The calendar showed January 1899, there were only a few hours of real daylight He set out in his poor man's boat, early dawn Snow and ice did not melt until mid-May The cold bit his face and hands, he had to try to obtain some food on the table All they had was flatbread, oats and water porridge A sudden storm forced him to seek shelter He had to be master of his own destiny Strong east wind prevented him from going ashore The best possibility was to anchor in a cove sheltered from the wind Grandfather's killick saved him from drowning that day