The deepest snow we had yet encountered clogged our feet, but we plodded downward, and after descending about 500 ft., reducing our altitude to 2000 ft.

above sea-level, we thought we saw the way clear ahead.

A steep gradient of blue ice was the next obstacle.

Worsley and Crean got a firm footing in a hole excavated with the adze and then lowered me as I cut steps until the full 50 ft.
of our alpine rope was out.

Then I made a hole big enough for the three of us, and the other two men came down the steps.