Looking for the sea ice edge

Scanning the horizon for wildlife

Today the team headed towards the edge of the sea ice which is rich with marine wildlife and an ideal place for the mushers to hunt. Qaanaaq, and much of Greenland, is rooted in traditional subsistence hunting. Hunting seals, narwhal, polar bear, walrus and whales is an important part of the culture.

With the recent cold temperatures the sea ice edge had refrozen so they changed plans and looked for seal holes. Seal hunting involves being still and patient, and sometimes hidden behind a white blind near a seal hole. Seals are used to feed the dog teams, make clothing. Hunting seals is an important part of the Inughuit culture and identity. The hunters got one seal.

The weather was great. Cold, clear and still. The team will be staying at the same hut tonight. They are getting into the rhythm of late nights and late mornings. Going to bed around midnight and sleeping until late in the morning. This is common in the 24 hour sunlit days of the Arctic spring where there is no difference between day and night. Everyone is staying warm, doing well, and enjoying this incredibly unique experience!

Check back again soon for another update from the ice.