Report on the Danmark expedition to the north-east coast. Ill 



3. Narrative of the journey. 



According to the course taken by the sledge journey, the nar- 

 rative falls naturally into the following divisions: 



3 a. Outward journey until the 1st and 2nd party separated. 



3 b. Journey of the 2nd party to Peary Land. 



3 с Return journey of the 2nd party. 



3 d. Return journey of Bistkup and Ring. 



3 e. Return journey of G. Thosteup and Wegener. 



3 f. The journeys made from the ship to lay out depots in sup- 

 port of the sledge parties returning from the north. 



3 g. The last journey of Mylius-Erichsen, Hoeg Hagen and 

 Jørgen Brønlund, which, howeA^er, will be described later. 



3a. Outward journey until the 1st and 2nd 

 parties separated '. 



In the morning of March 28th a start was made with about 

 150 kg. on each sledge, a load that was increased however to about 

 200 kg. from the depot on the outer coast. Some days previously 

 Hagerup and Peter Hansen had been sent out to Syttenkilometer- 

 næsset to shoot bear. They saw none of these, but when the sledge 

 expedition reached their tent, they had warm coffee ready. Mylius- 

 Erichsen stopped a little while to enjoy the offered refreshment, and 

 then Trolle and Koefoed arrived from the ship to wish the travellers 

 once more "bon voyage". When the sledges went on, the 4 left 

 behind waved a salute from Syttenkilometernæsset. 



The first day was very tiring. As the weather was good, Mylius- 

 Erichsen w^ould not halt until Cape Marie Valdemar was reached. 

 About 70 kilometers over heavy going was, however, rather much 

 the first day, even with half loads. The lack of training soon revealed 

 itself in some cases in swollen and tender joints and knees. 



March 29th. Set out in the morning from the depot at Cape Marie 

 Valdemar with ca. 250 kg. on each sledge. 



Fog and loose snow; later, strong northerly wind with a good 

 deal of snowdrift. 



Most placed skis under the sledges, but Bistrup was unfortunate, 

 his skis soon breaking. 



In the fog and snowdrift it was very difficult for the column to 

 keep together, and Mylius-Erichsen was afraid, that the tracks 

 would be covered by the drifting snow and the connections lost. After 

 a march of 25 kilometers he gave orders to halt. 



March 30th. Set out in the morning for the depot at Cape Amélie, 

 where smooth, glassy ice was met with. The dogs found it very dif- 



^ Of this journey Captain Koch has kindly given me an account, whicli is- 

 reproduced here almost in its entirety. 



