over 12 miles (geo.). Very anxious to see how we shall manage to-morrow; if we can march well with the full load we shall be practically safe, I take it. The surface was very bad in patches to-day and the wind strong.
‘Lat. 87° 32′. A last note from a hopeful position. I think it's going to be all right. We have a fine party going forward and arrangements are all going well.’
Thursday, January 4,—T. −17°, Lunch T. −16·5°. We were naturally late getting away this morning, the sledge having to be packed and arrangements completed for separation of parties. It is wonderful to see how neatly everything stows on a little sledge, thanks to P.O. Evans. I was anxious to see how we could pull it, and glad to find we went easy enough. Bowers on foot pulls between, but behind, Wilson and myself; he has to keep his own pace and luckily does not throw us out at all.
The second party had followed us in case of accident, but as soon as I was certain we could get along we stopped and said farewell. Teddy Evans is terribly disappointed but has taken it very well and behaved like a man. Poor old Crean wept and even Lashly was affected. I was glad to find their sledge is a mere nothing to them, and thus, no doubt, they will make a quick journey back.24 Since leaving them we have marched on till 1.15 and covered 6·2 miles (geo.). With full marching days we ought to have no difficulty in keeping up our average.
Night camp 57. T. −16°. Height 10,280.—We started well on the afternoon march, going a good speed for 1½ hours; then we came on a stratum covered with loose sandy snow, and the pulling became very heavy.
