Page:Scott's Last Expedition, Volume 2.djvu/45

been so stiff we have to stop in position we just stand in when we get out of tent.]

Tuesday, July 4, 1911.—The min. temp. for the night was −65·4°, but on turning out at 7.20 a.m. we found the sky completely overcast and snow falling, with occasional gusts from E.N.E. to S. and S.S.E. At 9.30 a.m. the temp. had risen to −27·5°, with a wind force of 4 from the N.E.

Nothing was visible anywhere by which to make a course, so we had breakfast and turned in again. We were warm and comfortable all day, but though there were signs of clearing by night time we had to do without a march.

The min. temp. for the day was −44·5°, and during the following night −54·6°.

Everything was obscured round Erebus and Terror by clouds, though later it became possible to see Terror Point, and we knew that we were still out of the direct path of the southerly blizzards which sweep round Cape Crozier.

This lie-in has saturated our clothing through, and our Burberries stiffen outside the tent so much that it becomes almost difficult to get in again through the door. Our feet so far have been almost constantly warm, except on the march when plodding slowly on soft snow. We had then to keep a watchful eye on them to avoid getting frostbitten toes or heels. I regretted having left my puttees behind, as the additional wrapping round the ankles would have been a great protection to the feet.

We are using oil in the double tent now, after cooking is done, to dry and thaw out socks and finnesko before