1876 ALDRICH'S RETURN JOURNEY. 39 



and on reaching the top of the hill I was glad to turn 

 the invalids off to their boat again. 



c A lovely evening. Made good five to six miles. 



' Ylth. Started off the invalids ahead, while we 

 struck tent and packed sledge. The travelling in 

 splendid order. Temperature 21. 



' Overtook the invalids toiling drearily along by 

 the time we had cleared James Eoss Bay and begun 

 the overland route immediately south of Observation 

 Peak. We are singularly fortunate in the weather ; 

 there is a dense fog everywhere except in the valley 

 for which we are steering, some curious eddying of the 

 light air keeps it from settling there. 



' Joseph Good and Doidge are at the drag-ropes, 

 but not pulling an ounce ; they are very plucky, but 

 utterly unable to do anything. 



' With our small power we had a very heavy pull 

 up the incline, the snow on which was, however, in 

 beautiful condition, hard and slippery enough to cause 

 Ayles and myself 'often to lose our footing. Had it not 

 been so I really do not know what we could have 

 done. 



' Halted at 8.40 for lunch and invalids. Despatched 

 invalids ahead it is dreary work, such constant wait- 

 ing. Not being able to leave the sledge, I cannot go 

 on to see the road. I hope we shall come out all 

 right, but to me the route is new, and whether Giffard 

 tried it or not I do not know. Under weigh at 10.30, 

 and proceeded as in forenoon, stopping and waiting 

 continually. Camped at two, and I walked on to see 

 the route, which cost me three hours' heavy walking. 

 I was well repaid by finding it all clear, ^and much 



