One curious feature noted in this blizzard was the fact that huge ice-sheets as big as window-panes, and about a quarter of an inch thick, were being hurled about by the wind, making it as dangerous to walk about outside as if one were in an avalanche of splintered glass.

Still, these winds from the south and south-west, though invariably accompanied by snow and low temperatures, were welcome in that they drove the pack-ice away from the immediate vicinity of the island, and so gave rise on each occasion to hopes of relief.

North- east winds, on the other hand, by filling the bays with ice and bringing thick misty weather, made it impossible to hope for any ship to approach them.
Towards the end of May a period of dead calm set in, with ice closely packed all round the island.

This gave place to north-east winds and mist, and at the beginning of June came another south-west blizzard, with cold driving snow.

"The blizzard increased to terrific gusts during the night, causing us much anxiety for the safety of our hut.
There was little sleep, all being apprehensive of the canvas roof ripping off, and the boats being blown out to sea." Thus it continued, alternating between south-west blizzards, when they were all confined to the hut, and north-east winds bringing cold, damp, misty weather.
On June 25 a severe storm from north-west was recorded, accompanied by strong winds and heavy seas, which encroached upon their little sandy beach up to within four yards of their hut.
Towards the end of July and the beginning of August they had a few fine, calm, clear days.