' ARMADILLO CAMP ' 
207 
On the 20tli we left one sledge at the depot and made 
another attempt to penetrate the fastnesses of the 
Koettlitz Glacier. 
We had to cut tracks along the bottom of the glass- 
house channels, and Debenham and I pulled while Wright 
and Evans devoted all their energies to lifting the sledge 
over the obstructions. The sledge dropped two feet and 
rolled upside down on one occasion, and later Wright went 
through the roof and was completely lost to sight in one of 
the glass-houses. By 6 p.m. we must have progressed 
almost two miles — and this with a light load ! A thick 
snowstorm came up and we camped amid weird sur- 
roundings. All round us were ice sculptures of every con- 
ceivable shape. There were great wedge-shaped blocks, so 
fretted by the sun that they looked as if formed of wicker 
work. We called these ' fascines.' Others resembled 
giant pedestal-tables with fringes of icicles. Near the tent, 
displayed on one of these tables, was a great white monster 
with an armour-plated back, head, legs, and tail complete. 
We called this halt ' Armadillo Camp ' in recognition of 
the genius of King Frost. 
During the next four days we struggled up the middle 
of the Koettlitz Glacier. It was a strenuous time, but I 
recall a 'pleasant noon halt when P.O. Evans earned an 
honest penny. We saw him playing with the rope which 
lashed his sleeping-bag. Says Evans, 'I'll show you how to 
make a clove-hitch with one hand, and I bet you a is. ^d, 
dinner (our usual currency) you can't do it after you've 
seen me do it six times ! ' Debenham took the bet, and 
we all watched Evans closely. Then 'Deb ' tried^ and to 
