The area of disturbance would advance towards us, recede, and advance
again. The routine of work and play on the 'Endurance' proceeded
steadily. Our plans and preparations for any contingency that might
arise during the approaching summer had been made, but there seemed
always plenty to do in and about our prisoned ship. Runs with the dogs
and vigorous games of hockey and football on the rough snow-covered
floe kept all hands in good fettle. The record of one or two of these
September days will indicate the nature of our life and our
surroundings:
"September 4.--Temperature, -14.1° Fahr. Light easterly breeze, blue
sky, and stratus clouds. During forenoon notice a distinct terra-cotta
or biscuit colour in the stratus clouds to the north. This travelled
from east to west and could conceivably have come from some of the
Graham Land volcanoes, now about 300 miles distant to the north-west.
The upper current of air probably would come from that direction.
Heavy rime. Pack unbroken and unchanged as far as visible. No land
for 22 miles. No animal life observed."
"September 7.--Temperature, -10.8° Fahr. Moderate easterly to
southerly winds, overcast and misty, with light snow till midnight,
when weather cleared. Blue sky and fine clear weather to noon. Much
rime aloft. Thick fresh snow on ship and floe that glistens
brilliantly in the morning sunlight.
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