CHAPTER XVIII 

 THE SUMMIT JOURNEY TO THE POLE 



A Fresh MS. Book 



On the Flyleaf. — Ages: Self 43, Wilson 39, Evans (P.O.) 

 37, Gates 32, Bowers 28. Average '^6. 



Friday, December 22. — Camp 44, about 7100 feet. T. - 1°. 

 Bar. 22-3. This, the third stage of our journey, is opening with 

 good promise. We made our depot this morning, then said 

 an affecting farewell to the returning party, who have taken 

 things very well, dear good fellows as they are.-^ 



Then we started with our heavy loads about 9.20, I in some 

 trepidation — quickly dissipated as we went off and up a slope 

 at a smart pace. The second sledge came close behind us, show- 

 ing that we have weeded the weak spots and made the proper 

 choice for the returning party. 



We came along very easily and lunched at i, when the sledge- 

 meter had to be repaired, and we didn't get off again till 3.20, 

 camping at 6.45. Thus with 7 hours' marching we covered 10^ 

 miles (geo.) (12 stat. ). 



Obs.: Lat. 85° iy/2'\ Long. 161° 55'; Var. 175° 46' E. 



To-morrow we march longer hours, about 9 I hope. Every 

 day the loads will lighten, and so we ought to make the requisite 

 progress. I think we have climbed about 250 feet to-day, but 

 thought it more on the march. We look down on huge pres- 

 sure ridges to the south and S.E., and in fact all round except 

 in the direction in which we go, S.W. We seem to be travelling 

 more or less parallel to a ridge which extends from Mt. Darwin. 

 Ahead of us to-night is a stiffish incline and it looks as though 

 there might be pressure behind it. It is very difficult to judge 

 how matters stand, however, in such a confusion of elevations 

 and depressions. This course doesn't work wonders in change 

 of latitude, but I think it is the right track to clear the pressures 

 — at any rate I shall hold it for the present. 



