As Credit was very weak in the morning his load was reduced to little more than his personal luggage, consisting of his blanket, shoes and gun.

Previous to setting out the whole party ate the remains of their old shoes and whatever scraps of leather they had to strengthen their stomachs for the fatigue of the day's journey.

We left the encampment at nine and pursued our route over a range of black hills.

The wind, having increased to a strong gale in the course of the morning, became piercingly cold and the drift rendered it difficult for those in the rear to follow the track over the heights, whilst in the valleys where it was sufficiently marked from the depth of the snow the labour of walking was proportionably great.

Those in advance made as usual frequent halts, yet being unable from the severity of the weather to remain long still they were obliged to move on before the rear could come up and the party of course straggled very much.
About noon, Samandre coming up, informed us that Credit and Vaillant could advance no farther.