The wind commenced to rise during night.  We found a roaring blizzard in the morning.  We had many alarms for the safety of the ice on which the camp was pitched.  Bowers and Taylor climbed the island; reported wind terrific on the summit—­sweeping on either side but comparatively calm immediately to windward and to leeward.  Waited all day in hopes of a lull; at 3 I went round the island myself with Bowers, and found a little ice platform close under the weather side; resolved to shift camp here.  It took two very cold hours, but we gained great shelter, the cliffs rising almost sheer from the tents.  Only now and again a whirling wind current eddied down on the tents, which were well secured, but the noise of the wind sweeping over the rocky ridge above our heads was deafening; we could scarcely hear ourselves speak.  Settled down for our second night with little comfort, and slept better, knowing we could not be swept out to sea, but provisions were left only for one more meal.

During the night the wind moderated and we could just see outline of land.

I roused the party at 7 A.M. and we were soon under weigh, with a desperately cold and stiff breeze and frozen clothes; it was very heavy pulling, but the distance only two miles.  Arrived off the point about ten and found sea ice continued around it.  It was a very great relief to see the hut on rounding it and to hear that all was well.

Another pony, Hackenschmidt, and one dog reported dead, but this certainly is not worse than expected.  All the other animals are in good form.

Delighted with everything I see in the hut.  Simpson has done wonders, but indeed so has everyone else, and I must leave description to a future occasion.

Friday, April 14.—­Good Friday.  Peaceful day.  Wind continuing 20 to 30 miles per hour.

Had divine service.

Saturday, April 15.—­Weather continuing thoroughly bad.  Wind blowing from 30 to 40 miles an hour all day; drift bad, and to-night snow falling.  I am waiting to get back to Hut Point with relief stores.  To-night sent up signal light to inform them there of our safe arrival—­an answering flare was shown.

Sunday, April 16.—­Same wind as yesterday up to 6 o’clock, when it fell calm with gusts from the north.

Have exercised the ponies to-day and got my first good look at them.  I scarcely like to express the mixed feelings with which I am able to regard this remnant.

Freezing of Bays.  Cape Evans

March 15.—­General young ice formed.

March 19.—­Bay cleared except strip inside Inaccessible and Razor Back Islands to Corner Turk’s Head.

March 20.—­Everything cleared.

March 25.—­Sea froze over inside Islands for good.

March 28.—­Sea frozen as far as seen.

March 30.—­Remaining only inside Islands.