Igenlode Wordsmith

I've been reading Apsley Cherry-Garrard (who is an excellent writer, especially given that he basically only produced the one book in his life -- it's like reading those contemporary Everest narratives, and gives a really vivid idea of life on board ship as well: pumping, and engines and coal!), which makes me all the more uneasy about having the d'Artois Expedition face a third winter almost between the lines. I think one solution might be to postpone the Spitzbergen bid until *after* the relief ship fails for a second time, thus giving them Something to Do with those extra months I now have to fill, and making their reaction a little less passive. Setting out in the face of an oncoming winter means more chance of unbroken ice, but much more chance of getting trapped by shortening day length, and no hope of any relief by ship even if they do get through...

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After a good deal of dithering, I think I probably shall write the epilogue for Hertha after all. It's going to be yet another juggling job trying not to make Raoul's role too unsympathetic, given that he's not fully engaged.

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I planted some marigold seeds in my new 'mini-greenhouse', and they have come up. Although since they are only in about an inch of soil, they will need to be transplanted out of it, and presumably won't do anything much for several months!