February 14, 15, and 16 were bad days, the soft surface allowing the men to sink to their knees at times.

The dogs had a rough time, and the daily distances fell to about eight miles.

Mackintosh's weakness was increasing.

Then on the 18th, when the party was within twelve miles of the Bluff depot, a furious blizzard made travelling impossible.

This blizzard raged for five days.