Happy People

There are no roads around here, just the taiga all over the place. Local residents plan all their movements on the basis of one road which is the Yenisei river. All elements of their lives hinge only on the weather, and the condition of the river, While the road across the river is still open, trappers need to complete a lot in preparation for next year’s hunting season.

In the early summer the water level in the Yenisei and its tributaries is still not normal. Trappers take advantage of that and head for the taiga to inspect their properties while the timber is drying on the bank. Later, when the water level falls, it will be much more difficult to reach their trapping areas.

Preparing and leaving for the taiga involves a lot of chores. Hunters prepare for that day in advance making the list of things to take along with them. In addition to equipment and fuel these include a lot of objects that are indispensable for those staying in the taiga for a long time. Forgetting pliers or a piece of wire may turn out to be a tragedy.

For almost half the year the cold is so hard that even the simplest chores become difficult and often dangerous. The northern man’s character was steeled through constantly having to overcome adversity. There is nothing that can surprise or frighten him. He takes everything calmly.