Thursday, February 16.—6 miles 1450 yards. 15 Camp. The surface a good deal better, but the ponies running out. Three of the five could go on without difficulty. Bowers' pony might go on a bit, but Weary Willy is a good deal done up, and to push him further would be to risk him unduly, so to-morrow we turn. The temperature on the march to-night fell to −21° with a brisk S.W. breeze. Bowers started out as usual in his small felt hat, ears uncovered. Luckily I called a halt after a mile and looked at him. His ears were quite white. Cherry and I nursed them back whilst the patient seemed to feel nothing but intense surprise and disgust at the mere fact of possessing such unruly organs. Oates' nose gave great trouble. I got frost-bitten on the check lightly, as also did Cherry-Garrard.
Tried to march in light woollen mits to great discomfort.
Friday, February 17.—Camp 15. Lat. 79° 28½′ S. It clouded over yesterday—the temperature rose and some snow fell. Wind from the south, cold and biting, as we turned out. We started to build the depôt. I had intended to go on half a march and return to same camp, leaving Weary Willy to rest, but under the circumstances did not like to take risk.
Stores left in depôt:
| Lat. 79° 29′. Depôt. | ||
| lbs. | ||
| 245 | .. | 7 weeks' full provision bags for 1 unit |
| 12 | .. | 2 days' provision bags for 1 unit |
| 8 | .. | 8 weeks' tea |
| 31 | .. | 6 weeks' extra butter |
