The improving light told of the returning sun.
Richards and Jack were weighing out stores in readiness for the sledging expeditions.

Mackintosh, from the hill behind the hut, saw open water stretching westward from Inaccessible Island on August 1, and noted that probably McMurdo Sound was never completely frozen over.
A week later the extent of the open water appeared to have increased, and the men began to despair of getting to Cape Royds.

Blizzards were frequent and persistent.

A few useful articles were found in the neighbourhood of the hut as the light improved, including some discarded socks and underwear, left by members of the Scott Expedition, and a case of candied peel, which was used for cakes.

A small fire broke out in the hut on August 12.