i 9 ii] FROM HUT POINT TO CAPE EVANS 223 
could see little or nothing owing to drift. A white line 
dimly seen on the horizon seemed to indicate that the 
ice drifted out has not gone far. 
Some skuas were seen yesterday, a very late date. 
The seals disinclined to come on the ice ; one can be seen 
at Cape Armitage this morning, but it is two or three 
days since there was one up in our Bay. It will certainly 
be some time before the ponies can be got back. 
Monday 9 April 10, p.m. — Intended to make for Cape 
Evans this morning. Called hands early, but when we 
were ready for departure after breakfast, the sky became 
more overcast and snow began to fall. It continued off 
and on all day, only clearing as the sun set. It would 
have been the worst condition possible for our attempt, 
as we could not have seen more than 100 yards. 
Conditions look very unfavourable for the continued 
freezing of the Strait. 
Thursday, April 13. — Started from Hut Point 9 a.m. 
Tuesday. Party consisted of self, Bowers, P.O. Evans, 
Taylor, one tent ; Evans, Gran, Crean, Debenham, 
and Wright, second tent. Left Wilson in charge at Hut 
Point with Mcares, Forde, Kcohane, Oates, Atkinson, 
and Cherry-Garrard. All gave us a pull up the ski slope ; 
it had become a point of honour to take this slope without 
a t breather.' I find such an effort trying in the early 
morning, but had to go through with it. 
Weather fine ; we marched past Castle Rock, east of 
it ; the snow was soft on the slopes, showing the shelter 
afforded — continued to traverse the ridge for the first 
time — found quite good surface much wind-swept — 
