Preview to Barrow fall whaling story: Early morning with Savik Crew on the Beaufort

I'm not quite ready to post my Barrow fall whaling story, but, just to make certain readers know I am serious about putting it up, I post this little preview. This is Roy Ahmaogak, co-captain of the Savik crew driving Popeye into the western edge of the Beaufort Sea early on the choppy morning of October 2, in search of bowheads.

Popeye is owned by co-captain Richard Glenn, who, like Roy's father carries the name, Savik (Knife). Richard was unable to come this day.

In the back of the boat, Roy's son, Ben Hopson, prepares the harpoon and darting gun.

Ben, looking for a whale.

I have many things to do and will not post again until Monday, when I plan to begin the Barrow fall whaling series in earnest. I might post the entire series Monday, or I might spread it out over two or three days. Maybe four, but I doubt it.

Full series index:

Preview to Barrow fall whaling story: Early morning with Savik Crew on the Beaufort

Bringing the fall whale home, part 1: The hunt

Bringing home the whale, part 2: Tattoo of whale tails created in honor of ancestor taken by museum; three whales are brought home

Bringing home the whale, part 3: A boy becomes a man - throws the harpoon, carries the flag; whale is cut, divided

Bringing the fall whale home, part 4: The community gets fed

Comments

[Ruth Z Deming]

amazing photos, as always. i WAS on the whaling ship with y'all wasn't i?