Nansen's expedition left sealer Jason near Sermilik Fjord, where Nansen had initially decided to start the crossing.Huntford, pp. 97–99 However, there followed days of extreme frustration for the party as, prevented by weather and sea conditions from reaching the shore, they drifted southwards with the ice. Most of this time was spent camping on the ice itself—it was too dangerous to launch the boats. By 29 July they were south of the point where they had left the ship. On that day they finally reached land, but were too far south to begin the crossing. After a brief rest, Nansen ordered the team back into the boats and to begin rowing north.Reynolds, pp. 48–52
