Eskimo hunter Achebuk is at the edge of an ice field three or four miles offshore. Storm clouds are threatening and he must decide whether or not to risk paddling out to the far off floes in search of seals. It is spring - the time of year when the fields are breaking up into smaller sections. With a wind, his own ice field could be driven many miles off shore or the water become too rough for his kayak. As Achebuk once said, "Out of the ice an Eskimo heart beats differently." Now is one of those times.

He is wearing waterproof sealskin trousers and boots. Over his fur "parkee" is a white cloth cover to provide camouflage when approaching a seal.

His kayak is make of oogruk (giant seal) skins stretched over a wooden frame and is a lovely example of streamlining. Held in place near the bow is a seal harpoon and extending from the opening is his rifle resting on pieces of fur. The fur can be used to sit on or as padding to prevent the kayak from rubbing against its sled when being hauled over jagged ice.

- Fred Machetanz