Monday.

Started on the return trip early, McKinnon leading, and prospecting the country as he went to find the best route to cut his track on this side of the Saddle. Did not therefore keep the Soaring Creek bed this time, but went through the bush alongside it, blazing as we went, so that the men will know where to cut the 5 feet wide track when they arrive in this neighbourhood. Made very good progress and reached the summit of Saddle about mid-day. Nature seems to smile upon us to-day, for it is a magnificent day after several days of rain and fog, page 18 and the view from the summit seemed clearer and more grand and beautiful than at either time I had been on it. After collecting several roots of Ranunculus Lyalli and Celmesia, we hurried on to get down the Clinton side of the Saddle. Having accomplished this by much sudden dropping a few-feet at a time, we skirted Lake Montara and arrived at the grassy terrace where Daniel McKinnon and myself had camped on our fourth day out (Tuesday), and where we had left the gun. The three of us now camped on the same site.