The journey started on 27 January "in a state of hurry bordering on panic", according to Cherry-Garrard.[62] Progress was slower than expected, and the ponies' performance was adversely affected because Oates was opposed to using Norwegian snowshoes and had left them behind at Cape Evans.[63] On 4 February, the party established Corner Camp, 40 miles (64 km) from Hut Point, when a blizzard held them up for three days.[63]