One of the journal entries written by Bartolomeu Dias said:
"January-February 1488
We were hit by very strong headwinds that drove us out to sea. With no land in sight, we were forced to head south for almost two weeks. We then headed eastward in hopes of finding the shore. Only after this entire ordeal did I realize that we must have already sailed past the most southern tip of Africa. Changing course once again, we headed north and finally on February 3, 1488, we spotted land. It was the east coast of Africa! At this point of our journey, the crew was physically and mentally exhausted from the difficult voyage. After 7 long months at sea, our provisions were running low. Food was limited to salted meats, fish, beans and stale bread. We drank mostly wine, as the water which we kept in barrels had become foul. Living conditions were cramped and uncomfortable. With no galley on the ships, the crew prepared meals using a fire pit on the main deck. The crew also slept on the main deck, while myself and the senior crew slept below deck.
After much anxiety from the crew, I called a meeting, and it was unanimous that the goal of our expedition had been met. They all felt that it was time to turn around, and head back to Portugal. I wanted to continue on and survey the coastline, but the crew would only agree to give me a few more days to explore before we began our return home."
"January-February 1488
We were hit by very strong headwinds that drove us out to sea. With no land in sight, we were forced to head south for almost two weeks. We then headed eastward in hopes of finding the shore. Only after this entire ordeal did I realize that we must have already sailed past the most southern tip of Africa. Changing course once again, we headed north and finally on February 3, 1488, we spotted land. It was the east coast of Africa! At this point of our journey, the crew was physically and mentally exhausted from the difficult voyage. After 7 long months at sea, our provisions were running low. Food was limited to salted meats, fish, beans and stale bread. We drank mostly wine, as the water which we kept in barrels had become foul. Living conditions were cramped and uncomfortable. With no galley on the ships, the crew prepared meals using a fire pit on the main deck. The crew also slept on the main deck, while myself and the senior crew slept below deck.
After much anxiety from the crew, I called a meeting, and it was unanimous that the goal of our expedition had been met. They all felt that it was time to turn around, and head back to Portugal. I wanted to continue on and survey the coastline, but the crew would only agree to give me a few more days to explore before we began our return home."
