Mar. 1: The Terror

Minutes: 45

Pages: 70

Summary: Captain Crozier of the HMS Ship Terror is standing on the highest deck of his ship looking out at the white that surrounds him. His ship, and it's sister ship on the expedition called HMS Erebus, are frozen into the ice above a landmass known as King William's Land en route to the West coast of the US through the fabled Northwest Passage. It is 1844 and the expedition that departed from the shores of London's Thames river have been caught up for some 2 and a Half years. They are hopeful for a summer thaw, however the last 2 summers haven't been too promising.

Reflection: They seem to be in a hopeless situation. If they give up hope they surely will die, but so far, they seem to have a positive outlook. Crozier is going about business as usual as captain; he is having the crew continue to accomplish their duties despite their frozen state, a decision that is preserving morale and keeping a sense of purpose on the ship. Hopefully it doesn't fall apart.

Define:

Fo'c'sle - Captain of the Foretop, the man responsible for the living quarters of the crew and captain.

HMS - Her Majesty's Ship, a ship of the Queen's Royal Navy