A close-up of the
construction of the sledge. Screws,
bolts and nails are inflexible so much of the
construction of such sledges is held together
by tied bindings. Traditionally these bindings
would have been seal skin or some other similar
sinew, though today heavy-duty monofilament
nylon fishing line seems to perform the job
just as well. The advantage of this construction
is that it allows the sledge to bend and flex
when going over rough surfaces such as that
formed by broken up sea ice. Such bending and
flexing gives more strength and resilience than
a rigid construction could.
Picture
copyright Paul Ward 2009. Pentax digital equipment.
