This kind of ice looks smooth from a distance,
but is very difficult and slow going to traverse. It is made
up of last years pack ice (frozen sea-ice) that broke up, partially
melted and became far from a smooth surface during the summer. Now,
in the winter, the random shaped, uneven pieces have been cemented
together by frozen sea water in between. The result is a very rugged
surface where the quickest way to travel is by foot, vehicles or
skis require so much continuous stop-start and change of direction
that they actually slow you down.
The long pole carried by the figure in the picture
is known as a "bog chisel". It is a 6ft pole with a 3" wide unsharpened
chisel blade on the end used to test the strength of sea-ice. If
it takes three or more hefty "thwacks" to get through the ice to
the sea beneath, then it is safe to walk on. If not, then it is
a case of very carefully and slowly re-trace your steps to the last
place where it was safe.
Paul Ward - Pentax equipment,
50mm lens, 35mm film, K64.
This picture may not be copied
or used in any manner without prior written permission.