyed by ice pressure. The crew was forced to abandon ship. After camping on the ice for five months, Shackleton made two open boat journeys, one of which—a treacherous 800-mile ocean crossing to South Georgia Island—is now considered one of the greatest boat journeys in history. Crossing the mountains of South Georgia on foot, Shackleton reached the island's remote whaling station, organized a rescue team, and saved all of the men he had left behind.

I marvel at the fact that not a soul was lost, that they endured two harsh Antarctic winters in wool clothing and that the amazing photos taken during the adventure survived.

Ages 12 and up
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Activity: What would you rescue from the sinking Endurance? Try this link at this NOVA site.