I9I2] ACCIDENT TO EVANS 367 



about 100 lbs. This afternoon the welcome southerly wind re- 

 turned and is now blowing force 2 to 3. I cannot but think It 

 will improve the surface. 



The sastrugl are very much diminished, and those from the 

 south seem to be overpowering those from the S.E. Cloud 

 travelled rapidly over from the south this afternoon, and the 

 surface was covered with sandy crystals; these were not so bad 

 as the ' bearded ' sastrugi, and oddly enough the wind and drift 

 only gradually obliterate these striking formations. We have 

 scarcely risen at all to-day, and the plain looks very flat. It 

 doesn't look as though there were more rises ahead, and one 

 could not wish for a better surface if only the crystal deposit 

 would disappear or harden up. I am awfully glad we have hung 

 on to the ski; hard as the marching is, it is far less tiring on ski. 

 Bowers has a heavy time on foot, but nothing seems to tire him. 

 Evans has a nasty cut on his hand (sledge-making). I hope 

 it won't give trouble. Our food continues to amply satisfy. 

 What luck to have hit on such an excellent ration. We really are 

 an excellently found party. 



Monday, January 8. — Camp 60. Noon. T. — 19-8°. Min. 

 for night - 25°. Our first summit blizzard. We might just have 

 started after breakfast, but the wind seemed obviously on the 

 increase, and so has proved. The sun has not been obscured, but 

 snow is evidently falling as well as drifting. The sun seems to 

 be getting a little brighter as the wind increases. The whole 

 phenomenon is very like a Barrier blizzard, only there is much 

 less snow, as one would expect, and at present less wind, which 

 is somewhat of a surprise. 



Evans' hand was dressed this morning, and the rest ought to 

 be good for it. I am not sure it Vv'ill not do us all good as we 

 lie so very comfortably, warmly clothed in our comfortable bags, 

 within our double-walled tent. However, we do not want more 

 than a day's delay at most, both on account of lost time and food 

 and the snow accumulation of ice. (Night T. — 13-5°.) It has 

 grown much thicker during the day, from time to time obscuring 

 the sun for the first time. The temperature is low for a blizzard, 

 but we are very comfortable in our double tent and the cold 

 snow is not sticky and not easily carried into the tent, so that the 

 sleeping-bags remain in good condition. (T. —3°.) The glass 

 is rising slightly. I hope we shall be able to start in the morning. 



