CHAPTER XVIII 
THE SUMMIT JOURNEY TO THE POLE 
A Fresh MS. Book 
On the Flyleaf. -Ages : Self 43, Wilson 39, Evans (P.O.) 
37, Oatcs 32, Bowers 28. Average 36. 
Friday , December 22. — Camp 44, about 7100 feet. 
T. - i°. Bar. 22*3. This, the third stage of our journey, 
is opening with good promise. We made our depot this 
morning, then said an affecting farewell to the returning 
party, who have taken things very well, dear good fellows 
as they are. 23 
Then we started with our heavy loads about 9.20, I 
in some trepidation — quickly dissipated as we went off 
and up a slope at a smart pace. The second sledge came 
close behind us, showing that we have weeded the weak 
spots and made the proper choice for the returning party. 
We came along very easily and lunched at 1, when 
the slcdgcmcter had to be repaired, and we didn't get off 
again till 3.20, camping at 6.45. Thus with 7 hours' 
marching we covered ioi miles (geo.) (12 stat.). 
Obs. : Lat. 85 0 13^; Long. 161 0 $$' I Var. 175 0 46' E. 
To-morrow we march longer hours, about 9 I hope* 
