ch. lxi] Amundsen's journey to the South Pole 485 
the rate of some 25 miles a day. On the 6th they passed 
Lat. 88° S., and were at an altitude of a little over 11,000 ft. 
A meridian altitude was obtained in 88° 16' S. on Decem- 
ber 7th, and a little later Shackleton's record of 88° 23' 
was beaten. Two miles farther they camped and left 
220 lb. of stores. They were suffering greatly from frost 
sores on the face and shortness of breath. On the 14th 
December, 1911, the Pole was reached without further 
adventure. After a series of observations the return 
journey was begun on the 17th. On January 6th they 
reached the Barrier and met with much snow and a 
temperature of 17 0 Fahr. The remaining dogs were in 
very good condition, and 34 miles were made one day. 
On January 25th, 1912, they were all safely back at 
"Framheim" with eleven dogs. The journey of i860 
miles had taken 99 days. It was a miracle of forethought 
and organisation, the success of which was greatly aided 
by remarkably favourable weather conditions, and no 
doubt also by the fact that the explorers were all practised 
ski-runners. All returned in perfect health. 
