The ice was not drifting fast enough to be noticeable, although by late November the speed was up to seven miles (11 km) a day.[61] By 5 December, they had passed 68°S, but the direction was turning slightly east of north.[62] This was taking the transcontinental party to a position from which it would be difficult to reach Snow Hill Island, although Paulet Island, further north, remained a possibility.[62] Paulet Island was about 250 miles (400 km) away, and Shackleton was anxious to reduce the length of the lifeboat journey that would be necessary to reach it. Therefore, on 21 December he announced a second march, to begin on 23 December.[63]