Although you have spent some time with George on the land by now, and understand that he holds a deep knowledge of how the animals, seasons and ice move alongside each other around King William Island - you have not recorded any of this knowledge yet. George has agreed to take you along the seal breathing holes that he is monitoring and to explain how he navigates the land and ice as he does so, on the way. He has also agree to do a short interview before this trip, and a short interview afterwards.

This is an opportunity to ask him about some of the things you have observed while spending time with him on the land, and the things you have read in the academic literature about navigation and wayfinding in the Arctic. It in particular provides an opportunity to understand how he makes his decisions when he is out on the land.

Collecting Ice

Before you leave for Coral Harbour, George has asked to drive him out to the lake with the truck. He would like to collect some ice for this tea. When asked about why he prefers ice from the lake over the water from the water trucks he says it just tastes better, and that the colour of his tea looks better when he makes it with the lake-ice.

The elders in particular seem to enjoy ice from the lake to drink. Return to Cut 3 to travel to co-PI Leonard Netser in Coral Harbour.

Cut 3: Wayfaring the BearWatch Project