THE DEPOT JOURNEY 169 
which we were to cross went out on the turn of the tide 
some five hours before we timed ourselves to start. 
Scott was of opinion that the ice in the two Bays under 
Erebus was firm, and prepared to essay this route. The 
first of these bays is formed by the junction of the Hut 
Point Peninsula with Erebus to the south, and by Glacier 
Tongue to the north. Crossing Glacier Tongue a party 
can descend on to the second bay beyond, the northern 
boundary of which is Cape Evans. The Dellbridge Islands, 
of which Great Razorback is in direct line between Glacier 
Tongue and Cape Evans, help to hold in any ice which 
forms here. The route had never been attempted before, 
but it was hoped that a way down from the Peninsula on 
to the frozen sea might be found at the Hutton Cliffs, an 
outcrop of lava rock in the irregular ice face. 
‘A party consisting of Scott, Bowers, Taylor, and Sea- 
man Evans with one tent, and Lieutenant Evans, Wright, 
Debenham, Gran and Crean with another, started for Hut 
Point. It was dark to the south and snowing by the time 
they reached the top of Ski Slope. We helped them past 
Third Crater. The ice from Hut Point to Glacier Tongue 
was impossible, and so they went on past Castle Rock and 
were to try and get down somewhere by the Hutton Cliffs 
on to some fast sea-ice which seemed to have held there some 
time, and so across Glacier Tongue on to sea-ice which also 
seemed to be fast as far as Cape Evans. 
“After lunch Wilson and I started about 4 P.M. in 
half a blizzard. It was much better on the Heights and 
fairly clear towards Erebus, but we could not see any traces 
of the party on the ice. 
“April 12. This morning as it was beginning to get 
light a blizzard started, and it is blowing very hard now. 
The large amount of snow which has fallen will make it 
very thick. We are all anxious about the returning party, 
for Scott talked of camping on the sea-ice. The ice in 
Arrival Bay (just north of Hut Point) has gone out. They 
have sleeping-bags, food for two meals, and a full primus 
for each tent. 
‘April 13. We were very anxious about the returning 
