191 1] UP AN ICE FACE 167 



Hulton Rocks or north, but eventually we found an overhanging 

 cornice close to our rope. 



After lunch we unloaded a sledge, which, held high on end 

 by four men, just reached the edge of the cornice. Clambering 

 up over backs and up sledge I used an ice-axe to cut steps over 

 the cornice and thus managed to get on top, then cut steps and 

 surmounted the edge of the cornice. Helped Bowers up with 

 the rope; others followed — then the gear was hauled up piece- 

 meal. For Crean, the last man up, we lowered the sledge over 

 the cornice and used a bowline in the other end of the rope 

 on top of it. He came up grinning with delight, and we all 

 thought the ascent rather a cunning piece of work. It was fear- 

 fully cold work, but everyone working with rare intelligence, 

 we eventually got everything up and repacked the sledge; glad 

 to get in harness again. Then a heavy pull up a steep slope in 

 wretched light, making detour to left to avoid crevasses. We 

 reached the top and plodded on past the craters as nearly as 

 possible as on the outward route. The party was pretty ex- 

 hausted and very wet with perspiration. Approaching Castle 

 Rock the weather and light Improved. Camped on Barrier Slope 

 north of Castle Rock about 9 P.M. Night cold but calm, -38° 

 during night ; slept pretty well. 



Tuesday, April 18. — Hut Point. Good moonlight at 7 A.M. 

 — had breakfast. Broke camp very quickly — Lashly splendid 

 at camp work as of old — very heavy pull up to Castle Rock, 

 sweated much. This sweating in cold temperature is a serious 

 drawback. Reached Hut Point i p.m. Found all well In ex- 

 cellent spirits — didn't seem to want us much ! ! 



Party reported very bad weather since we left, cold bliz- 

 zard, then continuous S.W. wind with - 20° and below. The 

 open water was right up to Hut Point, wind absolutely pre- 

 venting all freezing along shore. Wilson reported skua gull seen 

 Monday. 



Found party much shorter of blubber than I had expected 

 — they were only just keeping themselves supplied with a seal 

 killed two days before and one as we arrived. 



Actually less fast ice than when we left! 



Wednesday, April 19. — Hut Point. Calm during night, sea 

 froze over at noon, 45^ inches thick off Hut Point, showing how 

 easily the sea will freeze when the chance Is given. 



