Several crevasses were successfully crossed, and then we were brought up standing by an enormous chasm of about 80 ft. wide and 300 ft. deep which lay across our route. By going round to the right we found that this chasm gradually became filled with snow, and so we were able to cross and resume our line to the land, which deceptively appeared quite close but was really miles away. Crossing several more crevasses, we reached about midday an area of smooth blue ice where we obtained a drink of delicious water, and after travelling for half a mile we got to the base of the mountain which we hoped to climb so that we might view the country. At 1 P.M. we had a couple of biscuits, and then started to make our way up the steep rock-face. This was the most difficult part of the whole climb, for the granite was weathered and split in every direction, but at last we clambered up this face, and finally gained the top of a ridge from which an open road to the south burst upon our view. For running almost north and south between two huge mountain ranges a great glacier stretched before us. Eagerly we clambered on to the top of the mountain, and from the summit we could see the glacier stretching away south inland until at last it seemed to disappear in high inland ice. This was what we had seen ahead of us and speculated about so freely. There was no longer any question as to the way which we should go, for though on the glacier we might meet crevasses and difficulties not to be met with on the Barrier, yet on the latter we could get no farther than 86° south, and then would have to turn in towards the land and get over the mountains before we could reach the Pole. Our main difficulty on the glacier route would be, we thought, with Socks, for as yet we could not hope to drag the full load ourselves without relay work. All the afternoon of December 4 we toiled at the sledge while Socks pulled his load with ease, and eventually we reached the head of the pass, 2000 ft. above sea-level. [Illustration: New Land. The Party ascended Mount Hope and sighted the Great Glacier, up which they marched through the Gap. The main body of the Glacier joins the Barrier further to the left. (_See page 130_)] From that point there was a gentle descent towards the glacier, and we camped for the night close to some blue ice with granite boulders embedded in it, round which, were pools of water. This last fact may seem unimportant, but it was really of consequence to us as this water saved our oil, for we had not to melt snow or ice. The pass through which we had come was flanked by great granite pillars at least 2000 ft. in height, and which made a magnificent entrance to the "Highway to the South." CHAPTER XXV ON THE GREAT GLACIER