The Drift Was Making Rapidly to the South ...

On 19 January 1911, Scott recorded a most poetic description of the company's surroundings on Cape Evans. He concludes "it would be difficult to describe [the area's] beauty in sufficiently glowing terms." (Journals, p. 97, Carrol & Graf [1996]). As is often the case, Scott is at pains to mention the smallest contributions and accomplishments of this men, for which he is clearly appreciative. No one can doubt his affection and loyalty to this team. His gentle humanity is written in his words. His companions are "delighted," or are called "dear chaps," they are "admired," he calls them "perfectly excellent" and "ingenious." (Journals, p. 97-98, Carrol & Graf [1996]).

Some find that leadership is best realized through firmness or force. For me, however, I would prefer to be led into that vast white deathly continent, by a man of respectful affection.

As the company has moved into the "hut" - better thought of as a "house," Scott explains - he and others spent 20 January 1911 surveying stores and equipment. Scott is thrilled with their kit, top to bottom, finding it to be "perfectly excellent ... that there is not a single arrangement which I would have altered." (Journals, p. 100, Carrol & Graf [1996]). In particular, he singles out the exceptional quality of the Jaeger felt boots. I presume this is the same UK clothier that today is a leading fashion brand. Perhaps fittingly, considering its polar past, today Jaeger makes the point that the cornerstone of its collection is its coats.

Scott notes that the company has a gramophone and a pianola. It will be a long winter in the intimate confines of the hut.

Scott reported a "sickening" development on 21 January 1911. The Terra Nova, anchored to the Ross Sea ice, was constantly under navigation nonetheless, as it adjusted to tides and wind and drift and changing ice. In these conditions, the ship ran aground fueling images of the ship's 60 men - who were meant to return to New Zealand for the winter - being stranded with the rest on Cape Evans. But the Terra Nova was loosed from the gravel and rock. "The relief," Scott said, "was enormous." (Journals, p. 102, Carrol & Graf [1996]).