The dates of freezing over in 1902 were approximately the same, except
that the Sound continued to open beyond the Glacier Tongue throughout the
winter.

In 1903 the Bays did not break out, but the Sound was freezing and
opening in March and April as in the other years. I think it is certain
that the old ice lately broken as well as all the broken young ice drifts
to the west, and that a ship on the western side of the Sound would be
pretty certainly entangled at this season of the year.

I think it more than probable that you will find all the old ice broken
out when you return from the north, and the Bay south of Cape Armitage
completely open.

If so, this seems to me to be a good place for you to wait, moored to the
edge of the Barrier, if possible. Young ice will constantly form about
you, but I do not think you need fear its detaining you until after the
third week in March. I am afraid it may be very cold and unpleasant
waiting in such a situation, and possibly better and safer conditions for
the ship can be found farther to the west and nearer to the decayed
Glacier ice south of Black Island.

Moored here the ship would have a clear sea to leeward, whereas in the
Bay beyond Cape Armitage she might have a lee shore. You will know best
how to make a good permanent ice anchor.

There are shoals off Cape Armitage which may extend for one or even two
miles, and careful navigation is needed in this immediate vicinity. The
shoals off Hut Point and the west side of the Peninsula do not extend