CHAPTER XVIII
THE SUMMIT JOURNEY TO THE POLE
A Fresh MS. Book
On the Flyleaf.—Ages: Self 43, Wilson 39, Evans (P.O.) 37, Oates 32, Bowers 28. Average 36.
Friday, December 22.—Camp 44, about 7100 feet. T. −1°. Bar. 22·3. This, the third stage of our journey, is opening with good promise. We made our depôt 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 sledgemeter 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 10½ miles (geo.) (12 stat.).
Obs.: Lat. 85° 13½′; Long. 161° 55′; Var. 175° 46′ E.
To-morrow we march longer hours, about 9 I hope.
