Thence, with 3 units of four men and 21 units of provision, it was hoped
to extend the advance unit (Polar party of four men) the required
distance. The route intended was the actual one taken, as shown on the
accompanying map.

All our instructions were clear, and we knew what was expected of us long
before the start for the Southern journey was made.

The plans and instructions complete, we had a full month for our own
individual work.

I had plenty to do in conjunction largely with Debenham, and accordingly
he, I, and Gran set out on September 23 with sledge, tent, and a week's
food supply to complete and extend our surveys, and in Debenham's case to
"geologise."

We had an interesting but somewhat chilly time. Theodolite and plane
table work are not suited to very cold climates. We all three worked long
hours, usually turning out between 5 and 6 a.m. and not wasting time over
meals.

Whilst away surveying we mostly worked on the sea ice, and pitched our
tent there. On October 2 at, midnight a terrific squall struck our tent.
We knew what Wilson's experience had been and consequently we were out of
our bags in a moment. Being close to land we got Gran to collect rocks on
the valance, while Debenham and I held on for our lives to it, otherwise
the tent would have blown away via McMurdo Sound into the Ross Sea.

Eventually all was serene, the tent securely anchored by rocks piled
close around, and we three were snoring in our bags.