pull up to Castle Rock, sweated much. This sweating in cold temperature is a serious drawback. Reached Hut Point 1 p.m. Found all well in excellent spirits—didn't seem to want us much!!
Party reported very bad weather since we left, cold blizzard, then continuous S.W. wind with −20° and below. The open water was right up to Hut Point, wind absolutely preventing all freezing along shore. Wilson reported skua gull seen Monday.
Found party much shorter of blubber than I had expected—they were only just keeping themselves supplied with a seal killed two days before and one as we arrived.
Actually less fast ice than when we left!
Wednesday, April 19.—Hut Point. Calm during night, sea froze over at noon, 4½ inches thick off Hut Point, showing how easily the sea will freeze when the chance is given.
Three seals reported on the ice; all hands out after breakfast and the liver and blubber of all three seals were brought in. This relieves one of a little anxiety, leaving a twelve days' stock, in which time other seals ought to be coming up. I am making arrangements to start back to-morrow, but at present it is overcast and wind coming up from the south. This afternoon, all ice frozen last night went out quietly; the sea tried to freeze behind it, but the wind freshened soon. The ponies were exercised yesterday and to-day; they look pretty fit, but their coats are not so good as those in winter quarters—they want fatty foods.
Am preparing to start to-morrow, satisfied that the
