Polar Pathways: Robert E. Peary's Arctic Expeditions
The White March- 130 Miles from McCormick Bay: Goodbyes
Astrup and his sledge
When he was 130 miles from McCormick Bay, Peary realized that only a small party would be able to continue on the long voyage across the ice. He asked his party of Gibson, Astrup, and Cook if any would volunteer to continue along with him. All three volunteered, but, given his expertise in ice and snow, Peary chose Astrup as the best candidate. Cook and Gibson returned home. Cook took charge of activities at Red Cliff House.
“Little was said but I think we all felt much as we quietly shook hands, and then Astrup and myself started out, leaving Doctor and Gibson looking after us. In a little while we saw them under way, and in a few minutes more the inequalities of the “Great Ice” hid them from view.” - Robert E. Peary in Northward over the “Great Ice”, published in 1898
"Astrup and Sledge" 1891, National Archives
