After the long voyage across Drakes Passage, the sight of Elephant Island glistening in the sun was a pleasant sight. Because of rough seas and high winds we were not able to make a landing. Upon reflection it was difficult to imagine how Shackleton's men had survived for months on this barren island. It was at Elephant Island that I first experienced the strange southern light that was the result of the angle of the sun. It was at Elephant Island that I got my first good look at the imposing Antarctic icebergs.