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The first 3 letters come from abbreviation of lavatory, which I think in America is the can, john, whatever...

As to 23/25, my guess is the initials of a geographically significant point, though I could still be entirely on the wrong track since I haven't tied up quite a few things yet. On row 2, I can make the name of a person common to two different expeditions to reach the above point, using a couple of letter replacements.

Yes I see. It's odd how one can't see beyond what at first sight (D---) is obvious for the common synonym (?---). I'm now there except for the curious instruction to "add a line above the grid, confirming A". Does "line" mean a 9-letter word? If so it's hardly confirming A as the 4 special cells will do that. Applying H to the title gives a nice description of the 9-letter word, but if that's what's wanted why not require us to write a word (rather than "adding a line")? Or am I being unduly picky?

Meursault - have you worked out the significance of D yet? If not, you'll have real trouble getting any further.

I am confused about the phrase 'above the grid'. If the line is used to apply H to the title directly, then of course that is above the grid, so why say so? It would be sufficient to just say to apply H to the title. I am thinking that the transformation to the title is just the same as the one made to the intersection.

I agree buzzb. But what are we supposed to do about it? Surely it's not just writing the 9-letter word? Shackleton's endings are not normally tame.

Yes, thanks Cockie. I was diverted yesterday evening, but this morning I see that Harry Whitney (the tourist based at Annoatok, who played a part in both Cook's and Peary's expeditions) in row 2 was nothing more than my imagination. What I see instead is the title of a children's book. A disappointment really.

Could someone please give me a huge nudge for 36 down, I just can't see it!!

In wordplay Red is shiraz

She is mum which is ignored or gotten rid off

I'm afraid we're in High GWITland again with this one. My interpretation of the line above the grid was that it would constitute a single pen stroke to convert the title into a description of the code system, i.e. two adjectives telling you what to use and how to use them. But that doesn't 'confirm A', does it?

There is so much that relies either on very skilled internet searching or on fond recollections of childhood fanaticism (sorry, sectaries) that for me the puzzle is borderline unfair. It's interesting that no-one has so far come right out with an explanation of 'six each' and the meaning of 'eight'. Does nobody have one?

Thankyou djawhufc- now on to the end game!!!