Page 29 - 2003 SVALBARD, NORWAY

Trapper Cabin

The trapper cabin was very small, dark, and divided into three
basic rooms: an entry way, a kitchen/stove area, and the
bunkroom. There were windows surprisingly enough. The whole

basic structure was covered with tarpaper which is replaced on a
yearly basis due to the high winds and the clawing of polar bears.

It was not really imaginable to think of spending a whole year in

that hut, especially during the 4 months of complete darkness.
Stefan told us that trappers had to be hardy in mind and body,
inventive and clever at repair, and ready to stay focused and

constantly busy even on the worst days. It was suicidal mentally
and physically to “rest” on a single day. Two men could not share a

cabin over the long year since tempers would fray and murder
might result. As he said, “these men did not ask their best friend