Indeed at 7 a.m.we were right under the cliffs, which plunged sheer into the sea, before we saw them.

We followed the coast towards the north, and ever the precipitous cliffs and glacier-faces presented themselves to our searching eyes.

The sea broke heavily against these walls and a landing would have been impossible under any conditions.

We picked up pieces of ice and sucked them eagerly.

At 9 a.m.at the north-west end of the island we saw a narrow beach at the foot of the cliffs.