I have been pondering for a few days now how to sum up this cruise when, whilst continuing to read Erebus The Story of a Ship, Michael Palin, Penguin 2018, I came across the following extract that I share with you now:
'Her Majesty's ship Erebus, at sea, June 8th, 1845, Ten p.m.
"You appeared very anxious that I should keep a journal for your especial perusal. Now, I do keep a journal, such as it is, which will be given to the Admiralty; but, to please you, I shall note down from time to time such things as may strike me, either in the form of a letter, or in any other form that may at the time suit my fancy."
"We (Michael Palin) can only be thankful that Fitzjames wrote so attractively and so diligently, by his own account regularly staying up until two in the morning to record his thoughts and observation, before going on watch at five."'
The context for this extract is that James Fitzjames (The second in command of the Erebus) had promised Elizabeth, the Wife of his closest friend and foster-father William Coningham that he would keep an account of the voyage for her.
I think this expresses rather well what I have set out to achieve with this Blog. I hope you have enjoyed following my adventure as much as I have in writing this 'journal' about my voyage in search of polar bears and the last resting place of the Erebus. I know for certain that she crossed the Davis Strait on her way north but didn't encounter a freak wave!