STRIKING CAMP. 



CHAPTER V 



ADVENT BAY TO CAIRN CAMP 



EXPLORATION brings keenest delights in its train ; it 

 has also detestable concomitants, most of which may 

 be summed up in the word, baggage. The problem of 

 exploration is to get the baggage over the ground ; it is easy 

 enough to transport one's self. Thus the importance of equip- 

 ment becomes manifest. Its virtue is to be as light and 

 compact as possible, consistent with the functions it has to 

 fulfil. Our equipment was in reality compact, yet in actual 

 amount it was large. Most of it was to be stored at the 

 base, for we could only carry two sledge-loads inland at any 

 one time. Now every individual object had to be landed, 

 piled, combined, sorted, distributed. Nearly a ton of hay, 

 oats, and beans had to be carted up from the shore and 

 stacked. Food, sugar, salt, knives and spoons, and every 

 little detail had to be unpacked, divided, and made ready 

 for use at any required moment. All this was the work of 

 hours many and long. Moreover the Raftsund would pre- 

 sently sail away, taking our last mail for some weeks ; letters 

 therefore had to be written home, bills on board paid, and 

 all preparations completed for being marooned as com- 



