CHAPTER VIII 
HOME IMPRESSIONS AND AN EXCURSION 
Impressions on returning to the Hut, April 13, 191 1 
In choosing the site of the hut on our Home Beach 
I had thought of the possibility of northerly winds bringing 
a swell, but had argued, first, that no heavy northerly 
swell had ever been recorded in the Sound ; secondly, 
that a strong northerly wind was bound to bring pack 
which would damp the swell ; thirdly, that the locality 
was excellently protected by the Barne Glacier; and 
finally, that the beach itself showed no signs of having 
been swept by the sea, the rock fragments composing it 
being completely angular. 
When the hut was erected and I found that its founda- 
tion was only 11 feet above the level of the sea ice, I had 
a slight misgiving, but reassured myself again by recon- 
sidering the circumstances that afforded shelter to the 
beach. 
The fact that such question had been considered 
makes it easier to understand the attitude of mind that 
readmitted doubt in the face of phenomenal conditions. 
The event has justified my original arguments, but I 
must confess a sense of having assumed security without 
