THE FIRST OPEN WATER The first serious obstacle of the sledge journey was encountered the second day out from land.

The day was cloudy, the wind continuing to blow from the east with unabated violence.

Again I intentionally brought up the rear of my division, in order to see that everything was going right and that every one was accounted for.

The going was much the same as on the previous day, rough and trying to the endurance of men, dogs and sledges.
When we had made about three-quarters of a march we saw ahead of us a dark ominous cloud upon the northern horizon, which always means open water.

There is always fog in the neighborhood of the leads.