I9II] THE FIFTH AND LONG BLIZZARD 335 



Four Days' Delay 



Tuesday, December 5. — Camp 30. Noon. We awoke this 

 morning to a raging, howling blizzard. The blows we have had 

 hitherto have lacked the very fine powdery snow — that especial 

 feature of the blizzard. To-day we have it fully developed. 

 After a minute or two In the open one is covered from head 

 to foot. The temperature is high, so that what falls or drives 

 against one sticks. The ponies — head, tails, legs, and all parts 

 not protected by their rugs — are covered with ice; the animals 

 are standing deep in snow, the sledges are almost covered, and 

 huge drifts above the tents. We have had breakfast, rebuilt 

 the walls, and are now again in our bags. One cannot see the 

 next tent, let alone the land. What on earth does such weather 

 mean at this time of year? It is more than our share of ill- 

 fortune, I think, but the luck may turn yet. I doubt if any party 

 could travel in such weather even with the wind, certainly no 

 one could travel against it. 



Is there some widespread atmospheric disturbance which 

 will be felt everywhere In this region as a bad season, or are 

 we merely the victims of exceptional local conditions? If the 

 latter, there is food for thought In picturing our small party 

 struggling against adversity in one place whilst others go smil- 

 ingly forward in the sunshine. How great may be the element 

 of luck! No foresight — no procedure — could have prepared us 

 for this state of affairs. Had we been ten times as experienced 

 or certain of our aim we should not have expected such rebuffs. 



1 1 P.M. — It has blown hard all day with quite the greatest 

 snowfall I remember. The drifts about the tents are simply 

 huge. The temperature was + 27° this forenoon, and rose 

 to +31° in the afternoon, at which time the snow melted as 

 It fell on anything but the snow, and, as a consequence, there 

 are pools of water on everything, the tents are wet through, 

 also the wind clothes, night boots, &c. ; water drips from the 

 tent poles and door, lies on the floorcloth, soaks the sleeping- 

 bags, and makes everything pretty wretched. If a cold snap 

 follows before we have had time to dry our things, we shall be 

 mighty uncomfortable. Yet after all It would be humorous 

 enough if it were not for the seriousness of delay — we can't 

 afford that, and It's real hard luck that It should come at such 



