Greg’s Reviews > Ice Ship: The Epic Voyages of the Polar Adventurer Fram > Status Update

But the Fram is more than a repository of artifacts and information…It is Norway’s monument to an ancient, enduring relationship with the sea and the ice and the metaphor of strength and perseverance in overcoming obstacles and hardships, always forward to freedom. It is the embodiment of a bygone era in polar exploration: grand in its broad call to nations and extraordinary people…

Sverdrup reluctantly gave up on the whole idea of proceeding north. He knew the reality of what he faced. He knew the risks and, Sverdrup being Sverdrup, intended to avoid them…Sverdrup would do what was necessary to keep them all alive. He would find other goals to pursue.

Archer knew full well...the Fram would roll, yaw, and wallow significantly in heavy, following seas and have a tough time making headway into the wind. He also knew that, though causing extra bouts of mal de mer for the crew, and becoming difficult to steer at times, it would be a most seaworthy vessel and would ride the waves safely no matter how ominous they got.