Your story and pictures are amazing. But what I am most impressed with is your love and understanding for the people, and your openness to their experience and point of view.
Thank you very much for sharing what you learned.
Full Version: Home Sweet Home @ 50 below zero
Why yes I did learn a lot, and that is one of the reasons I stay up here. It is hard pressed to find a place to live with this much freedom, and no system to answer to.
No one telling you what you can or cannot do. Especially when it is 50 below or colder, You can always tell how cold it is just by looking at the people outside, how they are dressed, You cannot keep children inside the house, no matter what the temp is, they want to play out.
No one telling you what you can or cannot do. Especially when it is 50 below or colder, You can always tell how cold it is just by looking at the people outside, how they are dressed, You cannot keep children inside the house, no matter what the temp is, they want to play out.
Unfortunately these images are not the size I had hoped for:
and thus the "english" is difficult to read. so for those who can't understand the Inupiaq words (chuckle) I will post the english translation below :
COMPASSION
Though the environment is harsh and cold, our ancestors learned to live with warmth, kindness, caring and compassion.
AVOIDANCE OF CONFLICT
The Iñupiaq way is to think positive, act positive, speak positive and live positive.
LOVE AND RESECT FOR OUR ELDERS AND ONE ANOTHER
Our Elders model our traditions and ways of being. They are a light of hope to younger generations.
May we treat each other as our Elders have taught us.
COOPERATION
Together we have an awesome power to accomplish anything
HUMOR
Indeed, laughter is the best medicine!
SHARING
It is amazing how sharing works. Your acts of giving always come back.
and thus the "english" is difficult to read. so for those who can't understand the Inupiaq words (chuckle) I will post the english translation below :
COMPASSION
Though the environment is harsh and cold, our ancestors learned to live with warmth, kindness, caring and compassion.
AVOIDANCE OF CONFLICT
The Iñupiaq way is to think positive, act positive, speak positive and live positive.
LOVE AND RESECT FOR OUR ELDERS AND ONE ANOTHER
Our Elders model our traditions and ways of being. They are a light of hope to younger generations.
May we treat each other as our Elders have taught us.
COOPERATION
Together we have an awesome power to accomplish anything
HUMOR
Indeed, laughter is the best medicine!
SHARING
It is amazing how sharing works. Your acts of giving always come back.
FAMILY AND KINSHIP
As Iñupiaq people we believe in knowing who we are and how we are related to one another. Our families bind us together.
KNOWLEDGE OF LANGUAGE
"With our language we have an identity. It helps us to find out who we are in our mind and in our heart."
Lee Barger, 1986 Iñupiat Language Convention.
HUNTING TRADITIONS
Reverence for the land, sea and animals is the foundation of our hunting traditions.
RESPECT FOR NATURE
Our Creator gave us the gift of our surroundings.
Those before us placed ultimate importance on respecting this magnificent gift for their future generations.
HUMILITY
Our hearts command we act on goodness. Expect no reward in return. This is part of our cultural fiber.
SPIRITUALITY
We know the power of prayer. We are a spiritual people.
If you wish a more intimate view and knowledege of these people(s).
Please visit : And Join !
YOu have read and seen what I have posted about the "strange happings that occur here on a regular basis.
now read what other people from this region have to say about THEY HAVE EXPERIENCED !!
Read what they say !!
now read what other people from this region have to say about THEY HAVE EXPERIENCED !!
Read what they say !!
I have been awake all night thinking of how to accomplish this membership and subscription type service, but I am full of new ideas, thank you so much.
I see a forum such as this where people can interact with whaling captains, and children and even teachers that are imported into this village to "teach"? these children.
I have no idea which talent pool they reach into to find some of the qualified people that are sent to this village in responsible positions.
The head counselor for the students, when I met with her suggesting a program of arts & crafts and photography, she replied no! I am going to teach these children how to make "buttons" !. ??
Believe it or not, the photography teachers they send up here, keep saying the same thing, No, that darkroom cannot be used to process color. Hmmm. I was very successfull in the same area with my equipment 25 years ago, but the childish mindset of people in responsible positions, have no vision, no preception of how much damage they are causing the children of these villages.
I lost 3 hours work, on this post, eariler, oh well, no problem, I can reconstruct most of it but not with the flow it had before.
The time today, at 9 a.m. the streets are bright, there is plenty of light even though the street lights are still on, by 10 am the sun was above the horizon, The sun went down below the horizon @ 4:30 and it was dark at ten past five. p.m.
We are gaining 6 miuntes more each day I believe. I will watch more closely, but this is all charted out, someplace on the net.
I have had some elders from Point Hope visiting here in Barrow for meetings, They are spending most of their off time @ our house here. this is indeed a true pleasure. Everyone knows of the winner for the very first Iditarod in 1973, But no one remembers what happened to Ron Oviok, from Pt. Hope he placed 14th, he had to walk most of the way, his dogs became sick, and they ran out of food, The packages of seal meat and maktak and caribou is all that these dogs had ever eaten. But none of this was arriving in time at the check points, He stayed two days at one checkpoint hoping for food to arrive. All he could find or obtain was a big bag of friskees, he sat down with his dogs and ate the friskees with them, they followed his lead .
He finally entered Nome, during a white out at 1:30 a.m. No one was at the finish line, he went straight to the bar-room, some women from point hope recognised him and he felt right at home, among close friends. His 21 day journey was over.
I asked him, how do you ever find your way in the blinding white out, he said, you don't yell at the dogs; or the dogs will take you back home.
Suicides ? Oh yes (sob) Notice when I mentioned about Rozella's children I past right by Ricky ? He was a genius in understanding complicated circuitry and the ability to draw them from memory, He could not read or write, even though he had graduated from High School, I know of a lot of people in this village that have graduated from High School and cannot read or write.
In the village it is so tiny and eveyrthing everyone does is known by all, There is no way to escape the pressure, and some resort to the untinkable. Ricky could not handle what he saw, his wife in the arms of another man.
Each village has two PSO's Public Saftey Officers. over the years , more of these officers (imported) have ended up in jail for trying to bribe young girls in the village
Too many of these children spend too much time, in jail. Bored out of there wits, there is little that is or can be done, BUT things need to change, it is has been my dream for 25 years to use the proceeds from these images to help these people. and I have done so many times, in ways they are not even aware of.
Here are some of my very last images, before leaving Pt. Hope on August 7th.
taken @ midnight !!
These children live on these 4 wheel hondas
as much as possible, they learn how to drive them at
a very young age. And as you have seen in many of these images,
An entire family of 5 or 6 is loaded onto just one of these vehicles.
YOu can see the fresh strips of Salmon drying, lots of houses have this hanging up all over the village, fresh fish is plentiful up here and with many different varieties most of which I have never heard of. But salmon is plentiful
Death is a recognizable site in any village
and it is all too common and frequent for my state of mind.
It disturbs me greatly to see people die at such a very young age.
Especially since I have come to know them so well.
But there are some good stories also, but always bizarre and preposterous, and even documented by: the Discovery Channel, yes indeed, true story, 1993, before everything was computer data base MYSQL driven or stored.
This was reported and they had to come up here and find out the true facts, when all was established then they filmed the entire sequence of events with Morris in the water of the pool in the school but it was extremly believeable the manner in which they reconstructed the entire events of that day.
This story I saw on TV in Anchorage and I was spellbound, shocked and amazed at the same time. Inupiaq people can survuve tragic deadly incidents with some astounding results that defy logic, defy science and all medical knowledge known to man at this present date and time.
This is a 2 hour movie I am going to type in just a few short paragraphs. Sayers & Morris have copies of this movie, I have tried in vain to obtain a copy by calling the discovery channel and other associated branches of that unit.
The story begins with Morris Sage and Sayers Tuzroyluk returning to the village from hundreds of miles away, hunting caribou, no luck, coming home, almost home 7 miles to go across the lagoon and they both went through the ice and plunged into the ocean, Sayers was able to jump off his machine to safer ice and land. Morris went down with his machine but managed to climb off and grab his 10 foot sled which was vertical just barely sticking above the survace of the water. Clinging on to that sled he was barely able to keep his head above the water. Sayers tried to jump in and swim over but that was not possible as the weight of all your clothing brings you down very quickly. Sayers barely managed to get himself out of that icey water for the second time and decided the only way to get help here is to walk back to the village. He knows Morris is in very serious trouble but what can he do, just standing there.? He has nothing that can be used and the only recourse is to abandon Morris and head back to the village for help and hope that someone is headed this way.
Morris is going to die and he knows it, He is in an impossible situation. He thinks of his daughter, coming home from school and finding out that her father died and the shock and devastation that would ensue, He just could not let that happen, NO ! He was determined, I must see my daughter, I cannot die, I must see my daughter , this must not happen, then he remembered what his grandfather had taught him when he was a very young boy, how to use his mind to control the water and defy death.
And Morris said, to himself and to his mind.. Oh this feels so good and warm this water is just so warm and it feels so good, He went into some sort of trance believing this was true and this was what his body was actually feeling,
Meanwhile Sayers is slowly trying to walk the seven miles back to the village but he is in very serious condition, as his clothes are all frozen with ice, His legs are hurting he can't walk and he falls down and wants to go to sleep, He just cannot get back up. He knows if he falls asleep that Morris will die, he has to get back to the village and with great effort he was able to rise and continue walking slowly toward the village which can be seen on the horizon a geat distance away.
Sayers fell again, and again, several times, and each time, it was more difficult to get up and the time that passed was longer and longer. He had to do something, he had to keep going but the pain in his legs was too much for him to continue.
As a last resort with no other options available he turned around and started to walk backwards, a much slower pace but far less painful.
At some point in time, Sayes cannot remember how long it had been or how far he had walked, someone, noticed something that was not normal and rushed out there to see why this was happening, it didn't make sense. Sayers was quickly brought back to the village and many people with the proper equipment sped out to Morris' location. Morris is unconscious, but still holding on.
They had a very difficult time in prying Morri's frozen hand off that the top of the back of the sled that was sticking up out of the water about 18". It took quite some time to pry his fingers and loosen his grip and get him out of that water.
Morris was submerged in icy cold water for 4 hours !
It was 20 below outside
He was rushed back to the village into the clinic and medivaced by plane down to the hospital in Kotzebue.
When ever anyone has to be medivac to Kotzebue, first they have to send the plane up here, that takes at least 40 minutes. Morris has now had all clothing removed and is now wrapped in many layers of warm blankets.
When he arrived at the hospital in Kotzebue, the doctors were stunned, amazined and bewildered, Morris' core temp was 58 degrees. He recovered fully
with no side effects what so ever !
Want proof ? Morris Sage - General Delivery - Point Hope Alaska 99766
Sayes Tuzroyluk > same info !
Inupiaq Eskimo's think different, they do things different and still today, science has no answers for these peoples unique abilities that defy anything we know of.
[c]-=[WoWoW]=-[/c]
I see a forum such as this where people can interact with whaling captains, and children and even teachers that are imported into this village to "teach"? these children.
I have no idea which talent pool they reach into to find some of the qualified people that are sent to this village in responsible positions.
The head counselor for the students, when I met with her suggesting a program of arts & crafts and photography, she replied no! I am going to teach these children how to make "buttons" !. ??
Believe it or not, the photography teachers they send up here, keep saying the same thing, No, that darkroom cannot be used to process color. Hmmm. I was very successfull in the same area with my equipment 25 years ago, but the childish mindset of people in responsible positions, have no vision, no preception of how much damage they are causing the children of these villages.
I lost 3 hours work, on this post, eariler, oh well, no problem, I can reconstruct most of it but not with the flow it had before.
The time today, at 9 a.m. the streets are bright, there is plenty of light even though the street lights are still on, by 10 am the sun was above the horizon, The sun went down below the horizon @ 4:30 and it was dark at ten past five. p.m.
We are gaining 6 miuntes more each day I believe. I will watch more closely, but this is all charted out, someplace on the net.
I have had some elders from Point Hope visiting here in Barrow for meetings, They are spending most of their off time @ our house here. this is indeed a true pleasure. Everyone knows of the winner for the very first Iditarod in 1973, But no one remembers what happened to Ron Oviok, from Pt. Hope he placed 14th, he had to walk most of the way, his dogs became sick, and they ran out of food, The packages of seal meat and maktak and caribou is all that these dogs had ever eaten. But none of this was arriving in time at the check points, He stayed two days at one checkpoint hoping for food to arrive. All he could find or obtain was a big bag of friskees, he sat down with his dogs and ate the friskees with them, they followed his lead .
He finally entered Nome, during a white out at 1:30 a.m. No one was at the finish line, he went straight to the bar-room, some women from point hope recognised him and he felt right at home, among close friends. His 21 day journey was over.
I asked him, how do you ever find your way in the blinding white out, he said, you don't yell at the dogs; or the dogs will take you back home.
Suicides ? Oh yes (sob) Notice when I mentioned about Rozella's children I past right by Ricky ? He was a genius in understanding complicated circuitry and the ability to draw them from memory, He could not read or write, even though he had graduated from High School, I know of a lot of people in this village that have graduated from High School and cannot read or write.
In the village it is so tiny and eveyrthing everyone does is known by all, There is no way to escape the pressure, and some resort to the untinkable. Ricky could not handle what he saw, his wife in the arms of another man.
Each village has two PSO's Public Saftey Officers. over the years , more of these officers (imported) have ended up in jail for trying to bribe young girls in the village
Too many of these children spend too much time, in jail. Bored out of there wits, there is little that is or can be done, BUT things need to change, it is has been my dream for 25 years to use the proceeds from these images to help these people. and I have done so many times, in ways they are not even aware of.
Here are some of my very last images, before leaving Pt. Hope on August 7th.
taken @ midnight !!
These children live on these 4 wheel hondas
as much as possible, they learn how to drive them at
a very young age. And as you have seen in many of these images,
An entire family of 5 or 6 is loaded onto just one of these vehicles.
YOu can see the fresh strips of Salmon drying, lots of houses have this hanging up all over the village, fresh fish is plentiful up here and with many different varieties most of which I have never heard of. But salmon is plentiful
Death is a recognizable site in any village
and it is all too common and frequent for my state of mind.
It disturbs me greatly to see people die at such a very young age.
Especially since I have come to know them so well.
But there are some good stories also, but always bizarre and preposterous, and even documented by: the Discovery Channel, yes indeed, true story, 1993, before everything was computer data base MYSQL driven or stored.
This was reported and they had to come up here and find out the true facts, when all was established then they filmed the entire sequence of events with Morris in the water of the pool in the school but it was extremly believeable the manner in which they reconstructed the entire events of that day.
This story I saw on TV in Anchorage and I was spellbound, shocked and amazed at the same time. Inupiaq people can survuve tragic deadly incidents with some astounding results that defy logic, defy science and all medical knowledge known to man at this present date and time.
This is a 2 hour movie I am going to type in just a few short paragraphs. Sayers & Morris have copies of this movie, I have tried in vain to obtain a copy by calling the discovery channel and other associated branches of that unit.
The story begins with Morris Sage and Sayers Tuzroyluk returning to the village from hundreds of miles away, hunting caribou, no luck, coming home, almost home 7 miles to go across the lagoon and they both went through the ice and plunged into the ocean, Sayers was able to jump off his machine to safer ice and land. Morris went down with his machine but managed to climb off and grab his 10 foot sled which was vertical just barely sticking above the survace of the water. Clinging on to that sled he was barely able to keep his head above the water. Sayers tried to jump in and swim over but that was not possible as the weight of all your clothing brings you down very quickly. Sayers barely managed to get himself out of that icey water for the second time and decided the only way to get help here is to walk back to the village. He knows Morris is in very serious trouble but what can he do, just standing there.? He has nothing that can be used and the only recourse is to abandon Morris and head back to the village for help and hope that someone is headed this way.
Morris is going to die and he knows it, He is in an impossible situation. He thinks of his daughter, coming home from school and finding out that her father died and the shock and devastation that would ensue, He just could not let that happen, NO ! He was determined, I must see my daughter, I cannot die, I must see my daughter , this must not happen, then he remembered what his grandfather had taught him when he was a very young boy, how to use his mind to control the water and defy death.
And Morris said, to himself and to his mind.. Oh this feels so good and warm this water is just so warm and it feels so good, He went into some sort of trance believing this was true and this was what his body was actually feeling,
Meanwhile Sayers is slowly trying to walk the seven miles back to the village but he is in very serious condition, as his clothes are all frozen with ice, His legs are hurting he can't walk and he falls down and wants to go to sleep, He just cannot get back up. He knows if he falls asleep that Morris will die, he has to get back to the village and with great effort he was able to rise and continue walking slowly toward the village which can be seen on the horizon a geat distance away.
Sayers fell again, and again, several times, and each time, it was more difficult to get up and the time that passed was longer and longer. He had to do something, he had to keep going but the pain in his legs was too much for him to continue.
As a last resort with no other options available he turned around and started to walk backwards, a much slower pace but far less painful.
At some point in time, Sayes cannot remember how long it had been or how far he had walked, someone, noticed something that was not normal and rushed out there to see why this was happening, it didn't make sense. Sayers was quickly brought back to the village and many people with the proper equipment sped out to Morris' location. Morris is unconscious, but still holding on.
They had a very difficult time in prying Morri's frozen hand off that the top of the back of the sled that was sticking up out of the water about 18". It took quite some time to pry his fingers and loosen his grip and get him out of that water.
Morris was submerged in icy cold water for 4 hours !
It was 20 below outside
He was rushed back to the village into the clinic and medivaced by plane down to the hospital in Kotzebue.
When ever anyone has to be medivac to Kotzebue, first they have to send the plane up here, that takes at least 40 minutes. Morris has now had all clothing removed and is now wrapped in many layers of warm blankets.
When he arrived at the hospital in Kotzebue, the doctors were stunned, amazined and bewildered, Morris' core temp was 58 degrees. He recovered fully
with no side effects what so ever !
Want proof ? Morris Sage - General Delivery - Point Hope Alaska 99766
Sayes Tuzroyluk > same info !
Inupiaq Eskimo's think different, they do things different and still today, science has no answers for these peoples unique abilities that defy anything we know of.
[c]-=[WoWoW]=-[/c]
Great story. Thank you for sharing. I had no idea. Unbelivable.
OMG (chuckle) I just came back to review, to make sure, that all of the images are showing, and it just dawned on me, that left out a whole complete section.
So lets take a trip, .. not by plane, we can walk, or use a 4 wheel honda, the snow is all gone, or we can use a boat. So lets head out to Cape Thompson..
This is the place, Project Chariot Firecracker boys
The red dots show the location of the area that wanted to detonate 5 nuclear explsions, without even telling the people.. shame shame shame.
this is where we go in July / August to get eggs. Yes we have eggs in the Arctic, They do not look like your eggs on the outside. Ours are huge, cyan with black / bronw speckles on them. but one of our eggs.. can make many omlets. But the backside to this is that we have to climb, straight up 600 feet !!
Nothing comes easy in the Arctic, you should be aware of that by now. Lets go get some eggs. !! These birds will attack. they drop rocks, they do not like to see people up here. many tens of thousands of birds migrate here from who knows where. but they come every year, by the many tens of thousands to this one place for many thousands of years.
This is the prime place Alfred Hitchcock should have used to film 'birds' Many tens of thousands of them all over the place, far too many over such a huge area to grasp the extent of it all.
These birds have their 'condos' all set up all over the place, as we climb, this place is a trip, all of a sudden, you hesitate to think, this is twilight zone land, at times you feel it, at times the hair on the back of your neck just tingles.. spooky place here, no doubt about that for sure.. .. indeed.
No one has been here, this place is empty, but you still feel things, you can see things that are ?? indescribable lfor me to effectively put into words.. Are you getting dizzy, grab an egg, suck on it to get rid of the dizziness.
Afraid of falling, .. suck on another egg. (chuckle) that is what they keep telling me. No thanks.. lets just climb
Talking to these birds and some of the looks we get are hildarious..
Looking down is always scary, we are climbing a 60 story building in essence, 600 feet to the top.
So lets take a trip, .. not by plane, we can walk, or use a 4 wheel honda, the snow is all gone, or we can use a boat. So lets head out to Cape Thompson..
This is the place, Project Chariot Firecracker boys
The red dots show the location of the area that wanted to detonate 5 nuclear explsions, without even telling the people.. shame shame shame.
this is where we go in July / August to get eggs. Yes we have eggs in the Arctic, They do not look like your eggs on the outside. Ours are huge, cyan with black / bronw speckles on them. but one of our eggs.. can make many omlets. But the backside to this is that we have to climb, straight up 600 feet !!
Nothing comes easy in the Arctic, you should be aware of that by now. Lets go get some eggs. !! These birds will attack. they drop rocks, they do not like to see people up here. many tens of thousands of birds migrate here from who knows where. but they come every year, by the many tens of thousands to this one place for many thousands of years.
This is the prime place Alfred Hitchcock should have used to film 'birds' Many tens of thousands of them all over the place, far too many over such a huge area to grasp the extent of it all.
These birds have their 'condos' all set up all over the place, as we climb, this place is a trip, all of a sudden, you hesitate to think, this is twilight zone land, at times you feel it, at times the hair on the back of your neck just tingles.. spooky place here, no doubt about that for sure.. .. indeed.
No one has been here, this place is empty, but you still feel things, you can see things that are ?? indescribable lfor me to effectively put into words.. Are you getting dizzy, grab an egg, suck on it to get rid of the dizziness.
Afraid of falling, .. suck on another egg. (chuckle) that is what they keep telling me. No thanks.. lets just climb
Talking to these birds and some of the looks we get are hildarious..
Looking down is always scary, we are climbing a 60 story building in essence, 600 feet to the top.
home sweet home in the rocks !!
Not very many people climb up here, only a small percentage of the village. But every year, a few eggs are taken by a few familes, for a special treat for the elders who have many stories to tell about this ancient undisturbed place.
Some of these formations just look very wierd, hard to imagine, how ?
Some of the birds are not too worried about our presence, but the closer we get to the top,
Here we are getting closer to the top. whew. what a view, magnificent
The higher we go, the better it gets. up top we have something wonderful to behold. ..
Hwre comes the 'poop patrol' .. don't look UP ! (CHUCKLE) I am not kidding, rocks, stuff, and more stuff is coming down headed this way.
its cold enough anyway and our hoods are up to protect our head.
Birds on ice, birds in water, birds in the air, birds on these ciffs all around us. (music playing.. twilight zone) !!
Looking back, we can see the coastline, Can barely make out where the village is from here, In real life it can be seen, through this monitor, forget it.... "just like the barber said." .. .. .. next !
Quite remarkable that flowers can bloom in this incredbly harsh winter of 9 months ! Many different colors grace the fragile tundra, lots of mastodon tusks are found every day. You just have to get out there, and look, especailly after a storm, the beaches are loaded with people looking, .. .. finding !! I have seen $3000 for one tusk recently found, 3 foot long thick as a baseball bat, all fossilzed green.
This is fantastic place to just kick back, relax, camp out, and stay for a few days, We have plenty of food, no one is around, Paradise on earth in the Arctic, I left the 'real' world behind. to view spectacles where no trace of man can be seen,
That is the view, I want and have longed for. concrete rat race jungles do not have any appeal to me what so ever.
Peace quiet, solitude, reflection, JOY unspeakable .
Oh yeah. . . I forgot... (chuckle) the eggs !!
Hello Hello from the land of the Eskimo - in Barrow TOP of the WORLD.
Here is perhaps the most well known site in the entire village, The Arch of the two Jaw bones from a Bowhead Whale.
But these were put here, not by the people of Barrow.. .. People of Point Hope came up here to show and help them how to do this in the ways of Tikigaq ! in 1964.
An Elder informed me of this little tidbit of info about the Arctic. Ron Oviok from Point Hope. He was my former landlord in Point Hope, In one of the many different homes have rented in the village.
Its that time of year again, it is time to go whaling.. new skins need to be put on those umiaq frames !! Clean skins or the whale will not give up its gift to the hunter of its choice.
New skins are hanging, drying in the wind. To stretch and stretch and sewn together to cover that wooden frame.
These are thousands of years of age old traditions that must be strictly adhered to. The whale can see, hear, smell. They know the personality of that hunter. They know his umiaq each and every year, the same whales with the same hunters in the same umiaq. Whales are SMART. they will only give up the sacrifice to the hunter of its choice.
Everyone has had a whole year to get ready. That Captain must spend many thousands of dollars to feed his crew and provide the supplies, ammuntion, meals for 8 hunters many times each day. There is lots of very difficult hard work to do out on that ice. If you want a much closer view of Barrow by the best there ever was up here. Bill Hess is most respected person up here. He lives in Wassilla but has made many trips to Barrow in his own private plane. The Gift of the Whale by Bill Hess - a MUST READ ! that will keep you utterly spell bound. I now know how you feel when you read this thread. I felt the excitment all over me reading his exceptional book 289 pages with oodles & oodles of fascinating images that had me breathless page after page. (Gasp !!)
I was shocked .. .when I found out, we each began our quest in the same year. In fact when he was in Point Hope in 82,after the hunt I was in the darkroom processing all this film, we have never met. but his name is a 'legend' and well respected at that.
We have spoken on the phone years ago, But this book is wonderful. and he verifies many of the stories and customs that I have written about. I felt like I was beside him the whole time. I will read - reread and read that book many times. The rush was incredible !!
Here is perhaps the most well known site in the entire village, The Arch of the two Jaw bones from a Bowhead Whale.
But these were put here, not by the people of Barrow.. .. People of Point Hope came up here to show and help them how to do this in the ways of Tikigaq ! in 1964.
An Elder informed me of this little tidbit of info about the Arctic. Ron Oviok from Point Hope. He was my former landlord in Point Hope, In one of the many different homes have rented in the village.
Its that time of year again, it is time to go whaling.. new skins need to be put on those umiaq frames !! Clean skins or the whale will not give up its gift to the hunter of its choice.
New skins are hanging, drying in the wind. To stretch and stretch and sewn together to cover that wooden frame.
These are thousands of years of age old traditions that must be strictly adhered to. The whale can see, hear, smell. They know the personality of that hunter. They know his umiaq each and every year, the same whales with the same hunters in the same umiaq. Whales are SMART. they will only give up the sacrifice to the hunter of its choice.
Everyone has had a whole year to get ready. That Captain must spend many thousands of dollars to feed his crew and provide the supplies, ammuntion, meals for 8 hunters many times each day. There is lots of very difficult hard work to do out on that ice. If you want a much closer view of Barrow by the best there ever was up here. Bill Hess is most respected person up here. He lives in Wassilla but has made many trips to Barrow in his own private plane. The Gift of the Whale by Bill Hess - a MUST READ ! that will keep you utterly spell bound. I now know how you feel when you read this thread. I felt the excitment all over me reading his exceptional book 289 pages with oodles & oodles of fascinating images that had me breathless page after page. (Gasp !!)
I was shocked .. .when I found out, we each began our quest in the same year. In fact when he was in Point Hope in 82,after the hunt I was in the darkroom processing all this film, we have never met. but his name is a 'legend' and well respected at that.
We have spoken on the phone years ago, But this book is wonderful. and he verifies many of the stories and customs that I have written about. I felt like I was beside him the whole time. I will read - reread and read that book many times. The rush was incredible !!
QUOTE (ed j @ Sep 12 2007, 04:12 AM)
what no palm trees.
ed in florida
ed in florida
But of course we have palm trees here in the Arctic . at the top of the world here in Barrow !! I thought every one knew that ?? !!!
I guess I have to provide the proof.. !! .. 4 people out of millions have been putting up a fuss insisting I am exageratting or lying..!! tisk tisk.
The humor level here in the Arctic is obvious every place you look !!!
palm trees made out of Baleen !!
I love your arctic palm trees!
'Little people' e-mail zips through rural Alaska
I have mentioned this many times. in Many places.
A few months ago on Barrow Radio. KBRW the speaker spoke sternly about this subject.. Quit talking about it. They are afraid some government agency will come up here and TAKE / rob THE ARCTIC of its Unique 'properties' !!
http://www.adn.com/life/story/422883.html
The Anchorage Daily News is now publishing the latest accounts !!
CHECK OUT MY BLOG for much more info !!!
I have mentioned this many times. in Many places.
A few months ago on Barrow Radio. KBRW the speaker spoke sternly about this subject.. Quit talking about it. They are afraid some government agency will come up here and TAKE / rob THE ARCTIC of its Unique 'properties' !!
http://www.adn.com/life/story/422883.html
The Anchorage Daily News is now publishing the latest accounts !!
CHECK OUT MY BLOG for much more info !!!
Stark Contrast . the remains of a sod house thousands of years old, against the worn out old house less than 100 years old
children fascinate me .. I just love creating images of children unaware. I opened the door to look outside and a baby, that has obviously never seen a white man, was just too much for this young child of 1 1/2 years old. she just had to walk over from her house next door to gaze and stare at this bizarre sight !!
I think she is wondering.. "is this really santa claus " ? My huge grey beard and my huge stomach is very convincing for this child. but the expression on her face is priceless. I am perhaps the very first white man she has ever seen.
I love to watch children playing and then capturing them un-aware. planning a trip to a far away land.
I think she is wondering.. "is this really santa claus " ? My huge grey beard and my huge stomach is very convincing for this child. but the expression on her face is priceless. I am perhaps the very first white man she has ever seen.
I love to watch children playing and then capturing them un-aware. planning a trip to a far away land.
Whaling Festival - Point Hope June 15 - 17 EVERYONE welcome. for 3 days of non-stop fun in the sun 24 / 3 !!
Whaling Festival - Barrow last week in June 21 - 29
Dress warm and have good covering for your ears. This wind is vicious !!
You have the time of your life for 3 very short days of non-stop fun and celebrations and giving thanks for food we have received this year !!
Two festivals at once will be taking place in Point Hope. double the fun !!
Whaling Festival - Barrow last week in June 21 - 29
Dress warm and have good covering for your ears. This wind is vicious !!
You have the time of your life for 3 very short days of non-stop fun and celebrations and giving thanks for food we have received this year !!
Two festivals at once will be taking place in Point Hope. double the fun !!
All I am seeing is.....
user posted image
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That's too bad.. I'm seeing fantastic images!!
Love the one of the little girl in the purple outfit.
Always glad to go to your postings and see what's up.
Love the one of the little girl in the purple outfit.
Always glad to go to your postings and see what's up.
What a wonderful record, Majik! I just discovered this forum.
I have only been to Alaska in the summer, and found the people wonderful and the landscape beautiful. I was amazed at how sharp the tree line was, and how chilly it was on the Artic Ocean shore.
You have lived with what the natives have to endur, and I can't agree more about outside interference. I have nothing but disgust for Greenpeace and others like them, and for the meddling of our government in the lives of people. God provided all these resources for our use, and so long as we use them wisely, they are ours. To limit peoples ability to obtain food, clothing, and other necessities for life is truly criminal! Unfortunately, this is what governments want - to keep us under their thumb so they have the power.
I grew up on a farm in Michigan, and the heavy hand of government was there too, keeping us from obtaining our full potential. I guess the difference is, we didn't risk freezing or starving where we were.
I just love your photos, and the conditions you were under making them is unbelieveable. I didn't know you could process and print under those conditions. I see why you love those people and that area.
I have only been to Alaska in the summer, and found the people wonderful and the landscape beautiful. I was amazed at how sharp the tree line was, and how chilly it was on the Artic Ocean shore.
You have lived with what the natives have to endur, and I can't agree more about outside interference. I have nothing but disgust for Greenpeace and others like them, and for the meddling of our government in the lives of people. God provided all these resources for our use, and so long as we use them wisely, they are ours. To limit peoples ability to obtain food, clothing, and other necessities for life is truly criminal! Unfortunately, this is what governments want - to keep us under their thumb so they have the power.
I grew up on a farm in Michigan, and the heavy hand of government was there too, keeping us from obtaining our full potential. I guess the difference is, we didn't risk freezing or starving where we were.
I just love your photos, and the conditions you were under making them is unbelieveable. I didn't know you could process and print under those conditions. I see why you love those people and that area.
Yes it is true. The Governor of the State of Alaska is on the blanket, she recently had a new birth, so they had to be gentle ! Go Sarah go !! The weather was perfect, a most spectacular day indeed. Up she went, just a few feet. Into the air and back down safely. The crowd around her was massive, it was dificult to even begin to get close to where she was, Immediatly upon her arrival she was swarmed from all directions. This brilliant woman has done something no other governor in the U.S. has ever attained .. 86% approval rating ! That is unheard of .. .. .. in any state by any governor ever !! That was just the most wonderful news item to hear over the television on the news !! I stood up and applauded !! Its about time we have someone who knows the importance of telling and speaking the truth. I am so sick of having to put up with people that choose to lie, to impress others.
It is no easy task to maintain your balance when that blanket is moving up and down, learning how to walk the blanket takes much practice. Governor Palin exhibited her true skills in her first attempt at nalakutaq !!Bending her knees when she landed prevented her from falling over. Go show Governor !! Atta Girl !!
The crowd was pressed on all sides, people wanting to get close to this incredible woman, who has shown the people of Alaska that she truely cares about the people of this Great State of Alaska.
Oops, she sees me, !!! It is obvious !! - We had a good quick chat and a hearty laugh !!
Now for some of the not so common blanket toss !!
Nope I am not going to attempt that !
IN Barrow, during blanket toss, candy is thrown, and it is for the children of the village that are present at the sides of the blanket. In Point Hope, the tradition is totally different and with meaning ! Candy that is thrown, money, furs, and any other 'gifts', are for the 'elders' only !! Fierce competition is witnessed as the oldest women in the village, compete with one another to grab that prize. women in their 80's and up, running, jumping, diving head first into that gravel to claim their prize. A person only has to witness this once, to see how much different Barrow is from Point Hope in celebrating its culture of many thousands of years.
Blanket toss had its origns down at the lead opening FOR MANY THOUSANDS OF YEARS for one purpose and one purpose ONLY !! Hunters would toss a hunter or captain into the air, for only one reason, to see if any animals are migrating through the lead opening ! that was the only purpose ! Everyone out on that ice pack is well aware of the wind and the dangers it presents, As long as that wind (Point Hope) is from the North, (prevailing wind), Life out on the ice continues day to day. No wind ? same situation applies, but everyone is instantly aware of what that can mean or represent. A change is coming.. .. if the North wind continues then all is well.. THE ONLY time, people 'killigvaq' (evacuate the ice in mass panic) is when that wind shifts to south wind. The North Slope Borough published a book in the early 80's, everyone in each village received a copy of this thick blue book. It was published by the 7 sisters - The common name for the Oil companies! this expression is heard all over the place in Prudhoe Bay. Back to the book, I am not able to correctly spell the name of that book, Puiiwiichaq But it was in this book that elders of all villages told stories of long ago, and it was in this book that I read Dina Frankson (Point Hope) tell of when she was out on the ice and a south wind would arrive, they would take a new born child and strip that child of all clothing and hold that child into the wind and move the child in the direction they NEEDED the wind to change so they could stay out there, and hunt for food !!
Again Point Hope is way different from Barrow and as such I will present it in both views.. In Point Hope, the entire community of 700 people head out to the ocean to live on that ice pack for the entire two months. In Barrow a very small portion of the community is directly involved in the activities out on the ocean ice.
Landing correctly is not as easy as it might appear, candy is still flying all over the place from some of the pieces landing on the blanket itself. Each time that blanket is raised, the candy and the person on the blanket go high into the air. In Point Hope, only a woman that has given birth to her first born may get on the blanket to throw 'gifts' to the elders !!
Form, and laughter are the other aspects of blanket toss. what posture or position can you achieve during those 2 seconds in the air ?? Each person has their own unique style of jumping, and what to do once you are airborne.
Award winning form, of walking in the air, is very difficult to achieve. Much skill and practice is the only way to gain these skills. This is not like jumping on a trampoline. Nalakutaq is all together different !
Two successfull crews are honored, two huge cakes, Lots of dessert !! Yummy !
Lillian Lane (Johnson) from Point Hope sings an Inupiat song and recites a poem. There are always quite a few people here in Barrow from the village of Point Hope. These people in all of these villages are very close to each other no matter which village ! In such a vast area you would not think it possible for the different vilages to be in constant communication with each other but through the VHF radio(s) and the FM radio (KBRW) the whole region is UNITED as ONE. We use airplanes in the same manner you use automobiles !! We constantly fly.. to different villages & different cities - i.e. Fairbanks & Anchorage are the two popular destinations
INUPIAQ VALUES are what keeps these people so closely knit ! It is sad that other people and cultures do not believe and act in this manner. When a person has to deliberatly lie and twist and change the truth to make his reputation counter increase, SOMETHING IS WRONG with that attitude and the types of people associated with that 'personality' !!
It is no easy task to maintain your balance when that blanket is moving up and down, learning how to walk the blanket takes much practice. Governor Palin exhibited her true skills in her first attempt at nalakutaq !!Bending her knees when she landed prevented her from falling over. Go show Governor !! Atta Girl !!
The crowd was pressed on all sides, people wanting to get close to this incredible woman, who has shown the people of Alaska that she truely cares about the people of this Great State of Alaska.
Oops, she sees me, !!! It is obvious !! - We had a good quick chat and a hearty laugh !!
Now for some of the not so common blanket toss !!
Nope I am not going to attempt that !
IN Barrow, during blanket toss, candy is thrown, and it is for the children of the village that are present at the sides of the blanket. In Point Hope, the tradition is totally different and with meaning ! Candy that is thrown, money, furs, and any other 'gifts', are for the 'elders' only !! Fierce competition is witnessed as the oldest women in the village, compete with one another to grab that prize. women in their 80's and up, running, jumping, diving head first into that gravel to claim their prize. A person only has to witness this once, to see how much different Barrow is from Point Hope in celebrating its culture of many thousands of years.
Blanket toss had its origns down at the lead opening FOR MANY THOUSANDS OF YEARS for one purpose and one purpose ONLY !! Hunters would toss a hunter or captain into the air, for only one reason, to see if any animals are migrating through the lead opening ! that was the only purpose ! Everyone out on that ice pack is well aware of the wind and the dangers it presents, As long as that wind (Point Hope) is from the North, (prevailing wind), Life out on the ice continues day to day. No wind ? same situation applies, but everyone is instantly aware of what that can mean or represent. A change is coming.. .. if the North wind continues then all is well.. THE ONLY time, people 'killigvaq' (evacuate the ice in mass panic) is when that wind shifts to south wind. The North Slope Borough published a book in the early 80's, everyone in each village received a copy of this thick blue book. It was published by the 7 sisters - The common name for the Oil companies! this expression is heard all over the place in Prudhoe Bay. Back to the book, I am not able to correctly spell the name of that book, Puiiwiichaq But it was in this book that elders of all villages told stories of long ago, and it was in this book that I read Dina Frankson (Point Hope) tell of when she was out on the ice and a south wind would arrive, they would take a new born child and strip that child of all clothing and hold that child into the wind and move the child in the direction they NEEDED the wind to change so they could stay out there, and hunt for food !!
Again Point Hope is way different from Barrow and as such I will present it in both views.. In Point Hope, the entire community of 700 people head out to the ocean to live on that ice pack for the entire two months. In Barrow a very small portion of the community is directly involved in the activities out on the ocean ice.
Landing correctly is not as easy as it might appear, candy is still flying all over the place from some of the pieces landing on the blanket itself. Each time that blanket is raised, the candy and the person on the blanket go high into the air. In Point Hope, only a woman that has given birth to her first born may get on the blanket to throw 'gifts' to the elders !!
Form, and laughter are the other aspects of blanket toss. what posture or position can you achieve during those 2 seconds in the air ?? Each person has their own unique style of jumping, and what to do once you are airborne.
Award winning form, of walking in the air, is very difficult to achieve. Much skill and practice is the only way to gain these skills. This is not like jumping on a trampoline. Nalakutaq is all together different !
Two successfull crews are honored, two huge cakes, Lots of dessert !! Yummy !
Lillian Lane (Johnson) from Point Hope sings an Inupiat song and recites a poem. There are always quite a few people here in Barrow from the village of Point Hope. These people in all of these villages are very close to each other no matter which village ! In such a vast area you would not think it possible for the different vilages to be in constant communication with each other but through the VHF radio(s) and the FM radio (KBRW) the whole region is UNITED as ONE. We use airplanes in the same manner you use automobiles !! We constantly fly.. to different villages & different cities - i.e. Fairbanks & Anchorage are the two popular destinations
INUPIAQ VALUES are what keeps these people so closely knit ! It is sad that other people and cultures do not believe and act in this manner. When a person has to deliberatly lie and twist and change the truth to make his reputation counter increase, SOMETHING IS WRONG with that attitude and the types of people associated with that 'personality' !!
Some of the sights that are in plain view around the village of Barrow. Food being prepared, Skins being cleaned, for the new covers for the skin boats (umiaq). Umiaq's are everywhere you look in this village, some new, some of them, decades old, filled with stories of past whale hunts.
And then, you come across a new umiaq underconstruction. This is a lot of work to build a sea worthy craft, this requires very skilled workmanship.
An umiaq requires the use of 5 or 6 (Oogruk) (Bearded Seal) skins to cover the boat in the correct manner.
Everyplace you walk in this village, you will see, old umiaq wooden frames from boats used long ago. Whaling equipment is visible everyplace you walk and look in Barrow.
Children are in constant training in their own special ways & methods. Whaling is deep ingrained into their spirit !
Living in a whaling village is very exciting, watching the people work, seeing all of the work involved, BEFORE whaling ever gets started. I have said many times in other forums, it takes a whole year.. .. just to get ready to go whaling. The expense(s) that each captain has to invest is just staggering !!
You have absolutely no idea on the incredible amount of work involved to move hundreds of people many miles, and live out on that ice pack for two months time. One whaling captains sled collection. Moving all that is needed to each camp, requires dozens of dangerous trips out to the camp sites. Anything can happen out there, with no warning at all.
Having personally attended & photographed 5 whale hunts, spending a total time of 10 months or more living on that ice pack is a completly different frozen world for sure. There is just no way to put that experience into words that will impart the difficulty of doing the most menial of tasks.
Food is prepared well in advance, Jerky, (Panaqtaq), dried fish, dried caribou, dried Oogruk ribs. This takes many weeks or months depending on how the individual likes it prepared. Some like it soft and some like it very hard. It also depends on the weather, If it is hot and sunny it will only take a few weeks.
Panataq is delicious, I do not like eating fish per say, but dried salmon is absolutely delicious !!!
Lots more to follow.. .. .. soon !!
And then, you come across a new umiaq underconstruction. This is a lot of work to build a sea worthy craft, this requires very skilled workmanship.
An umiaq requires the use of 5 or 6 (Oogruk) (Bearded Seal) skins to cover the boat in the correct manner.
Everyplace you walk in this village, you will see, old umiaq wooden frames from boats used long ago. Whaling equipment is visible everyplace you walk and look in Barrow.
Children are in constant training in their own special ways & methods. Whaling is deep ingrained into their spirit !
Living in a whaling village is very exciting, watching the people work, seeing all of the work involved, BEFORE whaling ever gets started. I have said many times in other forums, it takes a whole year.. .. just to get ready to go whaling. The expense(s) that each captain has to invest is just staggering !!
You have absolutely no idea on the incredible amount of work involved to move hundreds of people many miles, and live out on that ice pack for two months time. One whaling captains sled collection. Moving all that is needed to each camp, requires dozens of dangerous trips out to the camp sites. Anything can happen out there, with no warning at all.
Having personally attended & photographed 5 whale hunts, spending a total time of 10 months or more living on that ice pack is a completly different frozen world for sure. There is just no way to put that experience into words that will impart the difficulty of doing the most menial of tasks.
Food is prepared well in advance, Jerky, (Panaqtaq), dried fish, dried caribou, dried Oogruk ribs. This takes many weeks or months depending on how the individual likes it prepared. Some like it soft and some like it very hard. It also depends on the weather, If it is hot and sunny it will only take a few weeks.
Panataq is delicious, I do not like eating fish per say, but dried salmon is absolutely delicious !!!
Lots more to follow.. .. .. soon !!
Hey Majik...You have shots of our (possibly) future Vice President being tossed on a blanket!
Hey MJBose " How about that ' !!!
and in Barrow of all places !!
and in Barrow of all places !!
Fall Whaling in Barrow Alaska - Top of the world.
Last year fall whaling started on October 4th and this year it was the same.
Here are a few images of what happened during the first three days.
Fredrick Brower is the whaling captain for the crew we are on.
At first light we were ready to go.. gear is all packed and we head out to the beach to launch the boat.
Fall whaling is much different than spring whaling. In the spring time April - May we are living out on the ocean ice and using skin boats.
Fall whaling uses the big boats with massive horsepower to tow a whale, and you might remember that a bowhead whale weighs an amazing TON per foot !!
George Ahmoakaq has the largest boat in town with twin 350 horse outboard engines. He can easily tow two whales with his powerful craft.
The captain whose crew we are on, broke down, many miles out to sea, Search & Rescue had to be called, they came out to tow us back to the village where repairs were made and then back out to sea.
Once the repairs have been made, we head back out to sea @ top speed !!
We stopped to assist and help these crews rig the whale for the trip back to the village.
As each crew reaches the whale, they are given shares in the order in which they reached that location. The amount of shares, and the size of the shares depends on which order you reach that crew !
Last year fall whaling started on October 4th and this year it was the same.
Here are a few images of what happened during the first three days.
Fredrick Brower is the whaling captain for the crew we are on.
At first light we were ready to go.. gear is all packed and we head out to the beach to launch the boat.
Fall whaling is much different than spring whaling. In the spring time April - May we are living out on the ocean ice and using skin boats.
Fall whaling uses the big boats with massive horsepower to tow a whale, and you might remember that a bowhead whale weighs an amazing TON per foot !!
George Ahmoakaq has the largest boat in town with twin 350 horse outboard engines. He can easily tow two whales with his powerful craft.
The captain whose crew we are on, broke down, many miles out to sea, Search & Rescue had to be called, they came out to tow us back to the village where repairs were made and then back out to sea.
Once the repairs have been made, we head back out to sea @ top speed !!
We stopped to assist and help these crews rig the whale for the trip back to the village.
As each crew reaches the whale, they are given shares in the order in which they reached that location. The amount of shares, and the size of the shares depends on which order you reach that crew !
Well I provide you TRUE stories of what happens here in the Arctic. and for this next story.. it is wierd, it is the arctic and things happen up here without warning and people die suddenly.
This story is easily verifiable. on the internet ! (go figure). The photos above depict what was going on out at sea on this day. for the Brower Crew, Fredrick Brower's crew. Frederick is the young whaling captain. Arnold Brower Sr. Age 86 was a member of this crew that morning, but decided, this boat is too crowded, I am just going to go hunt up by my cabin, and he took off on his snowmachine.
This is a journey that this man has made countless times over more than a handful of decades.. he was capable of doing this blindfolded, in fact he had to as a storm rushed in and he was traveling in white out conditions.. no problem he kept going to his hunting camp. This man was passionate about hunting, this was his life since he was a young child,.. .. traveling over the ice as he always done but this year, the ice was not quite as thick as it should be and his machine went through the ice and he went down into the water... (sigh) !! He managed to climb out and decided the only thing to do was to walk to his cabin a few miles away, sadly he never made it. they found him frozen on the tundra. He leaves behind 18 children that are all still alive !! This GIANT of a man will be sorely missed !
Two days later.. We went back out, Food is a necessity and the only place to obtain their favorite food is back out on that rough ocean. We had some events happen out here, that were totally unexpected, no one got hurt, but the danger is allways present all ways - The exploding harpoon ($1000) per shot ! Twice this thing went off, with the safety still on. but as I said.. no one got hurt.
Here we are.. hunting whales... 3 whales were caught this day, but this crew was not luckly to strike one, so we assisted another Whaling Captain, Jacob Adams.
The Inupiaq Captains do not like to use the exploding harpoon, not for its expense but because if they miss, it prevents the whale from healing as is the manner in which traditional harpoons were used. The chances are much better for the whale to heal.
The exploding harpoon 'shatters' the vertebra or 'breaks the neck' !
you can see on the far left the red "bobber" (avatakpak) to mark the location of the whale !! Success.. ah.. but we had major problems towing this whale back to the village. 4 boats were used. seas were rough, and as usual here in the Arctic. anything can happen at any time with no warning, and it did happen.. the whale got stuck on the bottom of the ocean when we crossed a somewhat shallow portion. 40 tons. stuck. ! how do you get this thing off the land and back into deeper water ?? ??
and from out of no where, once some blood (from the whale is spilled) sea gulls magically appear here, 20 miles out on the ocean from out of no where.
This story is easily verifiable. on the internet ! (go figure). The photos above depict what was going on out at sea on this day. for the Brower Crew, Fredrick Brower's crew. Frederick is the young whaling captain. Arnold Brower Sr. Age 86 was a member of this crew that morning, but decided, this boat is too crowded, I am just going to go hunt up by my cabin, and he took off on his snowmachine.
This is a journey that this man has made countless times over more than a handful of decades.. he was capable of doing this blindfolded, in fact he had to as a storm rushed in and he was traveling in white out conditions.. no problem he kept going to his hunting camp. This man was passionate about hunting, this was his life since he was a young child,.. .. traveling over the ice as he always done but this year, the ice was not quite as thick as it should be and his machine went through the ice and he went down into the water... (sigh) !! He managed to climb out and decided the only thing to do was to walk to his cabin a few miles away, sadly he never made it. they found him frozen on the tundra. He leaves behind 18 children that are all still alive !! This GIANT of a man will be sorely missed !
Two days later.. We went back out, Food is a necessity and the only place to obtain their favorite food is back out on that rough ocean. We had some events happen out here, that were totally unexpected, no one got hurt, but the danger is allways present all ways - The exploding harpoon ($1000) per shot ! Twice this thing went off, with the safety still on. but as I said.. no one got hurt.
Here we are.. hunting whales... 3 whales were caught this day, but this crew was not luckly to strike one, so we assisted another Whaling Captain, Jacob Adams.
The Inupiaq Captains do not like to use the exploding harpoon, not for its expense but because if they miss, it prevents the whale from healing as is the manner in which traditional harpoons were used. The chances are much better for the whale to heal.
The exploding harpoon 'shatters' the vertebra or 'breaks the neck' !
you can see on the far left the red "bobber" (avatakpak) to mark the location of the whale !! Success.. ah.. but we had major problems towing this whale back to the village. 4 boats were used. seas were rough, and as usual here in the Arctic. anything can happen at any time with no warning, and it did happen.. the whale got stuck on the bottom of the ocean when we crossed a somewhat shallow portion. 40 tons. stuck. ! how do you get this thing off the land and back into deeper water ?? ??
and from out of no where, once some blood (from the whale is spilled) sea gulls magically appear here, 20 miles out on the ocean from out of no where.
We have a 'crisis' on our hands, what to do ? Forty tons of food is stuck on / in a sandbar of sorts.
Four boats could not budge that whale, engines were overheating, something had to be done
A solution was proposed, and This crew, Fredrick Browers crew had been chosen for the up coming task as hand.
Four very powerful boat could not move this whale, they tried and tried for over an hour. something had to be done,
The craft we are on, was the chosen vessel, to ram that whale again and again, while the other three boats tried in vain to move it during a synchronous effort,
Finally, after about 45 minutes the whale managed to move into deeper water and was towed away through the slush ice that was beginning to form all around us. The whale is towed backwards, the flippers and flukes are removed, these are the prized portion(s).
It sure beats standing in line in a grocery store !
It was a long hard day, from 8 am till 8 pm we finally brought the whale in and people were waiting for us !! More photos to follow & follow !!
Thanks for taking the time.!!
Gotta rest for a bit and process some more images !!
Majik, I don’t want to turn this thread into a political discussion, but I’m just curious if you, or the people with whom you come into contact, have changed opinions about Sarah Palin since her national televised interviews and the release of the “Trooper Gate” report?
This forum thread is not the place to discuss politics, and I don’t want to hijack Majik’s thread, so I hope this thread doesn’t become political. Also, my question is not intended to express any opinion about Sarah Palin, so please don’t assume that merely by asking my question I’m somehow implying anything about Sarah Palin.
This forum thread is not the place to discuss politics, and I don’t want to hijack Majik’s thread, so I hope this thread doesn’t become political. Also, my question is not intended to express any opinion about Sarah Palin, so please don’t assume that merely by asking my question I’m somehow implying anything about Sarah Palin.
1. Well I think you answered your own question for the fact that this is landscape / nature and my thread is all about Alaska Natives and their right to eat their food. they are in grave danger of loosing their culture / lifestyle because of lies perpetrated by the media and groups interested in money for research.
2. how can I possibly answer that question without sounding biased one way or the other.??
3. Look @ the facts : (not what the media is ripping out and mud slinging) FACT #1 NO GOVERNOR in any state ever, in the entire United States has ever achieved an 83% approval rating.. (by doing things that are wrong, or having that 'type' of personality and traits.)
4. The media is so biased to the far left it is pathetic !!
Perhaps ?? this might help http://mjwsjw.wordpress.com/2008/09/22/pas...dd-sarah-palin/
2. how can I possibly answer that question without sounding biased one way or the other.??
3. Look @ the facts : (not what the media is ripping out and mud slinging) FACT #1 NO GOVERNOR in any state ever, in the entire United States has ever achieved an 83% approval rating.. (by doing things that are wrong, or having that 'type' of personality and traits.)
4. The media is so biased to the far left it is pathetic !!
Perhaps ?? this might help http://mjwsjw.wordpress.com/2008/09/22/pas...dd-sarah-palin/
Majik, it appears that I opened a sensitive topic.
1. A little earlier in this thread you stated:
“This brilliant woman has done something no other governor in the U.S. has ever attained .. 86% approval rating ! That is unheard of .. .. .. in any state by any governor ever !! That was just the most wonderful news item to hear over the television on the news !! I stood up and applauded !! Its about time we have someone who knows the importance of telling and speaking the truth. I am so sick of having to put up with people that choose to lie, to impress others.”
I’m sorry, but I just didn’t understand that this statement was “all about Alaska Natives and their right to eat their food.”
2. I think you could have answered my question without sounding biased. A simple “no” or “yes” would have answered my question.
3. Your third and fourth answers, and the link, are not relevant to my question. It appears that you took my question to be some sort of bashing of Palin. As I wrote, my intent was not to comment on Palin. I was just curious about the reaction of Alaskan to all the coverage about her.
1. A little earlier in this thread you stated:
“This brilliant woman has done something no other governor in the U.S. has ever attained .. 86% approval rating ! That is unheard of .. .. .. in any state by any governor ever !! That was just the most wonderful news item to hear over the television on the news !! I stood up and applauded !! Its about time we have someone who knows the importance of telling and speaking the truth. I am so sick of having to put up with people that choose to lie, to impress others.”
I’m sorry, but I just didn’t understand that this statement was “all about Alaska Natives and their right to eat their food.”
2. I think you could have answered my question without sounding biased. A simple “no” or “yes” would have answered my question.
3. Your third and fourth answers, and the link, are not relevant to my question. It appears that you took my question to be some sort of bashing of Palin. As I wrote, my intent was not to comment on Palin. I was just curious about the reaction of Alaskan to all the coverage about her.
what do the people of Alaska think of what the media is doing ?
some love it.. a whole group of women have formed a group seeking attention.. "women against Palin", they are now demonstrating against her. People that have moved up here from the lower 48 !!
I think what the media is doing (against her ) is discusting !
I only wish they would apply the same standards to Obama !
some love it.. a whole group of women have formed a group seeking attention.. "women against Palin", they are now demonstrating against her. People that have moved up here from the lower 48 !!
I think what the media is doing (against her ) is discusting !
I only wish they would apply the same standards to Obama !
QUOTE (Majik_Imaje @ Oct 11 2008, 02:40 PM)
I think what the media is doing (against her ) is discusting !
I only wish they would apply the same standards to Obama !
I only wish they would apply the same standards to Obama !
AMEN Majik!!!
Now back to the whale hunt. It look as though you were on the boat? That must have been awesome!
My son Jesse was on the boat, He was invited to partake in the hunt on Fredrick Browers Crew.
It was very rough out there on the water and Jesse threw up twice ! but he survived !! (chuckle)
It was very rough out there on the water and Jesse threw up twice ! but he survived !! (chuckle)
Everyday is an adventure here in the Arctic, you are the ONE that determines - what the 'day' will be like. Where do you want to go ? what do you want to do ? the arctic is yours, go out there and explore, you WILL come back with stories that no one will believe, you will witness nature.. alone, no buildings, nothing made made to speak of, your view in all directions, is clean, pristine, and full of surprises !! 10,000 lakes, flat flowing tundra, and off in the distance some 100 miles or so give or take.. the Brooks Range, on a clear day, it is spectacular.
Jesse received a 'share' of the whale, for all the work he did while on Fredrick Browers crew, this chunk was the small piece, the bigger pieces came three days later from a different whale.
Here ya go, prep it up !!
How to prepare ?? A very sharp Ulu knife, lots of cardboard, the traditional manner in which to prepare native foods.
slice, cut, and make individual size pieces to be boiled, this is too fresh to eat in the traditional manner, (raw & frozen). This has to age for a while, but for those who can't wait. Boil it for 1/2 hour or so, until all the pieces are floating, then it is ready to eat, with french's mustard !!!
This is no easy task as you can see, by her 'grip' . flammable oil ! coats her hands making the task extremely slippery & messy !!
these ulu's have to be sharpened many times, while doing this difficult (happy) work !!
an ulu is only sharpened on one side only. Usually the preferred method is a special 'rock'. Here is has to be done the ol fashioned way, using a file !!
It still beats standing in line at a grocery store !! This food means something very special, and for the question I get asked most often:
what does whale taste like. ?? I can only say, it doesn't taste like any thing I can describe, cept rubbery maypo & clams !! sorta !!
Jesse received a 'share' of the whale, for all the work he did while on Fredrick Browers crew, this chunk was the small piece, the bigger pieces came three days later from a different whale.
Here ya go, prep it up !!
How to prepare ?? A very sharp Ulu knife, lots of cardboard, the traditional manner in which to prepare native foods.
slice, cut, and make individual size pieces to be boiled, this is too fresh to eat in the traditional manner, (raw & frozen). This has to age for a while, but for those who can't wait. Boil it for 1/2 hour or so, until all the pieces are floating, then it is ready to eat, with french's mustard !!!
This is no easy task as you can see, by her 'grip' . flammable oil ! coats her hands making the task extremely slippery & messy !!
these ulu's have to be sharpened many times, while doing this difficult (happy) work !!
an ulu is only sharpened on one side only. Usually the preferred method is a special 'rock'. Here is has to be done the ol fashioned way, using a file !!
It still beats standing in line at a grocery store !! This food means something very special, and for the question I get asked most often:
what does whale taste like. ?? I can only say, it doesn't taste like any thing I can describe, cept rubbery maypo & clams !! sorta !!
Today I received a new long awaited scanner from Epson w/ digital Ice - whatever that is; but I sure like the results. I have 7 old note-books filled with slides, negatives that have never been scanned before.
This last week I scanned some 700 images. I would like to place a few of them up here, to keep this thread going along.
first we are going back to point hope, then up to Point Lay, wainwright and back to Barrow.
Back out on the ocean ice, this was my favorite place to create images, these images I am posting are from the 3rd - 4th & 5th hunts I have attended and photographed.
Reflections are a great way to excercise your 'creativity' when creating an image. Take advantage of it when the circumstances are right.
Learn to use your eyes in ways you never thought of to create an image. Most people think (too big) when looking for something to photograph.
FILL the VIEWFINDER with textured detail.
When a camera is outside on a tripod for many hours, days or longer @ temps exceeding 20 - 40 below zero. What happens when you bring that camera back into the house ? It 'sweats' for many hours. The amount of water that comes off my cameras is amazing. But year in and year out all of my cameras always worked flawlessly. all except for one.
When you stand on the ice and look straight ahead, you notice something 'different' when you turn your head to look NOrth then south, The horizon line is NOT STRAIGHT. you can notice 'curvature' up here, I know that sounds absurd. but until you look and see how one side is always higher than the other side by a slight noticable distance.. It shows in all my photographs, It is not from holding the camera incorrecly. I have a 3 level tripod head that is null on all 3 levlels, yet that 'tilt' is always visible, even without a camera !!
When you look out. from the far left to the far right.. the horizon is not perfectly straight. There must be an explanation.
This house is located in Kali - i.e. Point Lay !! Caribou are grazing just outside the house a distance away on the frozen tundra.
Fresh meat anytime you need it! You can't beat this lifestyle !! I would not trade this type freedom for anything that the lower 48 has to offer.
Nope. Home sweet home here in the Arctic.
NO crowds, no traffic and above all.. NO NOISE. !!
Its tough at times trying to find a decent backdrop to frame and create an image of a sunset, Although I am limited as to what I can use. Here are some images, taken, while waiting for the light to 'change'. YOU need a rock solid tripod in this wind, and very warm clothing and pockets full of 'patience' !!
This last week I scanned some 700 images. I would like to place a few of them up here, to keep this thread going along.
first we are going back to point hope, then up to Point Lay, wainwright and back to Barrow.
Back out on the ocean ice, this was my favorite place to create images, these images I am posting are from the 3rd - 4th & 5th hunts I have attended and photographed.
Reflections are a great way to excercise your 'creativity' when creating an image. Take advantage of it when the circumstances are right.
Learn to use your eyes in ways you never thought of to create an image. Most people think (too big) when looking for something to photograph.
FILL the VIEWFINDER with textured detail.
When a camera is outside on a tripod for many hours, days or longer @ temps exceeding 20 - 40 below zero. What happens when you bring that camera back into the house ? It 'sweats' for many hours. The amount of water that comes off my cameras is amazing. But year in and year out all of my cameras always worked flawlessly. all except for one.
When you stand on the ice and look straight ahead, you notice something 'different' when you turn your head to look NOrth then south, The horizon line is NOT STRAIGHT. you can notice 'curvature' up here, I know that sounds absurd. but until you look and see how one side is always higher than the other side by a slight noticable distance.. It shows in all my photographs, It is not from holding the camera incorrecly. I have a 3 level tripod head that is null on all 3 levlels, yet that 'tilt' is always visible, even without a camera !!
When you look out. from the far left to the far right.. the horizon is not perfectly straight. There must be an explanation.
This house is located in Kali - i.e. Point Lay !! Caribou are grazing just outside the house a distance away on the frozen tundra.
Fresh meat anytime you need it! You can't beat this lifestyle !! I would not trade this type freedom for anything that the lower 48 has to offer.
Nope. Home sweet home here in the Arctic.
NO crowds, no traffic and above all.. NO NOISE. !!
Its tough at times trying to find a decent backdrop to frame and create an image of a sunset, Although I am limited as to what I can use. Here are some images, taken, while waiting for the light to 'change'. YOU need a rock solid tripod in this wind, and very warm clothing and pockets full of 'patience' !!
This place / time .. was much colder than it looks, I wanted to walk away, the wind and the cold was an extreme challenge for me to wait this one out.
But the pastel colors, gripped me beyond what words can convey.
The weather station, a portion of it here in Barrow, I was creating images for U.I.C. corp. I wanted to present some stunning images for them, ( it worked) !!
They were very pleased with some of the results !!
Glad your scanner is working out. I've been enjoying this thread from the beginning.
I'm glad too that the scanner is working out. Your images are always a treat and quite informative.
I do find it quite ironic that you now have bought some "Digital ICE". Don't you have enough ice there already?
I do find it quite ironic that you now have bought some "Digital ICE". Don't you have enough ice there already?
I do not know exactly what Digital Ice Technology is. but the scans are much 'cleaner' and more colorful than the original images I scanned many years ago.
So with this new advent of improvement in technology, I am forced to re-scan every negative & slide I possess.
It took me about 3 weeks to scan the negatives. It will take me 3 months to scan all the thousands of color slides !
But I do promise you pages and pages of more images, text & stories !!
From High in the Arctic, in Barrow (just outside of Barrow) is this rig owned by U.I.C.
So with this new advent of improvement in technology, I am forced to re-scan every negative & slide I possess.
It took me about 3 weeks to scan the negatives. It will take me 3 months to scan all the thousands of color slides !
But I do promise you pages and pages of more images, text & stories !!
From High in the Arctic, in Barrow (just outside of Barrow) is this rig owned by U.I.C.
Take out food .. .. .. with a nice hood ornament and warm skin left over.
The skin will keep your "ickauq's" warm when 'sitting' !!
Caribou meat is delicous, there is no fat !!
The price is right.. also.. one well placed shot with a rifle !!
A small 'cube steak' from the native store(s) is about 17 dollars. With a family of ten that is an impossible task to generate that type of income with no job.
Subsistence hunting must never be taken away from the Native peoples of Alaska.
The skin will keep your "ickauq's" warm when 'sitting' !!
Caribou meat is delicous, there is no fat !!
The price is right.. also.. one well placed shot with a rifle !!
A small 'cube steak' from the native store(s) is about 17 dollars. With a family of ten that is an impossible task to generate that type of income with no job.
Subsistence hunting must never be taken away from the Native peoples of Alaska.
Here.. .. we are located some 7 miles out on the frozen ocean ice pack, the ice has cracked open and the lead is visible, now animals will migrate through the lead opening! We wait.... this is much more exciting than standing in line @ some grocery store !!
We harvest 'animals' for our food supply, these animals do not fit into the frig or freezer,
So what do you do with the food ???
(chuckle) !!
125 of a sec @ 5.6 100 Iso ! I know these values.... I do not need a light meter to tell me how to set up my camera !!
Back lighting is the most dramatic lighting available, but also the most difficult to expose properly.
I only require one frame of film !!
We harvest 'animals' for our food supply, these animals do not fit into the frig or freezer,
So what do you do with the food ???
(chuckle) !!
125 of a sec @ 5.6 100 Iso ! I know these values.... I do not need a light meter to tell me how to set up my camera !!
Back lighting is the most dramatic lighting available, but also the most difficult to expose properly.
I only require one frame of film !!
By far, the most popular "job" here in the Arctic, is 'work @ home'. The smaller villages have very few jobs, and this.. is the main way to generate income. Ivory !!! or sewing, or basket making, doll making, ear-rings and other native arts & crafts, provide many familes in many villages a lucrative income.
sit down, enjoy the day, @ home, peace & quiet, This is Charlie, in Kotzebue, doing his thing, completly with 'files'.
cigarettes, coffee, carve. He passed on years ago after living to the young age of 70-ish. His wife Rose was also a carver, they each died from the 'dust' that ivory produces and it equals - cancer. But.. .. .. ..
So lets get back outside again, for landscapes, er ICE-scapes .. .. in the arctic ! I can't say enough about this incredible lifestyle.
But I sure can show you .. more .. .. .. images & stories !!
sit down, enjoy the day, @ home, peace & quiet, This is Charlie, in Kotzebue, doing his thing, completly with 'files'.
cigarettes, coffee, carve. He passed on years ago after living to the young age of 70-ish. His wife Rose was also a carver, they each died from the 'dust' that ivory produces and it equals - cancer. But.. .. .. ..
So lets get back outside again, for landscapes, er ICE-scapes .. .. in the arctic ! I can't say enough about this incredible lifestyle.
But I sure can show you .. more .. .. .. images & stories !!
Finally your back! I have been anxiously waiting for your saga to resume. Beautiful sunset! Are you in the area of 6 month days and 6 month nights? I have to go check out your other forums to see if there is anything different. 
Well believe it.. .. .. or not ! But there is no such thing, as six months darkness and six months of light !!
That is pure myth !!
I have explained it many times on many forums how the light works up here, In the winter time, we have 3 1/2 months of more darkness than light . We have 'light' every day of the year. There is no such thing as 24 hours of darkness in any given day.
But the summer is the exact opposite. WE DO HAVE 24 / 7 PURE SUNLIGHT each and every day for 3 1/2 months. No darkness at all ever !!
That is pure myth !!
I have explained it many times on many forums how the light works up here, In the winter time, we have 3 1/2 months of more darkness than light . We have 'light' every day of the year. There is no such thing as 24 hours of darkness in any given day.
But the summer is the exact opposite. WE DO HAVE 24 / 7 PURE SUNLIGHT each and every day for 3 1/2 months. No darkness at all ever !!
Out on the frozen ocean ice pack, some 7 miles out, it is pure quiet, the sound of the wind, ice cracking, and peace & quiet everywhere for miles in every direction, Unless someone harvests an animal and begins to dress it or prepare it for transport back to the village, Once the smell of blood escapes that animal, Sea Gulls magically appear by the thousands out of no where.
they walk around looking to scavange some portion of the scraps.
.. .. .. and what does a 5 year old boy do, when he is bored out here ? Why, try to set a trap & catch a sea gull !!
Aquiilaq, is this young boys name, He had me laughing for a long time, making a loop out of rope and waiting patiently for a sea gull to step into the loop.
He gave up, after a couple of hours, I sat down to take his place.
It is late in the evening (chuckle) as in about 11:30, you can tell by the 'warmth' of the light.
That dumb bird finally walked over and stepped in and took the bait I had laid out inside the loop of rope, YANK as he stepped in and the bird became 'air-borne'. I reeled in the slack and gently caressed the bird in my huge mittens and went to the nearest tent.
I asked what are you cooking to night ? they said nothing, we are cleaning up. I said (as I extended my arms.) How about some sea-gull soup ???
they all said Yuk and laughed. OH well time to let this bird go, but first I have to give it to Aquiilaq, and show him what a great job I did .. .. in not giving up !!
Aquiilaq is trying to sneak up on his prey. they flew away ! (chuckle)
He was so suprized when I had that bird flying at the end of the rope after making the initial catch.
I gave the rope over to him to release the bird.
All in all it was a good photo opportunity, something a bit 'different'
Just a little something to break up the slow part of the day, midnight here in the arctic is wonderful,
you can tell by the long flat shadows that it is very late in the evening .. ! just one long continous day that lasts for over 3 1/2 months with no darkness ever !!
Disclaimer, no birds were hurt or injured in photographing this event ! but we had some fun for a short time, @ 30 below zero !!
they walk around looking to scavange some portion of the scraps.
.. .. .. and what does a 5 year old boy do, when he is bored out here ? Why, try to set a trap & catch a sea gull !!
Aquiilaq, is this young boys name, He had me laughing for a long time, making a loop out of rope and waiting patiently for a sea gull to step into the loop.
He gave up, after a couple of hours, I sat down to take his place.
It is late in the evening (chuckle) as in about 11:30, you can tell by the 'warmth' of the light.
That dumb bird finally walked over and stepped in and took the bait I had laid out inside the loop of rope, YANK as he stepped in and the bird became 'air-borne'. I reeled in the slack and gently caressed the bird in my huge mittens and went to the nearest tent.
I asked what are you cooking to night ? they said nothing, we are cleaning up. I said (as I extended my arms.) How about some sea-gull soup ???
they all said Yuk and laughed. OH well time to let this bird go, but first I have to give it to Aquiilaq, and show him what a great job I did .. .. in not giving up !!
Aquiilaq is trying to sneak up on his prey. they flew away ! (chuckle)
He was so suprized when I had that bird flying at the end of the rope after making the initial catch.
I gave the rope over to him to release the bird.
All in all it was a good photo opportunity, something a bit 'different'
Just a little something to break up the slow part of the day, midnight here in the arctic is wonderful,
you can tell by the long flat shadows that it is very late in the evening .. ! just one long continous day that lasts for over 3 1/2 months with no darkness ever !!
Disclaimer, no birds were hurt or injured in photographing this event ! but we had some fun for a short time, @ 30 below zero !!
It is not un-common for people to break down here in the village, there is always someone to help.
But as you have heard me say many times, anything can happen at any time without any warning here in the arctic, or anyplace else in the world for that matter, but when your out on the ocean ice, alone, and your machine breaks down, now you have real problems, unless your traveling with an 'expert'.
We are preparing to get some supplies from the village for our crew out here on the ice. And as usual I have my regular spot for this ride, not on the snowmachine, but on the ever dreaded sled of pain & bumps and snow sprayed in my face as we travel along.
Well for this trip, I can take you along, with the miracle of the internet, I can show you, what happened, and how the disabling problem was ingeniously fixed and repaired, many miles out on the frozen ocean ice pack.
We are headed to camp to pick up a passenger to bring back to the village, we enounter some problems
The left ski, the support or linkage to steer it properly, broke, the ski is warbling all over the place and Joe cannot steer the machine. So we have to stop, assess the damage and see what or how HE can get this machine working again. Anything can happen, and it just did. How do you fix a snowmachine, out here, in the middle of no where, I am puzzled and thinking, oh oh.. we gotta walk for miles, many miles.. Joe laughs
He walks over to the sled, and breaks a piece of wood, from the frame.. .. this I just gotta see.. .. click , click
How clever.. !!
Taking a knife out of his pocket, Joe begins to cut a notch in one of the ends of the wood.
He fits this notch into the right hand 'good' ski, Marks it and then begins to notch the other side.
Make one ski.. .. do the work of both, by tying them together. That is simple and yet brilliant, I
do not think I would have ever thought about that.
Aquiilaq is having fun as usual, always making the best in every situation.
Finally it is all tied off, tested, and off we go.. back on the trail
Whew, we finally made it back to the village, we see the first signs of 'land' and the exciting feeling of almost being home.. .. .. .. Ahh.. finally, a nice hot shower, and change clothes before we head back down.. .. to paradise in a frozen ocean ice pack, in the middle of the Chukchi Sea !!
There is no way I can possibly describe the 'feeling' of being out there, for extended periods of time, I can only show you what it looks like, and yes, it is darn cold, but you see absolutly no sign of that, by looking at the people and their expressions. happy happy happy people !! Food shopping in the arctic.. This is 'take out' food in the extreme !!
But as you have heard me say many times, anything can happen at any time without any warning here in the arctic, or anyplace else in the world for that matter, but when your out on the ocean ice, alone, and your machine breaks down, now you have real problems, unless your traveling with an 'expert'.
We are preparing to get some supplies from the village for our crew out here on the ice. And as usual I have my regular spot for this ride, not on the snowmachine, but on the ever dreaded sled of pain & bumps and snow sprayed in my face as we travel along.
Well for this trip, I can take you along, with the miracle of the internet, I can show you, what happened, and how the disabling problem was ingeniously fixed and repaired, many miles out on the frozen ocean ice pack.
We are headed to camp to pick up a passenger to bring back to the village, we enounter some problems
The left ski, the support or linkage to steer it properly, broke, the ski is warbling all over the place and Joe cannot steer the machine. So we have to stop, assess the damage and see what or how HE can get this machine working again. Anything can happen, and it just did. How do you fix a snowmachine, out here, in the middle of no where, I am puzzled and thinking, oh oh.. we gotta walk for miles, many miles.. Joe laughs
He walks over to the sled, and breaks a piece of wood, from the frame.. .. this I just gotta see.. .. click , click
How clever.. !!
Taking a knife out of his pocket, Joe begins to cut a notch in one of the ends of the wood.
He fits this notch into the right hand 'good' ski, Marks it and then begins to notch the other side.
Make one ski.. .. do the work of both, by tying them together. That is simple and yet brilliant, I
do not think I would have ever thought about that.
Aquiilaq is having fun as usual, always making the best in every situation.
Finally it is all tied off, tested, and off we go.. back on the trail
Whew, we finally made it back to the village, we see the first signs of 'land' and the exciting feeling of almost being home.. .. .. .. Ahh.. finally, a nice hot shower, and change clothes before we head back down.. .. to paradise in a frozen ocean ice pack, in the middle of the Chukchi Sea !!
There is no way I can possibly describe the 'feeling' of being out there, for extended periods of time, I can only show you what it looks like, and yes, it is darn cold, but you see absolutly no sign of that, by looking at the people and their expressions. happy happy happy people !! Food shopping in the arctic.. This is 'take out' food in the extreme !!
Hats off to the OP of the thread, much effort gone into this very interesting photo story. I have enjoyed reading it all very much.
Well done!
Well done!
Thank you very much Barry and I am pleased to hear you enjoyed it.
I have lots more photos, lots more stories, and lots more locations around the arctic to 'take' you to, as you can all explore in this thread; places you have never heard of. A lifestyle that is truely fascinating, beyond what mere words, in my limited vocabulary can portray !!
Sleeping outside on the ocean ice, is not what you would ever expect ! Especially since it is brilliant sunlight 24 / 7 for about 3 1/2 months or longer depending on where you are, up here.
Kotzebue Alaska sits just over the Arctic circle by some 70 miles, from there to Point Hope is 185 miles from Point Hope - Barrow is another 300 miles or so, it sure seems twice that distance when flying. But the point I am trying to make is that in each of these locations, although they are all above the Arctic circle, the "light' is different in each location.
Kotzebue will not receive 24 hour sunlight in the summer time until the end of May/ beginning of June.
Point Hope enters that 24 hour of sunlight in Mid May.
Barrow enters that time @ the beginning of May.
The hunters domain in each camp, is the same, sit on that sled and wait, or do some work, or, lie down and go to sleep for a couple of hours, that is all you need, a few hours 'rest' every few days, becoming solar powered is something you have to experience, I can not describe it other than to say, being outside in 24 hour sunlight with the brilliant reflections bouncing in every direction from the ice. you have so much energy, you just do not get tired. This is just one day that is over 3 months long. We do not spend that time sleeping !!
Sit, wait, watch, look & listen - the women & boyer take care of the hunters for supllying them fresh hot food and coffee, tea, hot chocolate and of course everyone's favorite.. slurp.. soda pop !!
There he is ... Little 3 year old Jimmie !!
I just had to walk over and create some kewl images of this tiny cute kewl looking boyer !!
I have lots more photos, lots more stories, and lots more locations around the arctic to 'take' you to, as you can all explore in this thread; places you have never heard of. A lifestyle that is truely fascinating, beyond what mere words, in my limited vocabulary can portray !!
Sleeping outside on the ocean ice, is not what you would ever expect ! Especially since it is brilliant sunlight 24 / 7 for about 3 1/2 months or longer depending on where you are, up here.
Kotzebue Alaska sits just over the Arctic circle by some 70 miles, from there to Point Hope is 185 miles from Point Hope - Barrow is another 300 miles or so, it sure seems twice that distance when flying. But the point I am trying to make is that in each of these locations, although they are all above the Arctic circle, the "light' is different in each location.
Kotzebue will not receive 24 hour sunlight in the summer time until the end of May/ beginning of June.
Point Hope enters that 24 hour of sunlight in Mid May.
Barrow enters that time @ the beginning of May.
The hunters domain in each camp, is the same, sit on that sled and wait, or do some work, or, lie down and go to sleep for a couple of hours, that is all you need, a few hours 'rest' every few days, becoming solar powered is something you have to experience, I can not describe it other than to say, being outside in 24 hour sunlight with the brilliant reflections bouncing in every direction from the ice. you have so much energy, you just do not get tired. This is just one day that is over 3 months long. We do not spend that time sleeping !!
Sit, wait, watch, look & listen - the women & boyer take care of the hunters for supllying them fresh hot food and coffee, tea, hot chocolate and of course everyone's favorite.. slurp.. soda pop !!
There he is ... Little 3 year old Jimmie !!
I just had to walk over and create some kewl images of this tiny cute kewl looking boyer !!
Happy New Year - Barrow Alaska - Top of the World - 2009
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